Fusion Medical Staffing provided this article.
When it comes to finding where you’ll rest your head while on an assignment, you have two options: you can take a housing stipend or opt for agency-provided housing. If you accept a travel nursing housing stipend, it’s up to you to research, find, and reserve your temporary lodging. Alternatively, many agencies have a supportive housing department that can find your lodging for you. Here, we break down the top perks of agency-provided housing.
3 Benefits of Agency-Provided Housing for Travel Nurses
Stress-free house hunting
While accepting a travel nurse housing stipend and choosing your own housing may offer more control, it can also be time-consuming and overwhelming, especially when you’re frequently relocating. Agency-provided housing significantly reduces the stress of house hunting and eases your transition into a new assignment.
With agency-provided housing, all the hard work is done for you, so you just show up on move-in day. From sorting out the lease agreement to supplying furniture, agency-provided housing takes care of the heavy lifting for you.
Not only does this save time, but it also provides a sense of stability. By allowing your travel nursing agency to set you up with lodging, you’ll be provided with a comfortable, fully furnished, and secure home close to your workplace.
Financial convenience
Another major perk of agency-provided housing is the financial convenience. As an in-demand healthcare professional, you likely work long hours, and the last thing you want to do is worry about utility bills, maintenance, or housing deposits.
Instead, let your travel nursing agency free you from managing those details. Your agency will pay for these bills and deposits directly to the landlord or rental company. That way, you can avoid the hassle of setting up and dismantling your living space every time you take a new travel nursing job. Even better, you can focus your finances on other aspects of your life, like boosting your savings or paying off debt.
Additionally, when you factor in the time and effort it takes to secure housing, plus the cost of furniture, household items, and the potential for unexpected charges, you may find agency-provided housing to be more cost-effective.
Extra housing support
The best part about agency-provided housing is that you have a built-in support network in the agency’s housing department, serving as a reliable lifeline during your assignments.
Beyond just securing accommodations, the agency’s housing department acts as a resource for any housing-related issues that may arise. Whether it’s a maintenance dilemma, a need for clarification on utilities, or a desire to learn about your new area, the housing department is there to assist. With immediate and constant support available when you need it, opting for agency-provided housing ensures you can focus on what you do best: positively improve the lives of others.
Frequently asked questions
Can I opt for agency-provided housing if I travel with others?
Although every agency’s policy may differ, many are accommodating and understand the need for travel nurses to have companions. So, whether you travel with your family, in a group with fellow healthcare professionals, or pets, your agency can find you housing that fits your needs — just make sure to effectively communicate what that looks like to your travel nurse recruiter.
Are there pet-friendly, agency-provided housing options?
From dogs and cats to reptiles and birds, many travel nurses want to bring their pets on their travel adventures. And the good news is, you can!
If you’re in need of pet-friendly housing options and would prefer agency-provided lodging, talk with your agency’s housing department or your recruiter to make sure they understand what you’re looking for. From apartments to rental homes to extended-stay hotels, pet-friendly housing often comes with amenities like secure outdoor spaces, pet waste stations, and nearby parks to keep you and your pet feeling right at home.
Can I request specific features or accommodation in my housing?
Yes! It’s important that you feel comfortable and safe where you’re living on assignment, so if you have any specific requests or must-have features, let your travel nurse agency know. Some common requests include a non-smoking environment or access to a fitness center or pool. Many staffing agencies are more than happy and willing to work with you to find suitable housing that meets your requirements.
While choosing your lodging on assignment is ultimately a personal decision, there are many pros to agency-provided housing. It eliminates the stress of finding accommodation in a new city, provides financial convenience, and gives you the support to focus more time and energy on your essential work. Next time you’re preparing for your next travel nursing job, consider opting for agency-provided housing.
If you would like to read more articles on travel healthcare housing, click here.
Our job board is a great place to search for your next travel nurse assignment. We have you covered with our housing page if housing is an issue. You can search for what you are looking for.
