Is Travel Right for You?
To many healthcare professionals, travel takes on a new meaning - to most, this means an interesting and rewarding career. Do you like to meet new people and see new places? How about meeting new challenges head on? Do you enjoy an increased income? What better way to expand your expertise while earning more money? If you possess these traits, opportunity awaits you!
- What is Traveling?
- Opportunities
- Salary
- Benefits
- Housing
- Customer Care
- License Requirement
- Your Recruiter
- Getting Started
- Frequently Asked Questions
A. What is Traveling [ top ]
What is traveling? The standard definition says "Healthcare Professionals are relocated for short-term positions to fill staffing needs." Traveling was developed in response to the problem of nursing shortages. The documented severe shortage of nurses in the United States has increased the need for this type of position and created an endless supply of travel assignments. This practice is not limited to just nursing. It encompasses many facets of healthcare community including allied health and home healthcare.
B. Opportunities [ top ]
- Destinations
There are many travel destinations that may appeal to you. You may be attracted to the zeal of the city or the quaintness of a small country town. Many professionals look to relocate and use traveling as a means to find their perfect place to live. Others feel it is a great way to travel and see new destinations. The opportunities are endless. - Disciplines
The majority of healthcare professionals can travel. Some of the more popular professions are: RN, Physical Therapy, and Pharmacist. If you are considering travel and are unsure if you can find a travel position for your profession, contact one of our representatives.
C. Salary [ top ]
Increase earning potential?
- Travel Salary?
On average Travelers make 30% percent or more above other healthcare professionals in their same field. - Advantages
One of the biggest advantages is the tax incentive which is allocated to traveling professionals. Legally, tax incentives cover a professionals meals, incidentals and lodging expenses.
There is an array of incentives offered by staffing firms: To ensure you are legally covered, the incentive must fall under one of the aforementioned tax incentives. Otherwise, the incentive will not be legally considered tax free, and therefore will be considered taxable at the current income tax rates.
Any other incentive offered outside this legal description is a misleading and illegitimate tax free incentive.
D. Benefits [ top ]
There are many advantages to Travel Nursing. As you will see, many companies offer differing benefits programs. But, how does one choose the benefits and incentives that are right for them?
Initially, one might be drawn to travel through benefits offered. Don't be fooled!
Many staffing firms would like you to believe the term free actually means free. The reality, benefits packages and programs are created and compensated for by the pay package for the position being offered through the facility. For Example: - an hourly rate and benefits offered are compensated for via a pay package that is negotiated with a facility. Therefore, if you do not receive the choice on how to utilize the funds from that pay package, how are you truly benefiting?
Free doesn't sound so great after all if you are paying for them? How is that free?
In all actuality, the individual who travels for a firm pays for their own benefits, being mislead by strong marketing tactics and schemes.
Do your research, ask questions and make informed decisions as to what benefits are essential to your well being.
Some questions you may think about when considering a benefits program:
- Why would you pre pay for a benefits program that isn't suited to you and your family?
- Why aren't you compensated the direct cost of that program if you never use that program?
- Why do you have to perform certain tasks in order to be compensated?
For more information, please visit our benefits page here.
E. Housing [ top ]
Housing is more than a place you can call home. Housing is a place that has the ability to make your travel assignment more enjoyable. By saving time and money, housing options can make travel a positive experience. Personal criteria, area, commute times all lend to a successful and exciting travel experience. In many instances, furnished housing is the standard. Make certain the staffing firm you choose utilizes quality housing services or offers an adequate tax free housing stipend.
At UHA, we provide top notch housing service or the choice of receiving a generous tax free housing stipend. The choice is yours. Whatever the case may be, UHA is here to make certain your assignment is trouble-free.
F. Customer Care [ top ]
Customer Care has many levels of performance. When considering a staffing firm, choose a firm that places an emphasis on customer service. Additionally, one must take into account a firms customer service availability. It should be obvious that constant care should be of utmost importance, especially to a traveler as well as to the facility. If there is any concern that needs to be addressed, that concern should be dealt with expediency.
Concerns can take place at any hour of the day, any day of the week! Issues have no boundaries. Therefore, neither should a staffing firm when it comes to resolution and customer care. Having an advocate on your side 24/7 can be critical.
At United Healthcare Associates we want our travelers to feel comfortable and secure in their assignments. Therefore, we are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Our Representatives are trained in customer care. We are here to answer your questions and assist you when you need us. You are encouraged to give us a call and talk about any matter that relates to traveling with us. After all, wouldn't you want your assignment to be as pleasant as possible? You will be impressed by the personal attention and responsiveness you get from UHA. Our customer care is one of the reasons UHA stands out from the competition.
G. License Requirements [ top ]
As a nurse you are required to be licensed in the state in which you work. In some cases your license may allow you to practice nursing in several states such as licenses granted by the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). These states include: Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Delaware, Idaho, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Mississippi, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Wisconsin.
If you choose an assignment where your license is not accepted for practice, choose a firm that will reimburse you for licensure in that state.
H. Your Recruiter [ top ]
Your recruiter plays the most important role in your travel career. As a traveler, your recruiter becomes your partner and your advocate. They are your eyes and ears. It is their job to serve you in a manner that is synonymous with comfort and security.
In any relationship, good communication is important. You will need to be able to speak openly and honestly with your recruiter about your strengths, weaknesses, and expectations. You should keep an open mind regarding your recruiter's recommendations. There are many opportunities that may surprise you in regards to your criteria.
At UHA, our recruiters are with you. Now matter the circumstances, we are here to work for you. Or number one job is to provide you definitive travel opportunities that will enhance your short and long term goals.
I. Getting Started [ top ]
Look for firms who offer multiple application options. Since time isn't always on our side, having multiple options to apply makes the most sense.
At UHA, you can apply in multiple formats. Via the phone, internet, fax, e-mail. By far, the easiest way to apply is online. Follow the apply now link to fill out an application. In addition, if you choose, you can download the form and fill it out in your leisure. Then simply fax, e-mail or mail it back to us. Within a short period of time, a UHA personnel specialist will contact you shortly. Once all documentation has been verified, you will be assigned to one of our recruiters.
J. Frequently Asked Questions: [ top ]
Traveling
How does one become a traveling Healthcare professional?
What happens upon application submittal?
Are there minimum requirements to travel?
Am I obligated once the application is submitted?
Will I have to pay any fees for your service?
Do I have to sign a long term contract?
Can I travel with my family or pet?
Pay & Benefits
How much does one earn traveling?
Are shift differentials offered?
How will I get paid?
Do you offer free Bonuses? Gas? Laundry? Tuition? Chauffer?
Health Insurance Coverage? Dental? Vision, Death? Etc....
Reimbursement for carrying your own health insurance? How much?
Ex: I prefer carrying my own. Blue Cross Blue Shield which is good almost everywhere. This way I have direct control of my insurance and if I change to another company no hassle. Negotiate the reimbursement . I've received up to $300/month and as low as $125/month . Really depends on the whole package.
401K? How much? Start Date?
Referral Incentives? How much? When do you receive it? How many times can you receive it?
Continuing Education Scholarships?
Licensure Compensation?
Base pay rate per hour? Overtime pay rate? Holiday pay?
What Holidays does the Travel Nursing Company have?
Do they offer the appropriate and legal tax incentives? The biggest hassle is misunderstanding who offers legal tax incentives as defined by the IRS. The risk, being penalized and audited by the IRS!
Housing
Closeness to facility? (verify through mapquest or googlemaps)
Can you take part in selecting housing that they will lease for you? Saying you will consider what they have if they consider what you find. (Negotiating)
Any Deposits? (Shouldn't be or very minimal like a pet deposit)
Will they cover utilities? Which ones? Up to what limit? (Be aware many Travel Nurse Agencies cover everything except maybe phone, sometimes cable)
What exactly is in the furniture package? What size Bed? What size TV? (Bed , Nightstand, Sofa, Coffee Table, Recliner-type chair, Side Table, 2 lamps, sometimes Art) Some Corporate Apartments come with a real nice furniture package because the owners supply it rather than the Travel Nursing Company renting. Do your Research.
Is there a housewares package? (Pots, Pans, Dishes, Glasses, spoons, forks, knives, kitchen utensils, microwave, towels, sheets)
Washer & Dryer? Dishwasher? If not where is the Laundry Room? On the same floor? How many W/D's ? Costs? ( I like to be able to wash my clothes when I want to, No Charge.)
Cable? Basic? Phone? Highspeed Internet? (Some places do have wireless)
Number of days you can move in prior to Start Date of Assignment? Number of Days to Move out after Last Day of Assignment?
Which Floor? End Unit? ( I prefer Top Floor End Unit For Quiet & Security but check the layout online for physical problems such as near a busy street, parking, pool)
Central A/C Heat? (Always ask . Remember without it you may need to open windows which invites noise, light, pollution and even bugs or thieves.)
Square Feet of apartment ? ( I've seen pictures stretched on the Internet and people lie about the exact square footage. For the most part if it is listed on a major apt search engine it usually is right but if it isn't you should find out through feedback from other Travelers on Travel Nurse Forums or Apartment Ratings).
Name of the Apartments and address? (With that info alone you can find a lot of info on the Internet and also calling the leasing agent.)
Benefits
Health Insurance? Name of Company? 1st Day Coverage?
Dental?
Reimbursement for carrying your own health insurance? How much? ( I prefer carrying my own. Blue Cross Blue Shield which is good almost everywhere. This way I have direct control of my insurance and if I change to another company no hassle. Negotiate the reimbursement . I've received up to $300/month and as low as $125/month . Really depends on the whole package.
401K? How much? Start Date?
Referral Incentives? For referring other Travelers and How much? When do you receive it? How many times can you receive it?
Incentives?
Reimbursement for Continuing Education?
Reimbursement for Licensure ?
Facility
Floating?
On call? Pay?
Mandatory Overtime?
Shift or shifts working? Can you get your shifts back to back the same days each week or spaced out etc.? (Now is the time to negotiate this and IF they agree you may want this written in the contract)
Sick Leave?
Duties?
Dress Code?
If you enjoy a facility, can the assignment be extended?
Orientation ? Classroom hours? Orientation Hours on each unit you will work? If there are classes to take later in your Travel Nursing Assignment will they adjust your schedule if you don't want to go over hours and agree to let you know well in advance?
Are the hours per week guaranteed?
While you are on assignment and you get called off will they still pay you?
When choosing a staffing firm, be certain to inquire about the assignment. It is the only way to ensure you understand the assignment facts.