Blog

September, 2008

What about a Car Stipend?

Dear Couch Traveler,

I have been traveling for a few years now and have always been under the impression that receiving a “car stipend” is the industry standard. Recently I have read otherwise… please explain.

Sincerely,

Interested party

Dear Interested party,

You bring up a very interesting question. In years past I was under the same impression, with a “car stipend” being something that was an acceptable write-off by IRS standards… however that is incorrect. The most logical explanation I can give is: When you work a local/full time position do you get to write off your mileage to and from work? Of course not. This same logic applies here… while housing, transportation to/from and daily per-diems are unavoidable extra costs that travelers incur; local mileage is not in the same boat.

Happy traveling,

The Couch Traveler Read More
The Couch Traveler 9/25/2008 1:46:00 PM Comments (14)

X-Ray Tech Distress Dear Couch Traveler,

I am in the radiology field and have been traveling for 7+ years now. Over the course of the last two years there has been a steady decline in my options for travel positions and now it seems almost impossible to stay working consistently. Is this something short term or should I consider a different career???

Sincerely,

RT-TRVLR

Dear RT-TRVLR,

Thanks for sending this in. The market has most definitely slowed down... however it is by no means dead. Currently, many of the less specialized fields in radiology (more specifically the job market for X-Ray Techs) have slowed down due to a combination of the national economy and a recent influx of licensed professionals. There is no need to go into panic mode as far as your career in the field is concerned.

My recommendation in this particular case is to consider your local market for the immediate future. TravelMax’s parent company, Maxim Healthcare, currently has over 400 local offices nationwide which can assist you in finding something until the travel market rebounds for X-ray. If your heart is set on traveling right now, think about getting additional training in advanced and diagnostic ultrasound techniques. Also, keep in mind that as the nationwide economy improves… so will the travel opportunities.

Hang in there,

The Couch Traveler

Read More
The Couch Traveler 9/25/2008 1:18:00 PM Comments (1)

Introducing...The Couch Traveler

What is Travel Staffing ?

Travel staffing is one of the fastest and growing segments in the temporary healthcare staffing market. It allows for temporary staffing relief for hospitals and provides medical professionals with a unique opportunity to see new places, meet new people, and broaden their clinical knowledge. Nurses started the trend in the 1980s and now, conservative estimates say there are more than 10,000 nurses employed as travel professionals nationwide. Since then, the trend has grown to include Rehab Therapists (PT / OT / SLP) and most recently Pharmacists and Mid-Level Professionals (Nurse Practitioners and Physician's Assistants). TravelMax and our sister company Reflectx offer travel and permanent opportunities for all credentialed healthcare professionals.

In an effort to spread the word about the travel healthcare staffing industry and help professionals learn about the pros and cons of traveling, I am posting my blog which will serve mostly as a Q&A forum where I will provide honest answers to all your concerns and inquiries about being a traveler.

I hope you enjoy it and use it as a friendly place where you can ask me anything, while also offering your own advice and suggestions. I welcome all readers and commentators - from those with 30 years of experience to those currently in school and exploring options - Please send any of your own questions, concerns…or great jokes…by posting a comment below.

Happy Traveling,

The Couch Traveler

Read More
The Couch Traveler 9/22/2008 1:50:00 PM Comments (17)

Who is the "Couch Traveler"? Look here for our new Blog Series, "The Couch Traveler"! Derek Sawyer, National Recruitment Manager with TravelMax, will answer your questions about travelling as an allied healthcare professional. Please email him questions at allied@travmax.com or by posting a comment at the bottom. Read More
Brent Healy, Marketing Manager 9/15/2008 11:17:00 AM Comments (1)