How To Find Housing As A Travel Nurse: Your Stress-Free Guide

What are my options for finding housing as a travel nurse? Finding housing as a travel nurse involves several choices, including furnished apartments, short-term rentals, extended stay hotels, and utilizing travel nurse housing agencies. This guide breaks down each option, providing tips and resources to help you secure the perfect place for your next assignment.

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The Housing Hurdle: Why It Matters

As a travel nurse, you’re a healthcare hero, ready to jump in wherever you’re needed. But before you can focus on patient care, you need a safe, comfortable, and affordable place to live. Finding housing can be stressful, especially when you’re juggling job applications, licensing, and packing. This guide is designed to make the housing search easier, so you can focus on what you do best: providing excellent healthcare.

Delving Into Travel Nurse Housing Options

Let’s explore the most common travel nurse housing options available:

1. Furnished Apartments for Travel Nurses

What is a furnished apartment? These apartments come equipped with essential furniture, appliances, and sometimes even housewares. They’re a popular choice because they offer a home-like feel and require minimal upfront investment in furniture.

• Pros:
  • Comfortable and private living space.
  • Usually includes kitchen facilities for cooking meals.
  • Often located in residential areas.
• Cons:
  • Can be more expensive than other options.
  • Lease terms might not always align with your assignment length.
  • Finding the right apartment can take time and effort.

How to Find Furnished Apartments:

• Websites: Use sites like Apartments.com, Zillow, and Craigslist to search for “furnished apartments” in your assignment location.
• Local Real Estate Agents: Contact local real estate agents who specialize in rentals. They can help you find available options that meet your needs.
• Travel Nurse Housing Websites: Several websites focus specifically on short-term rentals for travel nurses and furnished apartments for travel nurses. (More on these later!)

2. Short-Term Rentals for Travel Nurses

What are short-term rentals? These are properties rented out for a limited time, often through platforms like Airbnb and VRBO. They can range from apartments and houses to condos and even unique spaces.

• Pros:
  • Flexible lease terms, ideal for assignments of varying lengths.
  • Wide variety of options to choose from.
  • Often fully equipped with everything you need.
• Cons:
  • Can be more expensive than long-term rentals, especially during peak seasons.
  • Cleaning fees and other charges can add up.
  • Availability can fluctuate.

How to Find Short-Term Rentals:

• Airbnb & VRBO: These are the go-to platforms. Filter your search by dates, location, and desired amenities.
• Local Vacation Rental Companies: Some cities have local companies specializing in vacation rentals, which can be a good alternative to the larger platforms.

3. Extended Stay Hotels for Travel Nurses

What is an extended stay hotel? These hotels are designed for guests staying for several nights, weeks, or even months. They usually offer amenities like kitchenettes, laundry facilities, and free breakfast.

• Pros:
  • Convenient and readily available.
  • Often includes amenities like housekeeping, internet, and breakfast.
  • No long-term lease required.
• Cons:
  • Can feel less home-like than an apartment or house.
  • May not offer as much space or privacy.
  • Can be more expensive than other options, especially for longer stays.

How to Find Extended Stay Hotels:

• Hotel Websites: Look at websites like Extended Stay America, Homewood Suites by Hilton, and Residence Inn by Marriott.
• Online Travel Agencies: Use sites like Expedia and Booking.com to compare prices and amenities across different hotels.

4. Travel Nurse Housing Agencies

What is a travel nurse housing agency? Some agencies specialize in finding housing for travel nurses. They handle the search and booking process, saving you time and effort.

• Pros:
  • Convenient and time-saving.
  • Agencies often have established relationships with landlords and property managers.
  • Can help you find housing quickly, especially in competitive markets.
• Cons:
  • May charge a fee for their services.
  • You may have less control over the specific housing options available.
  • Relying solely on an agency can limit your choices.

How to Find Travel Nurse Housing Agencies:

• Online Search: Search for “travel nurse housing agencies” online.
• Networking: Ask other travel nurses for recommendations.
• Your Travel Nursing Company: Many travel nursing companies offer housing assistance or partner with housing agencies.

5. Travel Nurse Roommate Finder

What is a travel nurse roommate finder? These are platforms or services that connect travel nurses who are looking to share housing.

• Pros:
  • Reduces housing costs significantly.
  • Provides a built-in social connection in a new location.
  • Often easier to find housing when sharing with someone else.
• Cons:
  • Requires compromise and communication with your roommate.
  • Finding the right roommate can be challenging.
  • Less privacy than living alone.

How to Find a Travel Nurse Roommate:

• Facebook Groups: Join Facebook groups for travel nurses and post about your housing needs.
• Online Forums: Participate in online forums and discussion boards for travel nurses.
• Travel Nurse Networks: Connect with other travel nurses through professional networks and associations.

Key Travel Nurse Housing Websites

These are some of the best travel nurse housing websites to explore:

• Furnished Finder: A popular platform specifically designed for travel nurses and other traveling professionals. It focuses on mid-term rentals (30+ nights).
• Travel Nurse Housing (Facebook Groups): Numerous Facebook groups dedicated to travel nurse housing where nurses share listings and connect with potential roommates.
• Airbnb & VRBO: Still viable, but filter carefully for extended stays and reasonable rates.
• Rotating Room: Connecting traveling healthcare professionals with available rooms and apartments.

Budgeting for Housing: Travel Nurse Housing Stipends

What are travel nurse housing stipends? These are allowances provided by your travel nursing company to help cover the cost of housing. The amount varies depending on the location, assignment length, and your company’s policies.

• Negotiate Your Stipend: Understand how the stipend is calculated and negotiate for a fair amount. Research the average rental costs in your assignment location to justify your request.
• Consider All Costs: Factor in all housing-related costs, including rent, utilities, internet, parking, and any move-in fees or security deposits.
• Explore Affordable Options: Look for ways to save money, such as renting a smaller apartment, sharing housing with a roommate, or staying in an extended stay hotel with a kitchenette.

Finding Affordable Travel Nurse Housing

How can I find affordable travel nurse housing? Finding affordable housing as a travel nurse often requires creativity and flexibility. Be open to different neighborhoods, consider sharing housing, and take advantage of resources specifically designed for travel nurses.

Here are some tips:

• Location, Location, Location: Housing closer to the hospital is often more expensive. Consider living a bit further away and commuting.
• Negotiate: Don’t be afraid to negotiate rent or lease terms, especially for longer stays.
• Look for Move-in Specials: Some apartments or hotels offer move-in specials or discounts for travel nurses.
• Consider Different Types of Housing: Don’t limit yourself to apartments. Explore options like renting a room in a house or staying in an Airbnb.

The Ultimate Checklist: Securing Your Home Away From Home

Before you sign a lease or book a stay, make sure to:

• Confirm the Length of Your Assignment: Ensure your housing aligns with the start and end dates of your contract.
• Read Reviews: Check reviews from other travel nurses or renters to get an idea of the property’s quality and the landlord’s responsiveness.
• Verify Amenities: Confirm that the property includes the amenities you need, such as internet, laundry facilities, and parking.
• Inspect the Property (if possible): If possible, visit the property in person or ask for a virtual tour to assess its condition and suitability.
• Read the Lease Carefully: Pay attention to all the terms and conditions, including the cancellation policy, pet policy, and rules regarding subletting.
• Get Everything in Writing: Make sure all agreements and promises are documented in writing.

Avoiding Housing Scams

Unfortunately, scams exist in the rental market. Protect yourself by:

• Being Wary of Deals That Seem Too Good to Be True: If a rental price is significantly lower than others in the area, it could be a scam.
• Never Sending Money Without Seeing the Property: Always inspect the property or have someone you trust inspect it before sending any money.
• Avoiding Wire Transfers: Use secure payment methods like credit cards or certified checks.
• Researching the Landlord or Property Manager: Check their credentials and online reviews to ensure they are legitimate.

Table: Comparing Housing Options

Housing Option	Pros	Cons	Best For
Furnished Apartments	Comfortable, private, kitchen facilities	Can be expensive, lease terms may not align	Nurses who want a home-like environment and are willing to invest time in finding the right apartment
Short-Term Rentals	Flexible lease terms, wide variety of options, often fully equipped	Can be expensive, cleaning fees can add up, availability fluctuates	Nurses who need flexibility in their housing arrangements and are comfortable with online booking platforms
Extended Stay Hotels	Convenient, readily available, includes amenities	Can feel less home-like, may not offer as much space or privacy	Nurses who need a quick and easy housing solution and value convenience
Housing Agencies	Convenient, time-saving, established relationships	May charge a fee, less control over options	Nurses who are short on time and prefer to delegate the housing search to a professional agency
Roommate Finder	Reduces costs, provides social connection	Requires compromise, finding the right roommate can be challenging, less privacy	Nurses who are on a tight budget and enjoy living with others

Final Thoughts

Finding housing as a travel nurse doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By understanding your options, utilizing available resources, and taking proactive steps, you can secure a comfortable and affordable place to call home during your assignments. Remember to prioritize safety, budget wisely, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. With a little planning and effort, you can focus on your passion for nursing and make the most of your travel experiences.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I use my housing stipend for any type of housing?

A: Generally, yes. You can typically use your travel nurse housing stipends for any type of housing that meets your needs. However, check with your travel nursing company to confirm their specific policies and requirements.

Q: What is the best time to start looking for housing?

A: Start your search as early as possible, ideally 1-2 months before your assignment begins. This gives you ample time to explore options, compare prices, and secure the best deal.

Q: Who is responsible for paying utilities?

A: It depends on the rental agreement. In some cases, utilities are included in the rent. In other cases, you’ll be responsible for setting up and paying for utilities like electricity, gas, water, and internet. Clarify this before signing a lease.

Q: What if I need to break my lease early?

A: Breaking a lease can result in financial penalties. Review the lease carefully to understand the terms and conditions for early termination. Consider negotiating with the landlord or property manager to find a solution that minimizes your financial obligations.

Q: Is it better to have the agency find my housing?

A: It depends on your priorities. Having the agency find your housing saves you time and effort, but it may limit your options and cost you more. Weigh the pros and cons before making a decision.

Q: What is the typical length of a travel nurse assignment?

A: Travel nurse assignments typically range from 13 weeks, but can be shorter or longer depending on the needs of the healthcare facility. Ensure that your lease duration and the dates of your nursing assignment match.