So, you’ve finally found a travel nurse job that checks all your boxes, and you are ready to explore new places, meet new people, and expand your professional horizons. However, in the excitement of embarking on a new assignment, one crucial aspect that can often cause stress is finding housing that checks all your boxes. Securing comfortable accommodation is pivotal in ensuring a seamless experience while on assignment, so how do travel nurses find housing? Let’s dive into some housing options and resources that will help you find a home away from home that meets your needs.
Leverage Agency-Provided Housing
If you’re working with a travel healthcare staffing agency, often times they will offer housing to you as a part of your pay package. This is an incredibly stress-free route for travel nurses to find housing as most agencies will have a housing team that will do all the searching for you, and it’s completely paid for.
For example, Medical Solutions’ team of housing experts will find housing for you that fits your specific needs, including covering all utilities and setting them up before your arrival. All you need to do is specify the number of bedrooms, floor level, preferred amenities, whether you’re traveling with a pet or family, fully furnished or not, and the housing team takes care of it all. This is an especially good route if you’re new to travel nursing and want one less thing to worry about on your list of things to accomplish before you start your first assignment.
Using a Travel Nurse Housing Stipend
Many agencies offering housing to travel nurses will most likely offer stipends if you decide to make your own living arrangement while on assignment instead. How does a travel stipend work, exactly? As part of your compensation package, you’ll get an amount of money that will help you cover the cost of accommodation that you choose. A travel nurse housing stipend is based on the location of your assignment, so the amount you receive for an assignment in California will most likely not be the same for one in Nebraska.
Before committing to a housing option, it’s essential to carefully assess the costs and ensure they align with your budget. Additionally, factoring in expenses such as utilities and parking fees can provide a more accurate picture of the total housing cost. Securing desirable housing in competitive markets requires proactive planning. Travel nurses are often advised to begin their housing search well before their assignment start date. This allows ample time to research options, negotiate terms, and address any concerns that may arise. You can avoid last-minute stress and secure accommodations that meet your needs by staying ahead of the curve. Luckily there are tons of different housing options for travel nurses.
Online Platforms and Communities
The digital age has revolutionized how travel nurses find housing. Numerous online platforms cater specifically to short-term rentals, allowing nurses to browse listings, read reviews, and communicate directly with hosts. Some of the best sites for travel nurse housing are Furnished Finder, Airbnb, and Travel Nurse Housing and they offer many options tailored to the unique needs of travel healthcare professionals.
Furthermore, social media platforms like Facebook have lots of communities and private groups dedicated to travel nursing. Nurses often share housing leads, tips, and experiences, creating a supportive network that can be invaluable when navigating the housing market in unfamiliar locations. Plus, you might find someone with an assignment in the same area or facility you could potentially room with.
Extended Stay Hotels
If you want hassle-free accommodation with minimal commitments, extended stay hotels are a fantastic choice. These options offer fully furnished units with amenities such as housekeeping and utilities and often have discounted rates for longer stays. While they may come at a premium compared to traditional rentals, their convenience and flexibility can outweigh the costs for many travel nurses. A bonus is that Medical Solutions has discounts for travel nurses who choose this route for their temporary home.
Consider Alternative Housing
Flexibility is key for travel nurses; thinking outside the box can lead to unique housing solutions. Instead of finding travel nurse housing, many opt for alternative arrangements like staying with a relative or friend, as well as options like traveling in an RV or being a part of van life. While these alternatives may require more planning and flexibility, they can offer memorable experiences and significant cost savings.
Finding housing as a travel nurse may seem daunting initially, but with the right approach and resources, it can be a manageable and enjoyable part of the journey. By leveraging agency assistance, tapping into online platforms and communities, exploring alternative housing arrangements, and budgeting wisely, travel nurses can find accommodations that provide comfort, convenience, and a sense of home anywhere. Apply today and work with the industry’s best recruiters and housing team who will help you through every step of the journey.
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