Housing between night shifts

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Specializes in L&D/postpartum.

Just relocated and thinking of taking a local assignment (~60 miles, but congested driving conditions) to have something to do while thinking about where to work permanently. I would ideally have at least two shifts blocked together. For a day assignment I would stay at a hotel 1-2x/week between shifts and live at home the rest of the time, but what would you guys do for a night job in that situation to sleep during the day between consecutive shifts? Are chain hotels willing to rent rooms in the day if they're not full? Would airbnb owners be more likely? Hospital call rooms? Thanks!

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Specializes in Cardiac Step-down, NICU.

I have this same problem... I am a new nurse switching to nights for the first time and have a long commute. I'll be very interested to hear what people say!

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I would post an ad on Craigslist. Something really good should come along.

Just as a heads up, most of the tax-free income you may have counted on will be taxable as you will be at home most days. You are not eligible for per diems and housing at home. You will need to get with a specialist such as TravelTax for the details.

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Specializes in NICU, ICU, PICU, Academia.

You can most definitely rent a hotel room for a day sleep. Speak in person to the manager, and they will put you somewhere fairly quiet. Bring a box fan and let it run near the door for white noise, put the do-not-disturb sign out and sleep away.

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Specializes in L&D/postpartum.
I would post an ad on Craigslist. Something really good should come along.

Just as a heads up, most of the tax-free income you may have counted on will be taxable as you will be at home most days. You are not eligible for per diems and housing at home. You will need to get with a specialist such as TravelTax for the details.

Ned, do you think it really matters how often I'm home if the job meets travel criteria otherwise? Heck I could take a travel job 2,000 miles away and still opt to use my money to fly home for half of the week. Seems like that's my prerogative...?

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You can do whatever you wish. But if you are commuting from home, you are not eligible to claim business expenses 7 days a week (stipends are business expense reimbursement). Common sense should tell you that. The expenses you incur related to working away from home, such as a hotel room certainly are deductible (or allowable as a stipend), but only for that day, not for three months. You would have to consult an expert for the fine details that will be applicable in your situation. I know the broad strokes of the law, but I've never had to deal with commuting myself and individual situations can be all over the map. You don't have to believe me, but do consult an expert for your own protection.

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I did this when I took a job two hours away from home. I blocked all three shifts together and called around to hotels around the hospital. At least five of them had "medical rates". I ended up working out a deal with the Marriott Fairfield Inn that I could check in at 0700 and check out at 1900. So I would nap at home and drive into work. Then in the morning when I got off I would go across the street to the Fairfield inn and check in for a two day stay. I would sleep all day, work all night, sleep all the next day and then check out before my last night shift. Then in the am I would stop by Starbucks for a large coffee, drive two hours home and crash for a few hours. It worked out great for me and saved me so much money! It also helped me separate my work and home life.

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