How to Find Housing as a Travel Nurse: A Guide to Extended Stays

Are you wondering how to find housing as a travel nurse? It’s not surprising. In recent years, travel nursing has captured the interest of many healthcare professionals. Indeed, many registered nurses in the United States are now pursuing travel nursing as a career path.

According to a study, the need for additional nursing staff grew as cases rose during the pandemic. Travel nurses stepped up, moving quickly from one hard-hit area to another to address urgent shortages.

Hospital administrators were keen to secure these skilled professionals, drawing from a small pool that made up less than 2 percent of the nation’s nurses. Yet, filling the increasing vacancies in hospital staff was crucial.

This increasing wave of travel nurses raised unique challenges, especially regarding securing short-term housing. This guide simplifies the process of finding and making the most of housing for travel nurses, ensuring that their stays are comfortable.

Let’s jump right in.

Finding Housing as a Travel Nurse: Top Options for Extended Stays

Finding the right housing is crucial for ensuring a comfortable and convenient stay when embarking on a travel nursing assignment. Here are the top housing options for extended stays that cater specifically to the needs of travel nurses:

Travel Nurse Rental Sites

Dedicated platforms for travel nurses — Furnished Finder and Travel Nurse Housing — provide a broad selection of short-term, furnished rentals designed to meet the specific needs of traveling medical professionals. These sites often feature user-friendly search tools that help you filter options based on location, price, amenities, and more.

By focusing solely on travel nurses, these platforms ensure a tailored browsing experience, increasing the likelihood of finding suitable accommodation quickly and efficiently.

Consider Traditional Options

Traditional rental platforms like Airbnb and VRBO offer extensive listings of diverse accommodations, ranging from quaint apartments to spacious homes. These sites are particularly useful for travel nurses due to their widespread availability and flexible rental terms.

However, it's vital to be aware of potential issues, such as fluctuating prices during peak seasons and variability in accommodation standards. Reading reviews and communicating with hosts can help ensure the property meets your needs.

Consider a Homestay

Opting for a homestay can offer travel nurses an immersive experience, providing a sense of belonging in a new community. This option allows you to live with locals, which can be incredibly enriching, particularly for those interested in learning more about the local culture and customs.

However, homestays may also mean less privacy and space than other types of accommodations. Weighing the pros and cons of such immersive experiences is crucial, especially if your assignment demands odd working hours or significant downtime.

Travel Nurse Agency Housing

Many travel nurse agencies alleviate the stress of finding housing by offering various options, including furnished apartments and roommate-matching services. This convenience means you can focus more on your assignment and less on logistics.

Agency-provided housing often includes all necessary utilities and furnishings, making it a hassle-free choice. Additionally, being placed with other travel nurses can provide a built-in support system, making it easier to adjust to new surroundings and share experiences.

Extended-Stay Hotels

Extended-stay hotels like WoodSpring Suites® cater specifically to professionals like travel nurses who need reliable, comfortable, and convenient accommodations. These hotels are designed for longer stays and feature amenities such as fully equipped kitchens, laundry facilities, and flexible booking terms for short and extended visits.

The consistency and reliability of services offered by WoodSpring Suites hotels ensure that you can focus on your work without worrying about the nuances of typical short-term rentals.

Tips for Securing Housing

Securing suitable housing is vital for travel nurses to ensure their assignment is successful and stress-free. Here are essential tips to help you find and secure the best housing options for your needs:

• Early Planning: Secure your housing well in advance to avoid last-minute hassles and potentially higher costs.
• Safety Considerations: Choose accommodations in safe neighborhoods, crucial for those working night shifts.
• Budgeting: Keep track of all potential costs, including utilities and deposits, to manage your finances effectively.
• Lease Flexibility: Look for month-to-month leases or contracts that offer flexibility to accommodate the uncertain duration of travel assignments.

These tips can help travel nurses find accommodations that enhance their experience away from home, making each assignment more rewarding and enjoyable.

Making the Most of Your Extended Stay

In this section, we'll explore practical tips to help you make the most of your extended stay, ensuring it's comfortable, enriching and enjoyable.

Location, Location, Location!

Choosing the right location for your temporary home is crucial. It affects your daily routine and your overall experience during the assignment. Consider the commute time to your workplace, the proximity to essential amenities like grocery stores, pharmacies, and hospitals, and the neighborhood's safety.

An ideal location can reduce travel stress, save on transportation costs, and provide convenient access to leisure activities, helping you feel more settled and less like a transient visitor.

Pack Smart, Live Comfortably

Packing for an extended stay means finding a balance between bringing too much and too little. Focus on packing versatile clothing that can adapt to varying weather conditions and professional requirements.

Essential items like a good cookware set, basic toiletries, and a comfortable bedding set can make a significant difference. Remember to include personal items that make a space feel like home, such as your favorite books, a small plant, or pictures of loved ones. These personal touches not only decorate the space but also provide comfort and a sense of normalcy.

Explore Your Surroundings

Getting to know your temporary home can greatly enhance your travel experience. Make an effort to explore the neighborhood and discover local spots like cafes, parks, and cultural venues.

Engaging in local activities can break the monotony of work and provide opportunities for relaxation and enjoyment. Whether it's visiting a museum, hiking nearby trails, or simply finding a local gym, integrating into the community can provide a richer, more fulfilling experience during your stay.

Connect with the Community

Building connections while on assignment can lead to friendships and professional relationships that enrich your travel experience and provide support.

Look for community events or local groups that align with your interests, such as fitness classes, book clubs, or volunteer opportunities. These activities help you meet new people and experience the local culture more deeply. Engaging with the community can transform a mundane work trip into a memorable and enriching adventure, making your time away from home more enjoyable and rewarding.

WoodSpring Suites — A Perfect Haven for Traveling Nurses Looking for Housing

By following this guide, travel nurses can navigate the complexities of finding suitable housing, making their transitions smoother and their stays more enjoyable. Whether you choose a travel nurse rental site, an extended-stay hotel, or another option, the key is to plan ahead and select accommodations that meet your specific needs.

WoodSpring Suites® extended stay hotels offer the ideal housing solution for travel nurses. With locations close to major healthcare facilities, competitive rates, and essential amenities like in-suite kitchens, our hotels ensure a comfortable, convenient stay. Whether you're staying for a few weeks or several months, WoodSpring Suites provides an affordable, hassle-free experience in a friendly and welcoming environment.

Consider WoodSpring Suites® extended-stay hotels for your next travel nursing assignment. Explore our extended stay weekly and hotels with monthly rates to find the perfect fit for your housing needs.