Short, honest guides for travel clinicians. No sales pitch.
Contract negotiation
6 min read
Recruiters almost always hold margin on the first offer. Anchor on the bill rate for the region, ask for the split between taxable and stipend, and negotiate guaranteed hours before you negotiate rate — hours protect you when census drops.
Pay & stipends
5 min read
A very low taxable hourly boosts take-home now but shrinks overtime pay, unemployment, disability, and mortgage-qualifying income. Aim for a defensible hourly for your profession and region rather than the lowest possible number.
Taxes
7 min read
Stipends are only tax-free if you maintain a legitimate tax home and duplicate expenses. Keep receipts, keep a permanent residence you pay for, and don't stay in one metro past 12 months. This is general education, not tax advice.
Housing
5 min read
Agency housing removes risk but usually costs you more than the stipend is worth. Price a month-to-month furnished rental before deciding, and compare against the GSA per-diem for the county.
Licensing
4 min read
Compact privileges can start you in days; non-compact states can take 6-10 weeks. Start the application before you accept, and ask who pays for temporary permits.
Evaluating facilities
5 min read
Look for the notice period, who can cancel, whether guaranteed hours survive a facility call-off, and any penalty if you cancel. A 48-hour clause with no guaranteed hours is the riskiest common combination.
Negotiating with recruiters
6 min read
Ask about guaranteed hours, call-off policy, float requirements, on-call expectations, productivity standards, orientation pay, parking, scrub color, extension policy, and who to contact after hours.
Insurance
4 min read
Most agency plans end the day your contract ends. If you take time off between assignments, price a short-term plan or COBRA in advance so you're never uncovered.
Retirement
5 min read
Agency 401(k) matches usually vest slowly, so a personal IRA or solo plan often serves travelers better. Automate a percentage of every weekly gross rather than saving what's left.
Travel tips
4 min read
Bring two weeks of scrubs, your own BP cuff or goniometer, and printed copies of your license and certifications. Confirm parking and badge access the business day before you start.