What Travel Nurses are Looking For in Housing (From a Travel RN)

[Chris Allen]

I just wanted to share some of my experience as well as a poll I took as to what travel nurses are looking for in housing. I will separate it by the two most common types of travel nurses; those who try and optimize their income, and those who travel for the experience. Please keep in mind this is more of a spectrum, so some nurses who are in it to optimize their income still might want a really nice place to stay, and nurses for experience may still want decently affordable housing. 

To start, here are some things that you may want to include in your listing, or that nurses may look for in a listing regardless of which type of nurse books.

- Proximity: 15-30 minutes from hospitals is usually a pretty good distance. Some nurses may be okay driving a little more, but most prefer the 15 minute drive. 

- Pet Friendly: A LOT of nurses (myself included) travel with pets. I look for a decent sized fenced back yard so I can let my dog run around outside. While not a deal breaker, consider setting something up specifically for pets (food/water bowls, dog towel, Rover Service/Boarding Service Recommendations or maybe even a kennel).

- Treat your MTR more like a STR. Provide basically the same amenities, but does not have to be to par as a true vacation rental. Nice towels, linen, fully stocked kitchen WITH MICROWAVE, COFFEE MAKER/BAR, good WiFi, decent Smart TV, In-Unit Washer and Dryer is a big plus!

- Room darkening shades is a great amenity for the night shift people

- Overall, just make sure it is comfortable, clean, and equipped for a busy and tired working professional. 

I had a poll and out of 95 people who voted for size of housing (shared vs private 1-2 bed vs private 3+ bed),

80 voted that they look for private 1-2 bedroom properties

10 voted that they look for shared housing (rent by the room)

5 voted that they travel with others need 3+ bedrooms

Nurses who try and optimize their income: These nurses are usually looking for either shared housing, or an affordable 1-2 bedroom. They like all the basic amenities I mentioned above, but are willing to sacrifice quality and comfort to some degree for the ability to save 50% or more of their housing stipend. Usually willing to drive a little farther out to save some money. 

Nurses who travel for the experience: These nurses are usually either those who have no true "Home Base" that they are tied to, are traveling with family, or are just really doing it more for the chance to visit cool places. These nurses usually are looking for either a nice private 1-2 bedroom place in a great spot in town, within 15 minutes of the hospital, or are traveling with multiple people/family. They are usually okay with spending their entire housing stipend on a nice place to stay, but would still like to save a little if they can. They look for all nice quality amenities listed above.