New to Travel

Posts: 1 · Joined: 19 Jul 2008 Posts: 1 Location: Miami

Hi--After a year of ICU in Chicago I moved to Miami and started a travel nursing job. My agency is Medical Express. Looking through the forum I couldn't find any reviews/opinions of this company. Anyone have any thoughts? They seem great so far.

I work nights at Jackson Memorial's MICU. The nurses there are incredibly nice and welcoming. I feel very lucky. I was afraid they would eat me alive. I feel more like staff than a temporary employee.

A few questions: Through my agency I get $32/hr plus housing stipend and health insurance. Is it normal not to be given a weekend differential? Do agencies usually do one flat rate? I am working a lot of weekends and don't want to be robbed of any hard earned money. Are agencies generally hard to negotiate with? I want to extend my contract, but would like to get the weekend differential with this next time around.

Sometimes I think I should just shut up and be thankful I am getting what I am which is more than what I am used to.

Thankful for the forum and any advice!!!

Posts: 23 · Joined: 23 Jun 2008 Posts: 23 Location: Seattle, WA

I am on my second travel assignment with Innovative Placements. NO, as a traveler, you usually don't get any differential. Yes you can ask for more money. I work with a guy who is very experienced and even owns his own agency. He says to make sure your housing stipend is NOT taxed......you'll make more money that way; also, his advice is to sign up with several agencies, so you can be sure to get what you want. Don't be afraid to demand what you want. Sure, you need to be flexible in some things, but don't get screwed. Look out for yourself.