Quad city travelers

NedRN · Oct 1, 2014

Name of an agency? Area? Question?

raindrop · Oct 2, 2014

I am a nervous wreck. I have only been on 2 assignment that were far from home. I start my newest long distance adventure on Monday. But this time, I am taking the stipend and am going to room w/ someone that I found on Craigslist. I know her full name, but it is a common name, so much for running a background check on her or checking out her LinkedIn or Fb. Nurses do this all the time, but I am scared that she is going to end up being psycho! I've sent her pictures of me and the link to my Fb account. She thanked me, but in return, she sent me pics of the outside of the house only. Is this a red flag? It sounded great- She described my room, she said she's rarely home, I will have my own bath, I can use the laundry room and treadmill, and it is only a 10 min drive from the hospital. My stipend is 2k for housing, but I will only need to pay her 500/mo. The house looks great, but I would like to see a pic of her. I just want to google the pic and make sure she isnt scamming me. Is this asking too much?? Agency can still hook me up w/ an apt, but I have to let them know by noon tomorrow.

raindrop · Oct 2, 2014

Just wanted to add that I haven't given her any money. She isnt asking for a deposit or anything either. She does want paid for the month on my "move-in" date this Sunday. My bff put in my head that she could take my money and then lock me out of the house when I am at work on Monday. Gahhh.

PacoUSA, BSN, RN · Oct 2, 2014

Cant you input the address into Google Maps to verify on Street View that it is the house she says it is? Also, if she owns the house her ownership is public record, you can Google that too.

Sent from my iPad using allnurses

shoegalRN, RN · Oct 2, 2014

I've had good success with finding housing on Craig's List. I'm currently on assignment in CA and found a 2 bedroom condo on Craig's list fully furnished. I don't rent rooms, I don't room share, nor do roommates, so it was important that I found something that was fully furnished and I have the place to myself.

The landlord and I emailed each other, texted, and talked on the phone one week prior to my move in date. Also, she provided the address, I googled the neighborhood. She did not ask for any money, not even a deposit until I was able to view the place in person and decided I wanted to stay there. The condo looked exactly like the pics on the ad and she allowed me to pay by the week.

She never once asked for my FB account, all she wanted was rental references. I provided them to her and she verified it and offered me the place. She only comes by to collect her rent check, and if she needs access to the condo, she lets me know advance so I don't have to be home. She is very considerate of my sleeping time.

If you don't feel comfortable, ask if you can view the room in person prior to making a commitment. And if it doesn't fit your standards, see if your agency can put you in an extended stay hotel until you figure out your housing situation.

Safe travels!

raindrop · Oct 2, 2014

Thanks everyone , I decided not to go this route. I am going to rent a furnished townhome for 950.00. Its more than what I wanted to spend, but I need peace-of mind.

shoegalRN, RN · Oct 2, 2014

Thanks everyone , I decided not to go this route. I am going to rent a furnished townhome for 950.00. Its more than what I wanted to spend, but I need peace-of mind.

It may be more than you wanted to spend, but you can't put a price on peace of mind.

I know it's important to me to have my own space, so I may spend more than the average traveler with my housing, but it's so worth it to me to not have to deal with another person eating my food, or playing music while I sleep, etc.