Top Tips for Securing Quality Accommodation As a Travel Nurse
Travel nurses have unique housing needs that must be considered when searching for short-term accommodation. Here are some top tips for securing quality accommodation as a travel nurse. Travel nurses often prefer agency-placed housing, as they have the security of knowing that their accommodations will be dependable. However, it’s only sometimes available or a fit for every assignment.
Prioritize Location
Regardless of what housing option a travel nurse chooses, they must ensure it is in an area where they can easily commute to and from work. The last thing a nurse wants to deal with while on assignment is a long flight delay or traffic jam that requires driving 10 hours rather than 2. In addition, the home’s proximity to their job should also be considered. Travel nurses often spend significant time writing documentation, researching, and communicating with patients. Therefore, having a well-appointed workspace that supports ergonomic health will minimize discomfort and potential musculoskeletal issues. While some nurses prefer a room, others may be more comfortable bunking with fellow travel nursing colleagues to save money or enjoy the company of friends. Moreover, some travelers prefer to split housing expenses with roommates and enjoy the perks of hotel living (like pool access) during their assignments.
Consider Your Needs
Travel nurses work hard, and a comfortable living environment makes all the difference in their ability to show up for shifts focused and ready. They also need to sleep well and have a place to relax and recharge in their downtime. Unfortunately, this can be a challenge when traveling to a new assignment and finding quality housing. The good news is that it’s possible to find furnished travel nurse housing in various locations, sizes, and price points. You can use websites to find great options.
Staying with a friend or relative on an assignment is an additional choice. It can be a great way to save money and enjoy quality time with loved ones. It’s important to ask questions and research before moving into your travel nurse accommodation. If you have any concerns, don’t hesitate to contact a trusted recruiter or veteran travel nurse for guidance. It will help you transition smoothly and have a fantastic travel nursing experience.
Negotiate
Many travel nurse agencies offer a range of housing options. Some will find a furnished apartment or house for you, while others provide a tax-free lodging reimbursement. No matter which agency you work with, you must cover all your housing-related concerns well before the hospital submits you for an assignment. It ensures that there are no surprises down the line. It would help if you were prepared to negotiate a price. Research has shown that travel nurses who arrange to get paid more than those who don’t.
Remember that negotiating a price for quality accommodation can take some practice. To help you make the best decision, you must rank your needs in order of importance and weigh the advantages of each choice. With some planning, research, and a sense of adventure, you can find the perfect home away from home for your next travel nursing assignment. Best of luck!
Make Sure It’s Furnished
As healthcare professionals are moving, travel nurses seek out fully furnished accommodations to match their short-term assignments. Renting out a given option with a bed, dresser, couch, kitchen appliances, and ergonomic workstation will draw more guests to your rental home.
In addition, since travel nurses typically receive a housing stipend from their employers, they are prompt to pay rent, making them reliable tenants. They also undergo extensive background checks, reducing the risk of dealing with problematic tenants. One option to connect with travel nurses is through niche services, which offers a search engine that can display temporary rentals based on a nurse’s location and maximum monthly budget. Another option is Airbnb, which lets a property owner list individual rooms or entire homes for a month-long stay.
Look for Local Recommendations
While many travel nurses seek housing on an assignment, agencies can often provide various accommodation options. These include extended-stay hotels and home rentals specifically curated for travel nursing professionals. These accommodations are generally more consistent and offer more amenities than standard hotel rooms. Some travel nurses may prefer the more private feel of home rentals and apartments. It is one of the reasons why agencies need to offer plenty of different housing options, including those designed for a particular travel nurse type.
If a travel nurse is assigned to company housing and finds that it needs to improve, they should contact their agency representative immediately. Whether the problem is a dirty floor or an unstocked refrigerator, quickly addressing these concerns can make travel nurses feel like valued guests and reduce their stress levels on assignment. It’s also helpful for the agent to address any questions and concerns that travel nurses might have, as they often work non-traditional hours.