Travel Nurse Job FAQs – Traveling Nurses Company – Travel Nurse Service -American Mobile Healthcare
 
 
   
Click on the links below for answers to commonly asked questions. If you don't see your question addressed below, please call us at (800) 282-0300. One of our recruitment specialists will be happy to assist you.
 
  Select from the following frequently asked questions:

  Becoming a traveler Pay and bonuses Benefits and incentives Travel assignments Housing & travel    

  Becoming a traveler

 

How do I become an American Mobile Healthcare traveler? 
To become an American Mobile Healthcare traveler you will need to complete a 3-step application process. Start by filling out an application, then complete the skills checklists and reference request form.  The application can be done online, by fax, or by mail. Once your forms have been received, our expert recruiters will evaluate your qualifications and contact you when assignments match your particular skills and experience.
                                                                                                 
What are the minimum requirements? 
The minimum experience requirements depend on your area of specialty, the facility, unit and sometimes even the location. The facilities we work with have different requirements and preferences, but the majority request a minimum of 18 months of experience. For some specialties such as Med-Surg, Psych and Rehab, the minimum can be as high as two years. 

Is travel nursing a smart choice in a declining economy?
Demand for travel nurses continues to grow even in tough economic times. In fact, the current need is so great that salary ranges for travel nurses are at all time highs.  When you travel with us, you’ll have the security of knowing that you’ll always have thousands of facility choices in all 50 states, including positions with the top facilities across the country. And when you’re ready to move on to your next assignment, you can always count on us to have a variety of jobs available to you.

As a traveling nurse, you’ll also have the freedom to choose ‘low cost of living’ locations where your earnings potential and purchasing power goes further. Additional benefits such as Guaranteed Pay and increased travel reimbursements have made traveling the perfect solution for many nurses who want to shield their family from tough economic times. 

Am I under any obligation after submitting my application?
No. Your application is simply used as a qualification for you to travel. You can choose to travel now or in the future. Once your application is processed there will be an assignment waiting for you whenever you decide to travel.

Are there any fees associated with your services?
No, never. Our hospital clients pay for our services.

Do I have to commit to a long-term contract?
No. Your commitment to American Mobile Healthcare only extends for the length of the assignment you agree to take.

Can I travel with my family or pets? 
Absolutely! It's a great way to explore the country and to share the fun and excitement of your travel experiences. You may incur a modest fee for private housing and, in some instances, a pet deposit. See the housing section for more details.

  

  Pay and bonuses

 

How much will I earn?
Pay rates vary depending on the facility and location, as well as your specialty. But, with American Mobile's new take home pay rates for nurses, you can earn up to 15% more on each paycheck.! Your take home travel nursing pay will include a daily incentive for meals and incidentals, which in turn increases the size of your paycheck. You can now earn more money than ever before when you travel with American Mobile.

In addition to our new take home pay rates for nurses,  many hospitals offer generous completion and sign-on bonuses, ranging from $500 to $6,000. For specific pay rate information, and more details on take home pay rates, please contact your recruiter.

When and how will I be paid?
As an American Mobile Healthcare traveler, you will be paid directly from our payroll. We provide payment by direct deposit into your bank account or by overnight mail every two weeks. If you choose direct deposit, your payroll stub will be mailed to you for your records.

Will I earn a bonus if I refer another nurse to American Mobile Healthcare?
We greatly appreciate any referrals you send to us and as soon as your friend or colleague completes his or her first 13-week assignment, you are eligible for a $500 bonus. If you want further details, please refer to our Refer a friend section.

Do your assignments offer cash bonuses?
Yes, hundreds of our assignments offer cash bonuses ranging from $500 to $6,000. These incentives, usually offered as completion bonuses, are paid at the end of your assignment. Ask your recruiter for more information.

How are the new Take Home Pay Rates for nurses different from a “tax advantage” program?
Our new take home pay rate for nurses includes a daily meals and incidentals expense, which is
also typically the basis of a “tax advantage” program.  This expense allows you to receive more
after-tax dollars in each paycheck. Travelers with a permanent tax home will see the maximum benefit
of this compensation package. For a full definition of a permanent tax home, go to the IRS website.

Unlike a typical tax advantage plan other travel companies might offer, with American Mobile,
your overtime rate is still paid on a competitive hourly rate, instead of an artificially lowered rate. 
In addition, other items that are affected by your base pay rate, such as social security, disability
and even credit scores will not suffer any drastic changes.

You can read more about our new take home pay plan and permanent tax home statuses on our More Take Home Pay page.

How is our program different from others? 
Unlike some other “tax advantage” programs, our take home pay package complies with all IRS guidelines.  You can feel confidentknowing that American Mobile’s team of tax professionals worked diligently to research all applicable tax laws, making our traveling nurses the first priority.
Our program offers a consistent and easy payment structure, which could eliminate the need for you
to track receipts—making things easy for you! 

  

  Benefits and incentives

 

What benefits do you offer?
American Mobile Healthcare travelers are among the highest paid healthcare professionals in the industry. We also offer a wide variety of benefits including day-one health insurance, dental and life insurance, free, private housing, 401(k) retirement plans, free continuing education, travel reimbursement, The Service Connection, incentive programs and much more. For more specific information, please visit our pay and benefits section.

Do I still have health benefits when I'm not on assignment?
Yes. You may take up to 30 days off between assignments and still maintain your health benefits.

How do I enroll in your 401(k) retirement plan?
It's never too early to start planning for your retirement. You are eligible to enroll in our 401(k) as soon as you start an assignment! Starting 2009, you may contribute up to 50 percent of your salary or $16,500, whichever is lower, tax free. If you are age 50 or older, you may contribute $22,000 a year.  Our 401(k) plan offers a variety of well-known stock, bond and money market funds. Travelers who join the program can also take advantage of the 401(k) match that we offer. Ask a recruiter for details!

Do you offer free education?
Yes, we do. Through our service partner, www.rn.com, we offer all our travelers free continuing education. By going to this Web site, our travelers can view a list of all the current courses, preview the course material, take tests and print course certificates from any computer at any time.

What incentive programs do you offer?
As soon as you complete an application, you'll instantly be able to enjoy the benefits of our Travel Advantage program, which offers discounts on hotels, cellular phone service, computer equipment, health club membership and more.

  

  Travel assignments

  How long are travel assignments?
Typically, assignments range from 8 to 13 weeks. However, we can often be flexible, offering shorter or longer assignments customized to your needs. And many times, you can extend an assignment you particularly enjoy.

Where do you offer assignments?
We work in thousands of facilities in all 50 states. From major cities to rural communities, we have assignments in more locations and at more facilities than any other travel nursing company. Tell us where you want to go, and we'll get you there.

Will I work full time or part time on assignment?
All of our assignments are for full time 36- or 40-hour work weeks. If you would like more hours, however, many assignments also offer the opportunity to work overtime.

What kind of facility will I work in as a traveler?
Our travelers work primarily in hospital settings. The size of the hospitals can range from very large teaching hospitals to small community healthcare facilities.

How do I choose an assignment?
Once we have reviewed your application and skills checklist, you and your recruiter will discuss your assignment expectations, career goals and your desired destination in order to find the best assignment for you. You will then be presented with available assignments, including details on the pay rate, facility, unit, shifts, location and bonuses.

From that list, you will interview with the facilities of your choice. All interviews are done over the phone. After your interview, you and your recruiter will decide which assignment to take.

How long will it take to approve my application and start my assignment?
Some travelers start their first assignment a week after submitting their application, while others plan their assignments several months down the road. How quickly you can start traveling depends on whether your documentation is in order and license is current for the state where you will be practicing. We will work with you to help you get all the paperwork and credential requirements organized in time for your assignment start date.

Does American Mobile Healthcare offer clinical support?
Yes. American Mobile Healthcare offers clinical liaisons to help our travelers if they have clinical questions or concerns on their assignment. Their support is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

What are the state licensing requirements for my assignment?
Your recruiter will advise you on the specific requirements for the state in which you have chosen to take an assignment. For more information, visit our state licensing section.

What happens after I complete my assignment?
After your assignment is complete, you have many options. Many facilities will give you the option of extending your current assignment, or may offer you a permanent position at their facility. If you prefer, you can travel to a new assignment, or even return home and travel at a later date. It's entirely up to you.		  

  Housing & travel

  How will I get to my assignment?
It's best to drive or have your vehicle transported to your assignment, since you'll want to explore your new surroundings and go sightseeing on your days off. If, however, you accept an assignment in a major city where parking is scarce and public transportation is readily available, you can probably do without a car. We will always ensure that you have maps and detailed instructions on how to get to your destination and your new workplace.

Will I be reimbursed for my travel expenses?
Yes, we provide our travelers with a generous travel reimbursement. Best of all, it's tax-free.

Is housing really free?
Yes. You will be provided with free, private, furnished housing on every company-paid assignment, no matter where you travel. Speak to your recruiter for further details.

What type of housing do you provide?
Our standard housing package consists of a free, private one-bedroom apartment. In some locations, studio apartments are offered. Our housing department works with only the most reputable apartment communities to provide you with comfortable and attractive housing conveniently located near your assignment. Your accommodation will be in move-in condition upon your arrival, complete with furniture and utilities. Many of our properties even feature luxurious amenities, including pools, fitness centers and tennis courts. Travelers also have the option to choose their own housing using the generous housing subsidy. For more information, please visit our housing section.

Will you provide accommodation if I travel with my spouse and/or children?
Yes, we will provide you with free, private accommodation in a comfortable setting close to your workplace. We can also provide you with private two-bedroom accommodations. You may be required to pay a nominal monthly fee for private, two-bedroom housing. This fee will vary depending on the location and the assignment. Alternatively, if you prefer, you can find your own accommodation and we will pay you a generous monthly housing subsidy.

Will I be provided with free housing if I travel with a pet? 
Yes. Most of our housing accommodations allow travelers to keep pets. If you bring a pet on assignment, please request our private housing option. You likely will have to pay a pet deposit. The pet deposit amount varies from place to place. This will be returned upon completion of your assignment if the accommodations are clean and well maintained.

Have more questions? Please call us at (800) 282-0300. We'll be happy to assist you with any questions about travel nursing.