Travel nursing is an exciting career choice, but it does require long-term stays away from home. For a successful travel nurse assignment, finding comfortable, secure housing accommodations and getting settled in will help you feel more at home. Read on for our top five travel nurse housing tips.

• Tips to finding safe and convenient housing for travel nurses
• Making the most of your temporary home away from home
  
  

Comfort and Security on the Road: Tips for Travel Nurse Housing

Tips to finding safe and convenient housing for travel nurses

When it comes to finding safe and convenient housing for travel nursing assignments, it can be a challenge. There are many things to consider, from location to amenities. With the right information and resources.

However, you can find the perfect furnished property for your next assignment. Here are some tips to find travel nurse housing that is safe and convenient.

Decide how you’re finding housing

When finding travel nurse housing, you can either accept agency provided housing, or find your own. There are pros and cons to each option.

If agency housing is an option, it can take some of the stress out of the process for traveling nurses. On the other hand, finding your own housing gives you more say in the process and potentially more options. Additionally, you get to pocket any of your housing stipend that’s left over after housing costs. That’s untaxed money back in your wallet!

Do your research

If you’ve chosen to look for your own rental housing, the next step is to do some research! Start by looking into potential neighborhoods and areas that fit your preferences and needs.

Consider the commute time to work, proximity to food and other amenities, what type of housing is available in the area (houses vs apartments), crime rates in the area, public transportation options, etc. Taking the time to research ahead of time will make sure that you find affordable housing arrangements that meet your needs safely and conveniently.

Make a wish list

Next, think about your housing preferences and what kind of amenities you need while on assignment. Do you need access to laundry facilities? A fitness center? A swimming pool?

Knowing which amenities are important to you will help narrow down your search significantly. Travel nurses find housing in all types of places and when you're looking at potential vacation rentals or even monthly furnished rentals on housing websites like Airbnb or VRBO, check to see if they include all the desired amenities before booking any long-term commitment or reservations.

Take safety precautions

Finally, take safety precautions when looking for a rental or temporary housing options. Make sure you not only research the neighborhood you’re living in, but also the reputation of your landlord or property owner.

Additionally, when signing contracts make sure you read them carefully so there are no surprises after signing (e.g., additional booking fees or pet restrictions).

Making the most of your temporary home away from home

From finding the perfect place to live to making your temporary home feel like a real place of comfort, there are many things to consider when settling into your new abode. The key is to make the most out of this transition period and make your temporary living space feel as much like home as possible. Here are a few ways to settle into your new place.

Pack the right things

For travel healthcare professionals, there are certain items that should never come off your packing list. Your travel nurse housing request may not provide all the essentials, so it’s important to make sure you bring enough for the duration of your assignment.

Want to make sure you don't forget any of these essentials when you're packing for your next assignment? Click on the medical professionals travel packing list below to download! Print it out and check it off as you go or keep it on your phone to reference, so you'll never leave anything behind.

Fully unpack your bags

The last thing you need is a constant reminder that your current living space is temporary. Make time to fully unpack your suitcases, boxes, and bags and then arrange your belongings how you like.

Fold your clothes and put them in drawers or hang them up in the closet, organize your toiletries on the bathroom counter, and once you’re finished unpacking, take a huge sigh of relief that you no longer have to dig through your packed luggage to get dressed in the morning. It may not seem like a lot, but the instant gratification of this simple task goes a long way.

Get comfy and cozy

It’s hard to beat the coziness of crawling into bed after a long day, so why not add a little more familiarity and bring your personal bedding. Adding your favorite blankets and pillows from home is an easy way to instantly transform your new bed into a comfortable and familiar haven.

Don’t forget to bring other items that make you feel all warm and fuzzy on the inside. Whether that’s an oversized hoodie, a silk sleeping mask, or plush slippers, you can never go wrong with a little extra comfort and self-pampering.

Add your personal touch

If anything can make a place feel like home, it’s personal mementos, photographs, house plants, candles, and all those small things that put a smile on your face and remind you of your permanent home.

Maybe it’s the novel you can’t get enough of or a picture of your parents — whatever those special items are to you, make sure they’re front and center, because nothing cures loneliness like happy memories.

When it comes to plants, stick to something low maintenance like a Christmas cactus or fern. Helping a plant grow and thrive can be a fulfilling way to connect with your temporary space, reduce stress, lift your mood, and keep homesickness at bay.

Keep it clean

Nothing says unorganized like a messy room. Don’t let the chaos creep into your space; try to keep your temporary home neat and clean. And no — this doesn’t mean you need to kneel with a scrub brush every other day to spot-clean the smallest dirt particles.

Instead, ensure everything has its place — dirty clothes in the laundry basket, pillows and blankets on the bed, toiletries in the bathroom, etc. That way, you’ll always know where to look for things and you can relax without the stress of clutter surrounding you.

Finding travel nurse housing can be overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. Finding the right place to call home while you are on assignment is a critical part of the journey. Next time you’re on the move towards a new travel job, don’t forget to take the steps to make your new environment feel like your optimal getaway.