Finding Your Home: Housing Tips for Travel Nurses

Finding a living arrangement that works for you is one of the most important parts of having a great experience during your travel nursing assignment. Whether it’s your first time or you’re a veteran, finding the right housing as a travel nurse can be stressful. But Gifted Healthcare is here to help you along the way.

We’ve created a list of tips to help you find the right housing while on your next travel nurse assignment.

Consider Your Housing Options

Motels & Extended Stay

Search for any motels and extended stay hotels in the area – these businesses often have unpublished rates for guests staying on a weekly or monthly basis. Plus, long-term rates are often negotiable. The longer you stay, the more leverage you have to negotiate

Apartment Complex

Your next option is an apartment complex. The ideal apartment for travel nurses offers month-to-month leases and is furnished. However, if you can’t find a furnished apartment, there are many great furniture rental companies to look into.

Online

The internet is also a great resource for travel nurse housing. Create a post on craigslist.org explaining your needs and circumstances, or search for subleasing and rental options. Airbnb.com is pricier but offers images and ratings to help you assess the quality of your choices.

Living With Friends, Family, or Another Traveler

Occasionally, travel nurses take an assignment in a city where their friends or family live. If you plan ahead, staying with someone you know can save you time and money. It’s also a great way to eliminate any discomfort or loneliness you may encounter while settling into a new place by yourself.

If you live with another travel nurse, the two of you can share the burden of your housing search as well as your ambitions and travel experience.

Deal Makers & Deal Breakers

Creating checklists of “deal-makers” and “deal-breakers” will help you sort through your options quickly.

Consider the questions below while creating your list of deal-makers and deal-breakers. They will help you determine the things you’ll need in order to be satisfied with your housing while on assignment:

• What’s your monthly budget for rent or living expenses?
• What do you need to feel safe in your new home?
• Will you be bringing a pet?
• What kinds of amenities can you not live without?
• Will you be using public transit to get to work, or do you have your own vehicle?
• What kinds of businesses do you need nearby? Grocery store? Gym?
• Do you cook often? What kinds of kitchen appliances do you need?
• Do you need a washer/dryer, or are you comfortable going to a laundromat?
• What do you need in order to keep up with your favorite hobbies?
• Are you introverted or extroverted?
• What are you trying to gain from your travel nursing experience?

These are just a few questions to start with. The more questions like these that you can answer, the more prepared you’ll be to find the perfect home for your needs.

Talk to Your Agency or Recruiter

Travel nursing companies like Gifted Healthcare are there to guide you along your travel nursing journey.

Most likely, your agency is familiar with housing options in your new city or town. Ask your recruiter for tips, information, and any wisdom they can relay from other travel nurses who have lived in the location of your assignment.

Finding the right home takes work, but doesn’t need to be stressful. Use the wealth of resources available to you and speak to your recruiter, and soon you’ll be settling into a housing that feels just right.

Once your living arrangements are in order, you can start your nursing adventure bright-eyed and worry-free!