TRAVELERS BEWARE OF INTELISTAF

I have been traveling for years, have been an ICU nurse for 25 years and was on my third assignment with Intelistaf. The first two had there problems but, eventually worked out. This assignment at St Thomas in Nashville was a nightmare. Dangerous assignments which I informed both hospital management and Intelistaf. I just became the bitch that complained. When you have three critical ill patients that all need me at the same time you better believe I complain. Most of us have been there with the traveler getting the worse assignments because we supposedly "make the big money" My assignment was ended by the hospital 3 weeks early. This has never happened to me before, I notify Intelistaf and am told I have 48 hours to get out of my apartment, with no place to go I still got out in the required time. When I get my pay for 36 hours I find $660.00 has been taken out for housing costs. When I called and finally spoke with the director in Dallas, Jennifier Stamp, I told her I really did not want to go thru the expense of an attorney. She said it was her decision to take the money and she was sticking to it. I told her I would let other travelers know of how a long term employee of Intelistaf (one year is a long time for travelers)is treated on the chat sites. She told me "I am not worried about the chat rooms we are a large company" So fellow travelers please, please be careful when a company thinks they are so big that they do not have to be concerned about nurses talking to nurses, that is a company to stay away from. I would be happy to go into all the details if anyone would like. I would also really love to hear from anyone that has had this happen before. I am not traveling anymore due to this experience. Do not let these huge companies that are making millions on our backs, get away with thinking we are of no concern and to be ignored. I am a professional critical care registered nurse.

please post reviews of the travel companies and hospitals you've worked for in our reviews section! Thanks!

HEY TESSIE,
I HAVE ALSO HAD A BAD EXPERIENCE WITH INTELISTAF..I WAS SUPPOSE TO DO A 6 MONTH ASSISNGMENT DOING A TELE TRAINING POSION IN FLORIDA, OF COURSE WHEN I ARRIVED IN FLORIDA THE HOSPITAL KNEW NOTHING ABOUT IT..NEEDLESS TO SAY I DIDN'T GET THE ASSINGMENT AND HAD TO TAKE ANOTHER ONE SOMEWHERE ELSE..I HAVE HAD NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS WITH MY PAYROLL, THEY NEVER SENT ME MY PAYSTUBS AND WHEN I DID GET THEM I FOUND MANY MISTAKES..I AM LLOKING AT OTHER COMPANIES NOW..I CANNOT UNDERSTAND HOW THEY CAN GIVE YOU A CONTRACT FOR 6 MONTHS AND THEN HAVE IT BROKE WITH AN OH WELL ATTITUDE BUT IF YOU ARE THE ONE BREAKING IT ITS A DIFFERENT STORIE..THATS MY THOUGHTS ANYBODY ELSE LIKE TO SAY ANTHING?

No intelistaff for me

I worked a lot of OT with Intelistaff when i was preggo just to make sure I had enough hours in just incase I went into labor early. Well 2 days before my contract ended I had my baby. Instead of taking my last 2 shifts as "call ins" the company ended my contract that day. Which means= my insurance was up! I had a sick baby and Intelistaff would do NOTHING to help me at all. I got voice mails and recordings regarding Cobra. It was the BIGGEST pain in the neck. I would not suggest going with them and I would never consider going back to them!

I didn't even travel with Intelistaf and I could tell that they don't have it all together. I was interested in a job that they had in WA. I talked to a great recruiter but I could tell that the benefits were sub-par.
You have to pay: $50 per month for the first three months for your health insurance, then its free, buy-up for your dental and vision (you pay), $1,500 deductible on health insurance, $300 security deposit on your apartment... refundable only when you're done with the company. Also your 401k kicks in after 1,000 hours worked, then they only match 30 cents per dollar up to 10 percent. And your bonuses are subject to much higher tax than your regular pay. They offer a $500 completion bonus on every assignment. But they nickel and dime you on the benefits. Here's other frustrations. There's no clinical nurse liaison that my recruiter knew of, or testing for nurses to make sure that they are competent. I told my recruiter that it seems like this company is for the money, and not for the nurses... AND THE RECRUITER AGREED. I wonder how much money Ralph Freidmann III makes per year as CEO of Intelistaf. Last year (2003) Intelistaf made $450 million!
I even talked to the hospital I was interested in to consider making a contract with a travel company I've worked for before. But they would have to sub contract with Intelistaf... and RN Network wasn't about to do that. So it got back to the powers that be.. and they thought that I was trying to negotiate behind their backs. So they rescinded their offer to me and my recruiter said that she couldn't work with me anymore... and that was it. I did my research. I stood up for myself. I do not feel guilty about it at all. Nurses don't get paid enough for the work we do. And I'm not about to get walked over so early in my nursing career. Intelistaf did up my hourly pay rate, waived the $50 per month for insurance, and waived the $300 deposit for the apartment. But that was after I told them that they had to match or beat what I was used to for benefits. And they obviously couldn't come through. For being the third largest staffing company in the US... they're not very good... AND I DIDN'T EVEN TRAVEL WITH THEM. I feel that every one needs to know this. And I made it know about this website. They know. They need actual nurses on staff so the CEO's can know exactly what's going on and nurses can be fairly compensated with good benefits. Their website says "excellent wages and benefits," they're lying. Stand up for what you deserve and don't settle for less. We work too hard, put our health at risk for the sake of others, and put in too many hours to be treated like Intelistaf does.
But I give credit to the recruiter, Kimberly. I put her through alot, and she handled it very well. But I wonder how many untruths she told me to suade me.
Please be careful and stand up for what you deserve.

Thanks for the warning

I traveled with starmed before they merged with intelistaff and have never felt as unwelcomed or useless as intelistaff has made me feel. for nurse week we recieved a pen. with starmed we felt like a family, if there was a complaint we could express our feelings to the president of the company. this company never returns calls,and if a bad comment is made they just ignore it. there is no incentive to stay with them,is appears as if they don't care about their travel nurses!!!! If they say their going to do something you never hear about it again!!!! I am currently looking for a company that treats me like the professional that I am. With respect and appreciation. I got out of hospital nursing because of this, and was treated better as a hospital employee than I am an Intelistaff employee!!!!!!

I had some problems w/ Intelistaf. My paycheck was incorrect. The nursing manager made the necessary changes to my time card to ensure I would get paid what was due. I was an accountant prior to becoming a nurse. I submited payroll schedules indicating what was owed. The hospital wanted me to renew. I told the manager that unless Intelistaf got the payroll issues corrected I would not renew. This agency had 2 months to get it right and still dragged their feet. Finally out of desperation I faxed them a message: I will not consider an extension until these descrapancies are remedied. I did hear from Intelistaf advising they were working on the problem just go ahead and sign the extension. I declined. My contract stated I had 48 hours to be out of housing. I packed up, cleaned the apt and notified the apt I needed an inspection.
I passed the inspection, notified the hospital I would not be back and called and left a message for my recruiter.

My recruiter contacted me on Monday and said "I have some bad news for you, you last check will have a deduction for the housing on it because you agreed to extend. My recruiter was new to the company and this is what I told him. "Bart you take the information and correspondence I sent you to your buddy in administration. There is no way you can even consider deducting housing when we have no contract in place. Now I intend to be paid for the hours I worked! If you even attempt I will sue your company as well as make complaints to the proper agencies. I have covered myself very well. (meaning w/ correspondence)
I expect to be hearing from you within the next 15 minutes I did hear back from him within the deadline and he said there will be no deductions made.

The only other thing I can say do not ever sign with Mobile Medical....they are worse than Intelistaf. One of the owners Richard is a JERK! He is a liar, has selective memory and the rudest most unprofessional I have ever met.

There are too many travel companies looking for good travelers, we are in demand. Thank God for sites such as this where we can get the word out. Remember Intelistaf is the loser!

Good LUCK TO YOU!

When experience speaks, you better believe I listen!

Thank you for the warning...I am just starting to gather info on traveling. This was one company I was thinking about going with...NOT ANY MORE

all companies have bad apples. I'm not saying they are great, because I haven't worked with them, but it varies from recruiter to recruiter. Of course, feedback is always good. You might check out our reviews section for more feeback.

This info is really helpful. I love this website. I am researching different travel companies. Are there any good ones? All I have heard is bad things about them all so far.

Thanks for all the helpful info. I am wanting to travel and have talked with Intelistaf but after what I have seen here, I think I will look elsewhere. Any info on good travel companies would be apprecieated.

I HAVE BEEN TRAVELING WITH INTELISTAF FOR A YEAR AND A HALF. I WAS WITH STARMED PRIOR TO THE AQUISITION FROM INTELISTAF. I HAVE TO SAY THAT I HAVE BEEN TREATED VERY WELL. IF I HAVE HAD A PROBLEM IT HAS BEEN RESOLVED VERY QUICKLY. I HAVE SUCCESSFULLY NEGOTIATED MORE PAY, MORE HOUSING ALLOWANCE. I WAS HURT ON THE JOB AND THERE WAS NEVER A QUESTION ABOUT THE BILL. IT WAS TAKEN CARE OF 100% BY THE COMPANY. I HAVE A GREAT RECRUITER. I THINK EVERY COMPANY WILL HAVE SOME PROBLEMS. THEY ARE A BUSINESS AFTERALL, BUT HOW THEY RESOLVE THE ISSUES YOU HAVE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE. SOMETIMES WE DON'T GET THE WHOLE PICTURE. LET'S FACE IT WE ARE BIASED TO OUR OWN ISSUES. DON'T WE ALWAYS THINK WE ARE RIGHT? PRETTY MUCH. I RECOMMEND INTELISTAF. THEY HAVE ALWAYS TREATED ME FAIRLY AND WELL. MY RECRUITER LISTENS AND GETS ANSWERS TO ANY QUESTION I HAVE. SOMETIMES WE MAKE OUR OWN MESS. THINK ABOUT WHY YOU TRAVEL. IF YOU HAVE WORKED FOR A HOSPITAL OR GROUP FOR AWHILE I AM SURE YOU CAN POINT OUT ALL THE FAULTS. AT LEAST WITH TRAVELING IF I DON'T LIKE A HOSPITAL I KNOW IT IS ONLY FOR A SHORT TIME AND I HAVE THE OPTION TO MOVE ON.
I'VE HEARD NEGATIVE THINGS ABOUT ALMOST ALL THE TRAVEL COMPANIES OUT THERE BUT THE CONSENSUS IS NO ONE OR NO COMPANY IS PERFECT. YOU FIND WHERE YOU HAVE THE BEST FIT. WHAT WORKS FOR YOU MAY NOT WORK FOR YOUR NEIGHBOR.

I SUGGEST ANYONE READING THE GOOD, BAD AND THE UGLY ABOUT ANY TRAVEL COMPANY, FORM THEIR OWN OPINION BASED ON FACT NOT ON SOMEONE ELSES OPINION. AFTERALL WE ARE ONLY GETTING ONE SIDE OF THE SITUATION IN THIS FORUM AND EXPERIENCE ALONE HAS TAUGHT US ALL THAT THERE ARE ALWAYS TWO SIDES TO THE ISSUES.

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I SUGGEST ANYONE READING THE GOOD, BAD AND THE UGLY ABOUT ANY TRAVEL COMPANY, FORM THEIR OWN OPINION BASED ON FACT NOT ON SOMEONE ELSES OPINION. AFTERALL WE ARE ONLY GETTING ONE SIDE OF THE SITUATION IN THIS FORUM AND EXPERIENCE ALONE HAS TAUGHT US ALL THAT THERE ARE ALWAYS TWO SIDES TO THE ISSUES.

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That is an excellent point! Thanks for posting

You are so right. Everyone has their own opinion and their own experiences. A company, in my opinion, is only as good as the people working for it on Monday. Hope things go better for ya!

Good point. It is important that nurses ask prior to taking assignments.. how many patients will I be taking care of? is a great question. (Even if Intelistaf doesnt care) A nurse can refuse an assignment as long as the nurse did not assume care (done by reporting to one another). If you are required to take on more after the fact send a thank you note to DHS (Department of Health Services) and JCAHO regarding the situation. Nurses are advocates... not just for the patients, but for yourself (and license/livelihood).

How are you employed by intelistaff?? Do you have any family working for intelistaff? Are you an administrator/nurse? The negative experiences seems to predominate so far. Leaves me wondering do tho protest too much?

i am a traveler and have just finished the first assignment with Intelistaff. i have been VERY PLEASED WITH EVERYTHING ASSOCIATED WITH THE AGENCY.
This is my third agency I have worked for and from experience there is no perfect agency.
My assignement was where i wanted-lincoln,ne and the hours i wanted. the apartment was terrific as was the furniture.
my check stubs came every monday and i had NO PROBLEM GETTING PAID ON TIME OR THE AMOUNT THAT WAS DUE ME. When i decided i wanted to extend the contract there was no problem getting the contract renewed.
i came to intelistaff because of association with 2 nurses that have been working for intelistaff for years.
i do not take any of the benefits as i dont need them so i cannot comment on that area.
i keep in contact with my recruiter at least once a week and have been very pleased with her-Joni Kay. My next assignment is where i want it and with pay that is comparible with the other place.
My suggestion is decide where you want to go, research the area as well as the hospitals and then contact your recruiter and discuss the possiblity of jobs. I also do all the work myself in getting the license needed for the state.
I get totally involved in the working process of getting my job arranged the way I want it.
I am sorry that some nurses are having trouble with the agency because that makes working harder and as a nurse of 14 years i know we don't need any extra stress on us

i am a traveler and have just finished the first assignment with Intelistaff. i have been VERY PLEASED WITH EVERYTHING ASSOCIATED WITH THE AGENCY.
This is my third agency I have worked for and from experience there is no perfect agency.
My assignement was where i wanted-lincoln,ne and the hours i wanted. the apartment was terrific as was the furniture.
my check stubs came every monday and i had NO PROBLEM GETTING PAID ON TIME OR THE AMOUNT THAT WAS DUE ME. When i decided i wanted to extend the contract there was no problem getting the contract renewed.
i came to intelistaff because of association with 2 nurses that have been working for intelistaff for years.
i do not take any of the benefits as i dont need them so i cannot comment on that area.
i keep in contact with my recruiter at least once a week and have been very pleased with her-Joni Kay. My next assignment is where i want it and with pay that is comparible with the other place.
My suggestion is decide where you want to go, research the area as well as the hospitals and then contact your recruiter and discuss the possiblity of jobs. I also do all the work myself in getting the license needed for the state.
I get totally involved in the working process of getting my job arranged the way I want it.
I am sorry that some nurses are having trouble with the agency because that makes working harder and as a nurse of 14 years i know we don't need any extra stress on us
sharon-o

I am so thankful for this website, I was considering Intellistaff because a co worker recommended it, but no longer am I. I definitely heed the warning---Say NO to intelistaff!! Thanks fellow commrades!!

Long story, but I was happy with them for 13 weeks until I went to transfer to another office. My assignment was to be over in 2 weeks when I started the process of transferring offices. I was given the big run around, then after 6 weeks, they had conviently placed my file into storage since it had been "a while" since my contract ended... HUH? I started telling them that I wanted to be transferred two weeks BEFORE my assignment was over.

They pittled around on getting my next assignment, so I went with another company. I won't every work for them.

I hate that company

I hate that (censored)


Please don't make personal attacks in the forum. Thanks

--mgmt

That was an odd response. I know that if I were involved with a company whic relies on referrals, as intellistaff does, I would be concerned!
My question is however, why were you told to vacate the apartment if it was the hospitals' decision to end the contract?
Surely, intelistaff has made some stipulation in their contracts to avoid such an occurrence!

Are they really that bad, I heard that Jennifer was not a great manager, but surely they are not that bad. I will keep clear. Poor Jennifer, most sad!

I must say, I am an ICU nurse who has traveled with Intelistaf, and had a terrible experience as well. I was told that my hours were "guaranteed" each week. In the 13 weeks of my assignment, I had about 10 shifts cancelled on me due to low census. I was not given the opportunity to make up the shifts. At that point, I still expected to be paid since the agency had guaranteed that I work 36 hours each week! I pay my bills based on working 36 hours each week, and my bank has no sympathy when I've only been able to work 24! I called Intelistaf, clearly upset, and they said that after reviewing the contract the agency had with the facility, the hospital was in fact able to cancel shifts-they would extend the contract weeks out at the end to make them up. I still had to be out of my housing on the original end date. Was I supposed to stick around in a hotel for three weeks? I was appalled at how Intelistaf handled this. It was their own negligence to not review this hospital's contract. The told me something that was very untrue and broke the contract agreement that I had signed with their agency, stating that I was guaranteed hours and would be paid for every single hour! The rates were awful anyhow! There is just nothing good I can say about Intelistaf. My recruiter was unfriendly and could have cared less about my situation. I would not reccommend Intelistaf to me worst enemy. I have since found an excellent travel company who treats me wonderfully. The recruiter is so pleasant! Once I signed my first contract I was not forgotten. If she has not heard from me in 2 weeks or so, she'll call to check in and see if there is anything she can do for me. I have top-notch housing and great pay. I've never had an issue with my paycheck, and I get paid every week.

If you don't mind, could you provide me with the company you are now dealing with? Based on your positive feedback regarding your new agency, maybe I would consider working with them as well should the opportunity arise.

I must agree with this. I signed up for Intellistaff with all the big talk they have as yet have not had a job offer and no one will talk with me at the company as to why. just looking for another company is the pits. all the paper work. may just quit traveling for a while and work locally.

I worked through Intelistaf long enough to receive their maximum bonus of $2000 per contract. After that they began offering me low pay contracts in places I didn't want to go. The recruiter I had most of the time was excellent and was in contact with me at least once per week to chat if nothing else but she left before I did. When the company was Gentiva, prior to its acquisition by Intelistaf, the general feel/atmosphere/responsiveness was excellent. These are the "facts". AVOID THEM.

Does anyone have anything positive to say about intelistaf? What if they are the only company that has contracts with the hospital you want to be at?

You rolls the dice and takes your chances.

Thank you for this information. I am currently trying to relocate to Nashville TN area and looking to go through a travel agency during this transition. I have never travelled before so I am really scared and nervous about going through in agency that gives poor treatment to their nurses. Thank you for the heads up.

Hi I am new to this site but wanted to comment on the travel companies out there.
I am fairly new to traveling but I have to say that my recruiter at Aureus Medical is great. Alex really works with me on finding the right assignments. He actually listens to what I say and remembers it too.( smile)
So if you want to continue or start traveling I would re--commend you give them a call.
1-800-856-5457 ext 2189
They work with RNs LVNs ORTs and many other health professionals

Also thanks for the heads up on Intellistaf

well I got burnt by them when they took over the company I worked for. Another one to watch out for is Rapid Temps. They cancel your contract and then deduct all the perks from your check and leave you stranded. I think some of these companies are a farce.

Thank you all for the info. about your experiences with this company. Will definitely stay away from them-too many people had bad experiences for it to be incidental. Hope that CEO finds out how much business they are loosing by treating their employees like insignificant objects...

BobbleHead wrote:When experience speaks, you better believe I listen!

Thank you....When experience speaks, I too listen!

I appreciate the comments here on intellistaff. It is now the primary staffer at a hospital that i worked at for 20 years before I started traveling. I am returning there next for a stint at traveling with clinical one who has to subcontract through Intellistaff. We'll see what the implications of that are. I had a bad experience with American Mobile, but nothing that couldn't be managed. Just little support and poor communication. I am a new traveler but old nurse. ;)

I sure wish that I'd had the foresight to look for this kind of information before I took an assignment with Intellistaff. A friend and I decided to travel for the first time and signed up with Intellistaff just because they talked a good game and we had to pick someone. It has been the worst employment experience for both of us.First, we arrived on the day we were supposed to, the day on our contract, and were told by the hospital that we were two weeks early. When we called our recruiter, she said she had found out several days earlier but was "unable to reach us" although no one else was unable. So two weeks later (with no pay), we started our assignment and came home one evening to our electricity having been turned off for non-payment by Intellistaff and I had to pay to have it turned back on. Then when my roommate received their first check via direct deposit, Intellistaff took it back out of his account four days later without any notification, causing a couple of bounced checks. They never return phone calls and we were finally able to get a call-back when we told them we would be packing a leaving and letting the facility know why. All of this in the first four weeks of being here. PLEASE DO YOURSELF A FAVOR AND NEVER WORK FOR INTELLISTAFF AND LET OTHERS KNOW AS WELL.

MARTABEE wrote:I HAVE BEEN TRAVELING WITH INTELISTAF FOR A YEAR AND A HALF. I WAS WITH STARMED PRIOR TO THE AQUISITION FROM INTELISTAF. I HAVE TO SAY THAT I HAVE BEEN TREATED VERY WELL. IF I HAVE HAD A PROBLEM IT HAS BEEN RESOLVED VERY QUICKLY. I HAVE SUCCESSFULLY NEGOTIATED MORE PAY, MORE HOUSING ALLOWANCE. I WAS HURT ON THE JOB AND THERE WAS NEVER A QUESTION ABOUT THE BILL. IT WAS TAKEN CARE OF 100% BY THE COMPANY. I HAVE A GREAT RECRUITER. I THINK EVERY COMPANY WILL HAVE SOME PROBLEMS. THEY ARE A BUSINESS AFTERALL, BUT HOW THEY RESOLVE THE ISSUES YOU HAVE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE. SOMETIMES WE DON'T GET THE WHOLE PICTURE. LET'S FACE IT WE ARE BIASED TO OUR OWN ISSUES. DON'T WE ALWAYS THINK WE ARE RIGHT? PRETTY MUCH. I RECOMMEND INTELISTAF. THEY HAVE ALWAYS TREATED ME FAIRLY AND WELL. MY RECRUITER LISTENS AND GETS ANSWERS TO ANY QUESTION I HAVE. SOMETIMES WE MAKE OUR OWN MESS. THINK ABOUT WHY YOU TRAVEL. IF YOU HAVE WORKED FOR A HOSPITAL OR GROUP FOR AWHILE I AM SURE YOU CAN POINT OUT ALL THE FAULTS. AT LEAST WITH TRAVELING IF I DON'T LIKE A HOSPITAL I KNOW IT IS ONLY FOR A SHORT TIME AND I HAVE THE OPTION TO MOVE ON.
I'VE HEARD NEGATIVE THINGS ABOUT ALMOST ALL THE TRAVEL COMPANIES OUT THERE BUT THE CONSENSUS IS NO ONE OR NO COMPANY IS PERFECT. YOU FIND WHERE YOU HAVE THE BEST FIT. WHAT WORKS FOR YOU MAY NOT WORK FOR YOUR NEIGHBOR.

I SUGGEST ANYONE READING THE GOOD, BAD AND THE UGLY ABOUT ANY TRAVEL COMPANY, FORM THEIR OWN OPINION BASED ON FACT NOT ON SOMEONE ELSES OPINION. AFTERALL WE ARE ONLY GETTING ONE SIDE OF THE SITUATION IN THIS FORUM AND EXPERIENCE ALONE HAS TAUGHT US ALL THAT THERE ARE ALWAYS TWO SIDES TO THE ISSUES.

Me thinks Martabee is a PLANT. It is now 2006 and this is the only post from (her?). I too have a Intellistaff story. Thank God I wasn't traveling with them. I worked for Starmed, Happily, for years. I will re-itterate what the prior ex-Starmed employeed said. I was treated well, paid well, and regarded well. As soon as Intellistaff took over things went downhill fast. I was not in the habit of scrutinizing my pay stubbs so it took several weeks to realize something was wrong. It took an act of Congress to find out that my pay had been dropped $2.00 an hour. " I'm sure I didn't receive a notice that my pay had been re-negotiated", I said. "No, you didn't", said the former Starmed staffer sheepishly,"because they didn't bother to tell anyone. I'm only telling you now because you realized it and called to complain."
I REST MY CASE........NO INTELLISTAFF for ME!!!

yes and according to most other's experiences on the ultimate nurse website with intelistaf they feel the same. NO INTELISTAF FOR ME!!! i too travelled with starmed pre buyout and was quite happy. hopefully now i have found a company that works well for me on this new assignment.

Mahalo! for the information. Its unfortunate how ruthless, unprofessional and just downright rude some company representatives are. THank you for the help.
OH BTW. Beware of the bigger companies...aka (AMH) you call them with a problem there is no interdepartmental contact. Look for a nurse owned company if possible.

If anyone needs info on hawaii... contact me.

I'm so surprised to see these posts. My experiences with Intelistaf have been great. I think there have been alot of recent changes. I think it all depends on the recruiter and that makes all the difference.... The recruiters I have talked to were excited and supportive and really listened to me. That's what I look for....

Well we all have a story about our travel companies. Some of them are good and some are bad, and some just down right scary. If maybe just 3 people had complained about Intelistaf, i would wonder if something was not right with the travel nurses, but all these complaints? I don't know, I am considering doing agency with intelistaf but after reading the postings, i think i will pass. I may be wrong but i would rather be safe than sorry. It is kind of like a marriage, The ex-wife or ex-husband and friends tell you the person has serious issues but because they look good and talk smooth you marry them, and how many times do we say, "boy i wish i had listen to them". No thank you Intelistaff.

I did all right with them for a few years, although there was one time I showed up for an assignment and no one at the hospital knew I was coming.

In 2005, I called them again and I guess business was bad, because the recruiter EXCESSIVELY pushy. I had just gotten the hospital in April and two weeks into the contract, she was pushing me to extend through Christmas! Her assistant started calling me three times a day, and they pestered the manager so much that she was complaining to me.

But none of that was nearly as bad as my experience with RN Network

I am currently a nursing student, but I am planning to travel after graduation and some experience.

I wanted to say THANK YOU SO MUCH for everyone's input and reviews on these travel companies. It will really help me when I am ready to make a decision on which company to travel with.

yes they too were knocking on my door with along others, my first travel agency was AMN and i was so taken for a ride my first assignment in northern Cali i was given 27/hr with a housing allowance of 1600 a month..mind you i was new to this travel RN world, and the recruiter enjoyed that victim quality! i told her i only made 2 dollars more than the staffed LVN!!:mad:

are they really greedy or what? she then found me another hosppital that paid 38/hr and after that assignment i quit! i quit being a sucker for them and her fake nice attitude!

so berare of American Mobile too..they don't pay much and are not PRO RN

Hi-I don't think I've ever posted to this site before. I've been an RN over 22 yrs-mainly ICU/tele and adult pych.
I worked as a Humana mobile nurse for about 5 yrs when Humana was around in the 80's and early 90's. Then, I went staff for a while. I moved to Dallas area and worked for Intellistaf for about a yr and since they had no additional contracts after my 3rd extension; went with Starmed...What a nightmare! I moved into their housing in Arlington and was there only about 3 wks (with a 5 yr old), when the hospital cancelled several contracts because they were overstaffed! They said that I had two days to move. I also was using a rental car provided by Starmed as my old car broke down-they took that back right away! I had a lawyer friend tell me not to move-that I had 30 days to vacate. In the meantime, Supplemental healthcare came to my rescue, supplied me with a new contract within 2 wks at Med Ctr of Arlington-Agood assignment. Friendly staff. I extended for almost a yr when they wanted me to take a contract in North Dallas at Medical City on a tele floor. They wanted me to move closer to the facility. So, I put my things in storage and the day I was moving, let my cats out of their cages to go potty at my babysitters house, and while trying to catch them to get back into their cages, stepped into a grass covered hole and fractured my ankle! Well, since this did not happen on the job-I not only lost my contract but, housing as well! (I did have a car by that time, thank God!) If I didn't know anyone in the area-my daughter and I would've probably ended up in a homeless shelter! I wasn't released from my Dr. for anything except light duty so, 4 months later got a job doing UR with Cigna insurance.
I am currently looking for a travel contract in N. Dallas area that provides housing-just found out my current landlord will be selling the house we're living in within about a month. I've been doing local contracts with a local perdiem company Advantage Nursing but, they don't have any benefits.

Any suggestions? Jane

i TOO HAVE A STORY TO TELL. I DID NOT KNOW THAT TRAVEL COMPANIES SUB CONTRACT WITH EACH OTHER. OH YES SISTER. THEY DO. I DID NOT FIND THIS OUT UNTIL I WAS IN ORIENTATION AT ST JOSEPHS HOSPITAL EUREKA, CALIFORNIA. THIS HOSPITAL TOLD MY RECRUITER THAT WOULD AVE TO CLOSE THE O R DOWN IF THEY DIDN'T GET SOME NURSES IN THERE. DURING MY INTERVIEW, WHICH WENT GREAT, I WAS ASKED IF I COULD GET THERE LIKE YESTERDAY. AS YOU CAN SEE THERE WAS CLEARLY A CRY FOR DESPERATION. DURING ORIENTATION, I FOUND OUT THAT INTELISTAFF HAD THE CONTRACT AT THIS HOSPITAL AND THEY COULDN'T FILL ALL THE POSITIONS SO THEY RESORTED TO OTHER COMPANIES LIKE MINE TO SUB CONTRACT WHICH MY COMPANY DIDN'T TELL ME ABOUT. BY THE WAY, MY COMPANY VALLEY HEALTHCARE SYSTEMS. I REPORTED TO WORK ORIENTATION JULY 10TH THROUGH JULY 14TH. MY NEXT WEEK STARTED ON JULY 17TH IN THE O R THROUGH JULY 21. ON THE FOLLOWING MONDAY JULY 24TH. MY RECRUITERS MANAGER CALLED ME SAYING THAT THE HOSPITAL WAS HAVING PROBLEMS WITH ME. THEY SAID THAT WHEN I WAS ON CALL THAT I COULDN'T FIND SUPPLIES TO SET UP AN ART LINE. I'M HERE TO TELL YOU THAT I WASN'T ON CALL THAT WEEKEND. THAT WOULD HAVE BEEN MY FIRST WEEKEND AFTER BEING IN THE O R IT WAS A LIE AND THE HOSPITAL STUCK TO IT. HE GOT AN EMAIL THAT CHANNELED DOWN THROUGH FOUR PEOPLE IN THE HOSPITAL. ON JULY 26TH THEY CALLED ME OFF FOR THE NEXT TWO DAYS. ON THE FOLLOWING MONDAY, MY RECRUITER CALLED ME AND TOLD ME THE HOSPITAL CANCELLED MY CONTRACT WITH NO QUESTIONS TO BE ASKED. MY FIRST DAY OF CALL WOULD HAVE BEEN AUGUST 20TH. I HAVE BEEN AN O R NURSE FOR TWENTY YEARS. I DID OPEN HEARTS FOR TEN YEARS. I AM A VERY EXPERIENCED O R NURSE. BOTTOM LINE, THI HOSPITAL GOT TOO MANY NURSES IN THERE AND WE WERE WALKING ON TOP OF ONE ANOTHER. WELL, WHO DO YOU THINK GOT CANCELLED? NOT INTELISTAFF NURSES BUT SUB CONTRACTED NURSES FROM OTHER COMPANIES. THEY WEREN'T MAKING AS MUCH MONEY OFF OF US ANYWAY AS THEIR OWN NURSES. I FOUND OUT THE DAY THAT I GOT INTO TOWN THAT ST JOSEPH HOSPITAL WAS IN FINANCIAL TROUBLE. SURE ENOUGH THE RUMORS WERE TRUE. IT WAS IN THE NEWSPAPER EVERY DAY. A COMPANY FROM NORTH CAROLINA WAS GOING TO BUY BUT THEY BACKED OUT AT THE LAST MINUTE. THE NURSES WERE IN THE STAGE OF NEGOTIATING AND VOTING TO STRIKE WHICH THEY DID AFTER I LEFT. ALSO ONE OF THE GENERAL SURGEONS WHO WAS THE MONEY MAKER FOR THE HOSPITAL GOT MAD AND MOVED HIS BUSINESS UP THE ROAD.

TMRORT wrote:Hi I am new to this site but wanted to comment on the travel companies out there.
I am fairly new to traveling but I have to say that my recruiter at Aureus Medical is great. Alex really works with me on finding the right assignments. He actually listens to what I say and remembers it too.( smile)
So if you want to continue or start traveling I would re--commend you give them a call.
1-800-856-5457 ext 2189
They work with RNs LVNs ORTs and many other health professionals

Also thanks for the heads up on Intellistaf

Hello,
I am also new to the site and checking things out. I almost signed with Intelistaff, but did not based on several factors. After much research and a few per diem contracts, I have decided on Aureus Medical Group for many great reasons. I feel well-respected as a professional nurse and human being. My recruiter, Kerrie, is awesome and is readily available for any concerns. She does a wonderful job keeping me informed and keeps my interests in heart when looking at assignments. Traveling with Aureus has been an exceptional experience and I had no idea that others have had such aweful experiences. Thanks for sharing these. Based on my experience, I would highly recommend Aureus.

Melanie77

The travel situation down in new orleans is a wreck waiting to happen,there shipping in nurses from India/ and guess what ,these nurses were docters back in India

I believe this topic has been discussed before. I believe legally they can not with hold your paycheck. They may be able to file a suit but they can't withhold pay due to you. From what I have read this is usually resoved by calling the labor board and filing a complaint and following up. Please copy and paste your post in the review section of companies. Let me know if you can't find it.

CJ website: Travel NurseToolbox :luck:

OK I have no contact with this company but have had my share of problems with various other companies. Suggestion for all travelers, have a PrePaid Legal Plan.

Through our Life Events Legal Plan SM, Pre-Paid Legal gives members access to professional legal counsel not only for traditional legal problems, but for everyday events where legal review should be routine, but rarely is. For Pre-Paid Legal members, access to legal counsel is only a toll-free phone call away.

So any problems with an agency, Call your provider law firm and you should have a response within 24-48 hours. Many agencies will back down particularly if they know that you have access to an Antorney and attorney may include the facility the agency palced you in any correspondance / action.

Call an Independent Associate 1-866-386-3024

Thank you for the warning... I have never traveled before and was just about to submit my application and resume to the Intelistaf branch in Andover,MA. I think I will look elsewhere after reading all of the posts. The information is valuable..

Does anyone know anything about American Mobile Healthcare? I have a recruiter that keeps calling me. Their approach is a little "aggressive" (multiple calls daily), so I am a little skeptical.

MedStaff is also another company I am looking into as well. Any info would be extemely helpful.

Salendrea-

nurses it is time to take action, how.
1. File a complaint with the labor commission in the city you worked in
2. Take them to small claims court
3. WE ALL CAN GET TOGETHER
And file a class action suit.
I didn't know how many nurses were experiencing this.
I my self have filed against On Assignment, in LA county
labor commission, the mtg is soon:mad:

Hi Guys,

If you are having problems with this company don't go there anymore it's not worth it. There's actually a lot of good small to mid size travel agency that pays good and would treat you like a family. If you are interested and looking for another travel assignment let me know. send me a message with your contact information and I will give you a call OR call me at 1-866-761-6091 and look for Mitchelle Carino.

Got an assignment with American mobile,
1. pay is low
2. They advertise move in ready apartments,
But don't tell you that there no dishes, pots,
Linens, blankets, towels, etc
3. They don't tell you hrs or not guaranteed
4. If you don't get all the hrs submitted that were
Worked, it is your problem
you get paid less then the full time staff

Thanks, everyone! I will definitely steer clear and refer my fellow travelers to this forum. These companies think they can do as they please because they have so much of a monopoly on the field, but news does travel fast; especially bad news. I have been done VERY dirty by Independent Nursing Services (their boss also called me a liar, in spite the fact that I had emails to prove otherwise) and another company whose name I have chosen to forget. Recruiter's name was Ted Maravelius or something like that. They cheated me on pay, travel and housing, not to mention sending me on a dangerous assignment. We all need to stick together and speak out against these crooks!

I have worked with Intelistaf as well before and had nothing but problems!!!! Everything from my pay to housing was messed up. That is a problem with these big compaines we work hard to make there money and they walk all over us. I have found a good company and I am staying with them. I don't feel like just another one of there nurses. I am treated with the respect that I deserve. Advantage RN has been a great company the whole time that I have been with them. They are about the only ones that I trust anymore!!!

everyone be sure to file a complaint with the State Labor Commission, when companies don't pay you or they steal money out of your last pay check. Don't think they won't lie to the commissioner, so have your documentation ready, check dates on all documents, they will even take bills to court that don't apply to you, (may be from other nurses). Be present at the hearing even if the papers say you don't have to be there. You must file where you worked or where the agency is headquartered. Remember they might give you ten reasons why they took the money out and when they see the commissioner they will use an 11th and forget the other 10.

I have never worked with intelistaff, but was considering it. After reading this forum, Ill pass.

HI To You All
I am new to this site. I have been a travel nurse for almost 4 years and spent a little over three years with InteliStaff/MSN.
Some of my assignments have been a living hell and the company has been for the most part supportive. My recruiter is the BEST!! However there is one account manager that is shall I say, "not a very nice person." Yes, I have had problems with payroll,at times the stories change about why my paycheck is wrong. You do have to be careful with your bonuses and travel pay. They at times seem to miss that and you don't get paid unless you ask.

On this web site are we able to mention hospitals names? I hope that we can casue there are a few that deserve good nurses. You are treated like dirt. I have been in nursing for over 31 years, a travel nurse for almost 4 years. I am to the point right now to say to "heck with travel nursing" and just work locally. I have had one contract cancelled and was told by the company that I have two days to vacate or I would be charged. My philosphy is to go where I can get payed more money. MSN/InteliStaf promises that they have the best assignments/pay/benefits. Thats a bunch of bull. Talk to your recruiter and just ask her. I've told mine that the locations have not gotten any better since MSN bought InteliStaf outand that this is false information. That's why I've worked for two other companies. MSA has told me that I could go to Texas and work ER there but who and the heck can afford to work for $25 an hour?

tessie wrote:I have been traveling for years, have been an ICU nurse for 25 years and was on my third assignment with Intelistaf. The first two had there problems but, eventually worked out. This assignment at St Thomas in Nashville was a nightmare. Dangerous assignments which I informed both hospital management and Intelistaf. I just became the ***** that complained. When you have three critical ill patients that all need me at the same time you better believe I complain. Most of us have been there with the traveler getting the worse assignments because we supposedly "make the big money" My assignment was ended by the hospital 3 weeks early. This has never happened to me before, I notify Intelistaf and am told I have 48 hours to get out of my apartment, with no place to go I still got out in the required time. When I get my pay for 36 hours I find $660.00 has been taken out for housing costs. When I called and finally spoke with the director in Dallas, Jennifier Stamp, I told her I really did not want to go thru the expense of an attorney. She said it was her decision to take the money and she was sticking to it. I told her I would let other travelers know of how a long term employee of Intelistaf (one year is a long time for travelers)is treated on the chat sites. She told me "I am not worried about the chat rooms we are a large company" So fellow travelers please, please be careful when a company thinks they are so big that they do not have to be concerned about nurses talking to nurses, that is a company to stay away from. I would be happy to go into all the details if anyone would like. I would also really love to hear from anyone that has had this happen before. I am not traveling anymore due to this experience. Do not let these huge companies that are making millions on our backs, get away with thinking we are of no concern and to be ignored. I am a professional critical care registered nurse.

I am real sorry to hear that this happened to you. I too work for MSN/InteliStaf. They tried charging me for housing after the hospital cancelled my contract and I told them NOW WAY IN HE**, they cancelled it and not me. They can charge you if you cancel however. My recruiter has been wonderful and I have told her many many times that she is the only reason that I am still with MSN/InteliStaff.

acutecarenp wrote:That was an odd response. I know that if I were involved with a company whic relies on referrals, as intellistaff does, I would be concerned!
My question is however, why were you told to vacate the apartment if it was the hospitals' decision to end the contract?
Surely, intelistaff has made some stipulation in their contracts to avoid such an occurrence!

You cans tay in the apartment but you will have to pay if you stay beyond two days.

Connie RN wrote:On this web site are we able to mention hospitals names?

YES! Please go to our reviews section & complete reviews of the hospitals you've worked at- you can let us know about places you've enjoyed working, and warn us about places to stay away from! :)

I just got off the phone with my recruiter from InteliStaf/MSN.
I will NEVER EVER travel with this company again. I had posted on this site that she is good. Boy was I ever wrong! ALL of the negative comments that were made on this site about this company are oh so true. My former recruiter( note I said former) sited company policies, my response was "Why was I never told?"
I will NEVER EVR refer anyone to that god awful company again. Yes when we read this site we need to make up our own mind. I am the type of nurse/person that checks things out. The travel companies interview you but I also interview them. How could I go so wrong? I traveled with them for over 3 years and not again. As Forest said in his movie, "Run Forest Run."

Yes, Connie, we allow you to mention hospitals. And as Amanda posted, there is a section for reviewing hospitals. Look on the top blue bar. :) Lots of things to look through, eh?

'That darn Cat'

MARTABEE wrote:I HAVE BEEN TRAVELING WITH INTELISTAF FOR A YEAR AND A HALF. I WAS WITH STARMED PRIOR TO THE AQUISITION FROM INTELISTAF. I HAVE TO SAY THAT I HAVE BEEN TREATED VERY WELL. IF I HAVE HAD A PROBLEM IT HAS BEEN RESOLVED VERY QUICKLY. I HAVE SUCCESSFULLY NEGOTIATED MORE PAY, MORE HOUSING ALLOWANCE. I WAS HURT ON THE JOB AND THERE WAS NEVER A QUESTION ABOUT THE BILL. IT WAS TAKEN CARE OF 100% BY THE COMPANY. I HAVE A GREAT RECRUITER. I THINK EVERY COMPANY WILL HAVE SOME PROBLEMS. THEY ARE A BUSINESS AFTERALL, BUT HOW THEY RESOLVE THE ISSUES YOU HAVE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE. SOMETIMES WE DON'T GET THE WHOLE PICTURE. LET'S FACE IT WE ARE BIASED TO OUR OWN ISSUES. DON'T WE ALWAYS THINK WE ARE RIGHT? PRETTY MUCH. I RECOMMEND INTELISTAF. THEY HAVE ALWAYS TREATED ME FAIRLY AND WELL. MY RECRUITER LISTENS AND GETS ANSWERS TO ANY QUESTION I HAVE. SOMETIMES WE MAKE OUR OWN MESS. THINK ABOUT WHY YOU TRAVEL. IF YOU HAVE WORKED FOR A HOSPITAL OR GROUP FOR AWHILE I AM SURE YOU CAN POINT OUT ALL THE FAULTS. AT LEAST WITH TRAVELING IF I DON'T LIKE A HOSPITAL I KNOW IT IS ONLY FOR A SHORT TIME AND I HAVE THE OPTION TO MOVE ON.
I'VE HEARD NEGATIVE THINGS ABOUT ALMOST ALL THE TRAVEL COMPANIES OUT THERE BUT THE CONSENSUS IS NO ONE OR NO COMPANY IS PERFECT. YOU FIND WHERE YOU HAVE THE BEST FIT. WHAT WORKS FOR YOU MAY NOT WORK FOR YOUR NEIGHBOR.

I SUGGEST ANYONE READING THE GOOD, BAD AND THE UGLY ABOUT ANY TRAVEL COMPANY, FORM THEIR OWN OPINION BASED ON FACT NOT ON SOMEONE ELSES OPINION. AFTERALL WE ARE ONLY GETTING ONE SIDE OF THE SITUATION IN THIS FORUM AND EXPERIENCE ALONE HAS TAUGHT US ALL THAT THERE ARE ALWAYS TWO SIDES TO THE ISSUES.

MARTABEE
You are correct on saying what you did about the company. BUT When there are problems, concerns, safety regarding how the hospital expects you to work in horrid conditions to the point where your license are at risk? Is it worth it, heck no. This happened to me at a hospital on the east coast. By the end of my contract, I had talked with corporate risk managementtwice and they told me not to accept care for any pts. that I couldn't safely take care of. Now what the heck do you think is going to happen when I told the hospital this and what the company had to say? If things were not good before it got to be real tough. I got loads of good experience there but in the end it just wasn't worth it. I am looking back at ALL the notes and emails that I have sent back and forth betwee the recruiter and myself and the writing was on the wall. As long as a nurse does not rock the boat they are real good.

I worked Local Agency for MSN (medical staffing network)and they were great,,,UNTIL they united with Intellistaff in Albany,NY
I could not work with them,very pushy, agressive,
I had to cancel twice due to wicked snow storms where the highways were closed and local roads impassable and they said
OH,if we find something closer would you go? Did not make any sense as the closet job was 25 miles away..DURING A HUGE STORM Did they not HEAR ME OR LOOK OUTSIDE.they hounded me and called me even though I let them know ahead of time I was not available.
Forget traveling with them... Never would..

file a complaint with the labor board where you worked or where intelistaff/msn has an office. Beware, they will present false paperwork to prove you owe the money like phone rent receipts. so always get signed documents everytime you vacate an apartment showing date and time you left. If they advertised "rent Paid" take that to your meeting at the labor board.

tessie wrote:I have been traveling for years, have been an ICU nurse for 25 years and was on my third assignment with Intelistaf. The first two had there problems but, eventually worked out. This assignment at St Thomas in Nashville was a nightmare. Dangerous assignments which I informed both hospital management and Intelistaf. I just became the ***** that complained. When you have three critical ill patients that all need me at the same time you better believe I complain. Most of us have been there with the traveler getting the worse assignments because we supposedly "make the big money" My assignment was ended by the hospital 3 weeks early. This has never happened to me before, I notify Intelistaf and am told I have 48 hours to get out of my apartment, with no place to go I still got out in the required time. When I get my pay for 36 hours I find $660.00 has been taken out for housing costs. When I called and finally spoke with the director in Dallas, Jennifier Stamp, I told her I really did not want to go thru the expense of an attorney. She said it was her decision to take the money and she was sticking to it. I told her I would let other travelers know of how a long term employee of Intelistaf (one year is a long time for travelers)is treated on the chat sites. She told me "I am not worried about the chat rooms we are a large company" So fellow travelers please, please be careful when a company thinks they are so big that they do not have to be concerned about nurses talking to nurses, that is a company to stay away from. I would be happy to go into all the details if anyone would like. I would also really love to hear from anyone that has had this happen before. I am not traveling anymore due to this experience. Do not let these huge companies that are making millions on our backs, get away with thinking we are of no concern and to be ignored. I am a professional critical care registered nurse.

Fendergirl wrote:I did all right with them for a few years, although there was one time I showed up for an assignment and no one at the hospital knew I was coming.

In 2005, I called them again and I guess business was bad, because the recruiter EXCESSIVELY pushy. I had just gotten the hospital in April and two weeks into the contract, she was pushing me to extend through Christmas! Her assistant started calling me three times a day, and they pestered the manager so much that she was complaining to me.

But none of that was nearly as bad as my experience with RN Network

This happened to me at a hospital in Wisconsin. I showed on teh day my contract said and was told by the hospital nurse recruiter that they didn't know I was coming. This happened at another hospital. BEWARE!

Well I am curretnly on a travel assignment on the east coast with another travel company. Talked with my husband a few hours ago when he proceded telling me that InteliStaff had sent me a letter saying that I owed them over $3000 and that I needed to start some type of payment plan within 14 days. The letter also stated due to unfortunate circumstance by myself. Well this is the hospital that cancelled my contract. They are trying to get me to pay $750 cancellation fee per contract and apartment fee's. They are the one's that told me I had to be out in 2 days. Now someone tell me how a company can try and charge me or a nurse these fee's when I did NOT cancel, the hospital did. I have talked with other nurses thta have had there contract cancelled by the hospital and they have never had this happen to them. Only InteliStaf will try and do this to you! BEWARE!

Well here I am writing on this web site again. I had a conversation with the hosuing coordinator from InteliStaf. They are trying to charge me $3,374.50 for the hospital cancelling my contract. It is so unbelievable what they are trying to do. The lady I talked with told me that the recruiter told me that I would get charged. I told her to schedule me for a lie detector and I will take it and pass it with flying colors. I told her that NO one ever told me that this would happen. Of course I requested a copy of the contract, housing and master agreement to read this for my self. Any help, comments, suggestions any of you can give me would be appreciated. I talked with my brother in law who is a president of his company regarding this. He give me some excellent ideas as to what to do if anything. Help !!!!! Of course I am going to fight this. I asked her why I didn';t get charged for a contract that was cancelled over a year ago and she couldn't answer that, she said that it must of slipped by them.

Sorry to hear that you have had a bad experience with Intelistaf/medical staffing network. My girlfriend and I have traveled with Intelistaf for two years and have had NO problems whatsoever! Our recruiter is Michelle B., and she has done good by us on any potential problems. She has been there as an advocate for us..but you have to remember that the most important thing as a traveler is to have everything spelled out in your contract! We had almost an identical problem with a company called BRIDGE STAFFING out of Mobile,AL. The hospital we worked for flat out lied about us to end our contract, and the company didn't want to investigate or even LISTEN to what we had to say! We had to pay back $2,500...and it will be real cold in hell before they get it!..All I can say is that your recruiter can make or break your experience..we have a great one..and have been pleased with Intelistaf.....Tom

Don't deal with them.........unless you like being kicked repeatedly!!!!!!!!!

Intelistaf-should be called Ignorant-shaft they are rude,they LIE,they send you to a job with a non-existant contract on the hospital's part , if you are working for them right now I can tell you if I am working at the same hospital next to you with the company's I work with, I'm making $10-$12 more an hour(with housing +)and no lies,deception and I don't ever have to fend for myself !My great recruiters make sure they take care of me.If you are a nurse know a nurse WARN THEM TO SHOP AWAY FROM INTELISTAF....

Connie RN wrote:Well I am curretnly on a travel assignment on the east coast with another travel company. Talked with my husband a few hours ago when he proceded telling me that InteliStaff had sent me a letter saying that I owed them over $3000 and that I needed to start some type of payment plan within 14 days. The letter also stated due to unfortunate circumstance by myself. Well this is the hospital that cancelled my contract. They are trying to get me to pay $750 cancellation fee per contract and apartment fee's. They are the one's that told me I had to be out in 2 days. Now someone tell me how a company can try and charge me or a nurse these fee's when I did NOT cancel, the hospital did. I have talked with other nurses thta have had there contract cancelled by the hospital and they have never had this happen to them. Only InteliStaf will try and do this to you! BEWARE!

1: I am not surprised only that they would even correspont with a spouse as they tend to think the spouse is unimportant!
2: Access nurses....are very similar
3: Fight them to the end....and keep warning every nurse you can!!!

Now, granted, I don't have a ton of experience, but I just had a fantastic interview with a facility through IntelliStaff, and I don't feel that there was anything unanswered.

Am I missing something here?

Lisa

Aaron C. wrote:all companies have bad apples. I'm not saying they are great, because I haven't worked with them, but it varies from recruiter to recruiter. Of course, feedback is always good. You might check out our reviews section for more feeback.

THERE ARE NONE SO BLIND AS THOSE WHO REFUSE TO SEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:bs:

nursesarah wrote:I must say, I am an ICU nurse who has traveled with Intelistaf, and had a terrible experience as well. I was told that my hours were "guaranteed" each week. In the 13 weeks of my assignment, I had about 10 shifts cancelled on me due to low census. I was not given the opportunity to make up the shifts. At that point, I still expected to be paid since the agency had guaranteed that I work 36 hours each week! I pay my bills based on working 36 hours each week, and my bank has no sympathy when I've only been able to work 24! I called Intelistaf, clearly upset, and they said that after reviewing the contract the agency had with the facility, the hospital was in fact able to cancel shifts-they would extend the contract weeks out at the end to make them up. I still had to be out of my housing on the original end date. Was I supposed to stick around in a hotel for three weeks? I was appalled at how Intelistaf handled this. It was their own negligence to not review this hospital's contract. The told me something that was very untrue and broke the contract agreement that I had signed with their agency, stating that I was guaranteed hours and would be paid for every single hour! The rates were awful anyhow! There is just nothing good I can say about Intelistaf. My recruiter was unfriendly and could have cared less about my situation. I would not reccommend Intelistaf to me worst enemy. I have since found an excellent travel company who treats me wonderfully. The recruiter is so pleasant! Once I signed my first contract I was not forgotten. If she has not heard from me in 2 weeks or so, she'll call to check in and see if there is anything she can do for me. I have top-notch housing and great pay. I've never had an issue with my paycheck, and I get paid every week.

They lie that they have a contract,lie about guaranteed hours then leave you high and dry.then if the hospital wants to hire you direct they fight to block it unless thsy are paid "finders" fee I think of it as blackmail money out of my end .

imatarb wrote:Now, granted, I don't have a ton of experience, but I just had a fantastic interview with a facility through IntelliStaff, and I don't feel that there was anything unanswered.

Am I missing something here?

Lisa

You probably would be the perfect target, I mean candidate for UN-Intelistaf ....remember Hindsight is 20-20....

I have to post a reply as my wife and myself have been travelers since 2005. We have been with only two companies and for the past3 years have been with Intelistaf.
We have seen a change with Intelistaf since its merger with Medical Staffing Network. Most of these changes, we believe are because the communications between the two companies is not reliable.
Intelistaf is based out of Dallas,TX. Our recruiter, Michelle Blackson has been AWESOME. Any problem we have had, and they have been few and minor, she has taken care of quickly and professionally! We have never had a problem with pay or benefits. While I agree it is alittle more difficult to manage to get your paystubs online, it is not terrible.
As travel nurses please be aware that you need to be flexible. You don't always get the worst assignments on your shift. You can, but we have worked at hospitals that worked well with travelers. DO YOUR HOMEWORK!
1) INVESTIGATE the hospital before you accept an assignment. If the level of care is above your abilities..DO NOT accept the assignment.
2) If you want certain things in your contract (float policy,OT,holidays,shifts) Then MAKE SURE THEY ARE IN THERE! Don't sign your contract until it is the way you want it!
3) Be flexible! If you can be, and not have everything written in stone, the hospitals will work with you.
4) If someone *****es that you make alot of money, remind them in a nice way that as a travel nurse you don't make as much as they think you do, plus you are constantly going into new environments,being expected to know everything, and are sacrificing being around friends,family and familiar surroundings to help THEM out!
PLEASE be aware that ALL travel companies are in the business to MAKE MONEY! If you have this realization ahead of time, work with them, they are ok. Choose your company carefully..We have been happy with Intelistaf, but all cases are different..I would love to hear from you..write to me

My experience with InteliStaff and my recruiter (Hunter S.) in particular has been fantastic. Every single question I've had has been answered in a timely manner. I've been in touch with them almost constantly. My orienyation was thorough and concise. I really don't have anything to complain about. I met a fellow traveler with InteliStaf on the floor last weekend, and she had only great things to say.

I'm sorry that people have had bad experiences, but like they say, there are bad apples in every bunch. I feel fortunate that I'm being taken care of so well.

I'll of course keep everyone posted as things progress...so far, so GREAT!

Thanks for the heads up!!! I plan to travel and would like to think that the travel company would support their nurse in a situation that is unsafe. I too am an experience ICU ( over 20 years ) nurse and wouldn't take that one laying down not protecting my license.

I have worked with Intelistaf Travel for almost 5 years and would not change. I have had no problems with getting paid or my guaranteed hours. If you are being called off that much then you needed to complain. I kept telling my recruiter what was going on and if there was anything else available. When there was I changed. To me MSN seems to be more of the problem since they merged with Intelistaf. I have worked for both with recent contracts.

The travel industry is a tough one now since the economy has turned. But it is looking brighter from what I have seen with current available contracts.