[ldrnc]

Hi,
I am in the "thinking about it" stage of travel nursing. However, my travel will be limited to local travel. I live in south FL and I'm a L&D RN. Has anyone done local travel and financially, is it worth it? I was leaning toward travel as a means of extra income rather than per diem at another hospital. That way, I don't have to be bound to another facility's orientations, staff meetings, holiday requirements, etc, etc. I don't want to give up my staff job just yet; maybe switch to part time. I know it's a lot of extra hours, but only for a short time until I decide if I want to make a big change. I've been at my hospital 8 1/2 years so it's hard think about starting over.

For you tax savvy professionals: I'm reading about tax advantage programs and per diem rates and I'm confused. As a local traveler obviously I won't be leaving home much. So, if I'm offered a subsidy for housing, am I going to get killed come tax time next year?

Lastly, I haven't contacted any agencies yet. I'm sure when I do I'll get promised the sun and the moon. Given that, what should I ask for, stay away from and what rate of pay is reasonable to expect? I've worked L&D for 10+ years and I'm certified in my specialty.

Thanks in advance your words of wisdom.

[l4bm]

I think your questions can be answered in this months travel nurse mag.

[traveltax]

Originally Posted by ldrnc

Hi,
I am in the "thinking about it" stage of travel nursing. However, my travel will be limited to local travel. I live in south FL and I'm a L&D RN. Has anyone done local travel and financially, is it worth it? I was leaning toward travel as a means of extra income rather than per diem at another hospital. That way, I don't have to be bound to another facility's orientations, staff meetings, holiday requirements, etc, etc. I don't want to give up my staff job just yet; maybe switch to part time. I know it's a lot of extra hours, but only for a short time until I decide if I want to make a big change. I've been at my hospital 8 1/2 years so it's hard think about starting over.

For you tax savvy professionals: I'm reading about tax advantage programs and per diem rates and I'm confused. As a local traveler obviously I won't be leaving home much. So, if I'm offered a subsidy for housing, am I going to get killed come tax time next year?

Lastly, I haven't contacted any agencies yet. I'm sure when I do I'll get promised the sun and the moon. Given that, what should I ask for, stay away from and what rate of pay is reasonable to expect? I've worked L&D for 10+ years and I'm certified in my specialty.

Thanks in advance your words of wisdom.

If you are a local traveler and returning home at the end of the shift, you are not entitled to tax free housing allowances. They are taxable supplemental wages - the company and you will split the employment taxes.

[HeyFraydo]

If you aren't living in a seperate temorary residence while on assignment any money given for housing should be taxed.May be better to have everything put into the pay rate and maybe a tax free insurance reimbursement and/or putting money in a tax deffered account like an IRA, 401K, 403B, HSA (Health Savings account).I like the Health Savings Account because I can take money out tax free for medical expenses but still get adjustment to income deduction for amounts I put in it. Must have a HSA qualified Health Insurance.I use BCBS and the premiums are much lower. See hasinsider.com for more info. You could get a small RV to sleep in while you are on assignment away from home to get the tax free housing money for days that you are "officially away from home".

CJ Travel Nurse Toolbox