Nurse BenefitsI have enjoyed nurse benefits like free housing and a car allowance on my travel nurse journey. If you are a registered nurse or health care worker who is applying for nurse travel jobs, be prepared. I have outlined below my personal experiences including the good and the bad regarding travel nurse benefits.
Travel Nurse BenefitsI have tested the health benefits while on assignment twice. The first time was in Cape Cod. I had a debilitating back problem which required treatment and I was off work for a week. The second time, I was diagnosed with breast cancer while on assignment in Hawaii. The health benefits worked for me both times and I am thankful they were in place. Benefits can also be purchased for your spouse and/or dependents at a reasonable cost, in most cases. It is important to note that when you stop working for whatever reason, including health reasons, all benefits stop. Most agencies will let you make it up at the end of the contract. However, you need a backup plan when the pay stops. This happened to me in Cape Cod and they did allow me to work an extra week at the end of the contract. Travel Nurse Benefits Health PlansIn Hawaii, I was fortunate to be able to harmonize my treatments schedule and work schedule. Ironically my last radiation treatment was two days after the end of my contract. We had to pay for the last treatment due to my benefits ending because I was not going directly to another contract. If you are taking time between assignments, it’s a good idea to buy an alternative health plan. When you start a travel contract make sure you know the date your health insurance starts. For me, it took 45 days and we had an alternative plan to cover us during that time.
Travel Nurse Housing
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House SittingJohn and I would like to recommend a website that specializes in house sitting. This is an excellent resource. We have found house sits in between assignments close to family and friends. The site is very informative and you can have opportunities e-mailed to you in a timely fashion.
Travel Nurse TaxesNurse benefits like car allowances and travel expenses are non-taxable in most states but make sure you check this out with your tax consultant. Sometimes getting a greater travel and or car allowance rather than an increase in wage makes sense because of what you pay in taxes. Click here for more information onTravel Nurse Taxes
BonusesSign on bonuses and referral bonuses are available with most companies. Most agencies pay several hundred dollars for a referral. Remember this is taxable income and it will add to your total income.
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