As I discussed in my blog about crisis contracts, travel nursing contracts are being canceled at rapid rates for multiple reasons. The cancellation of elective surgeries, fluctuating patient populations, and the uncertainty about the course of coronavirus are all contributing factors to why so many travel RNs are out of jobs right now. This will get better and we will be stronger and more essential than ever when it\u2019s over.<\/span><\/p>\n But, if you want to continue to be a travel nurse and feel confident in your contract, get back to basics and start looking at non-COVID jobs. They still exist! Here are some tips on how to find a contract that is less likely to be canceled.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n When you search on <\/span>Vivian<\/span><\/a>, try filtering by a start date that is further out, rather than looking at ASAP start dates, and scroll past jobs with the COVID-19 label at the end. Also search for 13-week contracts, versus 4-8 week assignments.\u00a0 When signing a contract, ask for a clause that gives at least 2 weeks’ notice for cancellations, has guaranteed hours, is for the correct type of facility (acute versus long-term care), and has the hourly commitment that you want.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n IF your contract looks like it may be a crisis rate (high pay, high hourly commitment, no statement about cancellations)- advocate for yourself and<\/span> insist on a cancellation clause<\/b> that will give you two weeks notice. I said it in the article before this and I\u2019ll say it again- I would try offering $500 less per week in exchange for the clause. Negotiate a bit. I\u2019d rather know I have a stable, reliable position and make a little less cash, than all of a sudden be out of work for 2+ weeks. That is obviously a very personal decision, but it may protect you from being canceled.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n You may need to be flexible in your location choice<\/a>, but it is 100% possible that you can find a non COVID assignment right now. Pay rates are still above average, and now is a great chance to save some money. Since most locations are virtually closed down, now is a good time to branch out, see somewhere new, and also still get paid!<\/span><\/p>\n Before searching, do a little research. Use the web and find out where the \u2018hot spots\u2019 still exist and avoid those areas if you are looking for a \u2018normal\u2019 travel nursing contract. Ask about cancellations and patients censuses in travel nursing Facebook groups, or if anyone is or was at hospitals in the location you are thinking about.<\/span><\/p>\n If you are able, be patient for a few weeks. This too shall pass. If you are already in a travel nursing assignment- don\u2019t leave for greener pastures. Extend your current contract if you can. For example, I am making about half of what I could if I were to leave and go to NYC, but I am more comfortable knowing I have a job and am needed where I am at. Use Vivian’s salary tool<\/a> to research the latest pay data in the area.<\/span><\/p>\n If the market stays like this another month, I may even seek to extend my contract and ditch my original plans to take a non-COVID assignment in the Pacific Northwest. Plans change, it happens, we adjust.<\/span><\/p>\n Last thoughts… <\/span>PLEASE DO NOT TAKE A CRISIS CONTRACT AS A FIRST TIME TRAVELER<\/b>. This is a terrible idea, both for you and the people who are going to work alongside you. A \u2018normal\u2019 travel nurse contract would give you less than 2 days of orientation. Usually, nurses get a \u2018classroom day\u2019- which is just HR stuff, and 4-8 hours on the floor (only one unit, even if they are floating). EHR training is done prior to arrival as part of the onboarding process. Travel nurses are expected to start on the floor right away and be ready to take a max census right away. We are expected to adapt to not knowing the equipment and supplies, and we need to know what we don\u2019t know (and when to ask for help!). If this sounds overwhelming and gives you anxiety, it\u2019s not worth the money.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n This is why most of us will say nurses need at least 2 years of experience in their specialty before traveling. Yes, staff nurses are helpful- but travelers are usually making way more money than staff and the staff can get frustrated if you are completely helpless. It kind of begs the question; \u201cWhat are we paying you so well for if you don\u2019t know what you\u2019re doing?\u201d See? That sentiment is not fun for the staff or travelers.<\/span><\/p>\nFilter Your Vivian Searches<\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n
Cancellation Clauses and Travel RN Contracts<\/b><\/h2>\n
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<\/h2>\nResearch the Location Facilities<\/b><\/h2>\n
When to Avoid a Crisis Contract<\/b><\/h2>\n