What to specify in contract

[Traveldee]

Hi guys! So I am only seven shifts away from finishing my first 13 week travel contract. Yay! Overall it's been a great experience. I think I did get lucky on this assignment tho - management is great and the staff on the unit are excellent: I'm also now well aware that unfortunately this isn't always the case, in talking to other travelers and reading these forums. So, was brainstorming for my next contract, what things have you found really good to demand be in your contract?

So far I have:

Floating/not floating

Shift worked (day vs night)

Guaranteed hours

Any scheduled dates off

Pay rate

Also wondering for those of you who stipulated what happens if you want out of a contract, how did you word that??

Thanks!

[NedRN]

Overtime rate.

You have little control over termination clauses. Sometimes the hospital will have a 14 or 30 day term without cause by either party, but that is for the hospital and agency, not you (almost always). Understand that the agency has a good bit invested in you, and trusts you to complete the contract. Besides making the agency look bad to the client and leaving them in the lurch, they could have placed a traveler in that contract who would have completed the contract. Not only does this keep their reputation up, they don't lose their profit margin. On top of that, some hospital contracts have penalties for non-completion. You can bet that those will be passed along to you. Take a look at your current contract - the missed hour penalties specifically.

As a traveler, you have to the attitude that you can do anything for 13 weeks if the picture ends up not being as rosy as it was painted. I wouldn't ever even try to discuss an amicable voluntary termination - the agency will be unlikely to employ you. Discussing a worst case scenario such as illness or family problem is certainly OK and I would encourage it. Some agencies are hardcore about such things, especially if you have no previous record with them. Others are more understanding and will only charge you direct out of pocket costs.

But do remember you are on your own when the worst happens. So you do need to have your own safety in case you are unemployed for three months or more.

[Traveldee]

Thanks NedRN. I always really appreciate your input on these forums. Yes, worst case scenario is what I'm thinking. I don't have kids or a spouse which cuts down some potential "worse case scenarios," (just my own opinion), but having had some unexpected deaths in the family at the beginning of the year, I'm well aware that Sh*t happens. So I like your suggestion about at least discussing a worse case scenario ahead of time.

And yes, I definitely have the mindset that "I can do anything for 13 weeks." Good advice given to me before I embarked on this first assignment. Fortunately, I have enjoyed this particular assignment and not felt like I had to "endure it." Here's to hoping it won't be the opposite on my next job.