Nurses strive to help patients heal from illness and injury. Yet, when it comes to finding a job, they must be logical. It is important to look at benefits and salaries to determine which offer will be best in the long run.
Few areas can compete with New York.
The average registered nurse in New York can bring in almost $85,000 per year. This is almost $10,000 more compared with other states. Those who live close to New York City can make even more, with permanent nurses in the area reporting an average income of $90,000 per year.
There are other areas of New York, like any state, that medical professionals can not easily serve. There are various incentives in place to help better ensure patients throughout the nation, urban and rural alike, receive quality care. One such incentive is the availability of a position known as a traveling nurse.
Why would nurses choose to accept a traveling position?
It can seem like a big ask. We are essentially asking these professionals to take one of the most demanding positions and take it in a far-off location. Why would professionals take this offer? A big reason is money. Traveling nurses are generally very well compensated. A travel RN in New York can make $1,200 to $4,700 per week. The difference is based on the candidate’s experience and specialty training. This higher compensation rate can help offset the drawbacks of taking the position.
What is changing?
At least one hospital has decided to reevaluate the process and no longer hire those who live within a 50-mile radius as a travel nurse. Instead, they would compete for positions as a permanent nurse. Hospital administrators state they intend to help local nurse staff. The additional compensation provided by administrators to travel nurses is meant to help balance out the fact that the traveling nurse is leaving behind family and living on the road to offer nursing services at the hospital. If that is not the case, the administrative staff notes that the traveling nurse does not need the additional compensation because they are in a role that is similar to local nurses.
It is not yet clear if this move will become common at hospitals throughout the state. We will monitor the situation and provide updates as they become available.
Attorney John Rivas is responsible for this communication.
