Practical advice for perioperative travel nurses

AORN Journal,  Oct, 2002  by Cindy L. Brumley

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Requested days off, including weekends or holidays, should be specified in the contract, and it is important to determine whether this will extend the length of the contract. The contract also should specify whether work hours are guaranteed. Some contracts have a clause allowing the hospital to send the nurse to another floor or send him or her home early. This may necessitate that required hours be made up. In some contracts, the hospital must pay for a specified number of hours, regardless of the number worked. Rates of pay for hourly, overtime, call, and holiday shifts should be specified. The nurse should not sign the contract unless he or she agrees to the terms.

PREPARING FOR AN ASSIGNMENT

There are many loose ends to tie up in preparing for a travel assignment, especially if this is the nurse's first contract. Home owners will need to decide who will care for their property while they are away. Travelers who enjoy the experience enough to continue traveling may decide to rent or sell their homes. Hiring a trustworthy realtor can alleviate some of the stresses associated with long distance selling or renting. Pet owners also may need to make caretaker decisions. Some apartments will allow a four-legged companion, and some will not.

Having an accident on the way to an assignment is not the best time to learn about poor health insurance coverage. Nurses should check their policies to determine whether additional or better coverage is needed. Some plans will not provide coverage in other states. Nurses should get new glasses or contact lenses, if needed, and have an ample supply of prescription medications to last until they are settled. Continuity of on-the-road health care can be ensured by obtaining a copy of medical records.

It is important to have several pay stubs, a copy of a tax return from the last year, and bank statements for the past three months. This documentation may be vital for obtaining a car loan. Banking with a national institution that has online service is very helpful for checking direct deposits and debits and for other special banking needs. There are a number of businesses that will not accept out-of-state checks, so having a credit card, debit card, or automated teller machine card for cash is a necessary convenience. Vehicle preparation should include carrying current registration, tags, inspection sticker, and proof of insurance.

Communication with the recruiter, the hospital, family, and friends, as well as business contacts, is vital to the traveler. Cellular telephones are a necessity. Laptop computers are far superior to desktop computers for travelers. They offer the same choices of memory, power, and versatility combined with portability. Using an Internet service provider that has nationwide access numbers also is helpful.

Handling mail varies with travelers' needs. Most travelers have their mail forwarded by friends, realtors, or a mail service. According to the IRS, a traveler must maintain a permanent home address. Not doing so will result in forfeiting valuable tax breaks. Some travelers set up a new address for each location, resulting in itinerant worker status. (10)