Kirk Said:

how do you become a independent contractor as a RN or start your own Travel nursing agency? ?

We Answered:

the scope of both are similar but different!!! as a independent contractor all you need is a written contract and remember you will be responsible for your own ss and 401ks!!! but as a company you best bet would be to write a business plan and then contact the local sba and ask for there assistance in getting loans or any other assistance!!

Tina Said:

How do you get into travel nursing? Is a staffing agency the best way to go or is there something else?

We Answered:

My sister in law found an agency in the back of an AJN. I think it is important to ask them about the assingments. How long they are and how many current openings they have. In this day and age, I can only imagine that the need for Rns is increasing. I think you will find more opportunities in long distance travel nursing. Good luck!!!!

June Said:

What travel nurse agencies pay top dollar and have the best benefits?

We Answered:

Keep your current position as prn for between travel assignments. This is for tax purposes and to save yourself the trouble. See Traveltax.com for more info.

Use Fastaff if you're in it for the money only. On my travel assignment adventures, I've heard enough about Fastaff nurses making well over $100k/yr. OnAssignment is another good one. You could sign up for 2 agencies to expand your options of travel assignment places. Best places that pay better are usually the big cities in CA, NV, TX, NY. States that start with the letter "M" tax more of your pay (TravelTax.com).

Large and small hospitals have different systems of reaching doctors, nurse patient ratio, receiving admissions, floating.. I noticed it is a lot safer to work in a large teaching hospital because of newer equipment, staff/ assistants/ management/ schedules /assignments are usually well organized, fairer, and less sketchy. It is very safe to start a first assignment in a large teaching hospital in my opinion.

Some small facilities in different states may offer a higher hourly pay then large facilities due to high needs. The Fastaff recruiter may send you weekly emails alerting you of this. Hourly pay is more important than bonuses because bonuses get taxed into nothingness.

I'm not too sure about the "hand-holding" part. It truly depends on your recruiter. She or he would walk you through the travel nursing paper work process. You're on your own professional practice once you start working.

Once you begin your assignment at the hospital, there is a one or two day preceptor walk-through orientation. Ask away. Where is the supply room? Where could I refer to the protocol for this or that? (Bring a note pad for thoughts, door codes, computer passwords, etc.) After orientation, you are on your own. This is the time to get to know the staff, or other travel nurses and you'll get help and know who to ask questions to until you are comfortable. Assignments are usually contracted for 8 or 13 weeks.

Diane Said:

What is the best travel nursing agency as far as benefits and signing bonuses?

We Answered:

the best is expediea.com

Thelma Said:

travel nursing?

We Answered:

Travel Nursing agencies mostly look for Registered Nurses with at least 2 years experience in your specialty etc. The only disadvantage of having an ASN is that some states will require that you upgrade to a BSN before you become Registered. I'm not sure if they pardon nurses who have several years experience. As a recent grad, some states will require a BSN before registering you.

Floyd Said:

Does anyone know of any travel nursing agencies that hire CNA's to travel as well??

We Answered:

Very doubtful as the traveling nurses go to places where there are a shortage of nurses......ie agency nurses. Plus traveling nurses get their apts. paid for and general living expenses. It would be too costly to hire aids to do this....plus aids are easier to hire than nurses. But, keep trying. You never know. You could go on and get your LPN. It would take about 14 months and you would be eligible for the traveling nurses.

Sherry Said:

I am interested in travel nursing! Can anyone give me the pros and cons of R.N.'s and travel agencies?

We Answered:

My husband is a traveling respiratory therapist. We have done this for the last 2 1/2 years. It has been a nice and fun way to travel and get paid for it. We were even in Hawaii for 4 months. I would say the pros would be not having to put up with the bs of hospial politics, you have a say in the contract in regards to your days and shifts worked, $$ is more and they pay for housing, food, and travel. The cons are it can be lonely being somewhere for months without knowing many people, not seeing your family and friends, health insurance you have only when on assignment, housing may not be up to standards. It has been an experience, but we are ready to quit now. Hope this helps.