Name
Negotiation Tips & Tricks
Date & Time
Tuesday, September 15, 2026, 12:00 PM - 12:50 PM
Description
For this presentation, Alexis is going to focus on helping travelers really understand their contracts � not just signing them, but actually knowing what they�re agreeing to.
She will start by breaking down the different elements within a travel contract. She'll talk about which parts are typically negotiable and which parts they absolutely need to pay close attention to and fully understand before signing. A lot of travelers don�t realize that some components have flexibility, while others are much more fixed depending on the company�s policies.
One of the main areas she plans to cover is per diems � how they�re calculated, how they�re paid out, and what can potentially impact whether a traveler receives their full weekly per diem. For example, she'll explain how missed shifts, call-outs, or not meeting minimum hours can affect those payments. She thinks this is an area where misunderstandings happen frequently, so it�s important to walk through it clearly.
She also wants to explain the difference between a primary travel contract and an extension contract. There are often different dynamics at play with extensions, and sometimes there�s more room to negotiate certain elements. She'll discuss what may be negotiable when extending � whether that�s pay packages, bonuses, requested time off, or schedule considerations � and how that can vary.
Another key point I plan to emphasize is that every company has different policies and different contract language. Not all travel companies operate the same way. That�s actually why I recruited Alexis to be part of this discussion � she has worked for several different travel companies, so she brings firsthand insight into how contracts can differ from one company to the next. In some companies, recruiters may have more freedom to negotiate, while in others they may be much more restricted. She thinks it�s important for travelers to understand those nuances so they know what�s realistic to ask for.
She also wants to stress the importance of ensuring specific terms � like approved time off � are clearly spelled out in the contract. If it�s not written in the contract, it�s not guaranteed. Travelers really need to advocate for themselves and make sure anything agreed upon verbally is documented properly.
Finally, she'll make the point that the contract is between the travel company and the traveler. It is not between the traveler and the hospital. While it�s reasonable to expect the hospital to be generally aware of certain arrangements, the hospital does not know the traveler�s pay breakdown, what per diems they�re receiving, or the specifics of their compensation package. That distinction is really important in setting expectations and avoiding misunderstandings.
Overall, her goal with this presentation is to help travelers feel more confident, more informed, and more empowered when reviewing and negotiating their contracts.