I suppose the first question would be, do you like it there? I guess I can assume if you are looking at a contract extension, you are close to the end of your current contract. So, I will also assume that since you are considering the extension, you like it enough to stay. However, where does six months figure in with your plans? Is that too long in one place? Or would you welcome the stability of not having to look for another assignment for that period of time?
If you are on board with all of that, then it's time to negotiate with your travel company. Most travel companies allow a week off between assignments (where you are NOT charged for housing despite not working). Some companies might not give the time off, but give you a loyalty bonus instead (for signing another contract). Any loyalty bonus, or even end travel money, could be negotiated to cover housing instead. How much time off are we talking here and how much do they want to charge you? If the time off only amounts to two or three weeks, it should not be an issue.
Your travel company is looking at making money off of you for another half year. If they are not willing to give you that time off (and not charge you a housing fee), then you a decision to make. Do you want to play hardball, or is there a compromise to be made on your end? In my opinion, even three weeks off should be covered by your company with no grief from them. With most companies, you would get the one week off between the end of this contract and your next. Then you would have another week off at the 13-week mark, and finally, if you work 12 hr shifts, you can schedule yourself such that a week is taken just by the days you work (end your assignment after working a Sun, Mon, Tues, then the time off, then resume your assignment at the end of a week on Thurs, Fri, Sat).
If your company resists too much, go ahead and tell them you know that other travel companies do this. You can always insinuate that you might consider working for another company that did not make such an issue of a traveler wanting some time off before signing another half year extension!
Let us all know your thoughts and the continued dialog you have with your travel company. Many travelers might run into this very situation and your continued posts would be great information to share with the community. Also, if you are comfortable sharing the name of the company, please do so. We always read how companies treat travelers, but we also need to know which companies are the offenders. This information only makes the community stronger.
I would also encourage anyone to post situations where travel companies go above and beyond the call of duty (while specifically naming the company), so that all of us can use this information when deciding with which company we would like to work.
David
http://www.travelnursesbible.com
