[dwyeraj3294]

Need Help understanding pay rate... I'm new to travel nursing and need it drawn out for me

I've read where the pay offered for Alaska was $35/hr. I also went onto salary.com and figured out the 50th percentile pay rate for RNs in Fairbanks Alaska is $35.80.

I am wondering about the housing, etc. Are you paid exactly the $35 and then housing is taken out? or are you paid $35 and you are not responsible for the cost of the apt. (I understand about you pay $ if you call in sick)

Even after my research, I am having difficulty understanding how to figure how much I'll be making. There seems to be NUMEROUS variables thrown into play.

Anyone have any easy ideas or ways to help me?

Much thanks in advance!
DW[/color][/size][/font]

[AmandaWIRN]

You need to check with your travel company- some will quote you one hourly rate, but then fail to mention that your housing or other benefits come out of it. With other companies (like mine), the hourly rate you are given is actually what you make, and benefits & housing are in ADDITION to your hourly rate. I personally will not travel with any company that quotes a rate but then plans on taking housing out of that. I think it's dishonest & shady- a way to lure nurses in by making us think we'll be paid this great wage. I prefer for a company to be straightforward with me.

[onetraveler]

Originally Posted by dwyeraj3294

Need Help understanding pay rate... I'm new to travel nursing and need it drawn out for me

I've read where the pay offered for Alaska was $35/hr. I also went onto salary.com and figured out the 50th percentile pay rate for RNs in Fairbanks Alaska is $35.80.

I am wondering about the housing, etc. Are you paid exactly the $35 and then housing is taken out? or are you paid $35 and you are not responsible for the cost of the apt. (I understand about you pay $ if you call in sick)

Even after my research, I am having difficulty understanding how to figure how much I'll be making. There seems to be NUMEROUS variables thrown into play.

Anyone have any easy ideas or ways to help me?

Much thanks in advance!
DW[/color][/size][/font]

Unfortunately, travel nurses can and do make less than staff some places. Most California nurses make up in the $50 range now with unions and all. So most travel nurses make less than that. But if the TN comes from a low paying state $35 an hour is good money.

Alaska is one of those states where you might also make less money because it is a desirable place. Especially in the summer. Many TN's want to get out of the cold and don't go to Alaska in the winter. Now I bet you can make more than $35 in the winter in Alaska. I don't really know.

IMHO no RN in this country should make less than $35 ANYWHERE.

And yes your wage should be a given. And then your housing figured seperately. Also don't let people tell you to look at the whole package to see which assignment is better. You have to have a place to live every time you travel unless you are living with friends or relatives and then you still should get a housing stipend.

[dwyeraj3294]

Thank you! Thank you!

I was beginning to think I was losing my mind with "looking at the whole package!"

I will keep looking at many posts on this site for more wisdom...

Thanks again,
DW