This article provided by: AB Staffing Solutions
Whether you’re living in a big city or in a rural area, you will want to be sure you have housing that fits your needs and the needs of your family and pets. Here are some housing tips for travel nurses from housing professionals on what to do when starting your travel nurse assignment.
Housing Tips for Travel Nurses
Research the area where you’ll be working.
As a travel nurse, you may be moving a few times a year. Before your next move, think about what you liked and didn’t like about your current area. Share that feedback with your recruiter and representative from the housing department.
Do you want to be in a more urban area? Do you need a grocery store nearby? Is there a gym near your workplace? Do you want hiking and other outdoor activities nearby? Will you need child and/or pet care? If the closest grocery or convenience store is 45 minutes away, you may need to do grocery and meal planning ahead of time. Knowing your preferences makes a difference to not only finding the right place for you, but for you to get to know your new area.
View your rental in-person before signing the lease.
Treat the move as you would any other. Our housing team does a great job identifying places for our travel medical professionals but ultimately, it is your responsibility to make sure the home is as-advertised. We encourage you to visit in-person prior to signing the lease to make sure you’re comfortable with the living space and location.
Pack smart.
You’re likely going to be living in a furnished space so pack only the essentials. Look around your current home and decidewhat is most important for your next destination. If you’re in Minneapolis and heading to Phoenix, you may choose to put the winter clothes in storage and opt to bring warmer weather clothes only.
As far as important valuable items go, you should only bring documents and things that you absolutely need. Be sure to keep valuables and paperwork stored in a secure location and not out in the open for others to see.
Understand the terms of the lease.
Before signing the lease, read it. Ask questions. Make sure you understand all the terms. Are you allowed to bring pets? Are there size limitations for pets? Is the rental smoking or nonsmoking? Is there a deposit for pets? Is there a cleaning fee when you move out? Understand all of the terms so you’re not liable for extra costs at the end of your assignment.
Prepare for pets.
Think about what is best for you and your pet. Will the pet need to stay with a friend or family member while you’re on assignment? What accommodations will they need if they are traveling and staying with you? Be sure they’re up to date on vaccinations and that you have a travel certificate, if needed. If you need doggy daycare or pet boarding, research options prior to moving. The last thing you need is a call from your landlord that your dog has been barking all day and you don’t have a sitter who can check on them or a doggy daycare where they can stay when you’re working.
Connect with other nurses at the new facility.
If possible, reach out to the nurses at the new facility. Ask for their recommendations on neighborhoods, restaurants, traffic, activities, childcare, pet care, and more. It will give you an idea of what to expect and you can begin to plan your work day schedule and days off.
Be financially prepared.
As with any new job, you won’t start getting paid until you start working. Prior to your first day, you will need to make a deposit on housing and cover moving costs. Be sure you have enough saved to get you started and for any emergencies that may arise prior to the first paycheck.
If you’re a new traveling medical professional, ask seasoned professionals for their feedback. Ask your recruiter if you can be introduced to others so you can ask questions or learn more about housing tips and getting started in a new area. The more you ask and prepare ahead of time, the better the experience for you, your family, and pets.
We hope that you have found the housing tips for travel nurses helpful in your journey. If you are looking for more tips on finding housing the following have great information:
Do you have any housing tips for fellow travel nurses? Comment them below!
