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Black Friday Deals

2023 Black Friday and Cyber Monday Deals for Travel Healthcare Professionals

As Thanksgiving approaches, we at Marvel Medical Staffing, your nationwide source for travel healthcare jobs, are excited to share some incredible Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals tailored for our hardworking nurses and healthcare professionals. It’s time to reward yourself or surprise a fellow healthcare worker with something special. From scrubs to technology, we’ve got you covered with the best discounts! 

Join Our Community: Looking for travel healthcare opportunities across the nation? Quick apply to jobs nationwide and take your career to new heights!

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Nursing Scrubs Black Friday Sales: Prepare to upgrade your work wardrobe with these fantastic deals on nursing scrubs: 

FIGS: Figs is offering a variety of deals! Check these out:  

 

Jaanuu: Known for stylish and comfortable scrubs, Jaanuu is offering 60% off sitewide. Don’t miss out on their Black Friday deals! Click here 

Fabletics Scrubs: Fabletics, famous for its activewear, has stepped into the world of scrubs. VIP members get 50% off. Click here 

Pulse Uniform: Enjoy 60% sitewide this Black Friday! Click here 

 

More Black Friday & Cyber Monday Discounts for Nurses: 

Beyond scrubs, we’ve found deals on essentials that make your shifts more comfortable and your downtime more enjoyable. 

 

Nursing Shoes:

Crocs: A favorite among nurses for comfort, Crocs has offered up to 60% off in previous sales. Be on the lookout for this year’s deals! 

Clove: Known for their easy-to-clean, comfortable sneakers, healthcare employees can enjoy 50%off medical discounts with Clove Shoes discount codes. 

Kizik: Perfect for those on-the-go moments, Kizik’s hands-free shoes are available at 15% off. 

 

Home and Technology:

Apple Watches: Keep track of your health with deals on Apple Watches! At Target, you can get $139 off the Apple Watch Ultra 49mm.

Airpods: Unwind with your favorite tunes! Walmart has $60.00 off the 2nd Generation Apple Airpods.

Beats: Target’s early Black Friday deals have included 50% off Beats Solo³ Bluetooth Wireless On-Ear Headphones.

Nespresso: 46% off – Nespresso Vertuo Coffee and Espresso Maker in Black Matte Rose Gold.

Stanley: Stay hydrated with deals on these popular water bottles. Save up to $6!

iRobot: Come back to a clean home with discounts on smart vacuums like the Roomba. Save up to 400.00 with this deal!

 

Year-Round Discounts for Nurses:

Don’t forget, as a nurse, you’re eligible for exclusive discounts throughout the year. Sign up with ID.me and Sheer ID to access these deals: 

 

Clothing & Apparel:

Reebok, Adidas, ASICS, Calvin Klein, Puma, Under Armour, Crocs, J.Crew, Madewell, Levis, Lululemon: Enjoy discounts ranging from 15% to 50% for healthcare workers. 

This Black Friday and Cyber Monday, take advantage of these amazing deals designed just for you! Whether it’s upgrading your work gear or enhancing your home life, these deals are our way of saying thank you for all that you do. Happy shopping! 

How-Student-Loans-Affect-Healthcare-Professionals-2048x1219-1024x585

How Student Loans Affect Healthcare Professionals

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The pursuit of higher education often comes at a significant cost, leaving many individuals burdened with student loans. This issue is particularly pertinent for healthcare workers who are essential to society’s well-being. The accumulation of student loan debt can have a profound impact on these dedicated medical professionals, affecting their career choices, financial stability, and overall well-being.  

The Covid 19 Emergency Relief and Federal Student Aid for student loans is set to officially expire in October 2023, but interest will begin accruing on Sept. 1, 2023. This means that borrowers won’t have to begin making their full monthly payments until October, but the interest rates that have been stalled since March 2020 will begin accruing once again. It will be beneficial for healthcare professionals to research loan forgiveness options based on their student loan type, amount of debt, and private vs federal loans. With student loans coming back, the impact on healthcare workers may be significant, not just professionally but also personally.  

Student-loan-stress

Impacts of Debt for Healthcare Workers 

Career Choices

Student loans and debt can significantly influence the career choices of healthcare workers. Many healthcare professions, such as therapists, ultrasound techs, and nurses, require extensive education and training; which often entails hefty education expenses. The fear of accumulating more debt may dissuade aspiring healthcare professionals from pursuing certain specialties or advanced degree due to their higher tuition costs. Which, consequently, causes a shortage of professionals in critical areas such as primary care, mental health, or rural healthcare. The financial strain leads healthcare professionals to accept higher-paying jobs in non-clinical settings, sacrificing their passion for patient care in favor of higher salaries to pay back their debts. 

Financial Stability 

The weight of student loan debt can also hinder healthcare workers’ financial stability and delay their ability to build a nest egg for their future. Loan payments can consume a significant portion of their income, limiting their capacity to save, invest, or plan for major life events such as purchasing a home or starting a family. For individuals who have been on income-driven repayment plans or have had their loan payments deferred, the return of regular monthly payments can strain their budgets and limit their financial flexibility. This can have long-term implications for their overall financial well-being. Additionally, this can have adverse effects on the overall quality and accessibility of healthcare services or patient care. 

Workforce Retention and Burnout 

The financial stress caused by student loan payments can contribute to burnout and affect workforce retention among healthcare professionals. The demanding nature of their jobs, combined with the pressure of loan repayment, can increase stress levels and diminish job satisfaction. This can lead to decreased motivation, lower quality of care, and potential attrition from the healthcare workforce.  

Mental and Emotional Well-Being 

The stress and anxiety associated with student loan debt payments can have a detrimental impact on the mental and emotional well-being of healthcare workers. Constant worries about loan repayment can contribute to burnout, lower job satisfaction, and increased levels of stress and depression. The demands of working in healthcare plus the added weight of debt, can creates a vicious cycle that negatively affects the overall mental health of healthcare professionals. This further exacerbates the already high levels of burnout and mental health challenges experienced by healthcare professionals, potentially impacting their ability to provide optimal care to patients. 

Student Loan Forgiveness Options for Healthcare Professionals 

It is important for healthcare professionals to carefully review the requirements and eligibility criteria for each loan forgiveness program. They should contact their loan servicer, explore government websites (such as studentaid.gov), connect with a CPA, or consult with their employer’s human resources department to gather accurate and up-to-date information. Additionally, keeping detailed records of employment, loan payments, and documentation is crucial to ensure eligibility. 

Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)

Healthcare professionals who work full-time for a qualified employer, such as a government or nonprofit organization, may be eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF). Under PSLF, after making 120 qualifying payments while working in a qualifying public service position, the remaining loan balance can be forgiven. It is essential to meet specific criteria, such as being enrolled in an eligible repayment plan (usually an income-driven repayment plan) and maintaining full-time employment. 

Nurse Corps Loan Repayment Program (NCLRP)

The Nurse Corps Loan Repayment Program (NCLRP) is a federal program that provides loan repayment assistance to registered nurses, nurse practitioners, and other advanced practice nurses working in underserved areas. In exchange for a commitment to work for at least two years in a critical shortage facility, participants can receive up to 60% of their outstanding student loan balance paid off, along with a tax-free stipend. 

State Loan Repayment Programs (SLRPs)

Many states offer loan repayment programs specifically for healthcare professionals. These programs aim to incentivize healthcare professionals to work in underserved areas or areas with staffing shortages within the state. Eligible nurses who commit to a certain period of service can receive loan repayment assistance from the state. 

Loan Forgiveness through Income-Driven Repayment Plans

Nurses may be eligible for loan forgiveness through income-driven repayment plans. These plans, such as Income-Based Repayment (IBR), Pay As You Earn (PAYE), and Revised Pay As You Earn (REPAYE), cap monthly loan payments based on the borrower’s income and family size. After making payments for a specified period (typically 20 to 25 years), any remaining balance may be forgiven. However, it is important to note that the forgiven amount may be taxable as income. 

Employer-Based Loan Forgiveness Programs

Some healthcare employers, including hospitals and healthcare systems, offer loan forgiveness programs as an employee benefit. These programs may require nurses to work for a certain period, typically in underserved areas or in specialties with high demand. The specifics of the program, including the amount of loan forgiveness, eligibility criteria, and duration of service, vary depending on the employer.  

Travel Healthcare Can Pay Off Your Loans

Tax Free Housing Stipends

When you start your career as a traveling healthcare professional one of the biggest tasks on your to-do list will be securing housing. Luckily, in most cases, you have two options. One option is using Marvel Housing, known as our in-house agency-providing housing where we take care of everything for you. Option number two and the most common among healthcare travelers is taking the tax-free housing stipend as a part of your pay package. The stipend allows for maximum autonomy and self-selection. The best part? Travelers can take advantage of the housing stipend by finding a place cheaper than the allowance given to them, allowing them to pocket the extra cash; yes, it’s that simple. Add that to the money you save from the tax break, and it’s easy to see how the housing stipend can be a bonus financially. 

Meal and Incidental Stipends

In addition to housing stipends, most travel healthcare contracts include meal and incidental stipends. This can add an additional few hundred dollars to each paycheck and covers the cost of food and groceries per week.  

Higher Pay Packages

It’s commonly known that travel healthcare positions typically offer more money than staff or permanent positions. This is due to a hospital or facility’s dire need for healthcare professionals and high patient ratios. This means you can make more money in a shorter amount of time. 

Minimalistic Living

Since you’ll be on the road and living mostly out of a suitcase, you tend to buy less things. With limited space you won’t be able to buy a bunch of extra stuff to lug around with you from travel assignment to travel assignment.  

student loans

Overtime and Extension Opportunities

As a healthcare professional, travel or staff, there are almost always opportunities to accrue overtime and pick up extra shifts when a hospital or facility is short staffed. Making time and a half on overtime means extra cash to go towards your loan payments. Or you can make larger payments rather than just the minimum monthly amount.  

The return of student loan payments and interest accrual in fall 2023 can significantly affect healthcare workers. The financial burden, effect on career decisions, workforce retention, and impact on mental health are all important factors to consider. Recognizing these challenges is crucial for policymakers, educational institutions, and healthcare organizations to work together to find solutions that alleviate the financial burden on healthcare professionals and support their overall well-being. Luckily there are quite a few student loan forgiveness programs and repayment plans available to healthcare professionals to help. Not to mention kickstarting your travel healthcare career will help you make more money that can go towards paying off loans faster. At Marvel Medical Staffing we offer a wide range of specialties, settings, and locations across all 50 states. Contact one of our MARVELous recruiters today to learn more.  

Best Healthcare Traveler discounts

The Best Discounts for Healthcare Workers 2024

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Here are some of the Best Healthcare Discounts 2024

To show appreciation, companies are offering discounts and freebies to healthcare workers and we want you to take advantage of them!  We created a list of some of the best healthcare discounts of 2024 offered to healthcare workers, first responders, military, and teachers all around the world. 

Looking for more helpful info? We have you covered!
Check out our Resources for travel Nurse, CNA, PT, OT and more.

Shoes and Apparel Discounts

Show up on your first day and show off the amazing savings you made with these discounts!

Shoes & Apparel
Adidas Logo
Adidas 30% Discount

Adidas offers an exclusive discount to our verified medical professionals, first responders, nurses, military members, and teachers. You can now enjoy a 30% discount when shopping online and in-store, and a 20% discount at factory outlets.

To receive your discount, you will be required to confirm your eligibility through ID.me.

Shoes & Apparel
Reebok Logo
Reebok 50% Discount

Reebok offers 50% off for active and retired members of the military, nurses, physicians, hospital employees, teachers, government employees, and first responders.

Reebok uses ID.me to verify for this discount so don’t forget to confirm your status!

Apparel
Levi's Logo
Levi’s 15% Discount

Levi’s offers 15% discount to first responder and medical professional clothing discounts include all Levi clothing categories including ,but not limited to, jeans, tees, shirts, accessories, pants, shorts, outerwear and more.

Confirm you medical professional license through sheerid.com.

Apparel
Calvin Klein Logo
Calvin Klein 20% Discount

Calvin Klein offers a 20% Discount to Most types of medical professionals and first responders are eligible including doctors, nurses, technicians, medical researchers, EMTs, firefighters, and more.

Their discount can be used twice every 30 days too!

Verify through ID.me to get on this deal.

Glasses
Glasses.com Logo
Glasses.com 60% Discount + FREE Shipping

Glasses.com is one of the leading online retailers of prescription and non-prescription glasses and sunglasses. They are offering 60% off AND free shipping to hospital employees, medical providers, and nurses!

Verify your license on ID.me

Shoes & Accessories
Crocs
Heydude 

Heydude offers 20% off regular priced footwear & accessories for nurses, first responders, and medical providers. We hear these shoes were a game changer for nurses. Give them a try and let us know if you agree!

Confirm your license on ID.me to get your Heydudes.

Shoes
Crocs
Crocs 15% Discount for
Healthcare Workers

Crocs offer 15% off full-priced styles for healthcare workers. This discount cannot be used with other promotions so use whatever is best.

Verify your healthcare worker status on, you guessed it, ID.me!

Shoes & Apparel
Under Armour Logo
Under Armour 20% Discount

Under Armour is offering 20% off for First Responders & Healthcare Workers and active Police, Fire, Nurses, Doctors, and EMT customers.

First Responders: Police, Fire, Nurses, Doctors, and EMT

ID.me powers discounts and special offers for the following communities.

Shoes & Apparel
Puma Logo
Puma 20% Discount

Puma offers to doctors, nurses and first responders for 20% off their order.

Verify your license through ID.me

Glasses
EyeBuyDirect Logo
EyeBuyDirect 20% Discount

EyeBuyDirect offers a 20% discount for nurses, first responders, and medical providers. Feel refreshed on your next assignment with some new glasses. EyeBuyDirect offers discounts all the time so keep an EYE out!

Verify your license on ID.me

Shoes & Apparel
Lululemon Logo
Lululemon 15% Discount

In honor of your support, Lululemon offers 15% off to Military members and First Responders in the US.

First Responders: Includes firefighters, law enforcement, search and rescue, EMT’s, medical doctors, and licensed nurses.

Partnered with SheerID, you can verify for 15% off your online purchase at Lululemon.

Shoes & Apparel
Nike Logo
Nike 10% Discount

Nike is offering a 10% discount for eligible first responders and medical professionals in the United States. You can verify your status with SheerID.

Shoes & Apparel
Asics Logo
Asics 25% Discount

Asics offers a 25% discount to both medical professionals and first responders. This discount is for qualifying full-priced products online and in retail stores.

Verify your medical license on SheerID.

Apparel & Shoes
Carhartt Logo
Carhartt 15% Discount

Carhartt offers a 15% discount to First Responders, Nurses, and Medical Providers. Prepare for the cold or doing some handiwork? Take advantage of this discount through ID.me with a valid medical license.

Apparel
Hanes and Champion Logo
Haynes – Champion 10% Discount

Save 10% on your next Haynes order. This offer is available to nurses, first responders, and medical providers alike. 

Verify your profession on ID.me for this.

Connecting You with an Expert Recruiter for Your Ideal Travel Healthcare Career!

We are dedicated to helping you find the perfect match for your travel healthcare career.Our professional recruiters will work closely with you to find the right fit and make the process as smooth as possible.

Get Connected with a Recruiter Today!

Home & Food

Spruce up your living space or take care of yourself with these discounts.

Accessories
Stanley Logo
Stanley Discount

20% Off for Hospital Employees
Up to 5.0% Cash Back

Exclusive Discount Offered to Nurses, Teachers, and Students.

In appreciation of their work, Stanley offers a discount to hospital employees, medical providers, military personnel, first responders, teachers, and students. To take advantage of this exclusive offer, simply verify your eligibility through ID.me.

Home Goods
Sam's Club Logo
Sam’s Club 60% Off Club Membership Discount
*for new members

Have you been thinking about joining Sam’s Club? Well if you are a Nurse, First Responder, or Medical Provider then take advantage of this discount!

Use ID.me to verify and get in on this great discount!

Home Goods
Yeti Logo
Yeti Offers Select Discounts

YETI offers discounts to both Nurses and First Responders. Gain access to these discounts at YETI’s checkout.

Verify through ID.me and see what savings you can find!

Home Goods
iRobot Logo
iRobot Offers a 15% Discount

Tired of cleaning around the house? iRobot offers 15% off select robots to help deal with those floors for you while you’re out on assignments!

Verify your license on ID.me whether you are a First Responder, Nurse, or a Medical Provider.

Skincare
MANTL Logo
MANTL Skincare 25% Discount

MANTL offers a 25% discount for their skincare products. MANTL is a very progressive and forward thinking skincare brand that has great practices alongside those thoughts.

Check them out and use ID.me to take advantage of their discount!

Food
Hello Fresh Logo
Hello Fresh 60% Your First Box

Looking for some fresh new food ideas? Take 60% Off 1st box + First Box Ships Free and 15% Off x 51 weeks for Nurses, First Responders, and Medical Providers.

Verify through ID.me for this discount.

Home
Ring Logo
Ring 20% Discount on Select Purchases

Ring offers discounts to Medical Providers, Nurses, and First Responders. This offer is verified with VerifyPass. Sign in to receive this offer. Shop from this list of eligible products.

Food & Supplements
Beam Logo
Beam 25% Discount

Beam Offers 25% off your online order. Beam is another forward thinking company that believes in helping you sleep. They are clinically tested and helped 93% of people improve their sleep.

Give them a try and get some well needed rest between your next assignments!

This offer is valid for Nurses, Medical Providers, and First Responders. Verify on ID.me to take advantage of this discount.

Home Improvement
Lowe's Logo
Lowe’s Discounts & Coupons

Lowe’s Offers a ton of discounts and Coupons for Medical Providers. The Discount can only be applied to eligible purchases. It applies to most full-price products. It cannot be used on any sale item or with any other discount. 

View their offers here and Verify through ID.me.

Food
Home Chef Logo
Home Chef 50% Off Your First Box

Get 50% Off your first box & 10% Off ongoing boxes from Home Chef. This applies to Nurses, First Responders, and Medical Providers alike! 

Take advantage of this discount through ID.me 

Bed
Plank Mattress Logo
Plank Mattress 30% Discount
Plank Mattress offers a 30% discount to Nurses, Medical Providers, and First Responders. Plank Mattresses have two unique firmness levels in one flippable mattress. Find out what level you like to sleep on!
 
Verify on ID.me to get this offer!

Here is a list of some of More Healthcare Discounts 2024: 

  • Amazon – Need a refresher on medical terms? Are you trying to study for an upcoming exam? Kindle owners can access and download hundreds of free books about nursing! 
  • Bose – Bose offers medical workers a discount on full-priced products online or in-store.
  • Brooklyn Bedding – After a long shift on your feet, the one thing you probably look forward to most is your bed! Brooklyn bedding is offering 25% off and FREE shipping for all healthcare professionals.
  • Calvin Klein – Calvin Klein offers 20% off on select items for medical professionals.
  • Keds – 20% and more off online U.S orders for travel nurses and healthcare professionals.
  • Mazda – Mazda has launched its Essential Car Care program to provide free enhanced cleaning services and standard oil changes to all U.S. healthcare workers. 
  • Outback Steakhouse – After a long day of work, the last thing you want to do is prepare yourself a meal. Outback is offering 10% off the entire check all day, every day. Be sure to bring your valid medical ID. 
  • Overstock.com – First Responders, medical providers, and nurses can join Overstock.com’s club for FREE! Memberships usually cost $19.9 per year.
  • Purple Mattress – Nurses can save 10% off a brand-new purple mattress.
  • Rothy’s – 20% off select styles for all medical professionals including doctors, nurses or hospital staff. 
  • Therabody- 20% off a regularly priced Theragun or TheraOne CBD for Medical Providers.
  • Vera Bradley – Nurses can receive a 15% discount on luggage, bags, and other items!

Those are our picks for Best Healthcare Discounts.

See something missing?

Give us a shoutout on our Facebook page about any other discounts you might be searching for!

Explore Your Options in the Travel Medical Field

Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting out, we’ve got you covered. Take a look at our extensive job board to find the perfect fit for your career aspirations. Alternatively, connect with one of our recruiters today who can guide you through the process of starting your next travel assignment.

travel-nurse-commute

How much does Travel Nursing pay?

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The pandemic launched travel nursing from a specialty to a major player in healthcare staffing. In 2020, travel nursing industry grew by 35% over 2019, driven by the growing nursing shortage, increased staffing needs as COVID surges cycled throughout the country, and skyrocketing pay rates.  

Pre pandemic, pay for travel assignments was typically higher than for permanent staff. Now moving into year three of the pandemic, travel assignments boast wages over $100 an hour in some areas.

By one report, average weekly pay in 2019 was around $1600. That number had risen to over $3500 one year later. According to TravelNursing.org, the average travel nurse salary in 2021 was $108,070.

If you’re comfortable leaving your home for weeks at a time, travel nursing can be a very lucrative career. Exactly how lucrative depends on a number of factors.

Factors That Affect Pay Rate

If you’ve even casually looked for travel nursing assignments online, you’ve probably noticed some wildly different pay rates. Each assignment is unique and has multiple factors that determine the pay rate.

When you understand why pay rates differ, you can make more informed decisions about which assignments to take. Let’s take a look at some factors that affect those rates.

Location

Pay rates depend on the cost of living in any given area. You’ll earn more in some areas simply because they have higher demand. Other areas may hire more at certain times of the year.

The top rates aren’t always where you expect them to be. According to Ziprecruiter, the ten highest paying cities in the US are San Jose, Oakland, Hayward, and Vallejo, California; Tanaina and Wasilla, Arkansas; Norwalk, Connecticut; Summersville, West Virginia; and Jackson, Wyoming.

Typically, lower-paying assignments tend to be in the south, where the cost of living is lower, and in popular destinations. You might daydream about working in a location like Hawaii, for example, but may find the weekly pay is lower than less dreamy locations.

Specialties

Nurses in highly specialized fields or with specialized skills are harder to find, which can equal higher pay rates. Currently, ICU, Pediatric ICU, and Operating Room travel nurse positions pay 14-23% more than a typical travel nurse assignment. Other high-paying specialties include critical care, ER, labor and delivery, PACU, NICU, and orthopedics. Non-specialty assignments like Med/Surg will generally pay less.

Shift

Like full-time nursing jobs, travel assignments tend to pay higher rates for night shifts. If you’re a night owl, you can make some extra cash choosing night shift assignments.

Crisis or Rapid Response Assignments

Pay tends to be higher in hospitals or geographic locations in a time of crisis, like a natural disaster or unexpected surge in the patient census. COVID is currently the driving factor in crisis pay, and it’s possible to find assignments offering as much as $10,000 per week in high-demand areas. In 2020, when COVID was beginning to spread across the US, we saw busloads of nurses traveling to the critically affected states to support those communities.

Crisis or rapid response assignments typically need nurses to start quickly, within a week or two. Assignments are often shorter than the usual 13-weeks. Other reasons for rapid response assignments are unit openings, EMR upgrades, and staffing shortages, to name a few. If you’re flexible and your paperwork is ready to go, rapid response assignments can be lucrative.

Bonus Pay

There are several types of bonus pay you may earn taking travel assignments.

Hospital bonuses are usually paid at the completion of your assignment as a lump sum. They are separate from your base pay rate.

A referral bonus is a “finder’s fee” for referring other nurses to the agency. It should not affect your pay rate.

Strike Assignments

If a nursing union goes on strike, travel nurses are usually hired to cover the striking nurses temporarily. These assignments tend to pay more due to the urgent need to fill positions quickly.

masked travel nurse leaving subway with coffee

Why Does Your Paycheck List a Different Hourly Rate Than Expected?

Those ads or texts you get offering $100 per hour sound like amazingly lucrative positions, and they are, but that hourly rate isn’t as simple as it looks. A pay package is a complex combination of several variables that affect your bottom line.

Looking at Your Pay Package

If you’re used to the standard full-time paycheck, your first travel nursing paycheck might look a little confusing. Instead of the simple salary or hourly rate of a full-time job, your travel nursing paycheck will have compensation listed for several variables.

You may also notice your pay rate is lower than those ads and job postings you may have seen online. There’s a very good reason for that. As a travel nurse, some of your pay is taxable, and some of it is non-taxable stipends and reimbursements. The rates you see advertised typically show you a rate based on all those added together, called your variable wage. Your hourly pay rate is only the taxable portion.

Some variables you might see on a travel nursing paycheck include:

  • Taxable base pay (pay rate) – Your hourly wage. Different agencies calculate this differently. The same role may appear to have vastly different rates at competing agencies, but the rate is only part of the equation. A company offering a lower rate may also be offering incentives that other companies are not.
  • Taxable overtime rate – Check into your state’s laws about what is considered overtime.
  • Lodging stipend
  • Meal stipend
  • Mileage or Travel stipend
  • License reimbursement
  • Sign-on bonus (or others)

Think of your pay package as a pie chart. Each “slice” adds up to your complete pay package. If you only focus on the base rate, you may overlook the value of the incentives that go with it. For example, a large lodging stipend might more than make up for a slightly lower hourly rate compared to a job with a higher rate and a smaller lodging stipend.

Always look at the value of the whole pie.

Travel nurse budgeting


How Do You Know if You Qualify for Tax-Free Stipends?

Travel nursing taxes can be confusing because of the multiple variables included with the pay package, especially stipends. In general, stipends are considered non-taxable reimbursements. However, that may depend on whether you have an eligible tax home.  

What is a Tax Home?

To be eligible for tax-free stipends, you must claim a permanent tax home. Your tax home is the location of your regular place of business or the home where you regularly live while not traveling on assignment.

Someone who doesn’t meet the requirements for a tax home is considered an itinerant worker. Their tax home is wherever they’re working at the moment. That’s because stipends are considered reimbursements for expenses when traveling away from home for work. Because an itinerant worker doesn’t have a tax home, their stipends are not reimbursements. They are taxed as income.

It can be very confusing.

The IRS uses three factors to help decide if your declared tax home truly qualifies as a tax home:

  1. Whether you complete some of your business in the area of your tax home and live in your tax home at the same time.
  2. Whether your living expenses are duplicated when you travel for work.
  3. Whether you have not abandoned your tax home. This depends on how often you use your tax home for lodging and whether you have family members living there.

For example:

Tax home: You have a home you always return to when you’re not on assignment. You rent or own it.

Not a tax home: You have a room at your brother’s house between assignments. You don’t work in the area or pay your brother to live there. You are considered an itinerant worker.

Tax home: You work as a school nurse during the school year, then take travel assignments over the summer. You stay with your parents September through May but don’t pay rent. Your tax home is the location of your school nurse job.

Not a tax home: You own a home that you rent to tenants while you travel year-round. You rarely visit the area. You are an itinerant worker.

In short, housing and per diem stipends are tax-free if you have a tax home, and tax-free pay increases your take-home pay. But if you don’t have a tax home, you’ll be taxed the same way a staff nurse would be.

The IRS has very specific rules about how to determine your tax home. For more detailed information about tax homes, see Publication 463 on the IRS website.

 

Tips for Strengthening Your Ties to Your Declared Tax Home

Being away from home for long periods can muddy the tax home question. You can take some steps to strengthen your ties to your home while traveling:

  • Return home between assignments and whenever you can.
  • Use it as your official mailing address. Don’t use assignment addresses.
  • Use your tax home address on your driver’s license.
  • Open a bank account in your tax home and use it.
  • Keep all vehicles registered in your home state.
  • File your taxes correctly as a nonresident in assignment states.
  • Be involved in your community when you’re home.
  • Don’t take travel assignments in the same area for an extended period, or you run the risk of the IRS considering that your new tax home.

When in Doubt, Seek Professional Help

The tax implications of travel nursing can be tricky at first. It’s always a good idea to talk with a tax advisor for tax planning and preparation. 

If you’re new to travel nursing, or have questions before you take the first step, our recruiters are happy to answer your questions and help you.


Be sure to check out our frequently posted jobs on Marvel Match as well!

Pay Packages Explained

Understanding Pay Packages for Traveling Nurses 2021

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Understanding Travel Nursing Pay Packages Taxed Wage, Variable Wage, Stipends... We're here to break it all down.

Updated July 21, 2021

Tax Free Stipends (Per Diem)

When you first start out on your traveling career, you may find yourself confused by the way travel nursing pay packages break down.

Taxed hourly, variable hourly, stipends, travel reimbursement…there are a lot of factors that come in to play when figuring out how much you will be paid weekly.

Sample Breakdown of a Travel Nursing Pay Package


What you hear: $47.92/hr variable.What your contract shows:
Taxable Hourly: $18/hr
Housing Per Diem: $770/wk
Meal Per Diem: $427/wk
Guaranteed: 40 hours a week

It’s easy to understand why there could be some confusion seeing $18/hr on your contract when you remember hearing $47.92/hr from a recruiter.  That’s where the variable rate comes in to play (taxed + untaxed hourly wage variable together.).  Here’s the formula to find your variable hourly rate.

Taxable Hourly * Guaranteed Hours = Taxed Weekly Income
Housing + Meal Per Diems = Untaxed Weekly Income

Now we have our Taxed Weekly Income and Untaxed Weekly Income, let’s add them together.

Taxed Income + Untaxed Income = Weekly Gross Income
Weekly Gross Income / Guaranteed Hours = Variable Hourly Rate.

To figure out your variable rate for the example contract above we would follow the same formula:
$18 * 40 hours = $720 Taxed Weekly Income
$770 + $427 = $1197 Untaxed Weekly Income
$1197 + $720 = $1917 Weekly Gross Income
$1197 / 40 hours = $47.92 Variable Hourly Rate.

So now you know how the contract breaks down, but why do the contracts work this way?

Taxable Wage - $18/hour

Let’s start with the basics, and something we’re all familiar with – Taxable Wage. This is your base pay, and is used in tandem with your tax free stipends to create your variable wage.  This is the only portion of your wages that you will be paying taxes on.  Typically this will be lower than what you are used to seeing from local/perm positions.

Tax Free Stipends (Per Diem)

Traveling medical professionals are provided with tax free monetary incentives in the form of housing, meals, and incidental stipends.  These stipends are not technically classified as income, but rather reimbursements, which means they are non-taxable.

Other Reimbursements

Stipends are just one of the multiple ways nurses and other medical professionals are incentivized to travel.  Other common incentives are travel reimbursement, sign on bonuses, referral bonuses, continuing education credits, and so much more. 

All of these factor in to how much you’ll make on your assignment, so they should all be taken in to consideration when looking for a good fit.  Be sure to check out cost of living in your area, decide if you’ll be flying or driving, and work with your recruiter to find the best contract for your situation.

Discover available travel nursing positions today!

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Want more excellent resources on Travel Nursing Pay Packages?

Here is a great sample with explanations on how pay packages work for travel nurses.

Learn how travel nurses’ taxes work and what you need to know when traveling.

Travel Nurse Housing Options, Apartments

Travel Nurse Housing Explained

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Travel nursing offers an incredible opportunity for healthcare professionals to explore new places, gain diverse experiences, and expand their careers. However, one of the key challenges that travel nurses face is finding suitable housing during their assignments. You can decide to either enjoy the housing stipend and take on the responsibility yourself or sit back and use Marvel Housing. No matter what you decide is best for you, there are many things to remember when it comes to your housing stipend and finding housing options. Let’s dive into the world of travel nurse housing and share some valuable tips to help you find the perfect place that meets your needs, comforts, and budget. 

Travel Nurse Pay Explained

Think of your bill rate as a pie, and each piece of the pie is a different classification of income. These pieces generally include the base pay rate (taxable income), tax-free housing stipend, tax-free meals and incidentals stipend (M&IE), and other benefits that may be offered as part of your contract. A housing stipend is the amount of money included in your overall pay that is meant to cover the cost of housing that a travel nurse incurs while on a travel assignment. Stipend amounts are set by the General Service Administration (GSA) of the Federal Government and are the maximum allowances that federal employees are reimbursed for expenses incurred while on short term travel healthcare assignments. Keep in mind that rates often vary depending on the location, setting, and length of your assignment. 

For example your contract may tell you that you’re earning around $50 an hour, and they’re guaranteeing 40 hours. Great! But when you break it down you’ll see you’re actually getting a taxed hourly rate of $20, a housing stipend of $800 per week, and a meal stipend of $500 per week. What does all of this mean? What happened to the high hourly wage of $50? Don’t worry, it’s still there! An easy way to figure this is by adding your two stipends together ($800 + $500 = $1,200) and then dividing it by 40 hours ($30). Add your taxed hourly rate to your untaxed hourly stipend rate ($20 + $30 = $50) to get your total hourly rate. Since the stipends are technically reimbursements, they qualify as tax-free. Your taxable wage combined with your tax-free stipends creates your weekly gross pay. Remember, tax rates vary from state to state. It’s important that you meet with a recruiter and a tax professional to discuss payment packages in depth before signing a contract, as they can get quite confusing.

Travel Nurse Housing
Travel Nurse Housing

Travel Nurse Housing Stipends

Now that you understand the different pie pieces of your paycheck let’s explore your housing stipend options with Marvel. Opting to use your tax-free housing/M&IE stipend to cover costs of living if you chose to find your own housing is typically the most common choice most travel nurses go with. If you choose stipend compensation, you’re responsible for locating, booking, and paying for all of your own housing and related expenses. You will use your stipend to go towards short term rentals, extended stay hotels/motels, or book a long-term Airbnb, etc! This housing option allows for maximum autonomy and self-selection with your stipend. The best part? Travelers can take advantage of the housing stipend by finding a place cheaper than the allowance given to them, allowing them to pocket the extra cash; yes, it’s that simple. Add that to the money you save from the tax break, and it’s easy to see how the housing stipend can be a bonus financially.

Marvel Housing Help

Marvel Housing

Wherever you decide to go, you can also opt to use Marvel Housing provided via our in-house housing representative! Choosing Marvel Housing means less stress for you since we will do everything for you in place of receiving a stipend! Marvel’s Housing department can help you research and locate options for you to review.  Additionally, we can provide you our vetted list of preferred hotels/housing options where other traveling healthcare professionals have stayed before. We even have some housing discount codes we can provide to you! Make sure you choose a housing option that works best for you. Even if you choose to take the stipend and select your own housing, Marvel can still aid you in the process of finding housing options if you are having trouble as a FREE perk for our travelers. Keep in mind that the best housing option for you may differ from assignment to assignment.

A few contract examples:

  • Travel Nurse Contract A provides $2,000 per month for housing. If you find a place for $1,200/month, that’s an extra $800 in your pocket.
  • Travel Nurse Contract B on the other hand opts for Marvel Housing, which means there is not a housing stipend but still provides the hourly rate and meal stipend.
  • These are just two of many possible scenarios. Be sure to ask your recruiter about contract stipulations and negotiations. 

Tips to Finding Housing as a Travel Nurse

Plan Ahead: Start researching housing options in your desired location in advance. Websites and platforms dedicated to travel nursing, such as Furnished Finder, Choice Hotels, and Hotel Engine, can be great resources for finding temporary accommodations. Many housing options such as these offer benefits like discounted rates, corporate discounts, or rewards programs. You also want to plan your budget in advance so that you know your price range and other expenses when finding housing. 

Understand Your Stipend: Before embarking on your travel nursing assignment, familiarize yourself with your housing stipend. Ensure you understand the amount you will receive, the payment schedule, and refundable versus non-refundable stipends. This information will help you set a realistic budget for housing and manage your finances efficiently. If you are unsure about anything related to pay amounts, contract stipulations, or stipends be sure to call your recruiter.

Short-Term Housing: Make sure you’re looking at options that state they offer short-term or are open to term negotiations. Short-term rentals, such as apartments/condos or extended stay hotels/motels, are often the preferred housing options for travel nurses. They offer flexibility and convenience with a homely atmosphere. Websites like Airbnb, VRBO, and Travel Nurse Housing can be excellent resources for finding such accommodations. Reach out to hosts or landlords and explain your situation as they may be willing to offer special rates or extended stays. 

Furnished or Unfurnished: Decide whether you need something furnished or unfurnished first. Most travel nurses opt for furnished housing options so they do not have to bring large items while on the road. The good news, furnished housing options are very popular and findable.

Be Flexible: Being open to different housing options and locations can significantly increase your chances of finding suitable and affordable accommodations. Ask questions and do research before you decide whether you do or do not want to move forward with a housing option. The perfect place may be what you least expect! 

Ask your Landlord Questions: A few things to ask about or research when you are looking for housing options are: utilities, appliances, pet policies, cancelation/extension policies, fees, internet, and parking. Most of the time short-term rentals include these items into the cost of rent, but not always. You will need to know in advance if you will need to set up your own utilities and internet accounts/services. If you’re bringing a pet be upfront about it and know a potential housing option’s pet policies and possible pet fees/deposits so you can budget for it. Housing options that don’t include parking could mean having to park far away. As a travel nurse you know your contract can get cancelled or extended at any time! Be sure you choose a housing option that understands your situation and is willing to be flexible if needed.

Connect with Other Travel Nurses: Joining online communities or Facebook pages dedicated to travel nursing can be highly beneficial. Connect with experienced travel nurses who have worked in your target location or are currently there. They can provide valuable insights into the local housing market, share recommendations, and possibly even help you find potential roommates for cost-sharing. 

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Packing Checklist for Download

Here’s a checklist for when you are ready to travel to your next assignment!

Download Traveler Packing Checklist

Is it expensive to start traveling as a nurse? 

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Is it expensive to start traveling as a nurse? See what it costs to Start traveling as a nurse in this blog.

Get started traveling as a nurse with Marvel Medical Staffing.
We can help break down the costs of getting started as a new traveling nurse, and what upfront costs you can expect to see before you are on your way to your next assignment!

When all nursing labor costs are considered, traveling nurses seem to cost less than permanent nurses on an hourly basis, according to the KPMG U.S. Hospital Nursing Labor Costs Study. Check out this resource if you would like to read more.

Out of State Licensing and Certifications 

If you are an RN or LPN/LVN that resides in a NLC Compact state, getting started as a traveling nurse has never been easier!  Having a compact license means you are free to work in any of the 34 states that have implemented the NLC without any need for transferring your license.  This would be a great first step to  start traveling as a nurse.

If your home address lies outside of an NLC state, or if you are a CNA, you will need to apply for each state individually, and the costs and processes are different for each state.  The main three ways you will apply for your out of state licenses are:

  1. Mail
  2. Fax
  3. Online Portal (fastest and easiest, a good starting point!)

Costs for your license can vary, ranging from totally free to several hundred dollars.  For example, your Illinois license is around $75, while an Alaska license can run you up to $500+!  For most states, you can expect to pay upfront for a criminal background check and fingerprinting as well.  The good news is, most agencies will completely reimburse your incurred costs if you sign on for an assignment!

Some states are free and fast, some are expensive and mail only.  The easiest way to get started is to apply for free/online portal states and branch out from there.

If you are looking for guidance on transferring your license or certifications, check out our following resources:

RN/LPN – Tap Here
CNA – Tap Here

Housing Costs:

As a traveler, for most contracts you will be paying for your own housing.  The good news is, the government offers tax free stipends for travelers, meaning the majority of your income will be untaxed and will help pay for your housing.  Sometimes you can find assignments that provide full housing.  You may lose your tax free housing stipend, but many travelers appreciate the convenience of fully paid housing.

Airbnb, Furnished Finder, and Corporate Housing are popular websites and apps many travelers use to find housing.  You can find a list of popular temp housing sites and their descriptions here: https://marvelmedstaff.com/resources/housing

Transportation + Travel Costs

You may be wondering how you’re going to afford traveling all over the country, fuel can be expensive!  You’re in luck!  Most agencies will reimburse your travel costs on your first paycheck.  Many agencies pay on a per mile basis with a cap.  For instance, here at Marvel we pay .50 cents a mile!

If you are planning on flying to your assignment, be sure to check the area beforehand for transportation.  Some rural areas do not have public transport infrastructure in place, and Ubers aren’t always readily available.  If you aren’t sure about the area, talk to your recruiter!  They can help you find housing and transportation and give you the lay of the land.

Meals and Per Diems

You know all about Tax Free Stipends now, but what about your food?  A nurse has to eat!  Guess what? The Government also offers assistance in the form of Tax Free Meals and Per Diem stipends.  These vary based on location, and are generally used for meals and comfort items. 

Remember, these Tax Free Stipends combined with your Taxed Hourly Rate make up your Blended Rate.  This is where Travel Nurses really start to notice the extra income they are making.

Summary

Getting started traveling as a nurse may seem daunting at first, but most costs will be reimbursed by your agency, and your recruiter is there as your advocate to guide you through the process. Start traveling as a nurse!

We would recommend having a little bit of money put away for security before beginning your traveling career, however it won’t cost you a fortune to get started on your new adventure!

Check out our job board here to get started with a recruiter!

marvelTraveler1

The Benefits Of Being A Marvel Traveler

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Whether you are a new grad or a seasoned practitioner considering a change in scenery, Marvel Medical Staffing can help you start as a Marvel Traveler.

 

1) Quick and easy hiring process.

Over the years, more and more OT, PT, SLP, PTA, and COTA graduates continue to fill gaps in the job market.  Our team of expert staffers at Marvel are here to help you navigate your way through the entire hiring process.  From choosing a location, all the way until your first day, our Marvel agents will help guide you through the process and make it as easy and stress free as possible for you.  There are a lot of Medical Staffing Agencies out there.  We pride ourselves on the level of support we bring to our Marvel travelers.  It doesn’t matter if this is your first placement or your twentieth, we are proud of the 1 on 1 support we offer – when YOU need it most!  We can help with your application, housing, traveling, and anything else that may come up along the way.  With Marvel, you are never alone!

2) You have a whole team in your corner.

While you are on contract, you have a direct line to your Marvel agent to answer any questions you may have, and offer any assistance you may need.  Your agent will check in with you to make sure everything is running smoothly, you will have access to our social groups full of Marvel Travelers just like yourself, and you have a whole team to back you up when you need it.  Traveling to a new location and work environment can be difficult, and Marvel Medical Staffing is here to make it easier.  You are a Marvel. You change peoples lives for the better every single day. We handle the details to make sure you can focus on being YOU!

3) High turnover in the Medical Field

According to InvestingDoc, most new doctors do not last more than a few years at their first job.  40-70% of people will end up switching within 5 years of starting their first job, and the average professional ends up changing jobs every 2 1/2 to 3 years!  Hospital Medicine tends to have a very high job turnover rate when compared to other professions.

You may find yourself searching for new employment opportunities after spending a few years away from the job-hunt game, and not know where to begin.  Marvel Medical Staffing knows the current needs and trends within the medical industry.  Working with an agency can get you placed fast and where you are needed most!

So…why should you choose Marvel Medical Staffing as your agency?

We are HUMBLE.

We built our company upon the foundation on our main concepts of Be Humble, Be Driven, Be Smart. We’ve decided to do this so we can do it our way. The right way. Focusing on service, transparency and knowing the industry so we can do our absolute best and be a Marvel. Our definition of Marvel is “A wonderful astonishing person or thing”. The person we are referencing is everyone on our team. This includes you, the person on our website wondering if Marvel is the right fit for you.

We are DRIVEN.

Driven is a key factor that supports being humble. Humble AND Driven combined create an equation for success. It creates a formula that equals selfless movement. This insures we are working with determination and focus on everyone in our team. We are doing everything we can to create the best experience for everyone. There are so many moving parts for every contract and we are determined to master each and every task to insure it’s smooth and easy. You will find that your experience with Marvel is just that, “a wonderful astonishing person or thing.”

We are SMART.

We added smart for so many reasons. Being smart encompasses the ideals we need to be successful. Being smart means more than just having knowledge. For us, it also means being able to use that knowledge for the good of our team. With our industry there is a lot of moving parts. If we are smart we will handle each task with intelligence. Doing the right thing each time, every time. This also mean continuous improvement, and always striving to do things better. Become a Marvel traveler today!

 

Be a Marvel Traveler.  Follow the link below to get in touch with us today!

Start Your Adventure Today!
The Benefits Of Being A Marvel Traveler