What kind of pay/offers should I expect....

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Specializes in MS, ONCO, Geriatrics, HH, HS.

I'm will be re-entering nurse traveling career field next month(July 2012) I'm just kind of needing an update on what benefits/pay/housing pkg I should expect. Last contract I had was spring 2009. I was told I got just starting rate because I had less than experience than others. (I actually graduated 2007) At time of contract (April 2009) I received:

$20/hr 36 hr weeks for RN pay taxable plus...

$20/hr added on for need/housing stipend non-taxed

which included:

$385 housing stipend

$210 meals

$65+ mileage

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$660/week for 13 weeks

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=grand total contract just under $22,000

for 13 week assignment in Tulsa OK.

which at that time $20/hour was about what local resident RN's with 1 year exp were starting out at in hospitals.

I now have 5 years exp as RN this July....what should I expect and why/how/when should I negotiate more if offering me a low rate again?

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So your hourly pay was $40 plus the housing expenses?

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Wow...

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Specializes in MS, ONCO, Geriatrics, HH, HS.
So your hourly pay was $40 plus the housing expenses?

no the $40 included travel expenses. I received $40 total pre-taxed income per hour for this contract.

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wow.maybe i should be a travel nurse.

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Specializes in MS, ONCO, Geriatrics, HH, HS.
Wow...

wow...as in good like lots of money wow or wow like so sad paycheck wow? lol!!

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Specializes in MS, ONCO, Geriatrics, HH, HS.
wow.maybe i should be a travel nurse.

Some states offer lots more such as a friend of mine was paid $62 hr for an 8 week assignment in North Dakota during winter months!! not sure if that covered expenses tho!

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Specializes in Home Care.

what have you been doing since 2009?

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Specializes in MS, ONCO, Geriatrics, HH, HS.

I have been doing everything from home health, case managment, house supervisor, and va hospital at present.

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Specializes in Ortho/Uro/Peds/Research/PH/Insur/Travel.

My assignments have yielded me anywhere between $1,100 and $1,400 per week (after taxes). It IS a lot more than one would make in a full-time position, BUT it is NOT as glamorous as people thing. I pay rent at home AND where I live full-time. That takes a chunk of my change. You make more money if you locate a short-term living situation (versus taking the agency's housing), but it CAN be a REAL headache finding housing. Still, it's better money and it's an opportunity to see the country. Good luck!

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.
Some states offer lots more such as a friend of mine was paid $62 hr for an 8 week assignment in North Dakota during winter months!! not sure if that covered expenses tho!
Then again, North Dakota has a severe housing shortage due to the recent oil boom, so housing there has been scarce and expensive.
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