Is this a good Travel Nurse Contract? A Behind the Scenes Look

[@JeanineDuperron]

As a Sr. Travel RN Recruiter, I thank you SO much for breaking this down! I say all the same things, because it's the truth! And it's nice to hear a Traveler that is truly informed on how things work. I have a "breakdown chart" to help compare any/all pay packages too! This is helpful, thank you, thank you, thank you again! Keep up the good work!

[@nursepolymath8789]

You got me over here about to leap like a frog into travel nursing.

[@NoOrdinaryPath]

Haha! Do it!

[@mysticzyoga]

Hello from Phoenix! On my first travel nurse assignment now. My first non traveler, travel assignment was 2.5 years in the Mojave desert in California. I dry docked in a tiny trailer. I'm so glad to finally be in the traveler nursing category. Thank you for your videos and information. P.s. I live near Del Webb and that ward my last "home hospital" a year ago.

[@adamkittok]

I'm a LTC LPN and so is my wife. 4 weeks til the end of our first assignment. Its been a learning experience. I don't see myself going back to a staff job any time soon though

[@dgiles3064]

I'm a LTC RN. How are the nurse patient ratios? That's my main concern.

[@adamkittok]

@@dgiles3064 right now I'm at about 25/33 clients to me. 1cna to 10clients. 3 nurses on duty in the evening at this facility. It varies from assignment to assignment.

[@dgiles3064]

@@adamkittok Typical of LTC. Thanks for responding.

[@porschebrockington6209]

What agency? I’m an LPN 23 years now and want to travel next year.

[@adamkittok]

@@porschebrockington6209 I'm with Fusion. They have treated us pretty good. Ive been all over the country since I first made this post :)

[@KookinHaole]

Bless you John!

[@bethpope3479]

I totally love your travel nurse videos. I learn so much.

[@dothmynugs]

I work for Atlas Medstaff as an RT. They have been very good to me, even paid for me to go see a Tool concert as a treat for myself. Never got anything like that working full time at hospitals for the past decade. I'll never go back FT to any hospital system ever again.

[@cl1069]

This is the dream job that i always wanted. perfect life style that i wana live. Working on my bsn now, cant wait to be a travel nurse

[@cherylhodges8584]

Start my first contract assignment 8/22/23! You peaked my interest a few years ago, but I’m finally doing it! It’ll be the first time since 2008! Lot’s of life and a divorce happened in between, but that’s okay. Thanks John!

[@NoOrdinaryPath]

Yay! We are so excited for your new adventure. I'm sorry to hear of the things between. This is a great new start in your journey. Where to first? If you need anything, don't hesitate to shoot us an email. 🥰 [e-mail]

[@Katherine_Ann]

John, I watched some of your videos before my first travel nursing contract. It really helped, thanks so much for the insight!

[@terrim.602]

I really appreciate you and your family for sharing the details of travel nursing and family life. You are very generous of your time! Thank you so much!! God Bless!

[@ryanvaughan7706]

John- I always enjoy when travelers dive into the details. Thank you for demystifying! Totally agree Kay has a ton of great information out there. So, highly recommend folks checking her sites out. Enjoy making the money and memories!

[@karenandrade9921]

Love watching this very educational and informative videos! Does Atlas do CNA contracts too?

[@robbiemarshall5328]

Hey Guys we are planning on Traveling in March actually with Atlas. I’m and ICU/NICU NURSE AND MY WIFE IS L/D and PACU We have 30 and 28 years respectfully. I do feel inspired and more comfortable even after the first video. We are also going to use an RV as our house. We are super excited. March 2024 is our launch date.

[@NoOrdinaryPath]

That is wonderful! How exciting. 🥰 March will be here before you know it. I'm so glad you chose Atlas. Do you already have a recruiter? If not we'd love to help you.

[@robbiemarshall5328]

@@NoOrdinaryPath We have a recruiter from Charleston SC her name is Sara Rost. We have been in contact with her for about a year. It took us a while to get everything in order

[@robbiemarshall5328]

I’m going to look through all of the videos I can. And probably take you up on your offer to email you directly with some particular questions about RV resorts/camping facilities in certain places. I keep hearing that the prices are going up slightly. But I don’t really see much change. But our WHY is like yours. The Adventure and the want to see the country. But still make a decent living.

[@baileypriestess4886]

This really helped answer alot of questions for me! Haven't finished school yet but I'm hoping to do travel when I'm done 🙏

[@NoOrdinaryPath]

Good luck Taylor!

[@tairix3616]

You are doing what I had imagined doing already lol truck, camper, not having home and travel nurse. I’m still debating and I’m in nursing school now

[@galoda3440]

I am a travel ct/xray tech. My first job i made $2500 take home weekly! Thats after taxes and insurance. I made ot at a rate of $75/hr. There were some weeks i took home over $4,000!

[@NoOrdinaryPath]

Nice!

[@echandler673]

Great info, I am a travelling Histology tech and I just learned something new-Thank you!

[@kloatlanta]

As one of the few staff nurses left in a hospital overrun with agency nurses, I wonder when the bubble will burst. Most are quitting their staff jobs and just driving an hour daily to their contract site.

[@matthewwhitt9398]

I think crisis nursing will diminish as COVID comes to a close but travel nursing itself will remain, especially for specialties such as ER or ICU.

[@garymosley2923]

They’ll eventually have to start paying staff nurses more

[@jbb729]

@@garymosley2923 they began giving nurses an upfront 30000 bonus to the veteran staff nurses because it got so bad keeping staff lol.

[@cxh1225]

And those nurses are the ones that, in fact, aren't duplicating expenses. They may get a hotel a couple nights a week but that's not qualifying them for the full week of stipends they're most certainly taking. They don't think it's ever gonna happen to them, but they're gonna have a rude awakening when they get audited and have to pay back nearly, if not all of those stipends with interest and penalties.

[@jdbuscemi8181]

LoL!!! I'm a personal trainer!!! Stumbled across your video!!! What a Great Idea!!!! Love the outside the box thinking!!!! Good Luck 🤞

[@lifererouted]

Just now realized you guys were in Phoenix! We've been on assignment here since December, maybe we'll run into each other!!

[@Katie-vy5rd]

Hey there, im looking to search Phoenix for next assignment.. in next few days ! To get out of freezing Idaho.. do you have any recommendations? I have only travelled once it was to Oregon for a corrections gig.. which I did not mind at all. So when I ask for recommendations I'm thinking particular agency or areas if town or even particularl jobs/ assignments... im an RN BSN... thanks in advance!!

[@lovetoshare1979]

Hello John, wow this is great. Thank you for sharing this amazing video.

[@NoOrdinaryPath]

Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for watching

[@NurseHowie]

This was so useful! Not just a brag travel nurse video. Chock full of yummy info. I wish I knew about it a year ago! Found this video driving to my next nightmare assignment lol. Definitely subscribing to you

[@NoOrdinaryPath]

Haha, thanks Howie! I hope this next assignment goes better. Just sleep well stuffing your pillow with them bills!!

[@Sheniy]

Love how you broke it down❤️ thanx!!!

[@brianleonard1639]

Thank you for presenting such valuable information! This was a great kick start for travel nursing.

[@NoOrdinaryPath]

We're glad you found it helpful 😊

[@jenniferscheg2774]

I'm a newbie and absolutely love these videos. Thank you!!

[@meadowbrookguideservice8359]

Thank you for sharing such great information. I am considering travel nursing in the future. Will contact Atlas for sure.

[@NoOrdinaryPath]

Wonderful! Atlas is a great place to start (and stay 😀)

[@mimi_mprmimiosa8444]

Your son is adorable 🥰

[@NoOrdinaryPath]

Thanks. We agree! 😀

[@NursingOurTravelBug]

Great info for folks new to the business!

[@bethdeason5002]

I’d love to talk with you directly. I’ve been traveling almost ten years. I have great info to share.

[@florencekimotho887]

Hello does your agency do LTC for LVN's?

[@nursetotal2032]

Congratulations on the video for everything you said, I have been going through this here in Brazil, wanting very much to work on my own to be an entrepreneur. But here it is very difficult for nurses to be ashamed, but I know that I have the potential to make my own salary just to know how, I will take your tips and try to adapt here in Brazil. I want to be a travel nurse.

[@annagrace4226]

Have you ever heard of travel behavior health specialist or travel STNA positions? Does that even exist? Lol. And thank you so much for taking the time to make these videos. I’m a new subbie!

[@NoOrdinaryPath]

Welcome to our channel! I'm not sure (Kristin here) but I'll see if John knows. :)

[@alfredasinclair1277]

Thank you.

[@pattysmith5547]

Thanks for the info! I'm concerned about housing costs. We don't own a trailer so idk how that'll work. Are stipends paid weekly? Do you get their health insurance?

[@NoOrdinaryPath]

Stipends are paid weekly. Lots of people make rentals work for them. We have always felt like it would more expensive, especially with a family so we leaned toward RV but someday we'd like to try a contract out that you can't take an RV to and then we'll be in the same boat. We do not get health insurance through the agency. Instead we utilize a healthshare program.

[@sunshinesunflowerz1647]

Thank you John!

[@NoOrdinaryPath]

Sure thing!

[@SamianHQuazi]

On my travel contract, if it lists the nontaxable things like Meals & Incidentals and Lodging Allowance, will my paychecks automatically show them as nontaxable and will they be paid out as such? My travel agency sent me the W-4 to fill out and I'm petrified that if I don't somehow figure out how to list those things as nontaxable on there, I'm going to get screwed over and my paychecks are going to end up taxing the nontaxable stuff.

[@isabeljaquez1917]

I thought I heard in one of your videos that you have one on reviews of different hospitals? I just signed my first contract to work as a Case Manager at University of New Mexico Hospital in Albuquerque! Any thoughts on that? Have you ever worked there?

[@NoOrdinaryPath]

I've not worked there before, you'll have to let us know how it is! You can find the hospital review playlist here. We add to it whenever I go to a new hospital: kzbin.info/aero/PLJVSWC72Gew9G6Wnod1dqwYxH4ArEb4v7&si=Wn7y53jH1KJgOXxj

[@manaadair3146]

can you talk about taxes, what do I need to know.

[@joulibrown9174]

Hi. How much was your trailer? Did you research buying a RV verses a trailer and what's the price difference? I would love rent one the RV America ones but I'm not sure how expensive it would be for a 13 month contract etc. Did you explore other housing options as a travel nurse?

[@brittanyrussell4632]

Great video! Thanks for all the beneficial information! Please keep on making these types of videos!

[@NoOrdinaryPath]

Will do! Thanks for watching!

[@michaelh2716]

John, Really enjoyed your video! But I do have some questions regarding the "True Costs" of being a Travel Nurse. With the "Stipend money" of $600/wk for housing, how much is paid out on a monthly basis? On the $200/wk money you receive, how much did do you pay for food? And lastly, of the $26,520 for 13wks, how much "Net Pay' did you make after taxes and expenses?

[@NoOrdinaryPath]

Hey Michael, shoot me an email over at [e-mail] and I'll be happy to answer. Give me a week or so to reasons since we're traveling currently. Thanks!

[@Youneverknow100]

You should look into setting up your own EIN and making your own "staffing agency" ..so you can cut the middle man out and take that full bill rate

[@n1uno1965]

Great info! 👍🏻

[@ellaignatovich9793]

What do you use as an address since you have a trailer? A friends or relatives address?

[@NoOrdinaryPath]

We use our tax home address which is John's folks house in KS for some things but we also set up a UPS box at each location for three months.

[@williep1626]

An Angel crisis nurse on the floor makes $7k/wk, and in the ICU makes $10k/wk. That's not typical agency rates but even post pandemic, rates are back to joke level $2 to 3k a week.

[@NoOrdinaryPath]

There's a difference between crisis pay and typical travel nurse pay. Crisis jobs are far and few between and toy might be surprised at some of the ridiculous rules they must abide by to keep their contracts.

[@shikb]

Q: do you find it hard to find an RV park spot?

[@NoOrdinaryPath]

We have not. I know a lot of people are saying they are hard to find right now. We haven't run into that much but we favor the West. I'm sure it's different on the East side of the country or so I've heard. We do a lot of boondocking. But it's a good idea to check the area you're looking for a contract before heading that way to make sure there will be a place to stay. Two times we've had a more difficult time were Seattle and Ashville. Both times we found a family that space on their land and we paid them or helped out to stay with them.

[@analyzeandeducate]

Opportunities overseas?

[@NoOrdinaryPath]

We've considered it but haven't done a lot of research. Seems a bad time with the virus. But perhaps in the future.

[@analyzeandeducate]

@@NoOrdinaryPath if you have leads please share. I've worked as an overseas security contractor and know of a few but still am searching for an actual end all be all source.

[@lorilamarche1062]

I am new to travel nursing, on my second assignment, first assignment didn’t last long I was terminated for BS reasons, on my second assignment now and things are going well, I am not happy with my recruiter and I really not happy with the company. How do you pick a good company and a good recruiter when your texting back and forth

[@NoOrdinaryPath]

I am really sorry you've not had a great experience with recruiters yet. Sometimes it's just about finding someone you work well with. I'd be happy to help find your next contract. I (Kristin) have started with Altas Medstaff and I'm really enjoying helping nurses navigate this market right now. Send me your contact info here and I'll reach out to you. Www.noordinarypath.com/travelnursejobs/

[@kiltedoverland4551]

Do airBnB type properties work for travel nurses? I have a home very close to two hospitals and have been looking into setting up a short term rental space for travel medical pros or long term or intermittent patient housing (e.g., cancer treatment recovery for patient and support folks) in my home. I see you are self contained in the RV, but wonder if this mode would be appealing to others....

[@chelseavasquez322]

How long do you have to work as a staff nurse before you can work as a travel nurse?

[@NoOrdinaryPath]

I would suggest 2 years first to get to know your practice and role but you can apply after just a year of experience.

[@mistyjewwel5081]

How soon should I contact a nurse recruiter?

[@NoOrdinaryPath]

That depends on how soon you want to start traveling. I would suggest at the very least 4 weeks before your desired start date but in truth 8 weeks might be better. Email me at [e-mail] if you want my recruiter's contact info. I'd be happy to pass it along and she's easy to talk to even if you just have questions.

[@rubyrueben3339]

Thanks for another important video. I have a quick question - does having an ADN hinder your chances for getting a contract, as opposed to someone who has a BSN? Thank you! Take care - stay safe.

[@hongyang3620]

ADN vs BSN is not a problem. The old saying, "beggars cannot be choosy." The important question is getting your certifications: ACLS, BLS, PALS, etc

[@ms.penguin6252]

I want to convince the man I love to follow me. I know it's weird for him but it's a year of travel. I'm also considering regional travel. I can drive 2 hours away from me. I don't mind.

[@biancafigueroa9401]

When you are looking for travel nurse agencies..Do the agencies have to be located within your state or can you contact an agency outside the state you live in?

[@NoOrdinaryPath]

Not at all. Atlas is based out of Omaha, NE! Some agencies do only work with specific states though so make sure to ask. Good luck!

[@torij1649]

great info...do you all have a tax home. We are trying to decide as we move forward to the travel nurse thing if it is that much worth it to worry about a house..pros cons? Thanks

[@NoOrdinaryPath]

We do have a tax home and it's worth doing for the tax free stipends. The tax home does not need to be a house however; we rent for ours. Check out Traveltax.com for more info though.

[@torij1649]

@@NoOrdinaryPath also when getting into rv travel fulltime whats your alls take on learning all things rv first or how to start!! Do we need to relax and see what we choose before learning all the task and upkeep of rvs or beforehand..im a super planner and want to learn all info usually so just wondering where to start etc! Also any suggestions on if a travel trailer would be a good option or just 5th wheels! Sorry were so excited but also just have sooo many questions🤗🥳

[@bbcooter388]

@@torij1649 Tori, perhaps I can help you with the RV portion of your quest. Nobody can tell you which is the best RV for you, everybody's situation is unique and that means your RV wants and needs will be your own. You asked where to start, well, you should start by looking at your family situation; are you traveling alone? Do you have children? How old are your children and will the RV accommodate them as they grow up? How will you school your children? Based on your family's requirements, what style of RV would work best for you? How will I transport myself to and from my assignment once I arrive? Do I/we need two cars while on assignment, or will one vehicle be adequate? If you have a family, you should probably plan on having two vehicles, one to transport you back and forth to work, and another for your spouse and the kids. Let's start with what style of RV will suit my family and our situation; Is a Class "A" or Class "C" Motorhome appropriate for this lifestyle? To answer this question you need to realize that the Motorhome would be stationary and would not be suitable for use as your "Second" car once you have arrived at your assignment, consequently, unless you are single and won't be traveling with your family, a Class "A" or "C" Motorhome would not work well for your situation. That leaves you with a choice between Travel Trailer (TT) and a 5th Wheel. This also means that you will probably need to have a second vehicle that will follow behind the RV so you can have two vehicles at your destination. Choosing between a Travel Trailer and a 5th Wheel comes down to a couple of things; 1, the 5th Wheel will be more stable when towing (Especially if you have the proper truck towing it and 2, the makeup of your family. For example: if your children are very young, you may not want to have your bedroom on a second level like you would typically have in a 5th Wheel arrangement. If your children are a bit older this may not be a consideration. Beyond this it becomes a matter of comfort and camping style. With regard to camping style; will you choose to always be in a campground, or will you want to do some Boondocking like they are doing in this video? If you want to Boondock, make sure your tanks are large enough to last your family for a week to 10 days. If you have any desire to Boondock, I would recommend getting the Propane Refrigerator and not the "Residential" fridge that is popular in many RVs today. Other things to consider: since you are going to be living in your RV Full-Time, you need to make certain that Full-Time living will not void your warranty, many RVs are designed for weekend travel and Full-Time living will void the manufacturer's warranty. Because you don't know where you will be assigned next, you should ensure that your TT or 5th Wheel is well insulated and is rated as "4 Season" capable. A 4 Season camper will have things like an enclosed (and insulated) underbelly and Tank heaters for all your onboard water tanks. A couple of last suggestions: Visit Lots and Lots of RVs before you buy, after a while you will get a good sense of what will work for your family. Also, be sure to see the RV with all the slides closed to see if the refrigerator, bathroom and bedroom remain accessible. This is important for days that you will be traveling, I always want to have access to the bathroom if needed while traveling and have access to the refrigerator to grab lunch or a snack. I want access to the Bedroom just in case we need to sleep and can not open the slide(s).

[@Katie-vy5rd]

@@bbcooter388 thanks for all the great info! It was someone else's question but I'm now inspired!

[@bbcooter388]

@@Katie-vy5rd You are Welcome !!

[@CombatCollectorClub]

Have you heard anything about AYA healthcare they contacted me and I set up an account with them

[@NoOrdinaryPath]

We have a friend who took a contract through them. They are ok but do not have the same customer service level as Atlas Medstaff. We haven't worked with any company that compares so far. Feel free to email us at [e-mail] if you would like our recruiter info at Atlas.

[@NursePhotographer]

"poor staff guys" LOL!

[@NoOrdinaryPath]

I'm sure it's worse now! This was before the pandemic

[@adylennejohnson8467]

Do you think having one year of experience as a Peds nurse is ok to travel nursing??

[@Internetlo]

What agency do you recommend? All I know is aya

[@NoOrdinaryPath]

Email me at [e-mail] and I can point you to a few

[@joyg7184]

who works on your licenses for different states?

[@NoOrdinaryPath]

Kansas, our home base, is part of the nursing compact so as long as we take contracts in other compact states there is nothing to manage. If we go outside of the compact, like Alaska, then I am responsible for obtaining the license and completing everything to obtain it. Good question! 👍

[@streetzlee]

Hi! I learned about atlas through watching this video. I was curious if you know much about local travel rates? If I took a local hourly assignment in my city how do I come up with a rate for myself that makes it worthwhile? :)

[@markpauletich5243]

Things have definitely changed since this video was recorded

[@midnightsoap6863]

Is it worth traveling as a LTC nurse

[@NoOrdinaryPath]

All depends on what you need personally to make it worth it. We do have LTC jobs. I'm happy to chat with you on the phone to see if it's something you would be interested in. Www.noordinarypath.com/travelnursejobs/

[@midnightsoap6863]

All I have ever done has been long term care at a skilled nursing facility. I prefer nights. Ofcourse I worry since it’s the only position I e ever held if there would be a demand for me traveling.

[@jonichelstrom9130]

Hi John and Family. If you have a base home (so that your stipends aren't taxed) can you use your RV costs/monthly loan payments for what you get your stipend for? Thanks.

[@NoOrdinaryPath]

Somewhat complicated question but in the long run if you are duplicating expenses by paying some type of rent or mortgage to your base tax home and paying something for housing while on assignment your stipends should be tax-free. Check out www.traveltax.com for some great education on the topic.

[@rebeccalanphear7685]

Hi! Can you please give me your recruiters info? She sounds great and I am trying to find a great company and a responsive recruiter? Thank you!!

[@ranitelote7818]

hello, can Indian nurses are also eligible to apply for travel nurse.

[@CompleteBeautyTreat]

Yayyyy travel nurses wooop wooopppp

[@NoOrdinaryPath]

Thanks!

[@grandefreefoundation4122]

9:44 killed me 😂

[@Jollyprez]

Have two questions..First - how long after your RN should be working before considering travel-nursing? Second - is there a comparable market for LNA?

[@iya3058]

I know this is an old post and I'm sure you've figured out the answer by now but for your first question I reccomend working 1-2 years before you start traveling.

[@Jollyprez]

@@iya3058 Both son & daughter are interested in doing this. I have to do another camper conversion. :)

[@Jhg244]

❤😊

[@naturallyray3646]

So ur working 12hr shift everyday for 13 weeks??

[@NoOrdinaryPath]

No just 4 twelve-hour shifts per week.

[@sandyrose2398]

How do u pull that huge motor home on the highways, freeways, streets??? What does ur family do while ur at work? I assume all of u spend ur vacations at home!!!!

[@masonleto3435]

So you're only grossing $1500 for the week? Of all the research I've done and nurses I've talked to, this seems really low. Most of them have told me they are taking home $2500 plus a week.

[@NoOrdinaryPath]

This is pre Covid 😉

[@Aoendkth-nv7au]

@@NoOrdinaryPath how is it now that covid is going on?

[@RCGIVENS18]

CNA Travel??

[@felrenelacorte1363]

What insurance did you get for your family and how much do you pay? Thanks!

[@Kassiex5]

4:00

[@bronxbomber80]

prisons paying rn $125/hr

[@NoOrdinaryPath]

Holy smokes! (Also, for what it's worth, this video was made pre pandemic)

[@markpauletich5243]

So sad 20 an hour

[@viralclips7905]

That’s a horrible contract

[@joulibrown9174]

Why? Have you seen better?

[@dawsoncarr4260]

Are you sponsored by Atlas or something?😂

[@NoOrdinaryPath]

Nope! We just really love them. 🥰

[@johnmatos4398]

Traveling nurse shouldn't have a beard

[@NoOrdinaryPath]

Haha, well stick around...

[@EmilyLucille523]

Why not?