Health Care Facilities
Frequently Asked Questions
What is required to work as a traveler?
Most hospitals and healthcare facilities require a minimum of 1 year recent experience in your specialty area in a hospital setting. You must be a graduate of an accredited healthcare professional program in the U.S.or Canada. All travelers need to have a valid professional license or certification, as well as proof of the right to work in the United States.
Do I have to be single and childless to work on a travel assignment?
No. Many travelers bring their families and MedZone Staffing is a family friendly company. However, the traveler will be responsible to pay for any additional housing expenses over and beyond our standard housing package.
What about my pets? Can they come with me?
MedZone loves pets too but all costs associated with your pet will be the responsibility of the traveler. These costs may include: pet deposits, apartment or furniture damage, loss of deposits, etc. Unfortunately, having your pet with you may limit your housing options as some apartments don’t allow pets.
Will each state require that I be licensed to practice in that state?
Yes, each state has its own rules and regulations. However, your recruiter will work with you to make sure you have all the necessary information to obtain the required license for the state in which your next assignment will be located. This will be done well in advance of the new assignment’s start date. It is also a good idea for you to contact individual state boards in the states you wish to work and get up-to-date information and applications sent to you directly.
Am I required to sign a long term contract with MedZone Staffing?
No. You’re only obligated to is for your contracted assignment. We’ll need to earn your trust on every new assignment or extension.
What does it take to be a successful traveler?
Generally speaking, follow the same characteristics and traits that any successful professional would portray: a strong work ethic, excellent clinical skills, a positive outlook, enthusiastic, good people skills and compassionate with your patients. Flexibility is a must! That doesn’t mean you’ll be working outside of your scope of expertise but does mean your clinical manager and colleagues need to see that you’re willing to help in every possible way. This type of approach will assure a long term career as a traveler. The desire to learn and experience new adventures is also very helpful—whether or not you decide to work as a traveler in the years to come.
What is considered a full-time schedule?
In most cases, thirty six hours per week is considered full time for travelers working 12 hour shifts and forty hours per week for those working 8 or 10 hour shifts.
How long are travel assignments?
The industry standard is 13 weeks but they can range from 4-26 weeks. Furthermore, there is always the possibility of being able to extend your current 13 week assignment for another 13 weeks depending on the healthcare facility’s need. Many travelers take advantage of these employment opportunities to limit the frequency of moves to other locations.
What are the hourly pay rates?
When this question is asked lots of intangibles come into play. Assignment pay rates will vary depending on some or all of the following factors: your clinical specialty, shift, client’s bill rate, assignment location, client’s sense of urgency to fill the position, and the area’s cost of living. Generally, Nurse Practitioners make $30 to $50/hour, Registered Nurses get paid $20 to $45/hour while Surgical Technologists and Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurses can expect $15 to $28 per hour.
Will I be eligible for any bonuses?
MedZone offers referral bonuses ranging from $250 to $1000 depending on the type of professional referred to us. If you refer a qualified colleague to us and they accept a travel assignment, you will receive a referral bonus once they complete their first assignment. Sign on and/or completion bonuses are offered on selected travel assignments. MedZone also offers retention bonuses to travelers that complete multiple assignments within a certain time frame. You can discuss the details of these incentives with your recruiter.
Do I get my travel expenses reimbursed?
Yes. These reimbursements are designed to cover your travel expenses needed to reach your assignment destination at the beginning of your contract and to get to another destination upon completion. Travel reimbursements have capped amounts so please discuss the details with your recruiter.
What are my housing options while on assignment?
MedZone provides our travelers with a deluxe one bedroom furnished apartment or an extended stay hotel in rural locations if apartments aren’t readily available or accessible. Tax free lodging per diem (traveler must meet certain guidelines) allows you to choose the type, location and cost of your lodging. Many travelers take advantage of the per diem option because in most cases the per diems exceed the cost of their housing.
What if I choose not to use the housing that’s provided and prefer to make my own arrangements?
If you arrange and pay for your own housing, you will either receive a housing subsidy on a monthly basis or a tax free lodging per diem if you meet certain criteria. Your MedZone representative can help you determine whether or not you’re eligible to receive the per diem.
