No matter how long your healthcare travel assignment is, you need to know where you're laying your head at night. Finding temporary housing as a traveling healthcare professional can be stressful without the right info or resources to navigate. We've broken down some of your housing options, so you can find your temporary home with ease.

• Types of housing for traveling healthcare professionals
• How to choose the right temporary home for you
• Housing factors to consider
• ✨BONUS ✨ Frequently asked questions

Understanding Your Healthcare Traveler Housing Options

Types of housing for traveling healthcare professionals

Short-term move-in ready rental

For many travel nurses and allied health travelers, short-term move-in ready rentals like Airbnb, VRBO, or Furnished Finder are often a go-to option. Since these units come fully furnished with all the essentials, you can skip to the part where you make yourself at home.

Hotels/motel

In the market for a temporary housing solution that’s often quick and convenient? A hotel or motel could check those boxes. They’re easy to book, typically flexible around check-in and out times, and may offer amenities like Wi-Fi, breakfast, and gym access.

Long-term stay hotel

If you’re a fan of the convenience hotels have to offer but value a bit more space, an extended stay hotel could be the prefect middle ground. These types of hotels are designed for longer stays, which means they usually come equipped with more amenities like kitchenettes or laundry facilities.

Apartment rental

Renting an apartment in the city you’re working in is a great, homey option. Here, you have your own private space to spread out, cook meals, and make it your own in all the best ways.

Camper/RV

Packing and unpacking aren’t your thing? Consider investing in a camper or RV! There's something liberating about taking your life on the road. Living in a cute home on wheels can save money on housing costs and can be a great way to explore new places at the drop of a hat while staying in your own space. Plus, this housing solution allows you to keep your things in place without having to pack or unpack them with each new assignment. 

Related: What Healthcare Travelers Love About Van Life

Shared housing

Usually, shared housing looks like renting a room from apartment or house property owners and can be a budget-friendly housing option for travel nurses and allied travelers. While having roomies may require a bit of adjustment, shared housing can create a sense of community and help you feel less alone while away from home.

How to choose the right temporary home for you

Choosing the right temporary housing situation as a healthcare traveler really comes down to what matters most to you — but the good news is, you know your options! Ultimately, the right housing for you will depend on what’s important to you and what makes you feel most comfortable during your allied or travel nursing assignment.

Housing factors to consider

Your budget

As a traveling healthcare professional, you’ll receive a tax-free housing stipend on top of your hourly pay. Keep in mind that the amount you receive will depend on where your next travel assignment is.

Related: Housing Stipend vs Agency-Provided Housing: What’s Right for You?

For example, you may be eligible for a higher stipend if you work travel jobs in major cities like Los Angeles, CA versus one in Des Moines, IA. So, it can be a good idea to create a realistic budget and go forth in your search!

To start, calculate your net income (including your allied or travel nurse housing stipend). Then, track your spending to learn where you’re currently spending your money. After that, determine how much you can afford to spend on housing after essentials and devise a plan. Try to rinse and repeat this process for each travel assignment to help you stay on budget with each job.

Other housing costs to keep in mind for your budget include booking fees, hidden fees and additional fees such as parking costs, pet deposit, and renter's insurance.

Location

A major housing consideration is where it’s located. Being close to the facility or hospital you’re working at can save you commuting time and reduce the stress of long drives or public transportation.

But it’s not just about your commute to work — location also plays a big role in your overall lifestyle. Regardless of if you’re the type of person who likes to be close to restaurants, coffee shops, parks, and location attractions or if you prefer more peace and quiet, it’s important to find housing in areas that fit your personality and have activities that match how you want to spend your downtime.

Pet-friendly accommodations

Pets are like family, so naturally, you want to bring your little travel buddy along and most allied and travel nurse housing sites have a “pet-friendly” filter, making it even easier for you and your pet to find a place to stay.

Related: Pet-Friendly Housing Guide for Nurses and Allied Health Travelers

When you find a housing unit you’re interested in, be sure to have all your pet’s paperwork, such as vaccination and veterinary records, tags and certificates, and proof of a microchip. Having this information handy can help make the pet-friendly housing process even smoother.

Frequently asked questions

Do I get my housing deposit back at the end of my assignment?

Whether you get your housing deposit back depends on your landlord or property owners. Do a little digging and read your lease — it should outline details such as how soon you need to give notice, an itemized list of housing costs, cleaning expectations, and more.

It can be a good idea to document the property the day you move in, as well as the day you move out after you’ve removed all your personal belongings. Email them to the manager the same day you move out, so you have the date of correspondence and proof of the condition of the property before and after your stay. This can help ensure you aren't hit with the bill for someone else's stay.

How far in advance should I arrange my assignment housing?

The earlier, the better! We recommend arranging your short-term housing as soon as your next travel assignment is confirmed. That’s because the sooner you start your housing search, the more options you’ll have for future bookings and the better your chances are to find a place that fits your needs.

Can Fusion Medical Staffing help with my housing search?

Yes! We may not offer agency-provided housing, but we have housing resources to help make your search easy, breezy. With nationwide housing partners like Extended Stay America, Engine, and more, we have exclusive discount codes available to our travelers. All you have to do is ask your recruiter for the secret codes!

You have the power to decide what kind of housing you want to live in as a traveling healthcare professional. From move-in ready properties to extended stay hotels to RV living, you have options. Consider your budget, your traveling companions, and most importantly, where you’ll be the most comfy while working away from home.