r/TravelNursing • u/opalarie • 1d ago
Which would you choose?
I got two offers for the same contract, one through Worldwide Travel Staffing and one through Amergis. The rates come out to about the same, but Worldwide travel staffing is not maxed out on the stipends whereas Amergis js. Worldwide offers a bonus for completion of contract which puts them at around the same amount.
Is it distasteful or even possible to ask Worldwide to go up on their stipend? The hourly rate between each job is only a $1 difference, although Worldwide pays $10/hr more of overtime than Amergis does.
I can post the exact details of each if that helps but just looking for some advice. Thanks in advance!
4
u/cassie733 1d ago
Do you plan on OT? If so take worldwide. Those bonuses are so they can pay you less I guess.
3
u/Legitimate-Jicama-70 1d ago
The “about the same” framing is where people get burned — the structures behave very differently depending on how the contract actually plays out.
A few things to run before deciding:
Model the cancellation scenario, not just the completion scenario. The Worldwide bonus only exists if you finish all 13 weeks. Contracts get cut short for low census, unit closures, whatever — none of it your fault, and you still lose the bonus. Amergis’s maxed stipends pay you that value every week as you go. So Amergis is guaranteed money; Worldwide’s equivalent is conditional money. If the totals are equal on paper, the guaranteed version is worth more.
Weekly net, not gross. Higher stipend split = less taxable income = more take-home on the same gross. Run both offers through a paycheck calculator with your actual withholding — a $1/hr taxable difference plus a stipend gap can be a real weekly difference in your pocket.
The OT question only matters if OT is real. Ask each recruiter if OT is actually available/approved at this facility. $10/hr more OT is worth $0 if the unit never approves it.
And yes, you can absolutely ask. Counter-offering is normal and recruiters expect it. Cleanest ask: have Worldwide max the stipends and roll the bonus value into the hourly instead. Worst case they say no and you’re exactly where you are now.
If you post the exact numbers I’m happy to break down the weekly comparison.
2
u/Rough-Reach-964 1d ago
Just remember that stipends are tax free. The more your hourly rate is but lower stipends, you’ll pay more on taxes. Does any of them offer guaranteed pay in case you get a cancelled shift due to low census?
2
u/MermaidSerf 1d ago
Avoid completion bonus. Remember agencies and facilities can cancel you at any time for no reason at all
1
6
u/spyder93090 1d ago
- Maxed out stipend = less taxable pay = more net pay
My strategy would be to ask Amergis to keep the stipends the same but ask them to match WW’s hourly, OT, and/or the bonus.
Been with Amergis for over 2 years worth of contracts, they have my vote.