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As a travel nurse, choosing the right agency is vital. First, you need to choose one that offers comprehensive benefits. These may include health insurance, dental and vision coverage, short-term disability insurance, vacation time, and education reimbursement. Some agencies also provide housing. Before signing up with an agency, read their FAQs to determine which services they offer.
Questions to ask before signing up with a travel nurse agency
When finding a travel nurse agency, you should consider a few different things. First, you should look for one that will provide ongoing support to you to avoid any problems and have peace of mind. A good agency will offer 24/7 clinical support so you can feel confident in your work. You should also know what to expect in the contract.
A good travel nurse recruiter can help you through every aspect of your job and answer all your questions. Recruiters should also be accessible at all hours of the day and night so that you can reach them with questions. It would be best if you also asked them to explain how they differ from other travel nurse agencies. A good agency will gladly share why they’re the best choice.
Housing options provided by travel nurse agencies
Travel nurse agencies offer a variety of housing options for their traveling professionals. Depending on the company, these accommodations may include luxurious or simple, affordable options. Most travel nurse contracts last around three months, requiring at least a 30-day stay. Housing provided by a travel nurse agency will include utilities, internet, and laundry.
Housing stipends are provided with paychecks and vary in amount depending on the location and contract. Housing stipend funds are tax-free and should cover housing costs. These stipends are particularly advantageous for traveling nurses who live with family and do not want to pay for housing. However, these stipends typically do not cover food, utilities, or other personal expenses.
Hourly rates paid by travel nurse agencies
There are two basic types of hourly rates that travel nurse agencies pay to their nurses: taxable and non-taxable. While the former is produced from the nurse’s hourly wage, the latter is delivered as a bonus. Some travel nurse agencies offer referral bonuses that are based on the number of referrals the nurse has made. These bonuses can range from $100 to two thousand dollars.
Non-taxable rates are lower than those for fully taxed income and generally less than staff nurses earn. The problem with fully taxed hourly rates is that they’re usually higher than average staff nursing rates, which is why many travel nurse agencies pay their nurses at “blended” rates, which include tax-free stipends and taxable hourly rates.
Insurance provided by travel nurse agencies
Many travel nurse agencies offer health insurance coverage to their staff. Purchasing this coverage is convenient but may not be as effective as a private plan. In addition, agency plans often have limitations. For instance, they may not be available in every state. Fortunately, private insurance is an excellent option that can cover you for a lower price than agency plans.
Individual health insurance is also an option for travel nurses. This type of insurance is much more flexible and has no gap coverage. It also has a network of preferred healthcare providers. You can go to any in-network provider to see a specialist.
Requirements for employment with a travel nurse agency
When applying for employment with a travel nurse agency, it is essential to ensure that you have all of the necessary qualifications to work as a nurse in the state where you will be working, including a BSN in nursing or an Associate Degree in Nursing. Some agencies will only work with nurses with a BSN, while others will work with nurses who hold only an ADN. Some agencies also require additional certifications depending on the unit’s needs. For example, most travel nurse staffing agencies require a basic life support certification, but some may require an Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support certification. If you can earn additional credentials, this will improve your job opportunities and increase your pay.
Regardless of the agency you choose to work with, you must be in good physical and mental health condition to be eligible for employment with a travel nurse agency. Agencies will carefully screen their candidates to ensure they meet these agencies’ criteria. For example, they will look for candidates with experience in different healthcare settings and strong communication and interpersonal skills. In addition, most travel nurse agencies will want nurses with the right personality and work ethic to work for them.
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