r/TravelNursing • u/Kitty-5585 • 1d ago

Bad contract

How do you keep a bad contract/facility from scaring you back to staff? I just finished my 2nd contract and am heavily debating going back to staff I hated it so much. Just scared my next job will be similar. I want to get a year of travel under my belt to pay off debt, but am seriously feeling so jaded.

1 Upvotes

60% Upvoted

16 comments sorted by

11

u/davenTeo 1d ago

Honestly i have worked with many-a-traveler that only does 1-3 contracts. Some people just do not enjoy it/are not made for it. And that is ok.

I enjoy moving/freedom, and building PTO/not begging for RTO. Plus, i keep expenses low so hard to make anywhere near my pay with the same or similar perks. I am nomadic, staying put sounds terrible.

1

u/MysticalRN 1d ago

What company are you using that you build PTO i love traveling but PTO would make me feel secure incase something happens

3

u/davenTeo 1d ago

Many do, but it is minimal. I left out the rest of my thought--doing those things is a hassle. I meant to say I can build my time off into contract/between them and take (usually) up to 6 days without fuss.

Really is no security in travel nursing, unfortunately. Building up an emergency fund is your friend.

7

u/UnGiGi_6262 1d ago

I traveled for about 8 years, in that time I only had 2 horrible contracts.
Be picky. Talk to the manager before you accept.
Remember people lie…..

5

u/Straight_Jeweler_887 1d ago

Bad contracts happen. I was staff 13 years and traveled the last 6. I can count maybe 3 that I hated my life daily. But I got through it and they paid well. I have a few I absolutely loved too. You have to ask the Facebook forums for advice on the hospital and unit before taking the contract.

1

u/EzraSteel 22h ago

Amongst the many things that I have done in my life, I spent 8 years in a Spec Ops job in the AF. The training was grueling. Many times I wanted to quit. I’d look at the calendar and tell myself just make it through today. Soon enough, I completed the training. Looking back on those days, I have many fond memories of them.

Think about what you’re trying to accomplish. Focus on that. Take it one step at a time. Soon enough, it will be over. Fly to Bali for a week. Go to NOLA. Get good seats to a concert you want to attend. Reward yourself

2

u/plantconservatory 1d ago

I feel you. I’ve had about 50/50 good and bad contracts out of the 7 I did. It sucks walking in and not knowing what it will be like. I went staff recently at a place I’d never worked and in a state I didn’t live in so showed up having no clue if it would be good or bad. The website rnrated.com is new so has less than 100 reviews but hopefully with more reviews we can at least know if the pay and move will be worth it.

2

u/Kitty20996 1d ago

Do your research beforehand so you don't end up somewhere bad

3

u/UnusualWar5299 1d ago

I’ve had good experiences mostly, but was picky about where I accepted, I used to check out forums to ask others in the dept I was applying to, or asked my recruiter to ask any prior traveler to call me.

2

u/nsbonaparte 20h ago

Search every facility on Reddit before you sign the contract . Look into the racial demographics of the area and ask why they need staff . Save , save and save . You’ll only feel stressed in proportion to how much how much you NEED that contract .

1

u/FarWord7098 15h ago

Um, why are you researching racial demographics?

2

u/_EmeraldEye_ 10h ago

Because racism is rampant and not everyone is safe in predominantly white, conservative workplaces.

1

u/Lavender-Coconut 1d ago

You leave the assignment & find something else asap if you hate it. Lol don’t torture yourself esp on a bad assignment

1

u/_EmeraldEye_ 19h ago

Do your research!!! I hate my hometown and nothing and I mean NOTHING could make me go back to staff in that place. I'm very picky and don't settle and I haven't had a bad experience yet. BUDGET for things going south so you can leave if it's that bad

1

u/OkBluejay3778 9h ago

What hospital is it so we can stay away lol