Is this right?

[Jerri_0913]

I am new to traveling.... I've completed two assignments. I recently drove the 2000 miles to my new place as of 4 days before my assignment I didn't know where I was living. Two days before I requested to move into the new apartment I finally got into contact with my assigned housing coordinator. She said that because I travel with a cat and dog they could only find a place that was 30 miles away or to live in an extended stay hotel that was 29miles away. This company has put us (my partner travels with me too) in a pretty ghetto extended stay for my first assignment (which was only a 4 week assignment). I chose the apartment..... ok, so we are now here and unpacked. Let me tell you, I had to calm myself down when I first walked in.... the apartment is old, smelly and I would compare it to a super 8 of apartments. There wasn't a microwave nor a tv.... which housing never mentioned there would not be a tv, but never mentioned I could rent one through the furnishing company. SO.... I called to beg for a tv and micro, which they told me I have to pay $40 a month out of pocket for renting them. Now I KNOW there are closer apartments that allow pets with short term leases. How could have I taken the stipend two days in advance??? I feel sick and super disappointed over this. With my first assignment it was extended stay in the ghetto, the second assignment was a gorgeous apart but it was HELL working there....now after I've calmed myself down and not given up on travel nursing after the last assignment....but I can't help but feel like, what next??? Thanks for reading my rambling....but I don't know where else to go. Is this right??? Is there anything I can do??

[79Tango]

No this isnt right! Are you traveling with the same company? How did they not remember that you have pets? If it was me, I would not get comfortable and go find me own housing pronto. Hopefully you or they havent signed a lease. Did they give you the option of a stipend? I know your situation is probably different but they shouldve given you an address prior to getting in your car.

[Jerri_0913]

yes it's with the same company....sadly....and apparently they don't or take into consideration where you are traveling from point A to point B..... I wonder if this is their way of scamming me. I mean with a packed up car and two pets....we didn't have an option to stay in our car before we could find a place. So yes, we signed the lease when we came. Again, I am new at this, but the more I think about it...the more ****** I am.

[79Tango]

I doubt they would try scamming you. Especially on your 3rd contract and new location. That wouldnt be good business for them. At the same time you would think your recruiter wouldve had the foresight to remind the housing people of your pets. That sounds crazy they didnt discuss that. You got $800 for travel. 2000miles is alot but the govt hasnt raised the milage either.. Travel $$ is much like a start or completion bonus.. There is no such thing! Its just a play on the #'s. Take less travel make more $$... More travel $$= less hourly.

[OkieICU_RN]

Traveling with pets truly does make things much more difficult. I would insist though that I be connected to the housing person as soon as I signed my work contract if I was going to take company provided housing. I will say, too, that it is exceedingly difficulty to get anything but a hotel or extended stay for assignments less than 3 months in many locations. Personally, I do my very best to find my own housing and take the housing stipend. I've had pretty good luck on craigslist looking under the sublets/temporary housing tab. I find places that are fully furnished down to the linens and kitchen supplies, and usually under budget which means more in my paycheck.