[scooby101]

I'm currently traveling to make more money for the next year to two years. I'm trying to pay off some debt incurred due to my son having developmental problems (medical bills, testing, screenings, etc!) Anyway, I've got to get rid of debt and am on my way, but here is my question: what is the best way to do this? Should I keep on traveling and try to find the highest paying assignments, or look for high sign on bonuses for a year commitment? Does anyone or can anyone point me to hospitals that are paying a high sign on or unusually high pay? I've worked ICU, Open Heart CVICU, Med/Surg. Any suggestions welcomed. Thanks

[amberdouglas]

Hospitals that offer sign on bonuses include a commitment contract fior at least a year, sometimes more for you to get their bonus and then they split it up over succesful completion of parts of that contract. I.e., a 5000 dollar bonus, you get 1000 up front, 2000 after 1 year, and another 2000 after 2 years. NOT worth it. Traveling pays MUCH higher than staff nursing, but you have to go away from home. Myself, I am married and have a child, sso I get a blocked scheldule, work my 3 12s, stay in a hotel then come home for 4 days. Most travelers are single and just go whereever they get a contract or want to, I am limited to stay near home. But, I make in 1 week what I was making in 2 as a staff nurse. Most agencies offer first time travelr sign on bonuses, alot of contracts will include completion bonuses. And your pay is more based on your spciality. ICU nurses make alot more than med/surg nurses do. But hospiatls only want travelers that have recent experience, such as...say you did 5 years of ICU then did 3 years of peds and the peds was your recent 3 years of experience, you could not be marketed as an ICU nurse but you could be as a peds nurse.
Hope that helps some, I would say think about traveling if you can, its harder but much more rewarding. Oh yeah, and no staff meetings either.

[amberdouglas]

sorry, i didn't read your post very closely, you said you were already traveling!

[Kdog]

Are you taking the housing stipend?
That would give you more tax free money monthly. nurses do make out alot better that way

[HeyFraydo]

I can empathize as my wife has worked as DD case manager.

I would do all of the above. Always look for the best deal after you crunch the numbers.

Do like I do. Research and find the best companies and then the best recruiters from those companies and keep incontact with them.

Strategize places to go not just on the pay but the cost of living and other factors.

Learn about Tax Advantage if it applies to you and or other financial strategies to retain income.

Look in to Independent Contracting or subcontracting which is my next goal. This way you can make more of the profit.

Here is an excellent source on Independent contracting here.

Good Luck to you.

CJ www.TravelNurseToolbox.com