Travel nurse housing

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Specializes in Trauma/ER, Pysch, Pedi, Free Standing ER, L&D, ICU.

This will be my first time as a travel nurse. Any advice or suggestions on how to handle housing? Is it cheaper and less hassle in the long run to let agency set it up?

Thank you.

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Specializes in ED, Clinical Documentation.

so much easier to let them do it for you. i don't want the hassle. some people make a few extra dollars by finding their own, but i don't want to do the work involved.

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Specializes in ED, Med-Surg, Psych, Oncology, Hospice.

My agency provides housing. I get a set wage which is from $28.00 to $32.00 an hour, on average, and never deal with any housing issues. My rental insurance is covered by the agency, also. I honestly don't know what they are paying for the rent and furnishings. I prefer it that way. I have no idea about what an area is going to be like, in regards to crime and safety so for me, it's easier.

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Specializes in L&D, OR, travel.

I agree with the above 2 posters. Many will tell you they get take the stipend and get there own housing so they can pocket extra money. I seriously doubt they come out ahead in many cases.

Deb

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It really depends on the area but my previous two assignments, I choose to set up the housing myself. There are a lot of corporate housing agencies that you can work with who will help you find appropriate housing and supply you with all the things you need, included in your rent. While in Houston, TX, I rented a one bedroom, fully furnished apartment on a golf course with 2 pools and a fitness center. I paid $1700/month including utilities. My company gave me $763 per week tax free for lodging, that's alittle over $3000 per month, which more than covered my expenses. Yes, it was a little more of a headache to find the housing agency myself and set it up but I ended up pocketing quite a bit of money. AND if you can travel with a friend, one of you can take the stipend and the other take housing and then split the difference! It usually works out to both parties benefit. As said earlier, it really depends on the area and your situation, but I'm a fan of setting up my own housing if the area allows. Good luck in whatever you decide!

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Specializes in Med surg/Ortho.

I agree with JSJones above. I come out ahead when I do my own housing. Its not that much work. You can find a value place in almost every town that is cheap and clean. Now if your looking for something really fancy, yeah best let the agency set it up. When I am on assignment, Im after the dollar. Last contract I didnt take the housing and I made $38 an hour. $19 taxed, $19 untaxed. My housing at a value place cost me $670 a month. I came out way ahead.

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