Gypsy,

I am almost due for my ACLS certification renewal and I am on contract. The hospital want’s me to pay for my renewal and my company won’t cover it.  Is this normal?

Thanks!
Tonya, RN

Thank you for reading The Gypsy Nurse. You have taken the first step on your journey to become A Gypsy Nurse.

Tonya,

Unfortunately, as a travel nurse; you will be responsible for maintaining all of your certifications.  Occasionally, you will find a travel agency that will assist with these costs but it isn’t the norm in the industry.  It’s important to remember that everything the company provides comes directly from the bill rate.

Renewing certifications while on contract can be challenging.  You as the traveler are completely responsible for this and will need to plan and make all of the arrangements.

• Find/locate the classes needed.
• Registration
• Plan for the financial costs (many of these certifications can be costly)
• Arrange appropriate time off work to attend the classes.

I have found it easiest to plan to take these classes when I am between contracts at home visiting family and friends.  It’s a lot less stressful and if you are itinerant worker (no tax home) the travel, lodging, cost of the classes can be deducted from your taxes at the end of the year.

I hope that this has addressed your question.   - Gypsy Nurse, RN

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(Disclaimer:  Please note that this is the Authors opinion only.  I do not provide career counseling, legal or medical consults.  If you require any of these, please search out the appropriate resources)

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TheGypsyNurse

Owner at The Gypsy Nurse

As a travel nursing educator, Candy aka Gypsy Nurse, RN has worked in healthcare for nearly 20 years, working up the ranks from CNA to LPN to RN. For the past eight years, she’s worked as a travel nurse, allowing her to practice and live in 14 states throughout the U.S. She regularly shares advice for those interested in travel nurse jobs on her website at: www.thegypsynurse.com.

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