Critical Red Flags
CRITICALNo Guaranteed Hours
Without guaranteed hours, the facility can cut your hours. Require 36-40hr/week minimum in writing.
Without guaranteed hours, the facility can cut your hours. Require 36-40hr/week minimum in writing.
CRITICALVery Low Taxable Rate
Rates under $20/hr with inflated stipends could trigger IRS audit. Ensure $22-28/hr minimum.
Rates under $20/hr with inflated stipends could trigger IRS audit. Ensure $22-28/hr minimum.
CRITICALOne-Sided Cancellation
If you pay $3K-$10K to cancel but facility cancels free, reject this. Must be mutual terms.
If you pay $3K-$10K to cancel but facility cancels free, reject this. Must be mutual terms.
CRITICALNon-Compete Clause
Prevents working at same facility through another agency. Negotiate down to 30-60 days max.
Prevents working at same facility through another agency. Negotiate down to 30-60 days max.
CRITICALNo Written Contract
Never start without a fully signed contract. Verbal agreements mean nothing.
Never start without a fully signed contract. Verbal agreements mean nothing.
Warning Signs
WARNINGNo Overtime Specified
Get OT rate written in contract. Standard is 1.5x blended rate.
Get OT rate written in contract. Standard is 1.5x blended rate.
WARNINGStipend Below GSA Rate
Check gsa.gov for maximums. Negotiate stipends closer to GSA limits.
Check gsa.gov for maximums. Negotiate stipends closer to GSA limits.
WARNINGNo Travel Reimbursement
Most agencies offer $500-$1,000. Absence suggests less competitive offer.
Most agencies offer $500-$1,000. Absence suggests less competitive offer.
WARNINGFloating Between Facilities
Get your specific facility named in the contract.
Get your specific facility named in the contract.
WARNINGNo Day 1 Health Insurance
Quality agencies offer coverage starting immediately.
Quality agencies offer coverage starting immediately.
Caution Items
CAUTIONHoliday Pay Policy — Clarify schedule and rate (1.5-2x ideal).
CAUTIONExtension Terms — Know what happens after 13 weeks.
CAUTIONLicensure Reimbursement — Get timeline and amounts in writing.
Green Flags
36-40hr guaranteed hours
Transparent pay breakdown
Mutual cancellation clause
Specific facility named
Day 1 health insurance
401(k) match offered
Licensure and CEU reimbursement