Reading over and then understanding the terms of a travel nursing contract can be overwhelming. Thankfully, your ability to break it down and negotiate it will improve with time and experience. Before you sign, many considerations must be made, such as the location of the assignment, pay, work environment, goal alignment, and others. The following tips can help you choose the proper travel nursing contract.

Location

In travel nursing, you can expect to change locations several times in a single year. So, it is essential to examine your contract to determine if the pay matches the cost of living in the area where you will be working. You can expect more pay for assignments in the Northeast, West Coast, and popular tourist locations as these areas have a higher cost of living. Southern and Midwestern states tend to pay lower but have a lower cost of living.

Remember to consider the distance between your housing and the facility, as transportation costs can significantly impact your pay. Whether you are taking public transportation or driving, take the time to consider your location when negotiating a contract.

Compensation

Compensation is certainly a consideration when choosing the best travel nursing contract, so you must have a clear understanding of the base pay and any bonuses and allowances you might be eligible for. Do your research. Contracts can contain different forms of compensation, such as housing stipends, travel reimbursements, and completion bonuses.

A compensation package can affect your earnings significantly, so understand how to negotiate it. You can request a breakdown of the pay structure, which will include overtime rates and holiday pay. Always compare agencies to ensure you receive the most competitive rates.

Work Environment

The work environment is a consideration, and information about patient care structure and average nurse-to-patient ratios can be just as vital as salary. Before signing your contract, evaluate the work environment you plan to work in. If possible, contact current or former travel nurses for their thoughts. Check online reviews, and remember to ask your recruiter about the place. You want to have the most precise picture of the place you can get before arriving. Seek the reality of working there and not just the company line. Ask about the onboarding you will receive, the expected workload, and the schedule.

Goal Alignment

Does the assignment fit your specialty? Are your career goals being met? It is crucial to make sure the contract aligns with your specialty and expertise. A good recruiter can help you.

You must continue to learn and grow as a nurse, so professional development opportunities are essential to consider when deciding on a contract. Will there be opportunities to obtain CEUs? Inquire about access to conferences and workshops or even online learning platforms.

Making the Best Decision for You

There are many things to evaluate in a travel nursing contract beyond the considerations listed here. Travel nurses evaluate contracts repeatedly, so they must know what to look for in an assignment. The more contracts you examine, the more skilled you will become at negotiating what is best for your career goals.

Pause and consider what is most important to you. When you do, consider partnering with a healthcare staffing agency that can help you find contracts that meet your unique needs. ADN Healthcare helps travel nurses work on their terms while receiving complete transparency about every assignment. The pros at ADN Healthcare will cover everything from housing to helping you make informed career decisions. They will make certain you understand what to expect before you take an assignment.