How to Find Temporary Housing Websites When Work Takes You Away from Home
When your work assignment takes you away from home, whether it's an official travel nurse contract, allied health travel contract, or a PRN job, it's essential to know where you're going to rest your head at night (or during the day if you'll be working the night shift). You might think that temporary housing accommodations aren't going to be important since your focus is the work but being away from home on a work assignment can be disorienting, and having a safe and clean place for your downtime will go a long way to helping you settle into your work. So, how do travel nurses find temporary housing? Here's a list of the five best platforms you can shop for and compare temporary housing options.
5 Temporary Housing Websites for PRN and Travel Workers
1. Short-Term Housing
Short Term Housing is a corporate housing concierge agency that caters to several industries, including healthcare travelers, by offering "high quality, low-cost healthcare employee housing for all levels of staff." With thousands of locations across 50 states, Short Term Housing focuses on providing locations to healthcare employees in safe and quiet neighborhoods close to hospitals and medical centers. Their locations offer internet and cable or satellite television options and are fully furnished accommodations. Unlike some of the other housing options on our list, you'll need to talk to a customer service representative about what you are looking for. Be prepared to provide your budget and the name of the hospital or medical center you'll be working at so they can look for temporary housing nearby. Discuss your temporary housing needs with them by calling 877-700-1198.
2. Extended Stay America
Extended Stay America is a booking service for extended stays in hotels. You may find that an extended stay in a hotel offers you amenities that'll make your home away from home feel special. Many of the hotels for Extended Stay America have fitness centers, swimming pools, and hot tubs. While these lodging options are all hotels, they all offer fully-equipped kitchens and some pet-friendly options. All of them have access to laundry services, offer airport shuttle services, and safety deposit boxes upon request. Complete house cleaning services are provided biweekly, and fresh towels and linens are available upon request from the front desk whenever you need them. Extended Stay America offers monthly and weekly rates, which are convenient for those shorter-term PRN assignments.
3. Furnished Finder
Furnished Finder is a popular choice used by travel nurses for housing. It connects you directly to the landlords of properties and does not charge you any booking fees. This resource is for when you need at least 30 days of short-term housing, no less. You can find houses, condos, apartments, and even rooms to rent with this platform. Furthermore, they have a stipend calculator tool that you can use to learn the average rent price for the area, which may help you negotiate your travel stipend for a contract.
4. Travel Nurse Housing
Travel Nurse Housing is a free nurse housing website created by landlords who've been renting to travel nurses for more than 20 years. This platform is specifically for traveling nurses who need housing for at least 90 days. You can find rooms, guest suites, apartments, and homes for rent here.
5. Airbnb
Airbnb will provide lodging options that perhaps are most home-like. You'll often be able to find a home with a yard and fully equipped kitchens, and other amenities we associate with homes. Nevertheless, Airbnb has booking and cleaning fees, and you may find that the rate increases if your travel dates coincide with a holiday. Also, you should be aware that Airbnb isn't legal in all cities or states, so be sure to check that out before completing a booking. One significant benefit to Airbnb is that you can adjust your filters to be near a beach or body of water, off the grid, or near other tourist-type destinations. Airbnb stays are generally best for short-term stays. If you're looking for longer than a few weeks, you might find better pricing on one of the other platforms mentioned.
Temporary Housing Websites for Healthcare Travelers
Ultimately, your search for temporary housing while you're on a work assignment should consider your location, budget, and timeframe. You may not like staying in a hotel for a long contract, but if it's a short-term PRN assignment, an extended-stay hotel's amenities and low price point may be worthwhile. A room or guest suite in a home may be attractive due to the price point and location, but you'll need to consider how you'd feel about sharing space with other people. Don't hesitate to shop around, compare prices, and prioritize your comfort. Let us know what has worked for you!