BENEFITS

Travel nursing salaries in the USA can vary depending on several factors, including your level of experience, location, and the demand for nurses in the area. As of February 2023, the average annual salary for a travel nurse in the USA is around $93,000. However, some travel nurses may earn more than this based on their qualifications, specialty, and the length of their contract.

It’s worth noting that travel nurses typically receive additional compensation in the form of housing, travel reimbursement, and bonuses. Compound Healthcare offers additional bonuses and referral incentives to significantly increase your overall earnings.

The salary of a local contract nurse in the USA can vary based on various factors, including location, experience, qualifications, and the demand for nurses in the area. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, as of May 2020, the median annual salary for registered nurses in the USA was $75,330. However, the salary range for local contract nurses can be between $50,000 to over $100,000 per year, depending on the factors mentioned above.

The typical nursing contract is 13 weeks. However, some contracts are shorter durations of 6-8 weeks. It is important to note that healthcare providers often offer to extend nursing contracts. It is not unusual for a nurse to spend 26 weeks or more at the same healthcare facility.

Yes, many nurses have certain days they are unable to work. It is important to let us know of any time off that you require prior to us applying for a contract on your behalf. Once your contract has been accepted, the healthcare provider is usually unable to grant additional time off as they have already scheduled you.

For example, if you require a week off and the healthcare provider has accepted this as a condition of your 13-week contract, the contract duration effectively becomes 14 weeks. However, you will only work and be paid for 13 weeks.

This is dependent on the healthcare provider, however the general minimum experience for a nurse on contract is 1 year in the segment you are applying for. Many hospitals and healthcare facilities require 2 years of relevant experience.

As a contract nurse, you are expected to be able to hit the ground running and provide high-quality patient care when you arrive. This can be challenging, especially when you are working in a new environment and with unfamiliar colleagues. Having previous experience in various clinical settings can help you adapt more quickly and efficiently to new assignments.

Healthcare facilities usually give 1-3 days of paid orientation to new individuals on contract. This orientation allows you to get familiar with the facility layout, technical systems and processes of the specific facility.

In addition to proper state licensure, typically AHA Basic Life Support certificate (BLS) is required. Depending on your specialty, you may be required to show proof of additional courses or certificates. Your references may also be asked to confirm that you have previously worked in the relevant settings. 

Some healthcare facilities allow a contract healthcare professional to take a required course as a condition of employment. In this case, Compound Healthcare can reimburse the costs of this course.

Stipends are a common component of travel nursing compensation packages in the USA. They are additional payments made to travel nurses to cover expenses related to travel and housing. Here’s how they typically work:

1. Housing Stipend: A housing stipend is a set amount of money provided to a travel nurse to cover the cost of housing during their assignment. The amount of the stipend varies based on the location and length of the assignment. The nurse is responsible for finding and paying for their own housing, but the stipend can be used to offset those costs.

2. Meal Stipend: Some travel nursing contracts include a meal stipend to cover the cost of meals while on assignment. This stipend is typically a daily or weekly amount that is paid on top of the nurse’s regular salary.

3. Travel Stipend: A travel stipend is a set amount of money provided to cover the costs of transportation to and from the travel nurse’s assignment. This can include airfare, gas, and other travel-related expenses.

It’s important to note that stipends are typically tax-free, which means they do not count as taxable income. However, there are certain IRS rules and regulations that must be followed to ensure that stipends are considered tax-free. Additionally, the exact terms and amounts of stipends can vary depending on state and specific contract.

A Canadian nurse can work as a travel nurse in the USA, but you will need to follow a few steps to ensure that you meet the necessary requirements. 

1. Obtain a nursing license in the relevant state: Canadian nurses must have a current nursing license to work in the USA. To obtain a license, you will need to have passed the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) and meet the other requirements of the state where you plan to work. Some states also require additional exams or certifications.

2. Have relevant work experience: Canadians will need 1-2 years of relevant work experience in addition to proper licensing.
3. Secure a job: Canadian nurses can work as travel nurses in the USA through travel nursing agencies. Not many healthcare staffing agencies are experienced with Canadian nurses. Compound Healthcare specializes in helping Canadian healthcare professionals through tis complex process.
4. Obtain a work visa: Canadian nurses will need a work visa to work in the USA. The most common work visa for Canadian travel nurses is the TN visa, which is available to Canadian citizens under the USMCA Free Trade agreement (formerly called North American Free Trade Agreement or NAFTA).

5. Obtain a Social Security number: Canadian nurses will need a Social Security number to work in the USA. You can apply for a Social Security number at a Social Security Administration office once you have your TN visa and I-95 paperwork.

6. Meet additional requirements: Some states or healthcare facilities may have additional requirements for travel nurses, such as background checks, drug tests, or specific certifications.

It’s important to note that the requirements for Canadian nurses to work as travel nurses in the USA can be complex and may vary depending on the specific situation. Compound Healthcare has a division dedicated to helping Canadian healthcare professionals find jobs and obtain their TN visa.