Check off these benefits of travel nursing

Nursing, Oct 2003 by Hinson-Smith, Vicki

travel

Learn how to profit from the typical (and not-so-typical) benefits offered by travel nursing agencies.

If you're a traveling nurse-or want to become oneyou're in a prime position to take advantage of what can only be called an enviable employment situation: The nursing shortage has health care facilities across the country scrambling for skilled professionals to ease their staffing load. That's why travel nurses are in such demand and why travel nursing agencies are so keen to recruit-and retain-qualified workers.

Of course, travel nursing offers immeasurable opportunities to nurses. On top of that, travel nursing agencies provide additional benefits in their efforts to draft and keep the professionals they contract with. (Case in point: One hospital offered a $5,000 bonus to travel nurses who were willing to work during the winter holidays, according to one travel nurse recruiter.)

Because benefits abound-and vary by agency, facility, and location-you'll want to know what's available. Here, representatives from several travel agencies share their expertise, giving you an overview of typical offerings and ways to reap their rewards.

Trip reimbursement

All agencies reimburse you for travel expenses-either from your home to your new assignment or from one assignment to the next. Some agencies pay a flat rate per mile up to a maximum amount; others offer a set travel allowance per assignment or will arrange custom travel reimbursement to meet your needs. At most agencies, you can choose from different travel packages, and some agencies will assist with mileage for home health care assignments.

Housing

All agencies provide housing (usually furnished), but the type and cost vary. Some agencies offer free housing if you share the space (typically a two-bedroom apartment) with a roommate. Other agencies provide free private housing (usually a one-bedroom apartment, which you might be able to upgrade to a larger one for a small fee). One agency provides free private housing on all 13-week travel assignments.

Generally, travel agencies are willing to tailor housing to meet your needs. For example, they'll help find lodging that will accommodate a spouse, young children, or even pets. They'll also help you find housing that meets disabled family members' needs. One agency actually has coordinators of pet-friendly housing who work to accommodate their needs.

If you want to make your own housing arrangements, ask about a housing subsidy. Most agencies offer this option, which can range from $400 to $1,800 a month, depending on your location. As an alternative to the above, some agencies let nurses negotiate a housing stipend based on their perceived needs matched against known housing costs in the area. Agencies typically pay utilities such as water, gas, or electric, but you're responsible for phone and cable bills.

An executive at one travel agency relates that their company may not always find a beachfront apartment with a first-class view, but it's committed to providing the safest, most comfortable, and most affordable private housing available to its travelers.

Insurance coverage

Travel agencies commonly provide complete nationwide insurance plans for travelers, including major medical coverage; dental plan with coverage for preventive treatments; vision plan covering reimbursement for eye exams, single lenses, and contact lenses; and prescription drug plans. Typically, nurses who don't need coverage can opt to take an insurance stipend. Dependent coverage is available for an additional fee.

Agencies also may provide life insurance, professional liability coverage, and workers' compensation at little or no cost to you.

One agency vice-president explained that traveling nurses, as independent contractors, really can find good insurance and can tailor the coverage to meet their requirements. Plus, the monthly premium payments are deductible as a business expense from the first dollar; there's no waiting to reach a percentage of income as employees must do. Another agency chief described traveling nurses as true employees; that agency pays not only insurance premiums and normal employer-related taxes, but also liability insurance and workers' compensation coverage.

Retirement planning

Most agencies offer 401(k) plans, and many have employer-matching provisions. For example, one agency matches 50 cents for every dollar you contribute up 10 a fixed percentage of your salary; another matches dollar for dollar up to a certain amount.

Check your agency's eligibility requirements: Some offer this benefit immediately; others have a waiting period. One agency recruiter explained that, if you're working as an independent contractor, you can contribute more to your retirement plan (that's pretax dollars) than those working as full-time employees are allowed by law. Not to mention that the retirement plan can go with you to any job or contract.

Bonuses

When you contract for an assignment (the typical length is 13 weeks), many agencies offer a sign-on bonus, and most offer completion bonuses when you finish each assignment. These bonuses may range from $500 to $5,000, depending on the length of your assignment. Usually, the longer you work, the more bonus money you can earn.