Stipend in lieu of Housing

AWanderingMinstral · Sep 25, 2012

I am a travel nurse and I ALWAYS take the housing stipend. Unless you're working in one of the more/most expensive cities (i.e. San Fran, Chi, NYC, DC, Boston, etc.), it doesn't make sense to take a one-bedroom apartment valued at $1,000 per month IF you'll receive $2,000 as the housing stipend. You're losing out on $1,000 per month!!! I am currently traveling in an area where an average one-bedroom apartment costs $850, BUT I'm receiving $3,400. HELLO! However, it can be VERY difficult to land housing (let alone DECENT housing) in small towns. I have moved four(!) times in the past 10 weeks because housing has been difficult to locate. So, I recommend taking positions in towns/cities with 25,000+ people. I recommend that you find a region where there are a handful (or more!) hospitals and "rotate." I worked in my general region for nine months last year and I returned again for another 12-week assignment. As it turns out, I will probably take ANOTHER assignment in this region! Good luck!

Sage1111 · Sep 25, 2012

Finding my own housing was a hassle for the $300.00 a month I made. This assignment I took their housing and am stress-free. I guess it depends on the housing stipend amount and how money hungry you are? By the way, my furnished one-bedroom apt. is awesome!!

itsnowornever, BSN, RN · Sep 25, 2012

If you are there for only a few weeks, couldn't you stay at one of those extended stay hotels? I know NOtHING of this, just asking.

dorie43rn · Oct 2, 2012

I use Craigslist in the city, or near the city I'm going. I basically put in that I'm a travel nurse looking for a home. I put my needs, and what I'm willing to pay. Of course you have to be careful, there are scammers, but I found both my places in great homes for only 500 a month and pocket the rest. It may be harder with a husband and pets, but someone will give you what you need.,

I am a nurse practitioner who is seriously considering doing locum tenens work. My experience is four years as an RN and 1+ year as an NP. I would like to utilize a housing stipend to find my own living arrangements in lieu of company provided housing from the locum tenens companies as I have a husband and three pets (two cats and a dog) who will travel with me. One company basically told me if I do not use their housing they will not otherwise pay for living expenses. Any travel nurses or NPs out there willing to share their experience in finding their own housing or how they negotiated a housing stipend? Better yet anyone know a locum tenens company that offers this option? Thanks in advance!