Frequently Asked Questions

In this section I cover many things that first time travelers, and veteran's who need a refresher, need to know! I am always open to suggestions as well, so feel free to let me know if you'd like for me to add anything!

Q: How does pay work compared to my Staff role?

A: With your staff role, you have your BASE hourly, shift diff, & call. ALL TAXED...With Travel contracts you have hourly, NON TAXED Housing/Meals Stipends, Bonuses, Reimbursements etc..  See the section after these FAQ's for further breakdown of Pay/Benefits.

Q: Is it true I can make MORE MONEY as a traveler? 

A: Generally, YES! While each contract will differ depending on cost of living in the specific location, what the facilities are willing to pay, etc... 9.5/10 times you are making MORE than a traditional staff role. BUT there are things to consider like PAYING for additional housing/meals while still having your normal bills..

Q: What is a Stipend/Per Diem?

A: These words can be used interchangeably but is generally referred to as a 'Stipend'. A stipend is an amount of money, determined by the GSA (IRS funded company) that tells us how much we are allotted to give you for things like housing costs and meals while you are on assignment. They are there to help since you will still have normal bills at home while you are traveling. 

Q: I heard about a 50 mile rule... what is that?

A: This means that you cannot live within 50 miles by car, of the facility you are looking to work for and receive Tax-Free Stipends/Per Diems. The IRS looks at it like this, if you can drive there and back each shift, you do not need a housing stipend, because you are not duplicating expenses. Same for meals, if you can eat at home, you don't get a per diem for meals each day. NOTE:  SOME FACILITIES WILL DO MORE THAN 50 MILE RADIUS!  I will tell you if that is the case during the initial overlook of the contract with you. I.E.  Banner facilities in Arizona will not accept ANYONE  with an Arizona Driver's License, even if they live over 50 miles...

Q: Can I work at a facility if I live LESS than 50 miles from it?

A: MAYBE! It totally depends on the facility and their rules/restrictions. We will know in the job order or can find out for you. NOTE: You will make LESS working local because you will not get the stipends for housing/meals. AND your entire check will be FULLY TAXABLE. So if you want to make more $, go further out.

Q: What is a Tax Home? Why do I need it?

A: A Tax Home is the address you use to file on your taxes. This is CRITICAL because this tells us and the IRS you are or are not qualified for tax free stipends. Easiest way to describe it, the address on your driver's license is what we use for your tax home.

Q: Housing. What do I do about it? Do you find it for me? 

A: We have a TON of great resources for you to find housing. As your recruiter, I will do as much as I can to assist in the search. We do not currently have a department that only does housing, but that means the savings goes right back into your pocket. Without that additional cost for that dept., we can pass the savings on to you! It's generally pretty simple to find housing. If it will be more difficult, our facilities usually will let us know that's a problem in their area and they may have options already ready!

Q: How long is the average contract? Can it be longer/shorter than that?

A: The average travel contract is 13 weeks long with options to extend further, depending on need. That's the biggest thing to remember... when you are traveling, you are usually filling a gap until the facility can hire someone for a staff role. It is unwise to expect to be at one location for years. Assume 13 weeks, as short as 8 weeks, as long as 52 weeks(but that's rare).

Q: I have a pet, is it an issue to travel with them?

A: No! Bring them with you! Just make sure when you are searching for housing, you find a spot that accommodates for pets.  Keep in mind, you may have a pet deposit.

Q: When do I get paid?

A: AHS pays you EVERY Friday, as long as your timecard is in by Monday morning at 11am EST. Doesn't matter what the schedule of the facility is, we work out them paying us on the back end so you can focus on your job! 

Q: Do you have an app for my phone or tablet?

A: Our app is almost done! We have Insight, our complete website that allows you to upload documents, see your paystubs, browse new jobs and apply and much more! Insight currently works on all major devices with internet capabilities.

Q: How does licensure work for a state that I don't hold an active license, but it's required?

A: We can guide you through the process of applying for any license required. Hold on to your receipt as well, we can reimburse you for any cost accrued in that process on your first/second check!

Q: How much experience do I need to travel? What if I am a new grad?

A: Generally, 1-2 years of staff experience is required to work a travel contract. The facility has a need and wants someone that can hit the ground running to fill that need, to avoid loss of patient care. As an industry this standard is widely accepted but New Grad opportunities can arise from time to time, depending on discipline.

Q: What if I have never traveled before, will I not have as many opportunities?

A: Some facilities are more picky than others. They will let us know in the job order, usually, if they do not accept first time travelers or if they welcome them! I will guide you there once we are at that stage. 

Q: What if I get on assignment and I get homesick or just don't like it?

A: Communicate. Simple as that. Let me know how you feel straight away! I can't help fix a problem I don't know exists. A facility or agency is much more likely to work with you than most people think. I will go over your options and help you make the right decision for YOU, not us. I want you to travel with me for the long run, not just 1 assignment, but travel work isn't for everyone AND THAT'S OK! No judgement or grudges here, just communicate with me so I can help you.

Q: I have a friend(s) that wants to travel with me, can they?

A: Absolutely! We love travel pairs/teams here! Bare in mind, you will need to be flexible on location/shift/pay due to the market, but I can def. help you all get the right assignment! 

Tips:

-Pack according to weather for the location you are going. Don't forget medicine, charger's, to turn off the stove etc.. 

-Talk with trusted friends that are travelers. If there are none, look at Google Reviews of AHS Staffing to see the wonderful things said about our agency. Use GLASSDOOR for reviews of specific facilities.

-HAVE FUN! This is a work-cation! Live a little while you're working, but don't forget, we approve ALL overtime requests as long as the facility does!!

Travel Pay Breakdown

Compared to staff jobs, the salary or total compensation for travelers can be complex and depend on a number of different factors including current experience, location, and certifications. Here’s a general breakdown of the factors that can affect travel healthcare salary.

Variable pay rates

Depending on location, individual facility needs, and seasonality, hourly pay rates for travelers may be higher or lower than staff workers. For example, travel jobs in major cities with a higher cost of living may pay more than travel jobs in cities with a lower cost-of-living. During flu season, travel rates may be higher due to an increased demand for healthcare workers from the flu.

Taxes

Taxes are an important factor for consideration when it comes to salary and gross earnings. Some travelers find that a tax consultant can help streamline this process for them.

Tax-free stipends

Tax-free stipends, also known as per diems, can be a big part of your total pay as a healthcare traveler. If you qualify, these stipends can help pay for any duplicate lodging and meal expenses that come with living away from your tax home. 

Overtime pay

All travel assignments offer overtime pay. It’s important to be clear in your contract on how much you will be compensated for overtime hours, which can differ from your base rate.

Completion bonus

Depending on the facility, your travel job might come with a completion bonus. A completion bonus is a set amount of money a facility will pay you if you complete the full travel assignment. Facilities that have a hard time retaining travelers and staff tend to offer completion bonuses more often.

Benefits

Travelers who work with AHS Staffing enjoy a full range of insurance benefits including health insurance, vision insurance, dental insurance, and a 401(k) plan where you are fully vested from DAY 1!