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.
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.
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.
