Going into travel nursing first time....

[Maevish]

I'll probably get my first assignment in a week or so and I'm wondering (pardon if this has already been posted on) what to bring. All companies don't offer the same benefits as far as housing, etc, but some furnish everything as far as dishes AND furniture along with utilities, but others just utilities and furniture.

Any suggestions? This assignment would only be 4 hours from my current home so I could easily come back and bring back a few items if I needed them, but I'm just wondering what you experienced travelers use/bring with you.

[Traveldee]

Thanks NedRN. Did you sign a lease usually or no? And how soon did you meet roommates/look at houses prior to your assignment start date? (Sorry for all the questions. This would be my fifth assignment but first time taking the housing stipend, new to this).

[NedRN]

5 days is about the most I will be at an assignment before it starts. But I have a car I can sleep in comfortably. I like to have three or four places that sound golden before I arrive, but sometimes none of them work out. It certainly is stressful but the result is usually rewarding for me, both financially and lifestyle.

Yes, sometimes there is a lease or rental agreement. Often I will sweeten the pot and try to eliminate security deposit by negotiating to pay the full three months in advance with a private owner. In many areas, owners are reluctant to rent short term. Never pay in advance in a roommate situation. That is best left month to month. I can only recall bailing on one, but there may have been others.

[Traveldee]

Thank you NedRN! As usual your advice is endlessly helpful, and much appreciated by me (and others on here, I'm sure)!