If you’re a travel nurse, finding comfortable housing on each assignment is one of the most important aspects of your job. You’ll live far away from your family and friends, making having a safe and affordable home base essential. One option for travel nurses is to use a furnished apartment provider that offers no booking fees and background-checked property owners. Securing suitable travel nurse housing is crucial to your well-being during assignments, as it ensures a comfortable and convenient living environment that allows you to focus on providing quality patient care while on the road. But why should you consider it?
You’ll Be Able to Focus on Your Job
Having secure, comfortable housing during your travel nursing assignment is one of the most important aspects of this specialized job. It allows you to relax in your new home away from home while keeping costs low and having a place to recharge after a long shift. Whether you choose agency-placed housing or a housing stipend pay option, you’ll need a safe and clean place to stay when on assignment.
Taking agency-placed housing or using a housing stipend has different advantages depending on your preferences, priorities and budget. If you choose to use a housing stipend, you will have the flexibility to live in any type of housing, including a fully furnished apartment, rental home or extended-stay hotel. This gives you more control over your living situation and allows you to find a place that best suits your needs.
Another advantage of taking agency-placed housing is that it’s typically located near your assignment site. This is ideal for many travelers who want to get out and explore their new surroundings while they’re on assignment. In addition, having stable housing can help you build trust with your fellow staff nurses as you start your journey in a new facility. It lets them know you’re a regular, reliable nurse who won’t leave them in the lurch if your contract is shortened or canceled.
You’ll Be Able to Save Money
Choosing agency-arranged housing or taking advantage of a travel nurse housing stipend (daily lodging per diem, housing subsidy, or housing allowance) allows nurses to control their temporary living arrangements more. This is especially important when finding pet-friendly accommodations in a specific location or near a certain activity or if they prefer an apartment or home over a hotel.
The most popular option is agency-arranged housing, which provides a furnished rental with utilities included for a weekly rate that’s typically lower than the market rate. However, it’s also possible to save money by searching for rentals on a travel nurse housing website. In addition to offering a variety of short-term rentals, both sites run background checks on landlords.
Another way to save money is splitting the rental cost with a coworker or fellow travel nurse. Many experienced travel nurses recommend spending at most one-quarter of your paycheck on your short-term rental. Hence, you have room to save or spend on other fun experiences during your assignment.
You’ll Be Able to Find A Place To Live
Many travel nurses let their agency handle housing because it’s just one less thing to worry about. Others prefer to take a stipend and find their lodging. This can be done through online searches, Airbnb, or even a private room in someone’s home. In most cases, your staffing agency’s housing department will find a rental in the area of your assignment. They will try to locate a short-term rental close to the hospital and within your budget. They may also be able to secure discounted rates on apartments, homes, or hotel rooms that aren’t available to the general public. Depending on the area, finding accommodations can be difficult and time-consuming. Some locations have a large selection of short-term rentals, while other sites can have a limited number of options. Some travel nurses prefer apartment complexes or extended-stay hotels because they offer the amenities of a home, such as kitchens and laundry facilities. However, these can be noisy living places, and housekeeping schedules can disrupt sleep patterns. If you are a new travel nurse, you might want to choose your agency’s housing option for a few assignments to get accustomed to the living arrangements. You can always switch between the two options after that, depending on what works best for you and your lifestyle.
You’ll Be Able to Save Time
Having housing provided can save you time by eliminating one of your major responsibilities. Some travel nurses need help focusing on their work when they spend too much time worrying about housing. This is particularly true for new travelers who need more experience in this field. In addition, most agencies have a dedicated housing department that handles the logistics of finding an apartment or home for you. They can even include a furniture package and pay for utilities in some cases, making it much easier to show up ready to start your assignment. Another option is to get your housing and have the agency reimburse you. This can be done through a daily lodging per diem, housing subsidy or housing allowance. Some travel nurses prefer this option because it gives them more flexibility and control over their living arrangements.
Travel nurses and therapists who opt for the stipend option can choose from various options for short-term accommodations, including furnished apartments, rental homes, extended-stay hotels, Airbnb or other alternatives. They can also live with a friend or family member during their assignment, saving money on rent and utilities. This can be a great way to immerse themselves in the local culture and make friends.
