RNnetwork provided this article.

While many travel nurses might be just fine staying in an Airbnb or a rented room, some adventurous souls prefer an RV or van as their home away from home. While the “van life” might not be right for everyone, travel nursing from an RV works for a wide variety of travelers, including couples, solo travelers, and even families with children. For all of them, at least for a while, living and traveling in an RV works better than paying for short-term housing. Below is travel nursing from an RV information and tips from fellow travelers.

Travel nursing from an RV:

Travel nursing adventure life in an Astro van

Travel ICU nurse Bob Goldnetz loved the van life because it gave him more freedom to explore the country. When he was on assignment, he’d explore the area and find places to enjoy the outdoors.

A car didn’t work because he needed something that would carry his two bikes, climbing gear, a surfboard, and more—and give him a place to sleep and do some camp-style cooking. That’s how he ended up getting into the van life. He upgraded to the four-wheel-drive Astro van after blowing out the struts on his first van on bumpy backroads. He built the van with basics, like a place to sleep, storage, and essential cooking gear.

For him, it provided the “on-the-go” life he wanted.

“I’d much rather pull over to the side of the road where no one is, make an egg burrito, and wake up to the sound of the waves than the hotel,” Bob says.

And between assignments, with the van, he could adventure all along the way to the next assignment and hang out somewhere because the surf is good, the weather perfect, or because he met buddies to go biking or rock climbing with.

RV life with family

Julie Stoddard, a travel dialysis nurse, brings her husband and their two children along on her assignments – all while living in an RV. For her family, this offers lots of flexibility and opportunities for adventures.

How does it work for them with school-age kids?

“We homeschool,” Julie says. I maintain the state standard in our lessons. I find the state tests online, and the kids usually test out early, and then we move on to the next grade.”

Stoddard says that they bring a second car while on the road. “That way, they can adventure during the day while I’m working.”

One of the biggest benefits was living in the RV while they remodeled their house. “The house just had electricity and walls. I was lucky enough to be on a travel assignment at that time. We parked the camper right by the house we renovated so my husband could work on that while I was working.”

Another reason that they are embracing the RV life?

“Monetarily, it was actually cheaper for us to get the camper, pay for it outright, and pay monthly at sites versus doing Airbnb. And then you’re not going into a stranger’s home. You don’t have to worry about messing anything up; the kids don’t have to worry about spilling anything.”

Bucket list adventures on the road

Mike Brown, an OR travel nurse, lives in a fifth wheel with his wife and their Irish Setter. His family has come along on nearly every assignment except for one of the two assignments he took in Alaska.

“Most of the places we go, we plan and find locations near where we’ve always wanted to go. One assignment we picked was in Wyoming, an hour away from Yellowstone. We had never been to Yellowstone, which was on our bucket list, so we chose that assignment. We use it as a way to go places we want to see,” he says.

A travel nursing pair in their fifth wheel

William and April Cantwell are home health nurses. They met while William was on assignment where April worked. Now, they’re both travel nurses, traveling with their young child in a fifth wheel.

They go on all assignments together as “a package deal,” and they put their son, Bradley, in daycare if they work on the same days.

It has allowed them to travel while doing what they love — travel nursing.

They’ve seen the Grand Canyon and taken a trip to Disney World over one summer. They also took a weekend trip to New Orleans during their Columbia assignment, something they’ve always wanted to do.

For April, the travel experience is especially exciting. “When you grow up in a small town in Arkansas, it’s pretty neat to see different parts of the world.”

Going places

Living in a van or RV as a travel nurse is another option for the usual housing travel nurses stay in, and it’s another way to pocket more money. It offers a unique blend of freedom, flexibility, and adventure, letting you enjoy quality time with your family or friends while exploring the U.S. on your travel nurse adventures.

We hope you found this article on travel nursing from an RV helpful. If you utilize an RV for housing and have travel nursing from an RV tips please share them below.

Rnnetwork can help you with your next travel nursing adventure! Call 800.866.0407 or view our open travel nursing jobs to find an opportunity that’s right for you.

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Focus Staff provided this article.

Living in a van as a travel nurse is an unconventional lifestyle choice that offers a unique blend of freedom, flexibility, and adventure. Picture this – hitting the road, exploring new places, and having the freedom to create your own cozy nest on wheels. Let’s dive into the pros and cons of van life as a travel nurse, and we’ll even share some insights from a seasoned Focus Staff traveler who’s living the van life dream. So, grab your favorite flip-flops, and let’s roll!

The Pros

Ultimate Freedom and Flexibility:
Imagine never dealing with the headache of packing and moving all your stuff again. With van life, you’ve got the ultimate freedom to pick up and move wherever your heart desires. Say goodbye to long-term rentals and hello to endless possibilities. Your home-on-wheels becomes a ticket to adventure!

Cost Savings:
Living in a van can save you big bucks. Instead of shelling out your hard-earned cash on pricey accommodations, you’ll have more money to spend on epic experiences, delicious food, or stashing away for future goals. Who doesn’t love a little extra cash in their pockets?

Custom Crib on Wheels:
Personalization is the name of the game when it comes to van life. You get to design your own cozy sanctuary, complete with clever storage solutions and creative decor. Think of it as a tiny house with wheels – compact yet full of character. Make it uniquely you!

The Cons

Downsizing Dilemma:
Let’s be real – living in a van means embracing a more minimalist lifestyle. You’ll have to downsize and bid farewell to unnecessary stuff. But hey, less clutter means less stress, right? It’s all about prioritizing what truly brings you joy and leaving the excess baggage behind.

Where’s the Bathroom?:
Now, this is a valid concern. Vans don’t typically come equipped with built-in bathrooms and showers. But fear not! You’ve got options. Grab a gym membership for those refreshing showers, or rely on the kindness of your coworkers’ facilities. Remember, adaptability is key!

Insights From a Traveler Living the Van Life

We gained some knowledge from one of our very own travelers, Giuliano C, a van-dwelling travel Tele RN nurse, and here’s what he had to say about this nomadic lifestyle:

What is your favorite part about living the van life?
“My absolute favorite part is the freedom to pick up and move wherever I please. No more packing and unpacking all my belongings! I can even take mini vacations during my days off and hit the road to wherever my heart desires.”

What would you recommend to others looking to do the same?
“I would recommend this lifestyle to anybody, keeping in mind there’s a lot of downsizing that goes into it, but there are tons of options out there specific for whatever you’re looking for.”

What cons do you deal with?
“The cons would have to be not having a toilet or shower (I could install them), so relying on a gym membership or coworkers.”

Van Life as a Travel Nurse: Pros, Cons, and the Thrill of Freedom

And finally, why did you choose Focus Staff as your home?
“I chose Focus Staff for the great rates, a ton of job availability everywhere, and the coolest/best recruiter out there, Rhiannon Harpel.”

Living in a van as a travel nurse is like having a one-way ticket to freedom. It’s an opportunity to explore, grow, and experience the world in a unique way. Sure, there may be challenges like downsizing and figuring out bathroom arrangements, but with the right mindset, you’ll be ready to conquer it all. So, fellow road warriors, gear up, choose your van wisely, and embark on a thrilling journey that lets you live life on your own terms. Adventure awaits!

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. There, you can search for what you are looking for in housing.

If you are a new travel nurse or looking into becoming a travel nurse:

START HERE

Travel Nurse Guide: Step-by-Step (now offered in a PDF Downloadable version!)

Congrats! You’ve signed the dotted line on your travel nurse contract, and you’re ready to secure housing for your gig. Travel nurse housing may seem daunting, but I’m here to help. I’ve been successful with housing as a travel nurse, even as I travel with my two furry companions, making logistics a bit more complicated.

I’m proud to say I have many tricks up my sleeve and have been able to point many nurses in the right direction. I am here to give you tips to help you understand your traveler housing options so you have a safe, comfortable place to lay your head after a long shift.

Finding Your Own Housing

If you want to take housing into your own hands for your assignment, let’s get you set up with the right resources for success.

Make and Stick to a Housing Budget

First and foremost, you need to research the area and write out a budget that includes your travel nurse housing. Ideally, we all want to find reasonable housing with all of the amenities, but you want to be realistic with what you need, what you want, and your budget. Make a list of must-haves, and try to stick to the basics. A safe, clean, furnished place within a reasonable distance of the hospital is a great start.

I recommend doing your due diligence and researching areas you want to stay in and places you want to avoid. You will want to make sure your accommodations are as comfortable as possible. Some travelers like the perks that hotels provide, like breakfast, housekeeping services, and fitness centers. Plus, many hotels offer a corporate, long-term rate – just make sure to ask. I need to have a private place to take my dogs out to the restroom, and for walks, so I try to avoid hotels. However, it is a good option for many other travelers.

Mentor tip: When finding your own housing, get a list of included amenities to know what to pack. I try to find furnished places with a kitchen with pots and pans. I always bring my bed linens and towels. Also, a lesson I learned the hard way was getting to housing that did not have an air conditioner. Being a Texas native, I assumed everyone had air conditioning, but it is relatively common for many mountain townhomes not to have AC. In that case, you might want to bring a fan! Also, be sure you understand what utilities are included in your rent payment and whether or not you have parking or a garage.

Housing Referrals

I have had the best luck finding housing through referrals. Use your network of co-workers, friends, and peers to your advantage. I go to the travel nurse housing groups on Facebook and see who others have used for traveler housing. (If you would like me to add you to these groups, please send me a direct message on Facebook.) I will search and make a post in these groups. Within that post, I communicate my needs, dates, and budget. I will also request to join local Facebook groups, such as buy, sell, trade, or rental groups specific to that town.

I’ll also search through Airbnb, VRBO, Furnished Finders, and Craigslist for housing. Pay very close attention to offers that seem too good to be true because, unfortunately, they usually are. You want to avoid being scammed, so never send money until you do all your homework. Ask the landlord for references and ask them to do a FaceTime call to show you the property. If that is not an option, consider finding a friend or fellow traveler in the area to scope out the housing for you. Many travel nurses will even stay in a hotel for a couple of weeks once they get to their assignment to look at housing options in person and get a better feel for the area.

When you find a place you want to stay, ask for a short-term contract lease that includes your rental dates, deposit info, whether or not it is refundable, monthly rental rates, and what utilities and amenities are included. You can even ask for a month-to-month lease. A condition form should be included so that if there is any previous damage, you can point it out on this form and not be blamed for it later. Securing this contract protects both parties, but please know that you will likely still be responsible for paying the rent owed within the lease term if your contract is canceled early. If necessary, seek legal advice before signing the contract. I am a nurse, not a lawyer, and I never want to steer you wrong. You can always ask for a month-to-month lease.

Housing as a travel nurse is often one of the most significant pain points of the career. You have many options for your accommodations during each assignment, and each comes with benefits and risks. Be upfront about your housing concerns with your company and recruiter so they can assist you. Do your due diligence in the planning stages, read property reviews, research your new city, and ask questions. Happy travels!

Travel Agency Offered Housing Support

The best advice I can give you is to find an agency with a housing team with the skills and market knowledge to supply you with the best housing options. As a new traveler, this is something I initially overlooked when picking agencies. I quickly learned the hard way (once again) how beneficial it is to have this support and benefit.

Look over all the housing options your agency offers. They may offer a payment assistance program, a unique option designed to assist you with those costly initial move-in expenses. They might have additional benefits that ease the financial burden of moving, such as help paying deposits and fees and prorated rent. There may also not have to abide by certain restrictions and be able to give you a more comprehensive range of housing options, such as a room for rent, RV park, campground, cabin, and short-term hotel. If you use Travelers Haven, your company may be able to put the housing in their name, which means you can avoid credit checks.

Here’s another perk of having your company secure your housing – if the hospital cancels your contract due to low census, your travel nurse agency will likely help you find a solution to leaving your lodging early. However, be aware that if you leave your travel assignment early on your terms, you could have to repay the housing fees that your company encountered on your behalf.

Mentor tip: You will likely need to be cleared to start your assignment before your travel nursing company makes any payments or arrangements for housing on your behalf. Do your due diligence and get through the QA process quickly so your agency can assist you with accommodations and set you up for success.

As a first-time traveler, I cannot recommend having your company help you navigate this process enough. It takes a lot of added stress right off of your plate!

We hope you found this article on housing tips for travel nurses helpful.

Do you have travel nurse housing tips or recommendations? Please share them in the comments below.

Are you looking for your next travel nurse assignment? Click here to view our job board. Do you need housing for an upcoming travel nurse assignment? Click here to search our travel nurse housing page.

If you are a new travel nurse or looking into becoming a travel nurse:

START HERE

Travel Nurse Guide: Step-by-Step (now offered in a PDF Downloadable version!)

When finding short term housing it is a nice goal to want to “have it all”. Perfect location, beautiful apartment, affordable pricing, and laid back lease terms. However, as travel nurses looking for housing to accommodate us for a few months at a time, it can be difficult to hit every single checkmark on our list.

As my husband and I got more experienced in finding our own travel nurse housing, we started to realize that one easy way to cut back on living expenses is to sign a short term lease for the unit we were interested in. Although a lot of our landlords on Furnished Finder do not require you to sign a lease, by offering to do so you may be able to negotiate a lower rent or move to the top of the list if they have multiple applicants. By giving some guarantee to the landlords, they can often reduce their prices slightly because they don’t have to worry about the “what ifs” of an empty apartment. While signing a lease does come with some risks, the benefits of a longer agreement rather than a month-to-month rental may be worth it.

Know the Risks

Before signing a short term lease, check to see what the cost of breaking said lease would be. If the short term rental saves you $100 a month over three months, but it costs you $2,000 if you move out early due to contract cancellation, it probably isn’t worth the risk. However, if it saves you $500 a month, it might be worth considering.

Check Move Out Requirements

Some apartments require a 60-day notice if you will be leaving at the end of your lease. For travel nurses, this means at week four of your contract you will need to know whether you plan to extend or not or risk being charged money for late notice. If you know for sure you will not be extending, this might be okay but if you want to wait and see you may not be able to give your full notice. Usually, your best bet will be to try and find a place that allows a 30-day notice.

Ask About Going Month to Month

At a lot of apartment complexes, you can switch to month-to-month after your initial lease expires. This is great because you can finish your initial contract and lease and not feel obligated to stay another full three months if you can make your housing situation work for a shorter extension. Plus, with month-to-month, there is usually a shorter move-out notice requirement.

Have Some Money Saved

It is always a good idea to have an emergency fund as a travel nurse, but this is especially important if you opt to sign a short term lease for housing. In the event that your contract gets canceled unexpectedly, you will have to be prepared to pay any penalties that come with ending a lease early unless you can find a different job in the same area.

Plan for a Little Overlap

The chances that your lease start and end dates line up perfectly with your contract dates aren’t super likely. You may have to plan for a few days at the beginning or end where you stay in a hotel to make the timing work out. If this happens at the end of your lease you may even be able to crash on a coworker’s couch for your last couple of shifts to help save money.

The financial benefits of signing a lease can often be the deciding factor for if it is the right move for you. Not only does signing a short term lease save you money, but it can also give you peace of mind knowing that you are secure in your living space for the duration of your contract. As long as you have an emergency fund in case of cancellation, you should be able to sign a lease for your travel nurse contract with minimal worries.

If you are a new travel nurse or looking into becoming a travel nurse:

START HERE

Travel Nurse Guide: Step-by-Step (now offered in a PDF Downloadable version!)

Oh, if we could only be a fly on the wall when it comes to what landlords say about travel nurses… That’s exactly what we’re going to do! A recent survey from Furnished Finder, the leading travel nurse housing platform, asked landlords what they like about renting to traveling healthcare professionals like travel nurses. Here’s what they had to say.

What a delight

Nurse to Nurse…What a delight to receive a Housing Request from Furnished Finder. A first responder looking for a house to stay for a few months. She is a travel nurse needing a better space than a hotel room with a limited space. I was grateful to host her. As a nurse myself, I was able to anticipate her housing needs responded to her questions and concerns quickly as possible. Above all, this was a great opportunity to host and support our first responder. Times like this, all we need is someone to listen to our concerns and fears as we face this terrible time of the pandemic. Not only did I provide her a place she called a temporary home, but I also gained a friend! – Jane Scritchfield

Teacher turned landlord

As a teacher, the greatest way to make a positive impact in my community was to host travel nurses via Furnished Finder. My current travel nurse has grown to be like a sister to me. It’s not just about the money, but the relationship that grows when another professional who is dedicated to helping others is living with you. It has changed my life!! – Kathryn Moore

I get to meet interesting people

I have been renting rooms in my house through Furnished Finder since 2018. I have had about 12 travel nurses, lab techs, and other professionals from many different parts of the country. I get to meet interesting people (and cats, dogs, and ferrets) and make money from my house at the same time. – Nancy Fiske

The best top-notch guests

What I love most about renting on Furnished Finder is being able to meet different people from all over our country. I also love how my guests are travel nurses. In my opinion, they are the best top-notch guests you can have as a landlord. During this pandemic, it has been a pleasure to make them feel at home, a home away from home. I will continue to host on Furnished Finder and tell other landlords about it all the time. – Jennifer Golden

I fell in love with a travel nurse

I started renting my house on Furnished Finder when I fell in love with a travel nurse. Because my job allows me to work remotely, I am able to take my work on the road and travel with her. Therefore, my home is available to rent to other travelers in search of short-term furnished rentals. I’m new to the scene, but I’ve only had positive experiences so far. It also helps that my home is only a mile away from a hospital…which is how I met my partner. She was looking for a place to live near the hospital, and a mutual friend knew I was looking for a roommate. And the rest is her-story. – Trina B.

I too am a travel nurse

I’m a travel nurse and have listed my property, and my Condo stays rented out while I am on the road. I love the platform. So easy to screen potential renters. – Judith Lycan

I get to meet dedicated nurses

I enjoy being a landlord through Furnished Finder due to the ability to meet interesting and dedicated nurses that are doing their part to give back to others. I am amazed at the professionalism and dedication of those that have stayed with me. I have had three travel nurses stay in my home over the last year or so, and each one of them have their own unique qualities that give me faith in our healthcare system. They are not only dedicated to their profession, but they are making sacrifices for their family by being away and serving others. It has been refreshing to meet the individuals that have stayed with me, and I will always provide a home to those nurses that need a place to stay while working here in Nashville, TN, and the surrounding areas. – Steve Heim

My best friend is a travel nurse

I got involved with Furnished Finder because one of my best friends is a travel nurse. My husband and I have a 4-bedroom home with the bedrooms being used only occasionally when family visits. So we started the adventure this year with a tenant, and it is working out very well for us. We get to supplement our retirement income with very little effort. Our current tenant has been with us for almost 6 months on an extended contract, and we love her. We enjoy the interaction but respect the privacy of our tenant and believe we provide a safe and clean respite for the hero in our midst! – Helen Sayes

Very little housing in my area

I have THREE travel nurses staying with me in the Augusta, Maine, area. They say there is very little housing in this area…I am so thankful for Furnished Finders and for the fact that I can help these three lovely ladies!!! – Judith Nuber

Absolutely fantastic tenants

Finding out about Furnished Finders has been one of the best things to happen to me in a good long while! I own 3 furnished condos and have been renting them to tenants I’ve found on Furnished Finders for the last 6 months or so. All of my tenants- so far- have been travel nurses, and most all of them have been absolutely fantastic tenants- professional, responsible, conscientious, caring, and great communicators. I so very much appreciate what nurses and medical staff are doing- these days more than ever; it’s wonderful to be contributing in a small way- by providing a beautiful place they can call home away from home for the few months they are on their traveling assignments. The Furnished Finders website and the smartphone app make communication easy and convenient. The amount of inquiries I receive along with tenant leads is phenomenal. Furnished Finders, thank you SO much for providing a great service and terrific tenants! – Paul Torok

Amazing travel nurses at my home!

I have had 100% occupancy with amazing travel nurses at my home! Everyone has been a great tenant, and they’ve all left the house in perfect condition! I live furnished finder!! – Maureen Fitzpatrick

Heaven sent

Travel nurses have been Heaven-sent. Nurses need a quiet, close, secure, CLEAN place to stay, so fur us, it’s a win-win! We are getting a QUALITY renter, and they love our beach location. – Nicole Trotter Henry

I was a Travel Nurse.

I know the struggles of finding a place to rest in a new location every 3 months so when I finally settled down and bought my house, I decided to rent a room to fellow Travel Nurses and make them feel as comfortable in my home as if they were my own family and it worked! I enjoy meeting new people and making new friends. I’m happy, they’re happy, and it’s all good! – Angie Mahan

All have been awesome

I have rented to several travel nurses and medical techs. All have been AWESOME. The fact that they are background checked, drug tested, and make above-average salaries gives me a sense of security and confidence. They have all come from Furnished Finder!! Thanks. – Sandra Sorrells

I decided I needed a roomate

Renting through Furnished has been a great experience for me. I bought a home in a very expensive market (Austin, TX), and the mortgage is a huge burden on a nurse’s salary. I decided I needed a roommate in my three-bedroom/two-bathroom house, but I love having my own space. I also have my house decorated the way I like it and don’t want to accommodate someone else’s furniture, art, etc.; a few friends of mine who are travel nurses suggested Furnished Finder. I love the flexibility of sharing my home for several months and then taking a break between tenants if I choose to. I live very close to several hospitals, so it’s convenient for those staying with me. I have actually had fun setting up the room and bathroom to be cute and cozy—I try to have everything set up so that my tenants only have to bring their clothes & toiletries. By providing laundry detergent, cleaning products, TP & paper towels, and putting flowers, candles, or other welcoming touches in the guest rooms, it is such a small expense to me that goes a long way to make things easier and nicer for my guests. Sharing my home has also given me a push to continue my efforts of home improvement—fixing up my patio & backyard, hanging outdoor lights, repainting the shed, getting a new TV and dining table, among other things. The extra income has allowed me to hire housecleaners which makes my life easier AND is a great bonus for my guests. Now that I am sharing my home with renters, I feel like I always need to keep my home “company ready.” One unexpected bonus is that I have made a few great new friends who I never would have met otherwise! – Elizabeth Stephens

The smartest thing I can do

Renting to travel nurses and medical people is the smartest thing I can do with my completely furnished rental apartment. Furnished Finder makes it easy and more affordable than other agencies I have used. The medical people are immaculate and appreciate the quiet and convenience of my location….near 3 hospitals and in a quiet and safe neighborhood on Lake Michigan – Sunny Boehme.

Great place to find potential renters

Furnished Finder has been a great place for us to find potential renters. My wife has been a travel nurse for many years and has used Furnished Finder to find housing. We live in the panhandle of Florida, and when hurricane Michael came through, we had to have a big restoration done to our home. We decided to take that opportunity to update the 2 rooms upstairs and use them specifically for renting. Now we receive inquiries almost weekly about our rooms whether they are occupied or not. Now we are looking at building tiny homes and renting those out using Furnished Finder. We feel very secure using this site because we know upfront that the people requesting housing have a job, that the job is for at least 13 weeks (most of the time), and even if they are not nurses, they are working professionals. We will never not use Furnished Finder if you rent your property and want to do it safely. Furnished Finder should be your go-to. – Michael Covington

It is a win-win

I have been using Furnished Finder for 6 months and have helped travel nurses have safe and affordable housing while also being able to help me pay down on my mortgage! It’s been a win-win! I’ve met some very cool nurses and have had a blast exchanging stories and getting to see more about the nursing industry. – Junior Fifer

I felt compelled

I have been a super host with AirBNB until the pandemic hit. It was then that I started to look elsewhere and ‘discovered’ Furnished Finder. I felt compelled to do this as a service to healthcare workers in my small way. Since then, I have had a good experience with travel nurses and will continue to do so. They are superstars to me. – Rosemary Rausch

We hope you enjoyed reading what landlords had to say about hosting travel nurses and working with Furnished Finder. Are you a landlord? Do you use Furnished Finder? Tell us about your experience in the comments below. If you are interested in being a landlord and listing with Furnish Finder, click the link in the next paragraph.

About Furnished Finder 

Furnished Finder is the leading housing platform for traveling professionals and remote workers looking for monthly furnished housing in the US. With more than 75,000 properties and representing a potential of 20M bookable nights per month, Furnished Finder is the source of direct bookings for landlords, property managers, and hoteliers. Fueled by their strategic industry partnerships and high search ranking, traveling nurses, remote workers, and other traveling professionals depend on Furnished Finder for monthly furnished rentals. Furnished Finder also provides travelers with steep negotiated discounts on Hotel Stays of any length. Furnished Finder also owns KeyCheck, a site that provides tools for landlords, including online rent payment, free tenant screening, and custom residential leases. For more information, visit www.furnishedfinder.com.   

Are you looking for your next travel nurse assignment? Click here to view our job board. Do you need housing for an upcoming assignment? Click here to search our housing page.

If you are a new travel nurse or looking into becoming a travel nurse:

START HERE

Travel Nurse Guide: Step-by-Step (now offered in a PDF Downloadable version!)

This article was provided by TNAA.

Housing can be one of the more stressful to-dos on a travel nurse’s checklist. As many traveling healthcare professionals will tell you, the housing you choose can make or break an assignment. But, by choosing the right agency, travel nurse housing doesn’t have to be a pain point for you.

Ideally, you want to work with an agency that has plenty of travel nurse housing options so you can find what works best for you from one assignment to the next.

Keep reading for helpful tips on what to go over with your agency to avoid any housing disasters.

Taking Travel Nurse Agency Housing or a Housing Stipend

Whether you decide to stay at agency-provided housing (if it is available) or take a housing stipend, you want to choose an agency that will assist you every step of the way.

The goal of your agency’s housing department should be to find you a safe and clean location that is in close proximity to your hospital and that meets your individual needs, like living in a place that is already furnished or staying within a certain budget. The bright side of choosing agency-provided housing is that your options are vetted for you based on these requirements. You also might be able to skip out on a lot of paperwork as some agencies will set up utilities, housing contracts, and more for you.

If there aren’t agency-provided options that fit your requirements, you can choose to take a housing stipend instead. This gives you the ability to find a more unique stay and perhaps pocket some of the leftover stipends. Connect with your agency to see what resources they can provide to steer you toward traveler-friendly options when choosing your own housing. Some might have access to discount codes to popular lodging sites like Airbnb, leads for traveler-friendly private homes, a list of RV parks, and other perks.

Whether you plan on taking the stipend or utilizing company-provided options, don’t be afraid to use your agency’s housing resources if they are offered.

Traveling with Family and Pets

Being on the road is exciting, but we know it can also get lonely. Find out what your travel nurse housing options are when you want to travel with your family and pets. You want to choose a travel nurse agency that will work with you to secure housing for your particular situation.

Some agencies will offer more than a one-bedroom housing option, but others might have limits on what they can provide. This information can come in handy when deciding if you want to bring someone on your assignment.

It is also important to keep in mind that several housing providers typically have restrictions on the number of animals you can bring, animal type, and breed. Many times, these regulations are set by the housing provider and not the agency itself. However, some agencies provide the added perk of finding nearby housing for your pet if they can’t camp out at your place (we’ve worked to find stables for horses many times). Ask your housing department if any animal restrictions apply and if you have other options before picking a place that isn’t pet-friendly.

Using a Payment Assistance Program

Finding a place to stay can come with many initial fees, like a security deposit, pet fees, the first month’s rent, and more. That can be a large sum of money to take out of your account at one time.

See if your agency offers a Payment Assistance Program because you might be able to get assistance with these costs. A Payment Assistance Program can help pay for some of the initial moving costs and then automatically deduct a portion of the cost from a period of paychecks once your assignment has started. Your housing department would show you what this would look like coming out of your paycheck, and you wouldn’t have to pay all the moving fees in one lump.

No matter your circumstances or if you choose to pick a housing option on your own, you want your agency to still be a useful resource for you from assignment beginning to assignment end. Ask them what your options are for housing and how they can help get you in a comfortable stay.

This article provided by Soliant Healthcare.

As a traveling nurse, housing is often one of the most important components of the pay package. For many, the housing options are often a dealbreaker. Given that the average travel nurse assignment is 13 weeks, finding housing as a travel nurse has unique challenges. While many travel nurse agencies, like Soliant, offer included contract housing, many nurses opt for housing stipends to have more control over where they stay.

While there are pros and cons of both housing opportunities, as a travel nurse you must find what works best for you. These tips will help you better understand your housing options and find housing you are happy with.

Travel Nurse Housing Options

Travel nurse housing includes two main options:

Agency-Placed Housing – With agency-placed housing, your staffing agency arranges your housing in the area of your contract. In many areas, agencies have long-term contracts with properties to facilitate regular short-term occupancy.
Stipend Housing – With stipend housing, you receive a set stipend amount and are then responsible for finding your own housing arrangements.

As a travel nurse, chances are you will experience both options at some point. Which one you chose depends on different conditions, such as the location of the contract, availability of housing options, and your personal preferences. Both housing options have their own benefits as well as disadvantages. Here we will go over these differences to help you better understand which option might be best for you.

Agency-Placed Housing and the Advantages/Disadvantages

Agency-placed housing is often the most common option chosen and often recommended for new traveling nurses. Travel nursing agencies often lease properties in locations to be able to offer short-term leases to their nurses. These properties include furniture, as well as linens and dishes. Utilities, such as electric or gas, are included, with some agencies even covering cable and internet.

Some key benefits of agency-placed housing include:

Convenience – Your agency takes care of everything. You don’t have to worry about looking for properties that will accept short-term leases, you do not have to come up with security deposits, and you do not have to worry whether or not utilities are connected before you settle in.
Availability and Pricing– Finding short-term housing is not always easy, especially in smaller communities. In many cases, you may need to spend more than a stipend amount to find a suitable short-term rental. Agencies already have locations in place and can bypass these concerns.
No Up-front Costs – With agency-placed housing, you will not need to come up with deposits for housing or utilities.
Security – If for any reason, your contract is canceled, you do not have to worry about possible expenses when terminating a lease early.

While these benefits may make you wonder why anyone would choose something else, agency-placed housing does have some disadvantages. While some agencies may offer you more than one housing option, they are usually comparable and do not leave many options. While you can make requests, it is not always available. For example, if you are a wife and mother that travels with your spouse and small child, you may want housing that includes a second bedroom. This is not always available. Maybe you bring your canine companion when your travel and the agency doesn’t offer any pet-friendly locations. For these reasons, stipend housing is another available option and one many seasoned travel nurses ultimately choose.

Stipend Pay and Housing Options

A housing stipend is a sum of money worked into your contract designed to cover the cost of housing during your assignment. This can include money for housing, travel, and meals. The amount of the stipend is based on a monthly rate but is paid weekly through your paycheck. Choosing a monthly stipend means you are responsible for acquiring your own housing as well as utilities.

This opens you up to a variety of different housing options that can include:

Traditional housing – this can include traditional homes and apartments. Keep in mind, traditional rentals may charge higher rates for short-term leases. In many cases, these properties do not come furnished, so you will have to consider furniture rental.
Vacation Rentals – Vacation rental properties typically come furnished and available for short-term leases. However, finding one with a three-month vacancy can be challenging.
Temporary Housing – This option can include properties such as Airbnb.
Extended-Stay Hotels – Extended stay hotels, such as Extended Stay America, offer the convenience of a hotel but are designed for longer stays.
RV or Mobile Housing – Many travel nurses opt to travel with their own homes. RV’s allow you to bring your home with you and simply find an RV park facility

Advantages/Disadvantages of Choosing a Housing Stipend

When you choose a stipend, you must take the lead when it comes to housing. You are responsible for finding a suitable location, paying deposits and connecting utilities. The main challenge of this housing option is finding housing that fits within the allotted budget. Some resources that can help with finding housing include:

House-hunting sites, such as apartments.com
Vacation and temporary housing sites, such as Furnished Finder, VRBO and Airbnb
Extended Stay Hotels, such as Extended Stay America
Hire a local realtor to help you look for available housing

Some key benefits of housing stipends can include:

You control where and how you live – If you want to live on the beach while in California, for example, you can look for a beach home. If a washer and dryer are a must-have, you can find housing that offers it.
You can make additional money – The housing stipend is a set amount and, if you can find housing for under this amount, you can pocket the rest.
Extra move-in/move-out time – With agency-placed housing, you often get only a couple of days to get in and get settled before your contract starts. The same goes for moving out. When you find your own housing, you create your moving timeline.
If you travel with a pet, you will have the option of finding a location that allows pets.

Disadvantages of Choosing the Housing Stipend

Being in control of your housing may seem like a great option, it is not for everyone. It also has some disadvantages you must consider. These can include:

Up-Front Costs – You are responsible for covering deposits for both housing and any utilities. Also, you may need to arrive early to have utilities connected.
Renting Furniture – Many places will not come furnished, meaning you will need to bring your own, rent, or purchase second hand.
Paying Penalties – Should your contract be canceled for any reason you are responsible for any fees associated with the cancelation of your lease or rental agreement.

Housing is often the most stressful part of being a travel nurse. Understanding your housing options, as well as voicing your needs and concerns with your travel nurse agency, is essential before you accept a contract.

We hope that you found these tips on how to find housing helpful. Do you have any tips to help travel nurses find housing that wasn’t mentioned in this article? Comment them below.

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