Travel Nursing Housing

gnursjr2 · Jul 10, 2011

The current job I am on did not supply housing, I had 2 weeks notice to find a place, did it over the internet, very expensive, had to rent furniture, more expense. It's a pain. I'm making good $$, but the other thing is they jack up your rent on 3 month leases. The 1st 3 months went by, then I got my contract extended, they jacked up my rent 450 a month! I had to move, now into 2nd contract, and they just told me that if I want to stay another 3 months it ups 500 a month! I'm done at the end of this contract. BTW, I'm in San Diego, CA, super expensive place to travel to. I recommend taking the furnished apartment if its offered. Just my 2 cents...

DreameRN, BSN · Jul 10, 2011

I always find my own place. I like having the extra money in my pocket and I like being in control of where my place is in relation to work....they can and will house you 30-45 min away if that's what works best for them.

I usually look extensively on Craigslist. I've found most of my places this way. Alot of times you can get a private owner with an extra place or that just manages a couple properties, and it's alot less formal and less hoops than a big apartment complex would be. (less dings and credit pulls on your credit report too). You can also go to places like apartment.com or apartment rating.com and call around. I've done this too. You can get it furnished but like the previous poster said, it's expensive. Usually to get it funished it's about 300 extra a month. On top of rent, and possibly like he said, a "higher" amount for renting for just 3 months. Again, I've avoided this by going through craigslist and private people that just own a couple buildings.

I also get furniture from Craiglist, like futons etc, and garage sales. You can get very decent stuff, and furnish your place for around $200 usually, depending on the city. Then when I leave the job, I post everything back on Craigslist and resell it. I think of it this way...I'd rather spend $200-300 once and buy things, and be able to probably resell them, then pay $300 a month for 3 months and not have anything to show for it. But it all depends on how flexible you and what you want:)

Sidenote...Just so you know, housing is an extremely flexible part of your allowance and recruiters can play with the amount very easily. Whatever they offer, ask for at least $200 more. That's been my experience and i've always gotten it. Good luck!

RNERHOUSESUPOR · Jul 10, 2011

Just remember usually what the give in "housing" is taken out in "wage".

Levimiller2000 · Jul 12, 2011

Thanks for the replys. I'm probably going to take the supplied housing for my first couple of assignments until I can really feel everything out, but the suggestions are helpful for future job opportunities. Thanks everyone.

DeLynn, RN · Jul 12, 2011

I found a website housingtravelnurses.com they list temp housing by state

LauraOckwig · Jul 12, 2011

Ask the hospital you are working at what they reccomend. They always know of places, that their travelers stay at.

79Tango · Jul 12, 2011

If you know where you are going, look on Craigslist.. I know someone who gets $2300/month stipend and pays $350 for a room she found on the internet. She is banking $1950 in tax-free. That is the way to make $$ in this business.

bmagirl · Sep 5, 2011

Here are my two cents as an owner (and a sister of a traveling nurse). First, to DreameRN, that is exactly what my sister and her traveling nurse boyfriend do and they have been very successful in finding housing and anything they need to furnish it on craigslist for the past 6 years . Nice advice. Second, I have a beautiful 2 bed, 2 bath condo to rent in the college area of San Diego (yes this is a plug) but I am picky and would like a traveling nurse (and not some random students...not as respectful) to rent to so I didn't post an ad but I do look through the "housing wanted" section of craigslist. My point is to consider putting an ad in for yourself to cover your bases otherwise you might miss a good opportunity! Good luck with your search!

79Tango · Sep 7, 2011

You can also try www.homeaway.com this website specializes in fully furnished vacation rentals.. Some of the properties seem overpriced at first glance but pretty much every landlord is willing to negotiate since these are 3-month commitments. The nice thing is they are all set-up and ready to go with; pots, pans, linens, cable etc.

martjohn · Sep 21, 2011

Craigslist is where I've always looked for housing... I've been using it for several years, though and have gotten pretty good at weeding through the good, the bad and the ugly!!! I love finding my own housing through either roomshares or sublets. You tend to end up with spare cash in your pocket at the end of the month and I usually end up with a roommate that has lived in the area I'm visiting for a while.