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How Do I Search For a Travel Nursing Job?

September 4, 2016 | By Conrad Lopez | Leave a Comment

37654753 - houses on cliffs above corona del mar state beach, seen from inspiration point, in corona del mar, california.

Travel Nursing Job Search

If yo’ve just begun looking for a travel nursing job, or are even considering travel nursing, it can be a daunting task to do some research.

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Each agency might have their own contracts with a particular facility and there are literally hundreds of different agencies. More than likely, though, the agency has contracts with one of the vendors who sign agreements with lots of different agencies. Confused?

What it really means is that a particular travel nursing job is very likely available from several different agencies. How do you find them?

In my business I have taken a different approach. I am Independent of the agencies and have contracts with several different ones and access to most of the major Vendors. What this means to a prospective travel nurse is that I can work closely with a nurse. I find out exactly what he or she is looking for and then do a national search with all of my various sources. Once we locate “the job” we want to target I can then approach the agency and negotiate a package of pay, benefits and tax free reimbursements. The agency/vendor is happy, the nurse is served well and has the added benefit of a professional representation. The agency pays my fee, by the way.

If you would like me to do a personal job search for you and give you an idea of just what is out there contact me using the form below. You will not be handed off to a staff member or an inexperienced recruiter. I do this service myself. I can only deal with a limited number of nurses so the sooner you get in touch, the better. I will NOT share your information.

How long do I commit to a travel nursing job?

January 30, 2016 | By Conrad Lopez | 2 Comments

Is there a length you have to commit for to be a travel nurse say if I only want to do it for 1 year? Kimberlytravel-nurses

Thanks for the question, Kimberly.

Travel nursing assignments are normally for a 13 week period, ( 3 months). Some of the travel nursing jobs are available because of a seasonal change in population, (think Florida), so the hospital doesn’t want to staff a permanent employee for that temporary need. More often though the travel nurse jobs are available because the hospital simply cannot find qualified personnel to fill a current need. Consequently, if they are happy with your work and you are happy with the job, you might very well be offered an extension. Extensions are usually for an additional 13 week period. You can maintain your legal status as a traveler, (along with the attendant tax advantages) taking up to 3 extensions in any one location. If you stay more than a year the IRS will likely deem you a local nurse and you will lose a lot of benefits.
Once you are about 4 weeks from the end of your assignment I would suggest you get in touch with your recruiter or your Advocate and begin discussing whether you want to extend or whether you would like to look at other assignments. You also may want to take a break and do some pleasure travel. Some of my nurses try to schedule a weeks vacation every 13 weeks!
The point is, the decision is yours.
TIP:.If you think you may want to take a traveling nurse job in a state other than the one you are currently working in it is a good idea to talk with your recruiter and work on the licensing early rather than wait until a job comes up you want to take but cannot due to licensing. Feel free to contact me for a free consultation on this. Some states take 3 days, some states take 3 months.
If you would like to have a personal conversation with me (Conrad) you can request it HERE.

Can I take a travel nursing jobs near home?

May 1, 2014 | By Conrad Lopez | Leave a Comment

Can you accept travel nursing jobs near your permanent residence? As I understand it, this is really a tax question and I certainly am not a tax professional.

Here is what I mean. One of the benefits of taking a travel nursing assignment is that the agency will generally provide you with either fully paid housing or a stipend. It is my understanding that you can receive this money or benefit tax free since you are required to live away from “home” for this job.

A lot of people say travel nursing jobs need to be 50 miles from home to qualify for this but I think that is a gray area, as I cannot find any mile requirement when looking it up in the tax code. You really need to ask your tax professional about this but I do think it is pretty clear that you cannot live in your normal permanent residence and receive that money tax free. The one I have checked with (who specializes in travel nurses) says the code basically says that if the job is far enough to need you to stay overnight.

I have had nurses who “commuted” to the job from their home base for 3×12 shifts and stayed in motorhomes or Extended Stay America facilities then headed home for the days off.

What about my pet?

April 16, 2012 | By Conrad Lopez | Leave a Comment

I get asked this quite often. “Can I bring my dog, cat (or?) on a travel nursing job assignment?

I used to discourage this. Getting housing that allowed a travel nurse to have a pet could be difficult.

It seems that time has mellowed the attitudes towards this though. More and more agencies will work with you and do whatever they can to find you housing that can allow your pet. This is especially true if you are a very qualified candidate for travel nursing and are applying for a job that is more difficult for the travel nursing agency to fill.

It’s just common sense.

As a pet owner, though, I would add this. Think about the pet. Is this an animal that is comfortable and happy being

Conrad and Bob Marley

Conrad and Bob Marley

without your companionship for long periods of time while you are working? Obviously larger dogs are less likely to be happy in an apartment/temp housing situation.d

Now that housing stipends are all the rage and you are arranging your own housing more often than not, it is easier to communicate directly with landlords and “room renters” about this. A lot of nurses rent out rooms to travel nurses and if they are pet owners they are much more likely to allow pets. I have a lot of thoughts on this so if we happen to have a private conversation ask me!

So think twice. Everyone’s situation is different.

As an aside, I once had two pet rats. They were the best! They loved their cage and even if I left the door open the had no interest in venturing out. They had wonderful personalities (I swear) and were great little companions. Not that I am saying every travel nurse who wants a pet should get a rat but………they will do pretty well when you are working those 10 hour shifts! Just a thought lol.

If you would like to talk persoanlly with one of the top travel nurse experts in the country just ask!

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