Hi All,
I am new here, first day on the site, and am looking forward to receiving some much needed information. I have been working for a medical staffing agency here in Iowa for the last year. I signed an initial 13 week contract for a hospital about 55 miles from my home.

They then offered, and I accepted, three extensions, so I have now been there a year. They just offered me a 26 week extension, which will take me to the end of the year. At that time, I want to travel somewhere farther afield, like California.

I have made some initial contact with several travel agencies, and am now inundated with emails, phone calls, voice mail messages, packets of information, etc. I don't have the faintest idea how to choose a company to go with. I don't know what questions to ask, I'm not even sure where to begin.

Can some of you experienced travelers give me some specific advice?

I have been reading up on the tax implications, and have already decided that I will have to have a pro (who is familiar with medical travelers) do my taxes next year. But I am so confused about the housing stipends, negotiating for a higher hourly wage, etc. I mean, always before, I have always taken what ever the hospital paid me, there just wasn't any room for negotiating.

Is there somewhere I can go to get all (or most) of the answers?

HELP......And thanks!!!!!

Kathy Warren (otherwise know as Helenthecat)
North Central Iowa