Nurse Benefits Here we will examine both nurse benefits and travel nurse benefits. With each benefit we will give you some tips to help you negotiate your next contract.
Travel Nurse Benefits Health Plans
I 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. In 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.
Direct Deposit
Online banking has made this more of a necessity than a “perk” but it is a good idea to ensure a steady cash flow to the bank. We survived a pay period when no money was deposited in our account. Not a good experience! HINT! Fill out those time cards. Fax them to the correct company fax number. Always have the fax number and contact name in payroll accessible. It is important to follow up and make sure the company is in receipt of your pay card.
Travel Nurse Housing
Travel Nurse Housing is usually an option with most travel companies. It is a good idea to check out your options. Sometimes it can work to your advantage to find your own housing.John 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.
Click here to learn more about HouseCare.com.
Click here to visit Travel Nurse Housing Page Travel Nurse Taxes
Nurse 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 to visit travel nurse taxes page. Self Development
For six years my husband John and I have had the opportunity to travel and experience life as residents in various states. We have developed life-long relationships and enjoyed places and adventures and sites recommended by people who live in the communities where I worked. When looking at Nurse Benefits this is the one that makes traveling so exciting and rewarding.
Click here for more on Self Development.
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. Click here to sign up for our free newsletter! WagesShow me the money! How do I know I am getting a good wage? Great Question. Example: Jim, who lives in Ohio, is a travel nurse practitioner and wants to go to Florida on a thirteen-week assignment. The recruiter who places Jim has a budget to place him. He needs travel nurse-housing, travel expenses, medical expenses and was hoping for a sign on bonus and of course, a good hourly wage. The most important thing to remember is the higher the wage, the fewer benefits you will get and conversely, the more benefits you get, the lower the wage. When the recruiter asks Jim what he expects in pay, Jim asks to see the complete travel nurse package in writing so he can determine if this is the right travel nurse benefit package for him. This is one of those times silence is golden. If the benefits are what Jim expects then he can possibly negotiate a better wage. Jim will also seek advice on travel nurse taxes after he obtains his contract. This is hard for a first time traveler so remember to take your time and let the offers come to you. Our list of average state salaries (coming soon) will supply you with another important list of Travel Nurse Benefits.
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