Guaranteed Hours Travel Nurse Contract: Complete Guide 2026

Guaranteed Hours Travel Nurse Contract: Complete Guide 2026

Guaranteed hours are one of the most important protections in a travel nurse contract. This guide explains what guaranteed hours are, why they matter, and how to negotiate them in your contracts.

What Are Guaranteed Hours?

Guaranteed hours mean the facility agrees to pay you for a minimum number of hours per week, even if:

• Patient census is low
• Shifts are canceled
• You’re called off work
• The facility doesn’t need you

Why Guaranteed Hours Matter

Without Guaranteed Hours

Example:

• Contract: 36 hours/week at $50/hr (NO guaranteed hours)
• Week 1: Facility calls you off due to low census
• Your pay: $0 (no hours worked = no pay)

Financial impact: You lose $1,800 in expected income.

With Guaranteed Hours

Example:

• Contract: 36 guaranteed hours/week at $50/hr
• Week 1: Facility calls you off due to low census
• Your pay: 36 hours × $50 = $1,800 (paid anyway!)

Financial impact: Your income is protected.

Real-World Example

Sarah’s Experience (Without Guaranteed Hours)

Contract Details:

• Hourly rate: $48/hr
• Expected hours: 36/week
• Expected weekly pay: $1,728

What Happened:

• Week 1: Worked 36 hours = $1,728 ✅
• Week 2: Low census, called off = $0 ❌
• Week 3: Low census, called off = $0 ❌
• Week 4: Worked 36 hours = $1,728 ✅

Total 4-week pay: $3,456 (instead of expected $6,912)

Lost income: $3,456 (50% of expected pay!)

Sarah’s Experience (With Guaranteed Hours)

Contract Details:

• Hourly rate: $48/hr
• 36 guaranteed hours/week
• Expected weekly pay: $1,728

What Happened:

• Week 1: Worked 36 hours = $1,728 ✅
• Week 2: Low census, called off = $1,728 (guaranteed!) ✅
• Week 3: Low census, called off = $1,728 (guaranteed!) ✅
• Week 4: Worked 36 hours = $1,728 ✅

Total 4-week pay: $6,912 (full expected amount)

Protected income: $3,456 (guaranteed hours saved Sarah $3,456!)

How Guaranteed Hours Work

Typical Guaranteed Hours Clauses

Standard clause:

“The facility guarantees 36 hours per week. Traveler will be paid for guaranteed hours even if canceled, called off, or hours reduced due to low census.”

Pay period clause:

“The facility guarantees 144 hours per pay period (36 hours/week × 4 weeks). If hours fall below 144, facility will pay difference.”

What Counts Toward Guaranteed Hours

Usually counts:

• ✅ Hours actually worked
• ✅ Paid time off (if contract includes PTO)
• ✅ Holiday pay (if applicable)

Usually doesn’t count:

• ❌ Voluntary time off
• ❌ Unpaid leave
• ❌ Hours over guaranteed amount (unless overtime applies)

Types of Guaranteed Hours

1. Weekly Guaranteed Hours

Example: “36 guaranteed hours per week”

How it works:

• Each week, you’re guaranteed 36 hours of pay
• If you work 40 hours, you get paid for 40
• If you work 20 hours, you still get paid for 36

2. Pay Period Guaranteed Hours

Example: “144 guaranteed hours per pay period (36/week average)”

How it works:

• Guarantee applies to entire pay period (usually 2-4 weeks)
• Hours can vary week-to-week
• Must average to guaranteed amount over pay period

3. Total Contract Guaranteed Hours

Example: “468 guaranteed hours for 13-week contract”

How it works:

• Guarantee applies to entire contract duration
• Most flexible, allows for variation
• Must total to guaranteed amount by contract end

Negotiating Guaranteed Hours

How to Request Guaranteed Hours

When negotiating, ask:

“Does this contract include guaranteed hours? I’d like 36 guaranteed hours per week to protect my income during low census periods.”

What to Negotiate

1. Minimum hours - “36 guaranteed hours per week” or “144 per pay period”
2. Notice requirements - “2-week notice before reducing hours below guaranteed”
3. Low census protection - “Guaranteed hours apply even during low census”
4. Cancellation protection - “Guaranteed hours apply if contract canceled early”

Agencies That Typically Offer Guaranteed Hours

Many agencies offer guaranteed hours, but it varies by:

• Facility requirements
• Market conditions
• Your negotiation

Always ask - even if it’s not in the initial offer, you can negotiate it.

What to Look for in Your Contract

✅ Good Guaranteed Hours Clause

• Clear minimum hours stated (e.g., “36 guaranteed hours per week”)
• Applies during low census
• Applies if canceled/called off
• Clear pay calculation method

❌ Weak or Missing Clause

• No mention of guaranteed hours
• Vague language like “expected hours”
• Only applies in certain situations
• Allows facility to reduce below guarantee

Common Questions About Guaranteed Hours

Q: Will guaranteed hours reduce my hourly rate?

A: Sometimes. Some facilities offer slightly lower hourly rates with guaranteed hours vs. higher rates without. However, guaranteed hours often provide better total compensation due to income protection.

Q: Can I negotiate guaranteed hours after signing?

A: Generally, no. Terms should be negotiated before signing. Always review and negotiate before accepting a contract.

Q: Do all contracts include guaranteed hours?

A: No. Many contracts don’t include guaranteed hours. Always ask and negotiate if it’s important to you.

Q: What if I work more than guaranteed hours?

A: You get paid for all hours worked, including hours over the guarantee (often at regular rate, or overtime if applicable).

Q: What if I voluntarily take time off?

A: Voluntary time off usually doesn’t count toward guaranteed hours. You typically only get paid for guaranteed hours if the facility cancels/reduces your hours, not if you choose not to work.

Comparing Contracts: With vs. Without Guaranteed Hours

Contract A: $52/hr, 36 hours/week, NO guaranteed hours

Potential pay:

• Best case: 36 hours × $52 × 13 weeks = $24,336
• Worst case (50% cancellations): $12,168
• Average expected: $18,252

Contract B: $50/hr, 36 guaranteed hours/week

Potential pay:

• Guaranteed: 36 hours × $50 × 13 weeks = $23,400
• Even with cancellations: $23,400
• Guaranteed minimum: $23,400

Result: Contract B with guaranteed hours provides more financial security, even with a slightly lower hourly rate!

Tips for Maximizing Guaranteed Hours

1. Ask Early

Request guaranteed hours during initial contract discussions, not after signing.

2. Be Specific

Don’t just ask for “guaranteed hours” - specify “36 guaranteed hours per week” or “144 per pay period.”

3. Get It in Writing

Make sure guaranteed hours are clearly stated in your signed contract.

4. Understand the Terms

Know exactly when guaranteed hours apply (low census, cancellations, etc.).

5. Compare Options

Use our Contract Comparison Tool to compare contracts with and without guaranteed hours.

Using Our Tools

Contract Comparison Tool

Use our Compare Contracts Tool to:

• Compare multiple contract offers
• See impact of guaranteed hours on total pay
• Factor in low census scenarios
• Make informed decisions

Pay Calculator

Use our Pay Calculator to:

• Calculate your expected pay with guaranteed hours
• See impact of cancellations on income
• Understand true take-home pay

Red Flags to Watch For

• ❌ Contract mentions “expected hours” but not “guaranteed hours”
• ❌ Facility can reduce hours below guarantee “at their discretion”
• ❌ Guaranteed hours only apply in certain situations
• ❌ Vague language about what happens during low census

Conclusion

Guaranteed hours are essential protection for travel nurse income. They ensure you get paid even during low census, cancellations, or unexpected changes. Always:

• ✅ Ask about guaranteed hours during contract negotiation
• ✅ Negotiate favorable terms (36+ hours per week)
• ✅ Get it in writing in your signed contract
• ✅ Understand the terms and when they apply
• ✅ Compare contracts with and without guaranteed hours

Compare contracts now: Contract Comparison Tool

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Related Resources:

• Contract Cancellation Policy Guide
• Contract Negotiation Guide
• Compare Contracts Tool
• Pay Calculator