Travel Nursing Advice Column - Questions and Answers about Companies and Recruiters
See questions and answers about travel nursing companies and recruiters from travelers here, or ask your own.
Question
I am preparing to start travel nursing. My specialty is dialysis, and I was ready to go with one company, until I read some not great reviews. Which travel companies are the most reputable for dialysis travel nursing?
Response
Most agencies cater to a variety of specialties and a good agency will be trustworthy and helpful across specialties. When seeking out the right agency I would focus more on finding a recruiter who is a good fit for you. The right recruiter will be an amazing touchstone for you as you maneuver contracts, housing, insurance, certifications, and other relevant topics. Here is a link to a list of agencies ranked in the Top 10 that you may find helpful: /Toptentravelnursingcompanies.html
Question
I recently was employed by Aureus. They lied, promised re-certification for PALS and TNCC, talked badly behind my back to the hospital I was working at (I have a voice mail sent to me in error), would promise me per phone agreements but not put anything in writing etc. etc. Could go on and on. Am now black balled from certain "Catholic" associations. I signed on for a twelve week contract and wanted to start two weeks later then when the original contract was signed. Quick and in a hurry after up to 20 phone calls a day I agreed to start two weeks early. Not being the smartest person on the planet, I did not read the 2nd contract; other then they changed the start date. Later to find out, they never changed the end date so was committed to two weeks longer than expected. I think Aureus is a group of liars, thieves and the worst kind of people to work for. I would like my pay checks audited (nothing was itemized) and I would l like to get them looked at by somebody who they have to account to. Can you help me?
Response
Sorry to hear about your troubles. Aureus has had an iffy reputation in the industry.
There are three options you could look at:
1. You could contact an attorney, but that could be very costly for your issue and not get you very far considering you did sign a second contract.
2. You could contact PAN Travelers (www.pantravelers.org/index.php) and see what they can do to help. They are advocates for traveling nurses and go to bat for their members offering legal advice and services.
3. You can contact NATHO (http://natho.org/), an association of travel nursing companies of which Aureus is a member. Their goal is to hold the members to a high set of ethics and standards. They have seemed to exist more for the benefit of companies than travelers however so be aware of that if you approach them.
Hope these options are able to guide you in the right direction.
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Question
I live on the state border of Florida and Georgia. I am going to LLC my self and work as an independent contractor. If I LLC myself in Florida can I work as an independent contractor in georgia
Response
Independent contractors are facing some exacting scrutiny in recent times, and this will continue. So just a caveat that many agencies and many hospitals will not work with independent contractors. But directly to the question, any business must register to do business in the state that the business is to be conducted. Rules, fees, taxation and other elements are different in each state, and keeping up with them is sometimes a full-time job. So as you travel to different locations, you will need to register to do business in each state. Be sure to speak with a CPA and legal council before working in this fashion.
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Question:
What happens if I quit and assignment after 3 weeks into a 13 week assignment?
Response
The first thing you need to do is talk with your recruiter and find out what your options are going forward, as well as what the ramifications are. Every situation and travel nursing company are unique and will handle this differently. But you can likely expect to have to pay fees or penalties for cancelling a contract and your last paycheck may be delayed or less due to the circumstances you listed. This should be outlined in your contract so check there (also a good reason you need to always read and understand your contract). But the only way you will really know what will happen is once you talk to your company. Make sure you fully understand what they tell you and try to get it in writing somehow. However, before you decide to cancel the contract you should explore any other options you may have with your recruiter and try to stick it out. Your company could decide not to work with you any more should you end your contract, which means a lot of extra work finding a new company and explaining to them what happened at your last assignment. Ending a contract early should be a last resort.
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Question:
What company has the widest variety of assignments?
Response
The larger the company the more travel nursing job variety. The two largest in the industry are American Mobile and Cross Country Trav Corps. Both also own smaller companies as well. But if pure job variety is what you are after then they are the companies you would want to look at.
Some other large ones you may want to look at include Fastaff, RN Network, Aureus and Medical Solutions.
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Question
What travel nursing agency should I go with?
Response
That's what our site is all about. Once you are
a free member of our site, you can go to /members_only/rank_agency_results.php?
and see how other travelers have ranked various companies like the
one's that are calling you. If you click on view details, you can
see specifically what kind of problems they have had with those
companies etc. Take a look. It should be helpful.
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Question:
A nurse friend of mine and I are interested
in short-term (4 wks or less)psych nursing assignments. Can you
help?
Response
You may want to start your search with the following
links
http://www.worldwidetravelstaffing.com/
http://travel.nursingjobs.org/psychiatric-nursing/
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Question
I have misplaced the travel
nursing agency that offers high pay 4 week contracts with up to 60 hours/week
hours avail. They advertise that you can earn up to $9,000 a month. Read about
them first in Nursing Spectrum magazine. Have any idea who that agency is?
Sincerely,
GAil ResponseI am not sure which one you
are referring to. You might want to try Onward Health 800-278-0332. They are advertising
4-26 wk assignments with good pay and sign on bonuses. Also, Advantage RN
is currently advertising 8-26wk assignments with pay of up to $1950 a week after
taxes. Good luck.
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Question
Hi there ... I'm newly empty nested
... but my husband is still employed. So ... I'd like to find shorter travel assignments
(4-6 weeks). Do you know of agencies that offer that? I'm currently working ER,
but have experience in tele, oc health, MS educator. ResponseI
don't know of any one company that specializes in short assignments. Sometimes,
companies that also staff strikes tend to have shorter assignments. More
than likely you will have to ask around when you call different agencies and or
negotiate for a shorter assignment. The ER is usually a high demand area. You
may have to look a little harder, but you should be able to get short assignments
if you want them. Take a look at our list of agencies to give you a starting point
in your search /members_only/agencylisting.html
I love to hear from travelers and their stories. If you get a short assignment,
please write and let me know how your experience was and what you found.
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QuestionI have only dealt with one agency
so far, this is so new for me. What concerned me is that they made me feel rushed.
So far, I have an interview set up via phone, but it is happening so fast. I do
not want to ruin my chances with this agency or job, but I want to spend more
time investigating other options/agencies. Is this normal for an agency to push
you? How can I looked into other agencies without feeling overwhelmed or obligated
to any one agency? Response
With internet technology and the amount of competition among the many agencies
now adays, things can move very fast. It sounds like they are doing their job.
The hospitals often want to fill the spot right away and they also want to get
your comittment before you move on to someone else. Now you have to do your
job and tell them where you are at. Once you get the hospital interview, you will
more than likely be offered a job and feel obligated to take it or lose it. It's
ok to keep telling them that you are checking things out and don't want to make
any committments just yet. I would not agree to any hospital interviews until
you have checked out more companies and get an idea of what is out there. Then,
when a company sounds good to you and they have an assignment that sounds really
good to you, then agree to move forward with the hospital interview. Do
make sure you have all your ducks in a row to get up and go because things can
move very fast once you interview. What ever you do, don't committ to the position
just to hold it while you look at other options. Some travelers do this and it
just isn't the right way to go about things and is a good way to burn your bridges.
When you interview, make sure to discuss their desired start date and if it doesn't
sound realistic to you, make sure to discuss it with your company. Tell your company
when you feel a realistic start date is for you to get all your stuff together
and get out there. Then the company can negotiate the start date for you. There
are plenty of opportunities out there and they will come around again so don't
feel you have to take one out of desperation that it may be gone. Take your time
and when the moment seems right then move forward. Be straight forward with the
companies. Traveling makes you more autonomous. You are now the one creating your
future. Remember that. Also, remember not to get so wrapped up in how good
the assignment sounds like, that you ignore what the company sounds like. You
want to pick a good company that will treat you right while you are on assignment.
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Question I was wondering if I should
have the agency that I may use email or send me a written contract. Response
So many things are being done via email now. Do do want to keep a printed
version for your records.An emailed contract should be fine as long as you have
the ability to print it out, sign it, make a copy and then send it back. If not,
or if this sounds like too much trouble, feel free to ask them to mail the contract
in the mail.
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Question
I have an issue with my current agency. A friend and I traveled to this 13 week
assignment and the hospital was pressuring my friend to determine if she was renewing
her contract. We gave our agency a verbal agreement on the stipulation that our
next contract have some revisions made to it. Well the revisions are not to our
satisfaction and we gave our agency 3 weeks notice that we would not be renewing
and now the agency claims that if we do not fulfill the contract that we will
be charged for the 13 weeks of housing that has supposedly already been arranged
for??? Can they do this without correcting and revising our contract??? ResponseI
know that paying for housing is a common consequence for not completing your contract.
However, it sounds like you don't really have a new contract and you have completed
or almost completed your old contract. It's good on your part to give them
plenty of notice. I am not a lawyer, but it doesn't sound right to me. I would
make sure that you document everything in case you decide to fight this at a later
date. Save any emails that you send or recieve. Make sure you send the
notice that you won't be renewing in writing even if you have already told them
verbally. Include the date in your letter, the reason you will not be renewing
and the fact that you haven't signed any contract to renew and note the date that
the renewal would have started had you agreed etc. Make sure the letter is detailed
with all the agreements etc. Be objective and matter a fact in your letter (just
stating the facts).You may be able to email it and then save their Response to
the letter to show that they recieved it. Or you may want to make a copy and send
it via certified mail (or both). Either way, you get documentation that
they recieved your notice along with an explanation and they recieved it in advance.
You may want to summarize the letter with a therefore........I don't believe I
am obligated for any expenses incurred for a contract I have yet to sign and that
the terms were not completely met by them. If they try to call you about
the matter, you may want to tell them that you are finished discussing this matter
on the phone and that all communication regarding the renewal and your paying
for this apartment needs to be done in writing. They can email you about the details
or any further complaints they have so you have it all documented. Let them know
that if you are going to be pressured about paying for this housing that you want
it all in writing. Let them know you mean business. They may stop pressuring
you or if they continue to press, you at least have documentation of all the events
so you get the fair legal consequeces rather than what one person says against
the other. Let this be a lesson for everyone in the future that to avoid
misunderstanding, do all negotiations with companies in writing from the very
beginning. Save the communications and you will be in a much better position to
negotiate and also protect yourself.....if needed. It is difficult for
companies too, because they have to make committments and sometimes financial
committments with certain time frames based on what a traveler agrees on. When
the negotiations don't go smoothly or as expected they can find themselves in
a difficult situation. This should also be a lesson to them to get those contracts
signed and communicate more effectively to make sure everyone is happy with the
agreement. These misunderstandings can easily happen and that is why contracts
are so important. They help to clarify what each party wants and on what terms.
This is my advice for now. Good luck and let us all know what you end up
doing and how it all turned out. Just email. I am always here. There are many
other travelers out there who can learn from your experience and apply it to their
own situations.
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Question
What are nurses looking for from a recruiter?
Response
I(a recruiter) find in some cases I can not give the nurse the
amount that he/she wants or compete with what another company may
be paying them for a certain area. But when that happens, I tell
them to go ahead and take that position or what is best for them(just
trying to be honest). What are some insights that I need to know
to just allow a nurse to remember me or to just want to travel with
me.
Travelers want someone that really listens to them as an individual
so they don't feel like they blend in with the rest of everyone
else. They want to hear....I can see that .......these things are
important to you. I am going to do everything to make it happen.
It's hard, there is so much competition and sometimes you will run
across nurses that will be ungrateful no matter what you do. That's
life everywhere though.
Well the right assignment and pay is what they are looking for from
the company and that is something you don't have control over. However,
what they are looking for in a recruiter is someone who cares. They
need to feel you are there for them as evidence by:
1. Being available or returning calls
2. Remembering things particular to their situation and trying to
adjust or find an assignment that fits those details.
3. At least one or more follow up phone calls after they get to
their assignment to make sure they like where they are and how they
are doing.
4. A small welcome care package when they arrive to their assignment
would be a nice touch that I have never seen done, but think it
is a great idea.
What is more important to nurse when they are thinking about taking
a travel assignment? Initially, it is often the assignment location
and pay. However, more and more travelers are nervous about getting
left out in the cold with companies that don't hold up to their
end of the bargain. They would also like to find a good solid honest
company that does what they say they are going to do. IT is very
important.
IF a particular hospital isn’t allowing me to give the nurse
more in $$$$, than a particular company will try and give, what
are some obstacles do you think I need to overcome in order to keep
that nurse interested?
Ask them whatelse the company is offering and see if you can provide
something else that they aren't. Perhaps the company pays more,
but they have shared housing or you could provide corporate housing
if necessary. Find out any particulars that are important to the
travler and see if you can cater to that individual need. Finally
and most importantly, ask the traveler what it would take to keep
them. If there is anything else that is important to them that you
may be able to compensate them and keep their business. Point out
any strong points of your company and see if there is anything you
can work out with them.
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Question
I am looking in to traveling nurses. My concern is the different
agencies and what I have read about some of them is rather concerning.
My concern is does the traveling nurse get abused in their positions,
what agencies really work well and should you go with more than
one agency to start with?
Response
Most of these questions are difficult to answer because they are
a matter of opinion. Some nurses do feel abused in their positions,
but not most of the time. It varies from place to place. Your experience
will vary from agency to agency and hospital to hospital. This is
mainly why travelnursingcentral was designed in the first place.
At travelnursingcentral nurses can voice their opinions and share
their experiences regarding the agencies as well as the hospitals
they work in. This way, nurses like yourself can view the information
as well as talk to the agencies and hospitals to get a feel for
them and make a more informed decision. Over time we hope to further
enhance the standards of the industry by agencies that don't want
to get bad rankings and affect their bottom line.
I can say that I do recommend signing up with more than one agency
to increase your choices and negotiations.
Good luck in finding the right fit for you.
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Question
I recently applied to travel nurse international to work in calif-i
am from alberta,canada- i am now being told completion bonuses are
being deleted as they are taxed heavily by amer.gov't. is this true
and are the majority of travel nurse companies deleting them or
should i apply to another company?
Response
I have yet to hear of such a thing. However, I would continue to
apply with other companies and then make your decision. It is always
a good idea to have more than one option. You might try Supplemental
Health Care and O'Grady-Peyton for example. They are well versed
in international travel. You can find them on the website's agency
listing.
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Question
Hello. You mentioned that you have information on agencies that
staff nurses in the UK. I'd love some information if you could pass
it on!
Thank you!
Response
The following agencies have been known to staff nurses in the U.K.
Let us know what you find out when you call them. We would love
to hear from you.
Catto International Limited+44 1276 500 529 www.catto.net
Kate Cowig 353 (0) 1 671 5557 cowhig@iol.ie
O'Grady Peyton International 877-504-7794
Supplemental Healthcare 800-543-9399
World wide Healthcare Exchange +44 (0) 1707 259233 www.whe.co.uk
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Question
Have you heard of Critical Care Professionals? Is this a travel
nursing agency? Are they on the web, I can't find them anywhere?
Response
Sure, their phone number is 410-321-5580. They staff dialysis nurses
as well.
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Question
Are there any agencys staffing for strikes at present.
Response
Try Nurse Bridge, HPO, Fastaff, and Travel Nurse International. These are the
agencies that are known to be the big players when it comes to staffing
strikes.
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Question
I have not taken a travel assignment yet. I am working with a recruiter at cross country travcorps. What can you tell me about them please? Also, I was under the impression that travel
companies pay for transportation/flights, do you know if they do ? I was concerned when my recruiter told me it was expected I would need a vehicle, and it was the norm for me to drive to new
assignment. I live in Massachusetts and I'm thinking of working on the west coast!' I appreciate your answers and feedback.
Response
There are several sites with reviews of Cross Country out there and most of them are not very positive. I would check those out. Here are few:
Travel Nursing Central Reviews Cross Country TravCorps
Travel Nursing Blogs Ratings
Travel Nursing Blogs: Cross Country
Healthcare Travelbook Reviews: Cross Country
Healthcare Travelbook Reviews: Cross Country Staffing
Highway Hypodermics Reviews
As far as paying for transportation/flights goes, every company is different and with larger companies there may be less room for you to negotiate it into your pay package than with smaller
ones. If that is something that is important for you then you should probably talk to a few more companies and see what they are willing to do for you.
Many travel nurses do drive to their assignments and that way have their cars with them on assignment. This makes assignments much more enjoyable as you will have the freedom to
drive around and see all there is to see in your new city.
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Question:
I traveled for 4 yrs, have been core staff for the last 3 1/2 yrs, trying to get back to traveling again but my recruiter can't seem to find a job for me in AZ in icu or stepdown for a days position,
what is going on with travel nursing? Should I change companies? Have been waiting for a month now...
Response
Don’t know about Arizona specifically, but right now there seem to be plenty of travel nursing jobs available nationwide. Just looking at a few websites it looks like there are plenty of Arizona
jobs out there.
It is recommended that you always work with more than one travel nursing agency at a time. Working with 3-5 is a good manageable number. It will help you in several ways.
First you will have more jobs available to you because not one company has all the jobs and even if they do they may not be the company the hospital wants to work with. Second, having
more than one company that you are talking to will help you compare and know when someone is trying to put one over on you.
Third, letting agencies know they are competing for you will help you get the best deal. Fourth, working with multiple companies puts you in much better control over your career. It will mean less
times going without an assignment or having to take one you don’t want.
Hope that helps.
Question
What resources can I use to locate travel companies that offer
over seas assignments?
Response
Good question. I don't really know of one good source to find assignments
that send people overseas. We need to fix that. I will continue
to research this question and meanwhile we will open this open for
discussion. If anyone knows of a good source for this and or any
agencies that staff overseas please send an email
and we will begin right now to change that and make a list right
here on this website.
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Question
Are there any jobs out there for LPN's in travel? I have filled
out apps with allof the travel agencies; they write back saying
they have plenty of openings. I am flexible with location, then
they say there is'nt much for LPN's.
Response
This can be frustrating. Unfortunately, most recruiters are told
to tell you there are plenty of openings in order to get your application.
They want your contact information. Then they worry about whether
they really have a position later. I know LPN's do travel, but yes,
the positions are not as easy to find.
There are over 100 travel companies out there. One of them is bound
to have an assignment. For starters...I would suggest you go to
this website's find assignment section and post your resume. Your
resume will be sent to several travel companies at once and then
they can contact you if a position comes available.
Meanwhile, you may want to find a smaller agency and offer a committment
to them if they are willing to market you and your skills. Yesterday,
I was on the phone with Robison Medical and they brought
up the fact that they staff LPN's. You may want to try them if you
haven't already. Their number is 888-288-5659. Furthermore, I just
read an article about an LPN who recently worked in Alaska with
Healthcare Seeker 888-331-3431.
Keep me informed and let me know when you find something.
The following agencies have staffed LPN's within the last year.
You may try contacting these companies. If you find one that is
no longer staffing LPN's please email me and we will remove them
from the list. The industry is constantly changing.
advantage 800-749-1122
american traveler 800-884-8788
Bonnieville 800-777-6430
Core Med 800-995-2673
Cross Country 800-343-3270
Favorite Nurses 800-755-1411
HPO 800-611-6462
HRN 800-476-5561
Medical Express 800-544-7255
Medstaff 800-732-9992
Nurses RX 800-733-9354
Preferred Healthcare 800-735-4774
Preferred medical 800-552-6845
Procare 800-877-6785
Qshift 800-733-6877
Stat nursing 800-962-8678
Prestige Healthcare Resources (866-997-9844) just wrote me
about several positions they have in California. December 2, 2003
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Question
The hospital I am currently under contract with is cancelling
my contract 6 weeks early. They are cancelling all travelers at
the hospital. My recruiter tells me that it is OK and that we need
to find another assignment. Does this hospital not have to "settle"
this contract? What do I get out of this besides a lot of worry?
Any advice on this matter will be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
Response
I really feel for you on this one. Life is not always as it should
be. Obviously, the hospital should have the decency to finish out
their remaining contracts on ethical grounds at least.
Legally......every contract is different so it is hard to say if
they are obligated by law. The contract may have a standard clause
saying they could discontinue at any time for any reason. It is
also likely that your recruiter doesn't know. Many recruiters are
not allowed to view contracts.
You could curse and pull your hair out trying to get to the bottom
of it and it probably wouldn't be worth the effort. If you like
your company, I would definitely use this situation to negotiate
for extra benefits on your next assignment to compensate your hardship
and disorientation.
I can tell you that this situation is not common. Many hospitals
will gradually taper off rather than drop off. Also, the next time.....
you can always try to negotiate for a statement in your contract
with the agency stating they (the agency) will pay you for the length
of the contract should such an occurrence happen in the future again
that is out of your control.
Good luck. Remember blessing sometimes happen in funny ways. Who
knows what is going to happen now. Please let me know if it leads
to something great. Life has a funny way of doing that.
Followup
Thanks for such a speedy reply. You are right when you said blessings
happen in funny ways.
Although I like the hospital that is canceling me, I have just found
out that a hospital I had been to before, and loved, is needing
immediate help.
I will be asking for a clause in my contract regarding cancellations
from now on.
Thanks again,
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Question
I am on assignment in Boston. The GSA per diem rate is $50/day.
I am only getting $40/day. Am I getting ripped off? Who sets the
per diem rates for your contract? The hospital or your company?
Response
I am not familiar with the term GSA per diem daily rates. I assume
you are talking about the daily tax deduction you recieve for working
away from home as a traveler. This is one of the greatest financial
benefits of being away from home.
This daily deduction is determine by the IRS. It is rare that a
company would be giving you this money ahead of time. Perhaps they
are offering this benefit to you as a way to provide you with more
money sooner. However, sounds like they may be keeping a little
money for the service. In that case, I would say that $40 dollars
a day is not up to standards according to your information. If they
are giving you less than the allotted amount, it may be worth your
while in the long run to discontinue their special plan and have
your accountant do the daily deduction for you at the end of the
year for the full $50 dollars a day. It can really add up.
Per diem is a tax free amount of money given to a worker each
day while on a temporary assignment. It covers daily living expenses.
GSA (General Services Administration) sets the per diem rate for
Gov't employees, and the IRS uses this as the guideline as to the
maximum that will be allowed to be tax free. It is based on the
location. High cost areas are $50/day, lower cost areas could be
as low as $35/day. The rates are subject to change every year in
October. There are 2 parts to per diem: housing, and meals &
incidentals. Since our company provides housing as a separate paid
item, the per diem we get is actually for the meals & incidental
portion.
When I quizzed our company about the $40/day per diem, their answer
was, "That's all they will pay" (meaning the hospital).
I thought the agency set the per diem rate, wage rate, etc. Do you
know how all this works?
I am not completely sure how they work it because not many companies
offer this kind of a plan. I seriously don't think the hospital
sets the rate. I would think the agency sets the rate based on some
kind of deduction they get from the IRS since this is really a tax
issue.
Regardless, you should be able to deduct the difference ($10) at
the end of the year when you file your taxes as long as your pay
checks are itemized to show that you are getting paid a $40 dollar
a day living expense and the GSA is really $50.
One resource you may want to try is www.hicksfinancial.
He is an accountant that specializes in travelers taxes and he has
his own website now.
I will continue to research and please continue to keep in touch
if you make any further discoveries as well.
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Question
I am very intersted in traveling, but I am a single mother, and
am not sure how to arrange child care for my 4 yr old, especially
on weekends or holidays
Response
Traveling as a single mom can be challenging, but not impossible.
When you talk to the agencies explain your situation and tell them
you will work for them if they can help you find an assignment and
childcare. When you interview with the hospital explain your situation
again and ask if they know of any resources etc. and if it is a
problem...tell them you won't be able to committ to weekends or
holidays unless you can find childcare. Most of all, make sure to
get all these agreements in writing in your contract with the agency.
The travel industry is very competitive and resourceful. Let them
help you.
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Question
My next assignment will be in a level II nsy in Bakersfield,
CA. I have been told by other travelers with friends working in
CA that if you work 12 hours anything over 8 hours is paid time
and a half. I looked online and read the CA Labor Law and I could
not understand all of the double talk that goes into legaleze. Does
anyone know what the law means to me as a traveler working 36 hours
a week but 12 hour days? My company assures me they would not break
the law, but I want to know the truth about how the law in CA works.
Response
I will have to look into this further. So far..what I can tell you
is that California does pay time and half after 8 hrs and double
time after 12. However, many reputatble agencies located in California
get around this to a certain extent. If you are scheduled for an
8 hr shift but you work 12, the pay the time and half for the 4hours
over. But, if you are scheduled for 12hrs from the start...then
they pay regular pay. What I don't know...is how this is justified
according to the law. What I can tell you ...is that your company
is not the only one. A loop hole must exist to allow this. I will
research this further. For now, I hope this help somewhat.
I have been checking around. One experienced recruiter I spoke with
recently told me she believes that the hospitals file a waiver with
the state in order to bypass this law. Some hospitals have filed
and some have not. If you want to comment on this topic click
here and we will post it.
Comment from Gloria A. Brent, R.N., author of Travel Nursing
at it's Best...Expect Nothing Less
California does pay time and a half over 8 hours and double time
over 12 hours by law! However, many agencies give you what is called
a "blended rate." It is important when taking an assignment
in CA for 12 hours shifts that you know whether you are being quoted
a "base rate" or a "blended rate." Here is what
I mean by a "blended rate":
Base Rate = $28 per hour
Time and a half of that rate = $42 per hour
Now, we are going to work a 12 hour shift....
$28.00 x 8 hours = $224.00
$42.00 x 4 hours = $168.00
$224.00 + $168.00 = $392.00 pay for a 12 hour shift.
Now, the agency will divide $392.00 by 12 hours = $32.80 per hour
They will tell you that the rate of pay is $32.80 per hour. (That
is actually a low rate for CA, but I hope you understand the math)
It is important that you ask the question if is is a "base
rate" or a "blended rate." It would be terrible to
expect time and a half of $32.80 after 8 hours and not get it, because
the agency wasn't clear of their actual rate. Now...the problem
with the blended rate comes in when you are cancelled for the last
four hours of your shift! Now you didn't work the 12 hours. Guess
what?! You will only get $28 per hour for the 8 hours you worked!!!!!!!!!!!
Comment from Victoria Taylor, RN
Also, some CA hospitals have unions who have voted to work however
long work days (usually 8) and not get paid the double time after
8 hours so that the money can be placed evenly into their pay throughout
the day. This is where people who come in afterwards have to be
cautious.
Comment anonymous
I have been told two things about the overtime in California by
a Recrutier most company quote a blended pay which incluced the
overtime. Second if the travel company is not based in CA they dont
have to pay the over 8 rule just over 40 hrs. I would make sure
that my contract is very clear what pay I would recive .
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Question
I've been researching requirements for licenses. What does it
mean if the temp license fee is included in the cost of the permanent?
Do travel nurses recommend getting permanent licenses? Do most agencies
cover the cost? Should I keep my original license renewed? My state
doesnt require CEU'S to keep my license; do I need to start acquiring
CEU's to be licensed in other states? About how many CEU's are needed?
Response
Unfortunately, there is no standard Responses when it comes to licensure.
An effort has begun to standardize the process....the licensure
compact. You may have heard of it? You have to reside and originate
in one of the compact licensure states and then you can use your
license like you use your drivers license from state to state. You
can find out more details about that at (www.ncsbn.org).
If you do not live in a compact state.....the licensure process
will be different for each state. Each state has different CEU's,
cost, processing time, and temporary license expiration. A few states
only offer permanent licenses. Many states do not require you to
show your CEU's to get the license, but perhaps to renew it. Others
such as New York require you to have classes topics such as abuse
and aids etc.
It all sounds complicated and overwhelming if you try to look at
the big picture all at once, but it really isn't. The first step
is to decide where you want to go and then see how long it will
take to obtain your license and what it requires before you commit
to a start date. If you want to travel right away, often recruiters
have an idea which states are easier and faster to get licensed.
Some states are what they call "walk through" states where
you can literally take your paperwork into the office and get licensed
that day.
Licensure reimbursement is one of those negotiable benefits. Not
all companies offer it. If they do, it is often a partial reimbursement
and is usually paid after you begin your assignment.
Travelers often recommend getting a permanent license. Some temporary
licenses do not stay active for a full 3 months. Also, you never
know if you may end up liking it and want to extend your assignment
or take another assignment in the same state. This way your options
are open.
I would recommend you keep your home state license active for a
few reasons. To maximize your tax benefits you will want to maintain
a permanent residence which means you will need to return home and
work occasionally to look like you still live there. Also, you never
know when you will want to return home for a while to visit friends
or relatives. However, if you know you won't want to return and
your don't care to maintain a permanent residence then you can request
that your license be put in inactive status. This way they still
keep you on record and the process is easier to activate then to
reapply for licensure, yet you don't have to pay for an inactive
license.
Overall, licensure is a fairly simple process in most states and
isn't usually an obstacle to traveling. Yet, it is good to consider
the licensure requirements as far as timing your assignments and
managing your commitments.
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Question
Do you know of any companies that will provide a rental car?
I'm nervous about driving clear across the country by myself.
Response
Companies do not provide a rental car as a standard. However, you
can negotiate for one. Often you can trade one benefit for another.
Get creative....especially if they offer a benefit you don't need.
Also, tell them that if they figure out how to provide a rental
car for you.....you will travel with them. This will motivate them
and believe me they have ways. This is a competitive business and
they want you to work for them.
Note: If they give you a car allowance...make sure to call and find
out what the car rentals in the area cost. One time a company provided
a car for me in Alaska. They gave me a car allowance that sounded
great. When I got there....I discovered that it was double that
to rent a car there.
Also, you may want to consider traveling with a friend. With the
travel allowance they pay.....if you travel low budget (motel 6)...you
can often pay for your friends food and airline ticket back (or
1/2). The trip can be a great experience. Many people would love
to go and see part of the country and then fly back.
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Question
I have been researching many traveling companies over the last
four months. I can not decide which one to go with. When I feel
that I have made my decision then I heard of someone who had a bad
experience with that company. I feel frustrated. I looked to your
company to hopefully find the highest ranking company to go with.
Please give me some advice. I will be traveling with my family and
I do not want to make a huge mistake and end up in a mess somewhere!
How do you find the best company to go with as you FIRST!
Response
Thanks for writing. Good question. One of the reasons travelnursingcentral
started ranking agencies is because of this very problem you speak
of. They want to get a compilation of opinions from several people
for a rating of a company. You have to take traveler's individual
experiences with a grain of salt. One person may be really happy
with a company and another unhappy with the same company. Most travelers
claim that their recruiter makes all the difference.
My advice is to look at the ratings, pick a company that has been
around for awhile, ask lots of questions and have them make the
benefits clear and spelled out in the contract, and meanwhile consider
how comfortable you are with that recruiter. They will be your lifeline.
The good news is that most companies that have been around awhile
they are competitive with everyone else. The travel companies are
very competitive. The worst that can happen is that you don't receive
your paychecks or the housing is a bummer. If the housing is bad,
you can demand they find different housing or you will leave. Remember
they want you to be happy. You are making them money. If you leave
the contract...they miss out on the money and they look bad to the
hospital. Try to get direct deposit for your paychecks. Companies
that don't pay..don't stay in business very long.
Pick one and go for it. You can always travel with someone else
next time. This is not an exact science and each company will have
its strengths and weeknesses. You have much more to gain than to
lose.
You may try asking your recruiter what she feels her companies strengths
and weeknesses are. Also, when you interview with the hospitals
ask them how satisfied travelers seem with the company and is there
a different agency they staff with that travelers seem more satisfied
with.
I know the first step is a scary one, but after the first one you
will have much more confidence. As a traveler, you really become
your own business person. You market yourself and negotiate for
what you want. It may feel that you are helpless in their hands,
but they are also in yours. Without you, they won't have a business.
Go for it.......you'll be fine. If it was that bad....there wouldn't
be so many people traveling. Even the people you talked to who had
bad experiences are still traveling aren't they? You have to do
your best to make a good decision and then make the plung.
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Question
I have been an RN for a bit better than two years, and have traveled
for the past nine months (on my third assignment now). my experience
is med-surg, some telemetry; also orthopedics and some others (i've
worked in small hosptials where you do it all). i really want to
work PACU, perhaps ER or ICU. i have the paper credentials, just
no experience. i've made it clear during my interview that i'd be
happy to float to these units as a "pair of hands" (just
for the exposure, though i don't say it that way). so far it hasn't
happened. any other suggestions for gaining this experience? i'm
getting a bit burned out on med-surg. thanks! oh--great site!
Response
Unfortunately, it is difficult to get "experience" in
a new department while traveling. You almost have to find a unique
agency or hospital. I believe Cross Country used to advertise a
cross-training program along with traveling. You may want to see
if they still do anything like that. Otherwise, most hospitals want
to put you to work where your strengths are. You are only there
for a short period of time. The time and money to orient you to
another department is difficult for them to justify. I know a nurse
who recently stopped traveling to work a year in NICU so she could
gain the experience she needs to travel and work in NICU.
The only other suggestion I have..... would be to discuss this upon
your interview with the hospitals. You may be able to agree to work
with them for a certain period of time, if they will work with you.
I would try to propose this with a hospital that is known for having
a ongoing need for travelers.
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Question
What countries offer international assignments to U.S. nurses?
Response
The english speaking companies tend to offer the international assignments.
The most popular places are New Zealand, Australia, and London.
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Question
How plentiful are Psych Nursing assignments, and which agencies
have the most Psych jobs?
Response
Psych is not as plentiful as other nursing specialties. While these
positions may be more challenging....it is not impossible to travel.
Your best bet is to find a company willing to search for positions
for you. Once you find a company that is willing to work with you
on an individual basis you will be fine. Also, Coremedical has been
known to have psych positions in the past....you may want to try
them. Also, if you are interested in international travel at all....you
may contact Psychiactric Care Consultants (pcc@pccnurses.com.au).
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Question
i'm finishing a current contract where i was for 26 weeks from
the intial first meeting the staff trhoughout the hospital was not
friendly,hostile and just downright rude....now the nurses are reporting
things not done wheras they are guilty of the same thing..plus i'm
guarenteed 36 hours and the next two weeks she has sligted me 12
hours each week...what should i do?
Response
I am glad you are finishing up your contract. Way to hang in there.
Every once in awhile a nurse will find herself among a sea of sharks.
Your proper plan of action is to contact your agency. They should
have someone that is a nurse advocate for problems like this. The
cut in hours will concern them as well. Unfortunately, some agencies
are great at backing up their nurses and some aren't. Good luck
and watch your back and dot your I's as they say.
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Question
Can you list some of the travel agencies who are known to provide
adequate housing? Or can you provide a ranking system by travelers
just for housing?
Response
We cannot specifically suggest one travel company over the other,
but travelers can. This is why we have a ranking system on our website
for travelers to rank the agencies according to their experience.
Over time, we hope this will be invaluable information and improve
the standards of the industry. We hope to become the largest independent
site for travelers to meet and voice their opinions and share information.
On the agency ranking page, you can view how each characteristic
of the company is ranked in detail including housing.
Our referral service can referr you to companies that offer private
housing if you would like. However, we cannot personally give out
our own opinions. Besides, what better place to get that information
than from other travelers on the web. We did a ranking system to
get a accumulation of opinions rather than one persons opinion.
You probably already have realized that many people have differing
opinions about the same agency depending on who their recruiter
was and what kind of experience they had with them.
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