5 House Hunting Tips for Travel Nurses

One of the essential things to secure as a travel nurse is your accommodation or housing. Whether you are a seasoned travel nurse or just starting on your first assignment, you must settle in a place that is already furnished.

It will lessen your worries about where to sleep, cook or take a shower after shifts. It would be best to secure a place to stay during the duration of your work, and these house-hunting tips for travel nurses are the answer.

House Hunting Tips for Travel Nurses 101

Looking for suitable accommodation, apartment, room, or housing during your assignment as a travel nurse can be stressful. But the question is, would you prefer to look for accommodation and receive a stipend?

Or let the agency take care of it, so you don’t have to worry? Are you bringing your pets along? – indeed, looking for a house or apartment to accommodate all your needs as a travel nurse is challenging. But don’t worry; these tips can help you with that.

Tip #1. Beware of “Too Good to be True” Offers

There are plenty of places to look for housing as a travel nurse, but you must be wary of where you are looking. One of the most common places to look for is Craigslist.

No doubt about it, there are many good sources of for-rent units on this website, and there are also bad ones. How can you distinguish the difference? If the offer is too good, too cheap, and almost impossible to believe in, then you might skip that one because it could be a scam.

A good source will always have positive feedback and reasonable prices. If you find one that offers you cheap accommodation in a well-off location, then there is a chance that you are being baited for a scam.

Tip #2. Look at ALL options.

You have plenty of options to choose from when it comes to housing and accommodation. However, it will also depend on your preference. It would be best if you checked out all your options first before deciding which one to pursue.

Option A is staying at hotels. Plenty of hotels or motels offer long-term stays for 30 days, perfect for travel nurses like you. Low night rates and tax breaks are also provided if you book an extended stay. If this is the option you would like to take, be sure to call the hotel manager ahead to make arrangements.

Option B, on the other hand, is staying on Airbnb locations. These are usually popular choices for many travel nurses and travelers alike. Not only do you get to pick the spot of the Airbnb, but you can also view the kind of bedrooms you will be using.

As someone who travels for work, you may need one bedroom (if you are working alone) or something small for your convenience. You can also choose to live close to the facility you are working or downtown, where you can enjoy the sites and do exciting things after your shift.

Whatever option you choose, make sure that the accommodation you pick suits all your needs.

Tip #3. Find a Roommate or Work with One.

Another good tip for house hunting as a travel nurse is to find a roommate with whom you can share the rent and save expenses. It could be a fellow travel nurse you are assigned with or a traveler staying in the accommodation for the long-term [1].

When choosing a location for work, check if you have relatives or friends living nearby. While having accommodation is excellent, you can also live with family or friends living near the facility you are working as a travel nurse.

Of course, IF and only IF you are allowed to live with them. If not, choosing to have a place of your own is always a good idea.

Besides, you don’t want to disturb anyone, especially if you are assigned to night shifts.

Tip #4. Do Some Research Before Accepting a Job Offer.

As a travel nurse, you are often looking forward to your next assignment. However, it would be best if you also do your research before accepting any job [2].

First, understand what benefits you can get if the agency finds accommodation for you. Many travel nurses utilize this option when it comes to housing needs.

One of the benefits of this is that agencies can find you a suitable place to stay, especially if the work location does not have a lot of options to choose from. It also saves you time and energy looking for a place to stay. Using the ones provided by your agency is more practical.

You must also understand what furnished means when it comes to finding a place to stay. When we say that the home is “furnished,” it means that it already has the amenities you need for the duration of your stay.

This type of accommodation is helpful for travel nurses who do not like to bring furniture or housing necessities when traveling. Of course, every location to go to is different, and when they say furnished, the things included could be a dresser, dining table, couch, or chairs.

Keep in mind that washers/dryers, microwaves, iron, and others are not always included. It would be best to visit the place or talk to the manager about what you would like to be included in your accommodation before you stay there.

Otherwise, you will bring some necessities with you.

Tip #5. Pet-friendly Housing is a Must.

Some travel nurses love to travel with their dogs or cats. If you have a pet and would like to bring them along, be sure to remember this house-hunting tip for travel nurses – check if the accommodation allows pets.

If you want your agency to find you a place to stay, be upfront about bringing your pet/s with you.

It would make your life easier, but if you are looking for a place to stay, calling and personally asking if pets are allowed in your housing is a must.

These House Hunting Tips for Travel Nurses are Practical

Finding a suitable place to stay during your assignment as a travel nurse can be stressful, but if you want to save yourself from this predicament, it would be best to use your agency and let them find one for you.

Of course, extra stipends are helpful, but be practical if you are stressed about looking for accommodations.

Looking for more nursing and travel nursing information? Check out these helpful links!