So many questions; don't know what label to use for this thread

Hi,
I am in the "thinking about it" stage of travel nursing. However, my travel will be limited to local travel. I live in south FL and I'm a L&D RN. Has anyone done local travel and financially, is it worth it? I was leaning toward travel as a means of extra income rather than per diem at another hospital. That way, I don't have to be bound to another facility's orientations, staff meetings, holiday requirements, etc, etc. I don't want to give up my staff job just yet; maybe switch to part time. I know it's a lot of extra hours, but only for a short time until I decide if I want to make a big change. I've been at my hospital 8 1/2 years so it's hard think about starting over.

For you tax savvy professionals: I'm reading about tax advantage programs and per diem rates and I'm confused. As a local traveler obviously I won't be leaving home much. So, if I'm offered a subsidy for housing, am I going to get killed come tax time next year?

Lastly, I haven't contacted any agencies yet. I'm sure when I do I'll get promised the sun and the moon. Given that, what should I ask for, stay away from and what rate of pay is reasonable to expect? I've worked L&D for 10+ years and I'm certified in my specialty.

Thanks in advance your words of wisdom.

I think your questions can be answered in this months travel nurse mag.

If you aren't living in a seperate temorary residence while on assignment any money given for housing should be taxed.May be better to have everything put into the pay rate and maybe a tax free insurance reimbursement and/or putting money in a tax deffered account like an IRA, 401K, 403B, HSA (Health Savings account).I like the Health Savings Account because I can take money out tax free for medical expenses but still get adjustment to income deduction for amounts I put in it. Must have a HSA qualified Health Insurance.I use BCBS and the premiums are much lower. See hasinsider.com for more info. You could get a small RV to sleep in while you are on assignment away from home to get the tax free housing money for days that you are "officially away from home".

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