Ins and Outs of Travel Nurse Housing
By Lee Soren, contributor
Driven by regional nursing shortages coupled with the Nurse Licensure Compact, which makes it easier for nurses to practice across state lines, more and more RNs are entering the field of travel nursing. While the maximum possible tax-free benefit may vary by location, housing benefits are one of the major perks of accepting an assignment.
Most agencies provide travel nurses with a choice between company-arranged housing or a stipend to cover or reimburse their housing expenses while they're on assignment. For the many RNs who continue to hold a permanent residence, this monetary benefit can remove some of the financial burdens of maintaining two households simultaneously.
Because you're essentially choosing a place to call home for the duration of your assignment, it's crucial to weigh all the factors before making a decision. Here are a few things to consider when looking at travel nurse housing options.
Why so many travel nurses choose company housing
Many RNs, especially those who are just embarking on a career in travel nursing, opt for company-arranged housing. There are several compelling reasons to choose this option.
1.Convenience: Travel nurses often have extensive preparation to complete before embarking on a new assignment. With company-arranged housing, you can eliminate an apartment search from your to-do list.
2.Availability: Particularly in rural areas or small cities, short-term housing for travel nurses can be hard, if not impossible, to secure. Many apartment complexes require tenants to sign year-long leases, but the average travel nurse assignment only lasts 13 weeks. On the other hand, company-arranged housing is a sure thing.
3.Simplicity: When your agency or facility provides temporary housing for travel nurses, it typically comes furnished, and utilities are often arranged by the company. You also won't have to worry about laying out security deposits or fees for utility hookups.
4.Security: In the event that your assignment is canceled, company housing eliminates the worry over lost security deposits or leases that can't be broken.
5.Options: Accepting company-arranged housing doesn't necessarily mean you have no options. Some agencies provide two or three choices for temporary housing for travel nurses.
If you're planning on choosing company-arranged housing, be sure to find out exactly where you'll be living. Ask for a website link, pictures or other references and check them out for safety, cleanliness and overall livability.
Why some RNs choose a housing stipend
Not all RNs are comfortable or happy with company-arranged housing choices and may want to opt for the stipend instead. If you're willing to do the research, the biggest benefit of securing your own housing is having complete control over where you'll live.
Ultimately, by choosing your own housing, you get to decide on the type of accommodation and whether to prioritize location or length of commute. You can add money to the allowance to upgrade to a larger or more luxurious residence, or you can choose a cheaper residence and pocket any leftover stipend money.
If you opt for the stipend, possible accommodation options include:
- Relatives and friends: If you have loved ones nearby who are willing to put you up, it can be an ideal way to optimize your stipend while enjoying the company of people you care about.
- Short-term apartment rentals: If you're on assignment in a large city or in a destination that attracts an influx of seasonal residents, short-term apartment rentals may be plentiful, especially in the off-season. Many also come furnished.
- Extended-stay hotels: Many hotels offer extended-stay packages, making them a reasonably priced option for shorter assignments, with the added benefit of housekeeping services.
Furnished Housing finder sites such as Furnished Finder can help you find places to stay while on assignment. In areas where major facilities or companies regularly bring in temporary help, area realtors may also specialize in finding short-term accommodations.
Other housing considerations
Whether you ultimately choose company housing or opt for the stipend, your recruiter or agency contact can help you explore your available options. If you have requirements or preferences, whether that's a ground-floor apartment or a pet-friendly unit, express them clearly and don't hesitate to ask questions.
Browse available travel nurse assignments and see what great benefits are available through TravelNursing.com's comprehensive database of jobs.