By AB Staffing Solutions

October 18, 2024

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What You Can and Cannot Negotiate on Your Travel Nurse Contract

AB Staffing Solutions provided this article.

Are you thinking about becoming a travel nurse? Are you a longtime traveler seeking tips for negotiating your next contract? Are you wondering what is possible to negotiate? Working with an agency is a good first step in understanding what you can and can’t ask for. First, we offer our tips for choosing a healthcare staffing agency. Next is researching what you can and cannot negotiate on your travel nurse contract.

Understanding what is possible will help you navigate conversations with your recruiter and get what you desire in your next position.

travel nurse contract

What is a travel nurse contract?

A travel nurse contract is a written and legally binding agreement describing the specifics of the assignment between you and the staffing agency. It should include the timeline of the contract, pay, benefits, responsibilities, PTO and holidays, scheduling, taxes, and the consequences of canceling a contract.

Taxes include your taxable hourly rate and benefits, non-taxable income like housing or a travel stipend, and agency fees. Keep in mind that you aren’t a salaried employee, so your pay rate may be higher, but you need to figure in savings for tax payments.

You must review the agreement and ask your recruiter questions before signing. Once you have signed, you cannot change or negotiate any of the terms.

What can you negotiate?

Depending on your experience, you may be able to negotiate your pay rate and your overtime rate. Base pay should be aligned with pay for the geographic area where you’re working. If you’re working in a city like New York, you will likely be paid a different rate than working in a rural community. The reason is because of the cost of living in different places.

Depending on the facility budget and cost of living, you can max out a housing stipend. This is especially helpful in areas with higher costs of living but is dependent on the parameters of the contract with the facility.

Ask if travel reimbursements are possible. These include meals, the distance traveled, transportation per diem, and incidentals. If you’re traveling without a car to an area with public transportation, ask if your travel fee can be reimbursed. Other reimbursements are often reserved for veteran travelers or facility-specific requirements.

You may also be able to negotiate an extension in your travel nurse contract. Typical contracts are 13 weeks, but you may be able to get 26 weeks if you ask and if there is a need and, of course, budget for your position.

What can you NOT negotiate on your travel nurse contract?

While you can negotiate an overtime rate, the facility and availability determine the opportunity for overtime. Position yourself for overtime by being great at your job during regular hours, learning processes for picking up OT at the facility, and making sure your supervisor knows you are willing to pick up additional shifts.

Being flexible regarding whether you work Night Shift vs. Day Shift is essential. The facility needs you because it has gaps in its schedule, which may vary; it’s your role as a traveler to step into whatever is offered.

Once submitted and hired, you cannot negotiate the unit or department where you are assigned. You must be willing to work where you are clinically qualified and needed.

travel nurse contract

Lastly, you cannot negotiate facility-specific requirements like dress code or attendance policy.

What are the current market trends in travel contracts?

AB Staffing Recruiters continue to stay informed on the trends in the industry. We are seeing fewer facilities offering overtime. If you want it, let your manager know, and be eager to take those shifts.

We’re noticing that fewer managers are open to negotiating shift times, with most of the available positions being night shifts. This is good if you’re looking to maximize your earnings, as night shift workers tend to make more than day shift. If you’re thinking of moving to the night shift, we offer these tips for working the night shift.

Facilities are also looking for ASAP start dates and travel nurses willing to work without requests for time off while on contract. As a traveler, you can take a contract and then take time between contracts for personal time off. That way, you can take advantage of a particular facility, contract, and position opportunities.

What are AB Staffing tips for a successful negotiation?

Keeping in mind what we’ve described above, a successful negotiation happens when you have a good working relationship with your recruiter. What is most important for you, your pets, your family, and your lifestyle to make a contract a good decision for you? What are your non-negotiables? What are your career goals? What do you hope to get from being a travel nurse? Understanding what you want and telling your recruiter will go a long way to building a good relationship with them.

We recommend doing your own research and preparation before negotiating. Reading articles on this website and other travel nurse websites will help you understand what is possible to negotiate and what isn’t.

As always, be flexible and communicate regularly with your recruiter. We want the best match for you as much as you want that for yourself and your career.

While you cannot negotiate everything in your travel nurse contract, we do our best to listen to you and match you with the opportunities that suit your career and personal goals. If you’re looking for a new contract, visit our job board or give us a call today!

Find Your Next Travel Healthcare Assignment with Our Job Board!

Are you on the hunt for your next travel healthcare gig? Look no further than our job board! Click here to explore all our current opportunities. We have opportunities for all travel healthcare professionals.

Discover the Perfect Housing for Your Next Assignment

Need somewhere to stay on your next travel healthcare assignment? We’ve got you covered. Check out our housing page to find your ideal home away from home. Click here to start your search.

By Fusion Medical Staffing

September 4, 2024

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Extending Your Travel Nurse Contract: Pros, Cons, and Tips

Fusion Medical Staffing provided this article.

Deciding whether extending your travel nurse contract or moving on after your assignment ends can feel like a tough call. On one hand, there’s comfort in the familiar — the friendly faces of the hospital or healthcare facility, the routines you’ve mastered, and the friends you’ve made along the way.

On the other hand, the thrill of your next assignment might be calling your name, teasing you with the allure of fresh experiences and a change of scenery. If you’re on the fence about a travel nurse contract extension, you’re not alone. Let’s dive into the pros and cons of extending your travel nursing contract, as well as some helpful tips, so you can make the choice that feels right for you.

Extending Your Travel Nurse Contract: Pros, Cons, and Tips

extending your travel nurse contract

Pros of extending your travel nurse contract

Familiarity with the healthcare facility

One of the biggest perks of extending your travel nurse contract is the familiarity you’ve built with the healthcare facility. Since you’ve had time in your current contract, you already know where everything is and the quirks of the charting system and have learned the ropes of how things operate day-to-day. That means you’ll spend less time adjusting and more time focusing on what you do best — providing top-notch patient care.

No repeat credentialing

Another benefit of a contract extension is avoiding the headache of repeat travel nurse credentialing. If you’re not a fan of the paperwork that comes with starting new travel nursing contracts, extending may be the move for you since you can skip the hassle of submitting documents, going through background checks, and filling out forms.

Less moving hassle

Packing up your life, finding new housing, and adjusting to a different city every few months can be exhausting. By extending your travel nurse contract, you get to bypass all that chaos for a little while longer and settle into the comfort of your already-established routine.

Cons of extending your travel nurse contract

Less opportunities for skill diversification

One downside of extending your current contract is that you may miss out on new opportunities to diversify your travel nurse skills. Part of the excitement of travel nursing is jumping into different healthcare facilities and settings, as well as learning a variety of techniques and practices. When you stay in one place for an extended time, you risk missing out on other opportunities that could broaden your experiences and keep your travel nurse skills sharp.  

extending your travel nurse contract

Missed chances for personal growth

Travel nursing is all about seizing new experiences, such as adapting to different work environments and exploring new cities. With new places come fresh perspectives and personal growth opportunities, which you may not experience with travel nurse contract extensions.

Potential housing issues

Travel nurse housing is enough of a headache as is, and when you factor in a travel nurse contract extension, it could get even more complicated. You could find yourself renegotiating your lease, finding a new rental space, or even dealing with unexpected housing expenses and fees.  

Tips for extending travel nurse contracts

Communicate early

One key tip for extending your travel nursing contract is to communicate early with both your travel nurse recruiter and the hospital or healthcare facility. By reaching out sooner than later, you give your recruiter ample time to negotiate on your behalf and iron out any details with your current healthcare facility.

Review contract details

Before agreeing to an extended travel nurse contract, be sure to dive into contract details like pay rates, benefits, and other stipulations. Take a close look to see if your pay changes and that all your benefits are still solid. Knowing exactly what’s on the table can save you from surprises down the road.

Maintain a work-life balance.

It’s easy to get wrapped up in the excitement of staying put and diving deeper into your travel nurse assignment, but don’t forget to carve out time for yourself to enjoy downtime, explore your surroundings, and recharge your social battery. A healthy work-life balance not only helps you stay refreshed but also keeps you motivated and ready to tackle whatever comes your way.

Deciding whether to extend your travel nursing contract comes down to what’s best for you in the moment. Noodle on your personal and professional goals, consider how a travel nurse contract extension may impact your growth and well-being, and think about how you can make the most of your time in your current contract and, ultimately, your travel nursing career.

Find Your Next Travel Nurse Assignment with Our Job Board!

Are you on the hunt for your next travel nurse gig? Look no further than our job board! Click here to explore all our current opportunities.

Discover the Perfect Housing for Your Next Assignment

Need somewhere to stay on your next travel nurse assignment? We’ve got you covered. Check out our housing page to find your ideal home away from home. Click here to start your search.

By Alex McCoy

February 6, 2024

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Summer Contracts Will Be Here Soon–What You Need to Know

Here is your official reminder that summer contracts will be coming up soon! Winter rates will be winding down before we know it, and it’s always good to have a plan to get through summertime as a travel nurse. Less flu and respiratory patients mean the census will drop, and job postings will inevitably decrease, but that does not mean you will be unemployed this summer. You can find the perfect summer contract with a little planning and preparation. Here are some tips to do just that. 

Summer contracts: what you need to know:

summer contract

1. Strategize Your Extensions

How are you feeling about your current contract? Is it doable for a little while longer? Even if it isn’t your favorite unit or location, if the pay is right and you have decent housing, it might be worth considering an extension. A lot of the time, units may keep current travelers even if they are not actively hiring additional travelers. Use that to your advantage!

2. Have Profiles on File With Multiple Agencies

Now is the time to make sure you have relationships with more than one agency. The more options you have for jobs, the better! Each agency will have different relationships with facilities, so you never know what one recruiter might have that’s different from your current recruiter. Not sure how to find a new company to work with? Check out our list of Top Travel Nurse Agencies for 2023

3. Save Money Now

While you are still making money on winter rates, make sure to save a little extra. As travel nurses, it’s always good to have an emergency fund, but it is especially important going into summer. Sometimes, if you can’t find a summer contract you’re interested in for the summer months, you might be able to take some time off instead. 

summer contract

4. Consider PRN Work

If you are having trouble finding a summer contract to work, you might see if you can sign on PRN for a hospital at your current location OR back home. Working PRN usually gets you a higher hourly rate but requires less commitment than a full-time job. Some agencies even do PRN staffing, so look into that as well. 

5. Work a Less Desirable Specialty

Have LTAC experience but prefer to work ICU? During the summer slow down, it might be time to bust out your other skills. Try broadening your search by looking into summer contracts in areas that you have experience with but don’t “love.” Of course, you can’t work as a traveler in an area you have zero experience in, so if you have only ever done one specialty, this isn’t a great option. And remember–you can do anything for 13 weeks!

6. Don’t. Panic. 

Every single year around springtime, the travel nursing pages are full of travelers complaining that the market is crashing, there are no more jobs, and the rates are plummeting. If you are an experienced traveler, you understand that this, too, shall pass. Stay calm, and remember that the travel nurse industry is one of supply and demand. Once fall rolls back around, respiratory admissions will go up, and the market will stabilize. It happens every year like clockwork! 

If your desire is to work full-time, year-round, as a travel nurse, it is completely doable. Summer might be a slower time, but if you plan ahead and communicate with your recruiters, you should be able to stay employed. Also, remember that flexibility is key in this industry. You might not get your perfect summer placement, but if your goal is to keep working, you might have to make some concessions in one area or another.

We hope you found this article on summer contracts and what you should know now to prepare for them. Do you have any tips for preparing for summer contracts? Comment them below.

Find Your Next Travel Nurse Assignment with Our Job Board!

Are you on the hunt for your next travel nurse gig? Look no further than our job board! Click here to explore all our current opportunities.

Discover the Perfect Housing for Your Next Assignment

Need somewhere to stay on your next travel nurse assignment? We’ve got you covered. Check out our housing page to find your ideal home away from home. Click here to start your search.

By Medical Solutions

May 17, 2023

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6 Types of Nurses Who Should Seriously Consider PRN/Local Travel Contracts

Medical Solutions provided this article.

The flexibility and adventure of traditional nursing and allied travel are undoubtedly enticing. But what happens when your contract ends or you find yourself with some free time? PRN/local travel combines the flexibility of working on an as-needed basis with the adventure of exploring new regions around you. Whether you’re looking to pick up more shifts or you just want more control over where and how you work, PRN/local can be just the thing to help get you where you want to be, both in life and location.

travel contract

Wait, what’s the difference between traditional travel and local travel? 

Traditional travel contracts involve longer-term assignments in new locations, typically ranging from 13 weeks to a year or more. Travel nurse agencies, such as Medical Solutions, generally provide housing accommodations or stipends, travel reimbursements, healthcare insurance, retirement plans, and other fun perks and benefits, like rewards programs or exclusive retail discounts. 

On the other hand, PRN or local travel contracts involve shorter-term assignments within a local region that can range from single, as-needed shifts to a few weeks of coverage, depending on the facility’s needs. It offers greater flexibility in the hours you work and the ability to choose assignments based on availability and personal preferences, but they generally don’t include housing arrangements or full benefits packages (although that really depends on the agency or organization you work through!). 

What types of nurses should travel locally? 

Many types of nurses may consider PRN positions depending on their circumstances, career goals, and personal preferences, but PRN/Local contracts are perfect for:

  1. Parents that need flexible schedules

Whether you’re a new parent (congrats!) or a seasoned parent veteran (mad respect), you don’t have to miss those school concerts, sporting events, or important moments with your family.

  1. Retirees looking to scale back

Ease into part-time work without being tied down to a fixed schedule or extensive work hours. PRN allows you to stay active in the nursing profession part-time and maintain your skills.

  1. Clinicians in-between contracts

Even if you don’t sign a contract right away, it’s comforting to know you can always fly home and pick up as many PRN or Per Diem shifts as you want!

  1. Clinicians in or returning to school

You need time to devote to studies and equal parts time to work. Local travel gives you a chance to gain experience in different healthcare settings or specialties without committing to a full-time role.

travel contract
  1. Full-time clinicians seeking extra income

You’ve got big financial goals, and PRN can help you get there–it’s a great way to stay busy and earn some supplemental income on your days off or during your free time.

  1. Want to travel but can’t commit to far distances.

Sometimes you just can’t commit to an extended period away. But commitments close to home shouldn’t stop you from enjoying a travel career your way!

There are so many reasons you may want to pick up a PRN/local travel contract, but the best part is knowing you can create your own work-life harmony while still helping healthcare facilities struggling with staff shortages or seasonal fluctuations.

Getting started is easy!

Some PRN organizations, like Matchwell, allow you to skip recruiters and agencies altogether, making it extremely easy to dip your toe into local travel and schedule your work your way!

How does it work? Simply head to the Matchwell site to set up your account and upload documentation, then peruse through their extensive online marketplace for job postings that meet your criteria and preferences. Choose from local acute and post-acute, per diem, PRN, block schedule, or even full-time opportunities close by. Then, once you find a perfect match, you can connect with the hiring manager directly. Jobs are added daily, so check back often for fresh opportunities nearby.

If you’re a nurse with a passion for adventure and a desire to make a positive impact, PRN travel nursing might just be the perfect fit for you!

Our job board is a great place to search for your next travel nurse assignment. We have you covered with our housing page if housing is an issue. You can search for what you are looking for.

By Medical Solutions

March 15, 2023

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How to Get Out of a Travel Nursing Contract the Right Way

Medical Solutions provided this article.

When you sign your contract for a travel nursing assignment, you should do so knowing it’s an important, binding agreement. Travel nursing contracts are there to protect clinicians, facilities, and agencies and to ensure a staffing need is adequately filled, and patient care standards are properly met. That said, there are infrequent circumstances that may merit a contract cancellation.

Who Can Cancel a Travel Nurse Contract?

Both facilities and travelers can cancel contracts, and there are many unique scenarios that could lead to either party doing so.

Hospitals cancel contracts for several reasons. Often, it’s due to an error or unforeseen change in seasonal demand forecasts — either of which could lead to an overstaffing problem. EMR/EHR conversion contracts are sometimes canceled for various reasons, too. The healthcare staffing industry also saw many hospitals cancel contracts throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. For example, as elective surgeries were canceled in droves, travel OR nurse contracts followed suit. However, probably the most common reason a hospital might cancel a travel nurse contract is that a traveler’s performance is unacceptable.

Travelers can also cancel a contract in dire circumstances. A supportive recruiter/agency should help you try to troubleshoot to avoid cancelation, when possible, before guiding you through a last-resort cancelation.

Reasons for Breaking a Travel Nurse Contract

In two words: Life happens. But, of course, it’s always more complex than that!

If a traveler legitimately needs to seek a contract cancelation, it’s usually due to a situation like major personal health problems, a family emergency/serious family illness, an unacceptable work environment that may even endanger a traveler’s license, or other such valid reasons.

In the case of an unacceptable work environment, a traveler should make a good-faith effort to resolve the issue in other ways before going straight to the level of contract cancelation. First, express your concern to your recruiter. Discuss the issue with them and ask to speak to a member of the agency’s internal clinical team — a quality healthcare staffing agency will have one to better support their travelers on clinical issues! Let your agency’s support system work with the facility as necessary to correct any work environment issues you feel may be endangering you personally or putting your nursing license in jeopardy.

When it comes to a serious personal health problem, well, you can’t pour from an empty cup. If you need time to manage and heal from an illness or other personal health emergency, most agencies and facilities will understand. And it’s similar with an unavoidable family emergency.

Depending on your specific circumstance, you might also consider that a total contract cancelation could be avoided, and perhaps the contract could just be amended. For example, you have to go home to help with a family emergency, but you would be able to resume the contract in three weeks. In that case, you might consider discussing all possibilities with your recruiter and potentially avoiding an outright cancelation.

Bad reasons for breaking a travel nurse contract? You found a better assignment with higher pay and decided to bail on this one. You’re just not feeling it. You don’t love (fill-in-the-blank location) like you thought you would. If you find yourself wanting to cancel for these or other such frivolous reasons, just don’t!

Remember, it’s not just about a contract. Your patients, colleagues, facility, and agency are all depending on you, so you should just bide your time and meet your commitment in these types of situations. The contract will be over before you know it, and you can move on then — with your professional reputation and integrity intact.

Canceling a Travel Nurse Contract the Right Way

The first thing to ask yourself is, “What does the contract say?” Every travel nursing contract should specifically address what happens in the event of a cancellation by either you or the facility. If your contract does not cover this situation, then you might also check any service agreements you signed with your travel nursing agency. Some agencies will have you sign a service agreement that covers the professional conduct travelers are required to maintain while on assignment. These types of agreements can also cover what happens in the event of a cancellation by the facility and/or the traveler. If an agency uses service agreements, they’re usually signed on a yearly basis and cover all assignments a traveler might work during the year.

After you review what your contract stipulates — or, in some cases, what it does not state — you should call your recruiter immediately. Be 100% upfront with them and explain the reason you want to dissolve your contract. As a healthcare professional, you agreed to a contract and should have a good reason for wanting to sever it.

After you fully explain your situation and reasoning to your recruiter, then it’s your turn to listen. A great recruiter is willing to listen and provide helpful feedback and solutions. In fact, in this trying situation, you’ll see just how good your recruiter and agency are. When you come to a recruiter with a legitimate need to cancel, you should never feel threatened or bullied by them or the agency. You might also find that they’re willing to work with you to minimize the damage and provide you with other travel opportunities in the future.

Open communication is key if you ever need to modify or cancel a travel nursing contract. If you intend on traveling again once the situation is resolved, make sure to tell your recruiter that. As previously mentioned, with the blessing of your agency and facility, it might even be possible for you to take off a few weeks and then return to your assignment when you’re able. The point is, don’t just call your recruiter and say, “I need to break my contract.” Explain your situation and work with your recruiter to find a solution that will make you, the facility, and your company as happy as possible.

Also, you should give as much notice as possible. If you foresee a potential contract-canceling issue on the horizon, it’s never too early to bring it up as a possibility to your recruiter. That way, they can help you monitor the situation and plan ahead. If it never ends up happening, they’ll be elated for you and the contract. Depending on your situation, you should also attempt to cover as many of your scheduled shifts as you can. This is a show of good faith and will mean a lot to the other parties involved.

Canceling a contract is never something we’d encourage. However, things do happen that are beyond our control and might require such a drastic decision. If you handle yourself properly, you can minimize any costs and negative outcomes from breaking your contract.

Consequences of Canceling a Travel Nursing Contract

Depending on the terms of your contract, there may be repercussions that fall on you, your recruiter, and/or the agency you’re working with. For example, if your agency provided housing, it’s probably still on the line for that, and you may be required to pay the remainder of the lease. If you secured your own housing, you will have to navigate that situation on your own. Another example: Your health benefits may lapse when your employment ends — something to especially consider if you or a covered family member is facing a health emergency — so you can make a plan to maintain benefits through another channel. Again, much of this should be outlined in your contract.

Canceling contracts can also affect your future contracts and employment opportunities, even for permanent staff positions. It may make it more difficult for you to get good references. You may have to face tough questions during future interviews. Depending on the circumstances, your agency might have your back, or you might not be invited back to work with them again. Travel nursing agencies thrive on having good relationships with facilities and travelers. If the facility is in the wrong, your agency should side with you. However, if you’re in the wrong, you may find that your agency will decline to work with you on future contracts. Some facilities will also move you to a DNU or DNR status and be unwilling to hire you in the future.

Also, finding yourself in a situation where you need to cancel an assignment is often very stressful. First, your reason for wanting to cancel is likely a major stressor. Then on top of that, you have a lot of work to do and hard conversations to have if you’re going to cancel the right way. Throughout this process, don’t forget to take care of yourself to manage these types of consequences to your mental and physical health.

Bottom Line

Contract cancelations should be avoided at all costs. However, certain circumstances can make them necessary. Travelers don’t appreciate having their contracts canceled by a facility, so it’s important to practice a “golden rule” approach here and only move to cancel as a last resort and due to an emergency situation. Remember that your patients and colleagues may be the ones who suffer the most, but that you’re also putting the facility, your recruiter, and the agency in a real pinch.

If you wish to cancel, communicate openly and honestly with your recruiter, work with them on the best solution, give as much notice as possible, and try to work your scheduled shifts. Also, understand that you may face professional, financial, and other consequences. Above all, we hope you never have to face the kind of situation that necessitates a travel nursing contract cancelation, but if you do, please take care of yourself and lean on your recruiter!

Our job board is a great place to search for your next travel nurse assignment. We have you covered with our housing page if housing is an issue. You can search for what you are looking for.

If you are a new travel nurse or looking into becoming a travel nurse:

Travel Nurse Guide: Step-by-Step (now offered in a PDF Downloadable version!)

By TNAA- Travel Nurse Across America

March 3, 2023

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How Long Can a Travel Nurse Stay in One Place?

Travel nurses, by nature, are gypsies, nomads, and adventurers. Whether it’s visiting off-the-beaten-path locations, like the country’s largest rocking chair, or attempting to visit all the National Parks, travel nursing is all about experiencing something new. However, what happens when 13 weeks in one location just isn’t enough? You can extend your contract. How long depends on you.

travel nurse stay in one place

Contract Extension 101

There are many reasons a travel nurse extends his or her contract: they love the facility and their coworkers, the location is amazing, or they want to avoid the stress of job searching. Whatever the reason, there are things you should know.

It’s Convenient

Extending your contract is convenient. There’s no phone interview, no physical, and no orientation. You’re already acclimated. While it’s easy on you and the hospital, it also uses less of your agency’s manpower to send in all your documents, so it seems like a no-brainer if you like where you are to try to extend. There are also plenty of opportunities to make some additional money. Many agencies offer a bonus for extending your contract. It never hurts to ask, and you don’t want to leave money on the table.

How Does it Impact Taxes?

Good question! Taxes are inherently complicated, and it’s always best to seek tax advice from certified tax professionals. However, we’ve compiled some basics you and your tax accountant should know. For a thorough breakdown, check out NATHO’s most recent travel tax FAQs.

While the IRS has set up specific guidelines for those traveling from home temporarily, they have not set up hard-and-fast rules for the healthcare travel industry due to the highly nuanced and unique scenarios found in this industry. We strongly recommended that your accountant understand these nuances.

We also recommended that you ask your travel nursing agency how they assist travelers in maintaining tax compliance.

Tax Home

travel nurse stay in one place

A tax home, simply put, is the location of your regular employment. According to NATHO, if you have more than one regular place of employment — hello travel nurses — your tax home can be where you regularly live but will be subject to this 3-factor test: You perform a portion of your business in the vicinity of your home and use that home for lodging while doing business in the area.

  1. You perform a portion of your business in the vicinity of your home and use that home for lodging while doing business in the area.
  2. You incur living expenses (mortgage, rent, utilities, etc.) at your home that are duplicated while you are on assignment Away From Home.
  3. You must meet at least one of the following three criteria to meet this third factor:

    • • You have not abandoned the area in which  your historical place of lodging is located;

    • • A member or members of your family (spouse, children, domestic partners) are living at the location; or,

      • You use the home frequently for your own lodging. 

Source: NATHO Travel Tax FAQs, Traveler Version

If you meet all 3 factors, you are deemed to have maintained a tax home and will be eligible for non-taxed reimbursements. Which, for travel nurses, can be a big deal. That includes subsidies like per diems, housing stipends, or travel reimbursements. These only achieve tax-free status when they are expense reimbursements, not earnings, since they would be duplicate expenses due to you maintaining a proper tax home. For even more on this topic, we suggest reading this article.

What Happens When A Travel Nurse Stay in One Place is too long?

We spoke to Jean Cook, CFO of Travel Nurse Across America, about tax compliance, and she gave pretty good advice. “Pretend you’re the IRS. From their viewpoint, you’re receiving a reimbursement due to duplicate expenses,” she said, “and if you stay for 1 year in one area, the IRS deems you as having moved there.”

There are many myths regarding the minimum distance you can take an assignment to maintain your tax home and reimbursements, but according to Jean, they’re just myths.

travel nurse stay in one place

 According to NATHO, “The IRS has not provided clear guidance in this area, except that a traveler needs to be far enough from his/her tax home so that it would be unreasonable to go home, rest and return to work the next day.  In considering what is unreasonable, the IRS looks at individual facts and circumstances, paying close attention to travel time, the actual distance, and the traveler’s intentions.” This opens up the issue of assignment distance versus reasonable commutable time, and very much dependent on each traveler’s unique situation: traffic can make a 50-mile commute take longer than 3 hours, a 50-mile commute may take less than an hour, or a person could take back-to-back assignments within the same geographical region which could trigger an audit. There are just too many variables that make it difficult for the IRS to provide clear guidelines.

What Does This Mean For Me?

That depends on your personal and professional goals. Once that 1-year mark hits, your reimbursements become taxable. It’s essential to sit down and think about the implications of staying somewhere longer than 1 year ahead of time.

Finding a Great Tax Accountant

As mentioned above, it’s crucial that your tax accountant should understand all the nuances and your specific tax situation. Any healthcare travel professional can put themselves at risk of triggering an IRS audit and incurring tax liabilities if they’re deemed not to have met guidelines. Ask them some questions; if they don’t know or don’t have the ability to find out confidently, they may not be the best tax account for you.

  • Are they familiar with temporary assignments?
  • Are they familiar with travel taxation rules?
  • How confident are they with multi-state taxation?
  • Do they feel confident in handling your specific situation?

So, how long can a travel nurse stay in one place? It depends entirely on their goals and desire to receive tax-free reimbursements.


If you are a new travel nurse or looking into becoming a travel nurse:

Travel Nurse Guide: Step-by-Step (now offered in a PDF Downloadable version!)

By Medely

December 23, 2022

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Want To Keep Your Travel Nurse Contract In The New Year?

Medely provided this article.

The New Year is synonymous with new beginnings, but what if you’re nearing the end of your winter travel assignment and aren’t ready to move on?

For a travel nurse or allied professional, a contract extension means:

  • There’s no need to relocate. Sometimes the timing isn’t right for a move—maybe you’re enjoying yourself too much, or you just don’t have the energy right now. Whatever your situation, a longer assignment will allow you to hold off for a bit.
  • Developing deeper relationships. Healthcare is a small world, especially if you tend to look for contracts within the same area. Stronger connections with managers, nurses, and other professionals can be an asset if (and when) you cross paths in the future.
  • Gaining valuable knowledge. Traveling adds a great breadth of experience to your nursing resume, but extending the current assignment can be an opportunity to sharpen your skills. If you think there’s more you can learn in your current job, staying can support your next career move.

There are plenty of advantages for the facility, too. Among the top benefits is the one that brought you there in the first place: Having a professional on hand who’s committed to patient care and their work is an asset, particularly during an unprecedented shortage of nurses.

But is staying with the same facility the right move for you? And, if so, what can you do to help ensure the facility wants you to stay? That’s what we’ll explore in this blog post. Let’s get started!

Five questions to ask before you extend a travel nurse contract

Before asking for an assignment extension, take a moment to reflect on your recent experiences. Staying at a healthcare facility isn’t just about liking the neighborhood or being comfortable. It should also help you advance your career. Consider the following five questions…

1. How well do you fit with the team?

Travelers can feel like outliers, especially when they’re new and finding their footing. But caregiving is a team activity whether the individuals are permanent or not. Do you work well with the staff nurses? Do you feel valued and respected by the team—and is the feeling mutual? You may still be learning people and processes, but if you aren’t asked for your help or input, it may not be the right environment for you.

2. Is the pay commensurate with your duties?

While typical rates for travelers are still quite high, it’s important that you feel you’re being paid an appropriate amount considering the work that’s being asked of you in this travel nursing job.

3. How do you feel before and after your shifts?

Consider your typical shifts at this facility and how they make you feel. Nursing has its highs and lows, but that means it’s even more important for you to protect yourself. If you enjoy some aspects of an assignment but are left feeling mentally and physically drained, it might be better to prioritize your well-being with a change of scenery.

4. Can you continue to contribute here?

Introspection is often about what you get out of a travel nursing assignment, but it’s as important to consider the facility and its patients. Are you able to create the impact you want? Through your relationships, experiences, and commitment to care, it’s important for you to feel you can add something to the team.

5. How do you feel about staying—or going home?

Maybe you love your new community but are also struggling so far from family and friends. What will you miss at home if you extend your travel nurse contract? You can always negotiate if you need time off. But if a longer stay will leave you feeling lonely or even resentful, you may want to reconsider.

If you feel confident about your desire to stay put, let’s look at what you can do to put yourself in an optimum position before you make your request.

How to position yourself to extend your travel assignment

From day one, you prove yourself as an asset to an organization through your professionalism and approach to day-to-day activities. Here are seven things you can do proactively to position yourself for the extension you’re looking for.

1. Be an active part of the team

As someone who may be seen as an outsider, it can take extra effort—and pushing out of your comfort zone—to connect with other nurses and allied pros. If you’re invited to attend staff meetings, educational opportunities, and other activities, do what you can to show up and participate.

2. Be dependable

From sick days to family emergencies, call-outs happen. When they do, be accountable for the disruption and communicate with the facility as quickly as possible so they can address the impact as quickly as possible. And for your other shifts, be there on time and ready to go.

3. Flex your nursing muscles

Dedicate your attention to your work and push your nursing abilities by going above and beyond when the team needs the support. For example:

  • Offer to work longer if the next nurse is running late
  • Lend a hand when you see another nurse struggling
  • Ask for help if you need it to ensure you’re providing the best care
  • Go above and beyond for patients when it’s appropriate to do so

In short, be the nurse you would want to hire!

4. Find ways to be present with your colleagues

Building relationships at work doesn’t always come naturally, but sometimes it takes just a small step to break the ice. If the facility shares the team’s birthdays, drop off a card for the celebrant. Write a brief handwritten thank you note when another nurse goes out of their way to help you out. Ask a colleague how their day is going and pause to listen to their answer.

5. Get to know the decision-makers

You don’t need to go overboard, but familiarize yourself with the people in charge. Check-in regularly with the hiring manager during your current assignment. Learn the names of the management team. Introduce yourself to the human resources folks, the person in charge of scheduling, and the nursing management team, so you aren’t a stranger to them.

6. Don’t be shy to share your reasons for staying

Once you’ve decided to pursue a travel contract extension, don’t be afraid to tell the decision-makers why you’re enjoying your work at the facility. If you aren’t able to tell them in person, consider leaving a handwritten note or sending an email.

7. Be open about your expectations

As you start to discuss a possible extension, don’t hesitate to ask questions about the contract and be transparent about your needs and expectations, including dates, any pre-existing commitments, your hourly rate, and your schedule. These important details should be clearly communicated ahead of time so that any requests and adjustments can be addressed before the extension occurs.

Let your travel nursing agency know you’re interested in an extension!

Practically speaking, a conversation about extending your contract can be initiated by you and your recruiter or by your manager. Once you’ve decided you would like to stay, let your recruiter know in writing and in person (or by phone) as soon as possible. That way, they’ll have time to connect with the facility to negotiate and confirm details on your behalf.

What are your go-to tips for keeping your travel nurse contract or extending a travel nurse assignment? Tell us about them in the comments!

Our job board is a great place to search for your next travel nurse assignment. If housing is an issue, we have you covered with our housing page. You can search for what you are looking for.

By TNAA- Travel Nurse Across America

June 22, 2022

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Agency Support During Mid-Contract Pay Changes

TNAA Healthcare provided this article.

Your recruiter calls to inform you about a mid-contract pay change. Last year, these were exciting calls to get because it likely meant your pay rate was about to rise. In the current market, it’s not a call you look forward to receiving.

Every agency has to deal with mid-contract pay changes, but how they handle them can be a game-changer for a travel nurse. Before diving into the specifics, let’s talk about bill rates, who sets them, and why changes might occur mid-contract.

Who Sets the Bill Rate?

Who sets the bill rate, and what factors go into a travel nurse’s pay? The bill rate is not set by travel nurse agencies or recruiters. Instead, healthcare facilities set travel nurse bill rates based on market demand and budgets. A healthcare facility works with its managed service provider (MSP) and/or vendor management system (VMS), which help track the facility’s workforce spending. Consulting with the MSP or VMS, the healthcare facility determines the bill rate it wants to set for a particular position. Once that is set, the bill rate for that position goes to hundreds of agencies.

Each agency has different ways it splits that bill rate. The bill rate will include the traveler’s pay, per diems, benefits coverage, agency support and expenses, and more. The agency determines what will be paid hourly and uses the U.S. General Services Administration’s guidelines to establish what will be paid through per diems if the traveler qualifies for them. Your agency and recruiter should help you understand your complete compensation package.

Who Makes Mid-Contract Changes?

Changes start with the healthcare facility’s bill rate and trickle down. The bill rate drop affects all sections of the traveler’s package, from hourly pay to per diems. These have to be adjusted to work with the new bill rate and follow IRS rules.

An important thing to note is the nurse manager on the unit isn’t involved in determining the bill rate, and likely doesn’t know when changes occur.

How Your Agency Should Support You

When a facility drops rates and notifies agencies, your recruiter should contact you promptly to let you know. An action-oriented recruiter will specifically explain what has happened, provide details of the new package, educate you on the market, tell you about other opportunities in the area, and let you make the best choice for yourself.

You can either accept the new rate or decide to end the contract (after hopefully giving a professional notice). Unfortunately, this decision must occur as soon as possible so the agency can redo the contract with the correct rates and avoid any pay or tax discrepancies.

If you opt to end the contract, each agency is different in how it responds. Ideally, you’ll want an agency that doesn’t penalize travelers for leaving due to a mid-contract bill rate decrease. However, some agencies may charge the nurse for terminating the contract or blacklist them. To understand your agency’s response in these situations, read your contract and contact your recruiter for any questions. It’s your career and your right to know!

Decisions, Decisions

There are several decisions to make when becoming a travel nurse. They likely start with putting your trust in an agency and a recruiter to guide your career.

You’re a healthcare traveler who has uprooted life to help patients in areas where your expertise and care are most needed. When life presents you with a difficult situation, is your agency there to support you and navigate you through it? Hopefully, your answer is a resounding, “Yes!”

We hope you found this article on agency support during mid-contract pay changes helpful. Have you had any pay changes mid-contract? If you would like to share your experience please comment below.

Our job board is a great place to search for your next travel nurse assignment. If housing is an issue, we have you covered with our housing page. You can search for what you are looking for.

By TheraEx

May 19, 2022

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Adjusting to a New Environment as a Travel Nurse

PRN Healthcare provided this article.

A new contract means a new facility with new coworkers and policies. With 13-week contracts being a limited amount of time, nurses have to adjust to new policies and cultures quickly. This process can be stressful and a little bit overwhelming. With the proper knowledge of how to adjust, you can focus on your main job, advocating for patients. Do not worry; it gets easier the more contracts you take. Let’s go over some ways to make this process much easier!

Adjusting to your new environment:

Come Prepared

The best way to prepare for your new assignment is to research the facility. It goes a long way to take the time to find out more about the culture your facility has before going there. This can be as simple as reading their overview on the facility website. Once you have some base knowledge on the values of the facility, talk to your recruiter about some additional information they may be able to give. To take it a step further, you can even reach out to nurses and managers that work at the facility to get a better idea of what to expect.

Another way to prepare is to tour the facility before you start. This is a great way to meet some people within the facility, so you have some familiar faces on your first day. In addition to possibly meeting some new people, you will better understand the facility layout. Understanding where everything is can make your transition to the new facility much smoother. Making sure you come prepared is an essential way to help you adjust faster to the new environment.

Constantly Communicate

Another way to make sure your transition is smooth is to communicate effectively with your coworkers and recruiter. As in all things in life, communication is a vital part of success. Not only in your success as a travel nurse but also for your patients. Nursing is a difficult profession, and even the smallest details are important for you, your coworkers, and your patients.

Depending on the facility, patient information and hospital policy can be communicated differently. In a new environment, it may be stressful to keep track of everything, so don’t be afraid to ask another nurse or floor manager for help. Remember, your patient comes first, so making sure you’re doing everything correctly is essential. In addition, make sure you’re also updating the patients’ physician of any changes to make sure everyone is on the same page.

Lastly, make sure you keep your recruiter updated. This is important for your future with the agency as well as your enjoyment with travel nursing. Letting them know what is working well and what needs to change can help them understand where to place you in the future to make sure you’re providing the best care possible.

Dealing with Unfamiliar Situations

As a travel nurse, you have to be able to think and adapt quickly. The best way to do this is to familiarize yourself with the hospital policies. Each facility has different procedures; it is helpful to understand these policies at your current facility. Remember, your primary job is being a patient advocate. Understanding how each hospital operates is a great start to providing great patient care.

There may be a time when you find yourself in a situation, and you are not sure how to deal with it. The best way to overcome this is to ask coworkers, managers, or other staff to make sure you are dealing with the situation in the correct manner. The best way to minimize unfamiliar situations is to learn the hospital codes, watch how other nurses handle situations, and understand the layout of the floor and facility. It all comes back to communication, and if you’re not sure, just ask!

Understanding Your Contract

As a travel nurse, understanding your contract is important. To start, read everything. Make sure you understand what you are bound to do in the hospital and also the expectations of the agency you work for.

An important thing to review in your contract is to make sure your contract dates and times are correct. If any changes need to be made, they should be done before you sign the contract. In addition to checking your times and dates, make sure everything you discussed with your recruiter is in the contract and clearly stated. Making sure your contract is structured correctly will help you with some of the nerves you may have when starting at a new facility. Another important part of your contract to understand is the requirements for floating. Make sure all floating requirements in the contract make sense, and you are comfortable with them. At some point in your assignment, you may be required to float to another unit. Make sure the floating requirements make sense, and you’re floating to a unit you are qualified to handle.

Reaching out to your recruiter for help in understanding your contract is very important. No one wants to be taken by surprise when on a travel assignment. Being knowledgeable about your contract will give you the confidence to perform your best in every assignment!

Travel nursing requires agility to adapt to new locations, coworkers, and facilities. This adds excitement to each new contract. If you are nervous about the changing environment, make sure to fully understand your contract, communicate with your recruiter, come prepared on your first day, and ask questions! After the first few days, you will get into the swing of things and rock your contract!

We hope you found this article on adjusting to new environments helpful. Are there ways you have found to make adjusting easier? Comment them below.

Are you looking for your next travel nurse assignment? Click here to view our jobs page. Do you need housing for an upcoming travel nurse assignment? Click here to search our travel nurse housing page.

If you are a new travel nurse or looking into becoming a travel nurse:

Travel Nurse Guide: Step-by-Step (now offered in a PDF Downloadable version!)