northern virginia-pay rate INOVA

[smarty]

I am considering traveling to northern Virginia. The travel company I contacted said that they could get me a contract for 23.00/hour. This seems incredibly low to me! (it does include benefits). Does/has anyone worked in this area recently? I am very disappointed in the pay rate, especially considering the cost of living there. I am going to get my own housing , by the way. The subsidy they are going to give me is peanuts, I guess they would have put me in a dump if I had gone with their housing. Do travel contracts typically not pay differentials?

[justatraveler]

Originally Posted by smarty

I am considering traveling to northern Virginia. The travel company I contacted said that they could get me a contract for 23.00/hour. This seems incredibly low to me! (it does include benefits). Does/has anyone worked in this area recently? I am very disappointed in the pay rate, especially considering the cost of living there. I am going to get my own housing , by the way. The subsidy they are going to give me is peanuts, I guess they would have put me in a dump if I had gone with their housing. Do travel contracts typically not pay differentials?

$23.00 is too low:frustrated: Please don't settle for that pay rate. When you do it hurts every other travel nurse who might like to go there.

I'm always paid charge $1-2 but never diffs. OT after 40. No blended rate.

Do you absolutely have to go to N. VA?????

[smarty77]

I am actually relocating there because I am from MD. and my boyfriend lives in NOVA. Right now I am about 2-3 hours away from him and my family. So, I wanted to take a short term assignment to transition there. I def. do NOT want to work (directly) for a hospital ever, ever again. So, I thought traveling might be a good way to move. Plus, the company I chose I worked for about 5 years ago in MD as a per diem nurse. They paid really well in Baltimore! And I had benefits. I just can't believe the pay is so low, it is insulting! Is it the travel co, or is it INOVA????? I wish I could find a nurse who is/has traveled there recently, maybe it is my company. Can you just call a travel company and ask what there rates are, or is that not cool?? Thanks for your info.

[travrn13]

Just wanted to let you know that I've been a travel RN in Northern VA for almost 3 years now... Not sure what company quoted you the $23/hr - but that is what a lot of us have been making... What they maybe didn't tell you is that the combined housing stipend and 'per-diem' stipend (both tax free) are a total of $3500 per month, which compensates for the low hourly rates. There have also been a lot of completion bonuses dished out lately in the District, ranging from $4000 to $6000 (before taxes). I'm sure there are probably better offers out there, but the tax-free stipends are enough to cover my ridiculously high rent and living expenses...

[justatraveler]

Originally Posted by travrn13

Just wanted to let you know that I've been a travel RN in Northern VA for almost 3 years now... Not sure what company quoted you the $23/hr - but that is what a lot of us have been making... What they maybe didn't tell you is that the combined housing stipend and 'per-diem' stipend (both tax free) are a total of $3500 per month, which compensates for the low hourly rates. There have also been a lot of completion bonuses dished out lately in the District, ranging from $4000 to $6000 (before taxes). I'm sure there are probably better offers out there, but the tax-free stipends are enough to cover my ridiculously high rent and living expenses...

IF you've been traveling in one area for almost 3 years you are not considered a traveler any more and you should be paying taxes on all of your money.

Many are making $35 in that area with housing so $23 is highway robbery.

I'd put on my walking shoes if it were me.

[smarty77]

Thanks for everyone's input...I have decided that 23/hour is just to darn low! I am going to take a per diem position temporarily to make extra cash. By the way, not sure what "tax free per diem stipend" is? They did offer me a subsidy for housing...I believe it really isn't "tax free", as I will have to pay for it next year in my taxes. It just doesn't seem worth it! Thanks, guys!!!!