Because terms of reimbursement and compensation are contractually binding, it’s imperative you learn the ropes and have your questions or concerns addressed before signing any contracts. 

<div>
  Keeping up with the many aspects of travel nursing can be overwhelming,
  especially if you&rsquo;re a newbie in the field. Because terms of
  reimbursement and compensation are contractually binding, it&rsquo;s
  imperative you learn the ropes and have your questions or concerns addressed
  before signing any contracts. As you review a travel nursing contract, here
  are three main points to consider.
</div>

<h2>Compensation Variables</h2>

<div>
  Any travel nursing contract should clearly state every compensation variable
  you are expecting. Such variables include your taxable base and overtime pay
  rate; details of your medical coverage and retirement plan; agency-provided
  housing and/or stipends; licensing and certification fees; travel expense
  allowance; and a meals and incidentals stipend. Assigning a dollar amount to
  each item on this checklist will help you evaluate your complete compensation
  package.
</div>

<div></div>

<div>
  <strong>Related Content</strong>: <a
    href="https://www.crosscountrytravcorps.com/blogs/travel-reimbursement-101-what-you-need-to-know"
    >Travel Reimbursement 101: What You Need to Know Before Signing a
    Contract</a
  >
</div>

<h2>Special Clauses and Penaltie</h2>

<div>
  Always make sure you are aware of any stipulations noted in your contract,
  such as missed-hours penalties or charge-backs in which you could be penalized
  for every hour not worked in a given pay period. You&rsquo;ll want to look for
  a &ldquo;guaranteed-hours clause&rdquo; which ensures you are not penalized
  for missed hours under certain circumstances, such as being floated to another
  area of the hospital. It&rsquo;s your responsibility to make sure these
  clauses and penalties are defined within your contract.
</div>

<h2>Non-Compete and Exclusivity</h2>

<div>
  Many contracts will contain non-compete and exclusivity clauses to protect
  themselves from financial loss. Typically, these clauses state you are
  prohibited from working at your contracted hospital in any capacity for a
  specified time after your assignment is completed. A clause may also state
  your contract hospital can hire you after your assignment is completed under
  the condition the hospital pays the agency a fee. There are many types of
  clauses, so make sure you&rsquo;re fully educated about the ones in your
  specific contract.
</div>

<h2>Cancellation Policies</h2>

<div>
  Most contracts contain cancellation penalties to minimizeany loss the agency
  would incur if a travel nurse cancels a contract early. Penalties are usually
  based on compensation variables, such as housing or travel expenses. In many
  instances, there are also cancellation fees charged by the hospital which can
  be valued at one or two weeks&rsquo; worth of billing.
</div>

<h2>Specific Arrangements and Agreements</h2>

<div>
  It&rsquo;s important to remember that a travel nursing contract is between you
  and your agency &ndash; not you and the hospital. Therefore, make sure any
  special agreements or arrangements you make with the hospital (working
  conditions, requested time off, and scheduling), are accurately reflected in
  your contract.
</div>

<div></div>

<div>
  Before pursuing a career in travel nursing, it&rsquo;s important you know what
  to expect and gather all the necessary information you will need before making
  any decisions. Every contract is different, so it&rsquo;s up to you to get a
  handle on your agency&rsquo;s particular policies.
</div>

<div></div>

<div>
  If you have questions about how travel nursing compensation works, Cross
  Country Nurses is here to help you every step of the way.
</div>


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