Recruiters, quote us your top dollar R.N. rates.

29 posts · started Mar 23, 2004

BigDaddyD Mar 23, 2004, 5:08 PM
I am interested in the travel nurse field, but there are hundreds of companies out there. I have seen plenty of jobs posted for $40/hr and even a few up to $50/hr. I have heard there are even a few for more than that. I have been a critical care nurse for over 20yrs and am pretty comfortable where I am, but talk of this kind of money is tempting. If I travel, it will be for the money. I want to know what kind of real money there is out there, so since this forum is for nurses to talk with recruiters, seems like a good place to "show us what you've got" Post your best rates and others post the best rates you've been paid.
KSRN Mar 24, 2004, 7:14 AM
Hello,
ReadyLink Healthcare offers nurses $350-$450 per shift after taxes. You also recieve benefits, housing and bonuses. Earn free "Ready Rewards" for each shift worked. For more information please call toll-free 1-866-732-3976 ext. 5453 or visit our website at (sorry, no links to readylink allowed)
Thanks,
Sandra
Anonymous Mar 24, 2004, 7:45 AM
Some of those posted $40-$50/hr are asking you to foot your own bills.. i.e. pay for your own housing, insurance, etc.

In the long run at $50/hr you won't bring home much more than you would at $35. If you want to be independent you need upwards of $60-65/hr..Don't be fooled by ReadyLink either...They do not pay according to IRS rules..And you know the IRS RULES....

WR,,, three commas for Becca
July7553 Apr 1, 2004, 9:52 PM
Hi Big Daddy - Don't be fooled by those rates. Most of the time they are "come-ons" to pique your interest but there are a lot of strings attached. Generally, California has the highest rates for travelers, and there are always a lot of positions open throughout the state. You might be able to get between $30 and $35 per hour plus housing and benefits. There are other parts of the US that pay well, but it is definitely a geographical thing. I am a former traveler and now work in house for a great travel agency. Feel free to contact me and I will set you up with an excellent recruiter who will be honest with you. PatD@netisstaffing.com
SherriCraig May 24, 2004, 12:06 PM
Hi,

I am an Nurse Recruiter in California. We have openings in Southern and Central California for travelers. I think the others who have responded are correct - you can make $50 an hour but you will be an independent contractor. I worked for a company for a few years that pays their nurses $50, and the nurses were considered self employeed independent contractors.

We pay our nurses between $28-$32 an hour, depending on the hospital and assignment. We provide housing, travel allowance, guarantee hours, 401K, medical, dental, vision.

If you do decide to travel and are interested in an assignment in California I'd love to be able to help you out.
Anonymous May 24, 2004, 12:17 PM
Northern California will support $35 and more. With airfare and car rental. Also, housing is not free. You must have a tax home.


WR,,, three commas for Becca

Also, $300 won't pay for a cross country trip by any means.
SherriCraig May 24, 2004, 12:44 PM
Hi,

Was that a direct response to my posting? I don't think it was, but wanted to clarify just incase .... I didn't mention free housing, however, the company I work with will pay for housing. Yes, you must have a tax home at least 75 miles away from the assignment, to be considered a traveler. The housing is not free, but we will cover the costs. Also, no mention of $300 for travel. We offer a travel allowance, there is no set amount for this, it depends on the needs of the RN. If an RN is able to make $35 an hour in Northern California with a rental car and airfare, I would encourage them to do that, especially if housing and benefits are included. Thank you for your reply.
Anonymous May 24, 2004, 12:57 PM
There is no such thing as 75 miles. I would suggest you read the IRS rules on a tax home.. Pub 463 at www.irs.gov


Please get your facts correct before you tell new travel nurses something.


WR,,, three commas for Becca

BTW most companies quote 50 miles.. Which is wrong too.
SherriCraig May 24, 2004, 1:36 PM
Thank you for refering me to the IRS web site. It was informative and I appreciate it. I will refer to it often.

On the web-site, there does not seem to be a specific amount of miles mentioned that would classify a traveler. If you disagree, please quote the IRS rule.

Our policy seems to meet the requirements.
Anonymous May 24, 2004, 3:29 PM
I am not a recruiter offering any other nurse a position.. I am a travel nurse and I have given you the Pub and no where in there is a mileage requirement for a travel assignment.. But in case you find it how about quoting it for those of us who do travel..

I'll be waiting but I won't be holding my breath..


WR,,, three commas for Becca

And if there is no mention of mileage then why did you mention in it your previous post as being 75 miles. Forget to read your own website.. BTW what website might that be?
oh hd rn Jun 9, 2004, 12:34 PM
BigDaddy,
First, I am not a recruiter, but thinking of traveling (right now i just work per diem)...
Second, where have you seen the jobs posted for $40-50 an hour?
Third, locally, those rates are for per diem only. Travelling in my area (Cincinnati) is typically defined at the 50 mile mark (by ALL the agencies), and travelers are paid $28-$33 pre-tax, with the kicker being the per diem and mileage (the company i work for pays post tax [tax free] $210 per diem per week and post tax [tax free] $150 milage per week).
Fourth, I read the IRS publication mentioned before... (correct me if i'm wrong) the IRS defines a traveler as someone requiring sleep while away from tax home in order to perform duties/business related activities. It seems to me that the individual companies get to define the milage range to determine if you are a traveler...
Fifth, I am not allowed to start a new thread of conversation (d/t my type of enrollment) but has anyone noticed the rates of pay for travelers declining?
Anonymous Jun 9, 2004, 1:01 PM
July 2002 Danbury CT $35/hr

Oct 2002 Norwalk CT $35/hr

Feb 2003 Carson City/Reno NV $37/hr

March 2003 Union City Cali $35/hr

Sept 2003 Tarboro NC $35/hr

April 2004 Westerly RI $35/hr

Nope I haven't seen any slippage.

And the agencies can "make up" any amount of miles they want to.. You don't pay Federal Income Taxes to them..

The IRS over RULES them every time.


WR,,, three commas for Becca

Why can't you post a new thread?
Anonymous Jun 23, 2004, 8:12 PM
Big Daddy;

See if this will fit for you. The rates listed may vary a little depending on experience, but, we'll stand up against anyone in the field with what we can offer. Give it a good look:

Here’s a double-barreled opportunity that you’ll find hard to resist. First, if you have one year of experience (within the last 18 months) in acute care experience in the following fields: ER, Med/Surg, ICU/CCU, Tele and L&D; like to travel; would like to earn up to $10,000 per month; extraordinary benefits, and housing assistance……then, this is where you need to be! Start earning what you’re worth….YOU deserve it! Get all the details…..right here…..right now! http://www.readyrefer.com/5834

I also realize some people are actually happy with their jobs, where they work, etc….. so here’s opportunity # 2. Chances are, you work with someone, or know someone, that might be looking to make a change. Perhaps someone is thinking about making a move, and wondering what they’ll do once they get where they’re going? Why not tell them about: http://www.readyrefer.com/5834, and if they sign up, you’ll make yourself up to $750.00 for your assistance. Sign up as an affiliate, and you could soon be making some bonus cash. Get instructions on how to sign up at: http://www.readyrefer.com/5834. Do it TODAY. All inquiries are CONFIDENTIAL; you’re under no obligation, whatsoever.
Anonymous Jun 23, 2004, 8:26 PM
Big Daddy.. Please be careful of Ready whatever.. They don't pay according to IRS rules..

Many of those positions you've seen for $50 don't exist. If they did I doubt any travel nurse company would have to post them . If you are quoted $50 that probably means you have to pay all your expenses. Housing, utilities, travel expenses, and licensure expenses..


WR,,, three commas for Becca
Anonymous Jul 6, 2004, 10:02 PM
It's the hospitals that are "defining" the mileage. It has nothing to do with travel expenses, tax breaks, or the IRS.

The hospitals don't want all their staff quitting and becoming travelers. The traveler could take the stipend offered by the company. Live at home and pay taxes on the stipend and make more than a regular staff.. That's where the 50-75 mile rule comes into play.

I have a contract in Maine starting next week. I will be 100 miles from home. I will be a traveler as I can't reasonably go home every night to "sleep or rest". This particular hospital doesn't have a mileage rule or if they do I have met their requirements.

WR,,,three commas for Becca
Anonymous Jul 15, 2004, 8:52 PM
This is for the person that indicated Ready(whatever)Recruit does not follow IRS guidelines. I sincerely doubt there is even one (1) company that does not abide by IRS rulings and guidelines; Ready Recruit DOES. They're in the business of getting qualified RNs the wages & benefits most other companies only "claim" they get their nurses. I suggest if you have questions, call them direct; their # is: 1-866-732-3976 & talk to the people that know......feel free to tell them 5834 sent you!
Anonymous Jul 16, 2004, 4:41 PM
I don't need to call them I already did..I wouldn't waste my cell minutes on them

When I called them they couldn't tell me what I would be making hourly.. They call me every so often..They have my number and know what I require. So far they haven't been able to deliver.


WR,,, three commas for Becca

As far as even one company that does not abide by the IRS rulings and guidelines I have no idea what that statement even means.. But more than one does...And it ain't Ready whatever.
TruTravel Aug 25, 2004, 6:02 PM
Well BigDaddy, you sure have sparked some debate. That is good, the only way nurses can sort through the numerous agencies is by speaking not only with the company, but with nurses that have dealt with that company as well.Trustaff offers pay rates from 40$/hr up through 54$/hr on the tax advantage plan. The state that the position is in affects the pay rate the most. We have positions available today in 33 states across the nation. We also offer the all inclusive payment option that most nurses are familiar and comfortable with. We would be happy to discuss our options and positions with you, perhaps we have something you are looking for, either way it never hurts to explore all of your options, as I can see you know by your posting lol.
Hope to talk to you,
Steve Schlegel
trustaff, inc.
toll free- 1-877-880-0346
or e-mail me at steve@trustraff.com
Anonymous Aug 25, 2004, 7:35 PM
You''d be happy to discuss something..I lost my tin can.. I guess that's why you never got back to me..


WR,,, three commas for Becca
Wesley Recruiter Sep 15, 2004, 1:59 PM
Hot Jobs for Washington State, ER only. $35 per hour plus PRIVATE housing, $1,000 completion and guaranteed OT (if wanted). We will reimburse your licensure and give you $500 for travel expenses (just to get there). How does this compare to others in rural areas? Level I ER but Level II trauma.
RescueTim Sep 17, 2004, 5:38 PM
Are the benefit packages offered any good? I can see the dental and vision but the health?!! What kind of insurance company provides health insurance on day one of hire and then for only a 13 week stint? Or do these health benefits come with very high deductibles and co-pays?
hjacks8 Oct 20, 2004, 11:38 PM
SOMETIMES I WONDER IF THESE RECRUITERS REALIZE THEY'RE TALKING TO PEOPLE THAT ARE WELL EDUCATED. BECAUSE IT'S NOT HARD FOR ME TO REALIZE HOW STUPID THEY ARE. THIS READY LINK COMPANY THEY QUOTE 400 PLUS PER SHIFT. THAT DOESN'T INCLUDE HOUSING SO IT BASICALLY BREAKS DOWN TO BE MUCH LESS. THE RECRUITER THERE WAS LIKE NO NOT REALLY. OH BUY THE WAY THE JOB WAS IN SAN FRAN. SO I'M LIKE HOUSING THERE IS REALLY HIGH. SHE'S LIKE YOU CAN FIND SOMETHING FOR A 1000 PER MONTH. ARE YOU KIDDING ME?! WHERE, LIKE A RENTED ROOM IN A CRACK HOUSE. DON'T GET ME WRONG I LOVE TRAVEL NURSING. THE MONEY IS GOOD AND GOING TO NEW PLACES IS FUN. TRAVELERS DON'T GET PUSHED AROUND. THERE'S TO MANY COMPANY'S TO CHOOSE FROM. MAKE THEM FIGHT FOR YOU. RECRUITERS HAVE SOME RESPECT.
hukilau Oct 25, 2004, 3:38 PM
They didn't get back to you, Wandering?? Hmmm...
and you don't have a clue why that might be?
If your attitude on the phone is anything like it is in this forum, that might begin to explain it...
Oh, wait... you did explain that the milage rule is an individual company policy a few posts after essentially calling someone an ignorant liar. No one ever said it was an IRS rule. Maybe you should take your own advice and read a little more carefully before flaming someone.

(Waiting to see if this post makes it through. But if you're going to allow his abusive posts, you should allow responses.)
Aaron C. Oct 26, 2004, 2:42 PM
[ QUOTE ]
(Waiting to see if this post makes it through. But if you're going to allow his abusive posts, you should allow responses.)

[/ QUOTE ]

Why would you not think this post would get through?
JeannieTaylor Oct 20, 2006, 12:54 AM
Although Anonymous (Becca) appears somewhat angry (is that therapeutic communication? haha), I have to agree, it is how I feel about the travel agency recruiters.

This was a GREAT thread to start.

IMPRESS US RECRUITERS!

BE STRAIGHT AND YOU WILL GET PLENTY OF BUSINESS.

BE SNEAKY AND YOUR BUSINESS WILL BE THAT OF A BAD USED CAR SALESMAN.

ON A RELATED NOTE, CAN ANYONE SHARE RECRUITERS THEY ARE HAPPY WITH AND THEIR BENIES AND PAY? THAT WOULD HELP CLEAR UP A LOT OF MUMBO JUMBO.
NursePursuit Oct 20, 2006, 3:13 AM
$500-$600 per 12 hour shift/36 hr min.
Los Angeles, CA
13 week assignments

These are the actual numbers our nurses are getting.

Paid airfare to assignment and back home or travel reimbursement
Housing provided or housing allowance
Travel to hospital and back to housing provided

Current openings:
Emergency Room
Medical/Surgical
Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
Critical Care Unit
Pediatric Emergency Department
Pediatrics
Intensive Care Unit
Post Partum

One year of recent experience required.

Recruiter@nursepursuit.com
Sylvia321 Dec 9, 2006, 4:14 AM
Poster #24 should re-read post #7 to striaghten out the accusation.

Now on to important things.....

I want to know,

What is your base hourly rate?
Do you guarantee hours?
What is your housing stipend?
Do you have 4,6,8, 13 weeks contracts?
What is the cost of your weekly health insurance for me?
Do you offer a car allowance?
What is your travel allowance for round trip?
Do you have a city/town I want to go to? If I say Va Beach do not tell me you have Half Moon Bay.
What all does your housing have? Fully furnished to include TV/cable and local phone, all utilities? Dishes/lininens etc? Do you use extended stays?

Knowing the answers to the above makes decisions so much easier for all parties.
Sylvia321 Dec 12, 2006, 9:36 PM
NursePursuit wrote:$500-$600 per 12 hour shift/36 hr min.
Los Angeles, CA
13 week assignments

These are the actual numbers our nurses are getting.

Paid airfare to assignment and back home or travel reimbursement
Housing provided or housing allowance
Travel to hospital and back to housing provided

Current openings:
Emergency Room
Medical/Surgical
Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
Critical Care Unit
Pediatric Emergency Department
Pediatrics
Intensive Care Unit
Post Partum

One year of recent experience required.

Recruiter@nursepursuit.com

At $500/shift equals $41.66/hr and at $600/shift equals $50/hr, What is the difference? What makes one shift $500 and the other $600? Does that include time and a half after the first 8 hrs? Is that plus free private housing to include all utilities? Will you state what your base hourly pay is?