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Travel nurse guide to temporary housing

There’s nothing quite like the feeling when you are about to set out on an assignment in a city you have always imagined visiting. But the truth is, you aren’t just visiting.  As a travel nurse, your assignments span several weeks and your stay is more than a mere vacation. You need to find a place that feels like home and gives you comfort and security after a demanding workday.

Getting Started

Chances are, you are working within a budget based on your housing stipend. Also, keep in mind that rental agreements vary. It’s best to read all of the fine print to fully understand your financial obligations regarding minimum stay, late penalties, fees for utilities, pet deposit and fees, as well as cleaning fees upon move out. Be sure to also consider the security deposit, background check fees, booking fee and possible guest fees to accurately calculate the total cost of your entire stay.

What’s more, you need to create a check list of the must haves, nice to have, and things you can live without. For example, most travel nurses choose furnished housing. This alleviates the cost and hassle of moving large items on a regular basis. With that in mind, what exactly will you bring to your new home? Here’s a brief list to get you started on what to consider in your new place. Does the rental offer:

• Major appliances
• Small appliances (microwave, coffee maker, toaster, blender)
• Kitchenware (pots, pans, cooking utensils, silverware)
• Bedding/linens
• Towels
• Hairdryer
• Paper products (paper towels, tissues, toilet paper)
• Television with cable or streaming service
• Internet with WiFi
• Washer and dryer (in the unit or on-site)
• Parking (covered, assigned, free or fee)
• Security (gate, doorman, alarm system)
• Thermostat control (tenant or landlord?)
• Pet policy (deposit and extra cleaning fees)
• Contact free check in

Top Picks for Temporary Housing

To get you started on your search, Go Healthcare Staffing has compiled a list of popular housing resources for travel nurses. While we can’t make any guarantees or formally endorse these companies, they are very widely used by our industry. Be sure to do your own research, evaluate listings carefully and check out user reviews to make an informed choice.

Most of these sites have both an app and website featuring robust search capabilities. Many also offer Facebook and social media listings which often include the most recent listings and user insights. Simply search, book, and enjoy your stay!

1. Airbnb (Airbnb.com) 

Airbnb includes 4 million hosts who have welcomed more than one billion guest arrivals. All messaging is done through the platform designed to protect both host and traveler. Listings offer everything from single room rentals to elaborate escape properties. AirCover is comprehensive protection for Airbnb guests, included for free with every booking. It includes protection from Host cancellations, listing inaccuracies, and other issues like trouble checking in, as well as a 24-hour Safety Line. Travelers can just plug in dates, location, and number of guests, and explore options. 

• Apartments.com 

Apartments.com is the leading online apartment listing website, offering renters access to information on more than 1,000,000 available units for rent. The Apartments.com network of sites includes Apartments.com, ApartmentFinder.com, ApartmentHomeLiving.com, Apartamentos.com, WestsideRentals.com, ForRent.com, ForRentUniversity.com, After55.com and CorporateHousing.com. Apartments.com offers short term rentals and innovative features including a drawing tool that allows users to define their own search areas on a map, and a “Travel Time” feature that lets travelers search for rentals in proximity to a specific hospital address.

• FurnishedFinder.com 

Serving over 40,000 travelers per day with more than 120,000 property listings, over 70 million housing searches and 180 million-page views per year; Furnished Finder with its sister site Travel Nurse Housing (www.travelnursehousing.com) has created the largest network for travel nurse and professional short-term housing. Travelers can search based on max rental budget in a desired location. All rentals are furnished and if you can’t find something, you can submit a housing request.  Every host must pass a background check before listing their properties, making this a safer and affordable option for travelers.

• HomeStay.com 

Homestay.com is a global accommodation booking website for travelers seeking a real and genuine experience in a new town. It allows you to book a room within another person’s home, no accommodations are vacant rentals. This personal touch means that a host is always there to welcome travelers into the home, offer guidance, and any needed assistance during the stay. Travelers get to meet the people from the community and enjoy a genuinely local experience.

• HouseStay.com

HouseStay.com offers reliable and turnkey travel nurse housing for 30 nights or more. All listings are fully furnished, include utilities, showcase many photos, and pass a home inspection. The platform boasts real-time pricing and availability so travelers don’t have to worry about hidden costs. HouseStay also physically checks properties to ensure every home listed meets the quality standard.

• ShortTermHousing.com

ShortTermHousing.com is a short-term furnished housing company that has listings especially for travel nurses and healthcare professionals nationwide. It only promotes entire housing (no rooms or roommates) for temporary nursing staff, regardless of the location, duration, or budget. It currently has over 30,000 rentals in more than 6,000 cities and specifically selects locations close to medical centers to offer unmatched convenience to healthcare professionals. Once you select a place to stay, ShortTermHousing staff handle the lease and deposit, as well as schedule move-in and move-out dates, making the process as easy as possible.

• Travelers Haven (www.travelershaven.com)

Travelers Haven helps travel nurses and healthcare professionals secure accommodations in the right location, at the right time, for the best price. Listings offer flexible lease terms, 24/7 support, and an easy-to-use portal to stay connected with on-demand housing options. The Travelers Haven team handles the bills, booking fees, payments, furnishings, and everything else. Helping travelers get a fantastic short-term rental with a simple monthly bill that’s easy to pay (especially if you have a housing stipend and need to keep detailed records) is their goal.

• Tripping.com

Tripping.com is a website that allows travelers to search for various types of accommodations, such as hotels, RV parks, and room rental services. travelers can browse through listings by location or category, and make reservations directly via the website.

• VRBO 

VRBO, or Vacation Rental By Owner (www.vrbo.com), is a popular site for travel nurses to find housing options. Don’t let the term “vacation” fool you, options include short-term and long-term rentals as well as more than two million bookable listings for houses, apartments, condos, and more. VRBO offers 24/7 customer support, a well-designed and easy to use website, and is committed to safety and security.

1. Zeus (www.zeusliving.com)

Zeus prides itself on homes that offer consistent standards of quality, cleanliness, comfort, and support. Your home comes tastefully furnished along with the essentials you need—from premium mattresses and linens to kitchen equipment, TVs, WiFi and utilities. Zeus provides on-call support for repairs and regular cleaning services are available. Travelers also enjoy the convenience of payment consolidation that includes utilities ala cart or fixed fees based on your lease agreement. All properties feature a 3D tour. The Zeus guarantee ensures the home matches the description, photos, and 3D tour advertised, or they vow to make it right.

Additional Advice

Facebook groups can be an incredible resource for temporary housing. It can also be a good way for travelers to save money by working directly with the property owners. However, travelers should always exercise caution whenever exchanging information with anyone found on Facebook. These “private” hosts are not vetted or background checked. There is also no company backing up their claims or offering a guarantee on your booking. Be vigilant about sharing personal information or payment methods over Facebook.

Craigslist is notorious for poor security, scammers, fake users, bogus posts and other issues. There is barely any moderation on the site and minimal authenticity. Reviews also suggest that Craigslist support will be scarce if you encounter an issue. Consider avoiding this site in lieu of more secure and reliable options.

The team at Go Healthcare Staffing also recommends travelers consider renters insurance. A simple web search will return many affordable options from reputable firms for insurance policies that protect your personal belongings. This is especially helpful if you travel with computers, laptops, expensive electronics, etc. and you want protection from fire or theft. You may also want to explore insurance options that protect you if you accidentally damage the rental unit or the furnishings. Look for good value coverage and a deductible that works best for you.

Your Go Healthcare team is ready to help you secure your next dream assignment. Let our experienced professionals find you the perfect job in the perfect city. And, we hope this article helps you find the perfect place to call home.

The “Queen City” has always been a popular city for Travel Nurses. Check out our list of “must see” attractions while you’re on assignment in Charlotte.

You just can’t beat the southern charm of Charlotte, one of North Carolina’s most treasured cities. Charlotte is a top choice for travel nurses who are looking for big city amenities with hometown hospitality. And, Go Healthcare Staffing is literally “at home” in Charlotte – we are headquartered here since 2015.

Here is our definitive guide to things you have to check out while you are on a travel contract in Charlotte:

1. NASCAR Hall of Fame– Start your engine and head on over to the NASCAR Hall of Fame. You don’t have to be a die-hard race fan to feel the adrenaline as you explore the exhibits, cars, and most memorable moments since NASCAR was founded in 1948. Visitors enjoy interactive experiences, simulated racing, and stories from legends of the track.
2. Rosie’s Coffee & Wine Garden– Roses, rosé and a shot of espresso await you in this tranquil garden. Visit this quaint café for a wonderful selection of wine, coffee, even teas and kombucha. The perfect end to a hectic day you can escape reality in a lush garden with colorful blooms at every turn. This instagram-able spot is the perfect place for that next #travelnursing post.
3. Charlotte Symphony– Charlotte boasts one of the premier music organizations in the Southeastern United States and connects with more than 100,000 music lovers every year. The Charlotte Symphony Orchestra (CSO) presents a robust schedule that includes community parks, breweries, places of worship, and senior care centers. With 62 professional, full-time time musicians you can count on an unforgettable experience.
4. Carowinds– Thrill seekers of all levels will enjoy this 407-acre amusement park that never disappoints. Fury 325 was voted top steel coaster in the world and it’s just the beginning of the fun at Carowinds. Enjoy 57 thrill rides, family rides and roller coasters, for an endless adventure. And there’s more! Carolina Harbor, boasts 27 acres as largest water park in the Carolinas, and is included with admission. It features extreme water slides, wave pools, cabanas and a two-acre children’s area!
5. Charlotte Museum of History– Get up close and personal with the history of Charlotte. This museum covers all periods of Charlotte’s history with exhibits covering everything from the history of music in the city to the experiences of soldiers from Charlotte during WW1. The programs and exhibits explore important civic themes and how their meaning has evolved over time, including the ideals of liberty, freedom, equity, justice, democracy, and citizenship. It sits on an impressive eight-acre wooded campus and includes the oldest surviving house in Mecklenburg County, the Rock House built circa 1774. Take a trip back in time when you visit this legendary museum.
6. Whitewater Center– Your unforgettable outdoor adventure awaits at the U.S. National Whitewater Center. Designed and operated as an outdoor center offering over 30 different recreational activities and expert instruction, you’ll explore over 1,300 acres of protected land that offers 50 miles of trail and access to the Catawba River and Long Creek. Choose from several whitewater rafting options, sail on the zip line, kayak, mountain bike, or try a few daredevil jumps—you might need a few visits to really experience this amazing center.
7. Toska European Spa– Wildly popular esthetician to the stars Toska Husted operates a 3,500 square-foot multi-level spa in the SouthPark area of Charlotte. The luxurious space is decorated in rich hues of white with gold accents and features multiple private treatment rooms as well as a six chair open Facial Bar, where clients can drop in for quick 30-minute facial. Perfect for an on-the-go busy lifestyle or a relaxing way to fill a short gap in your day. Treat yourself to one of six treatments the Facial Bar offers combining purifying, calming, brightening, lifting and hydrating treatments.
8. Levine Museum of the New South– The Levine Museum sets out to “build a stronger, more equitable community by connecting people to Charlotte and to each other through history, culture, and celebration.” The exhibits and programs are designed to foster empathy, ignite dialogue, and inspire positive action. Despite the goals being a bit radical thirty years ago, the museum was founded as a place that would use its platform to confront some of the most difficult issues facing society in a historical context that hopefully deepens understanding and paves a path for a better future.
9. South Park Mall– A stay in any city is never complete without some great shopping. Take a trip to the South Park Mall to browse 150 stores including Porsche Design, Apple, Burberry, Louis Vuitton, Lilly Pulitzer, Neiman Marcus, and Tiffany & Co. This popular destination includes many of your favorite brands including 22 dining options.
10. Charlotte Metro Credit Union Amphitheatre– This beautiful outdoor setting offers soaring views of the Charlotte skyline, elevated lawn seating, traditional outdoor seating, premium box seats and an indoor VIP area. The concession area has a Bourbon Street feel that’s sure to make every event feel like a party. Enjoy a full calendar of shows and concerts in this trendy outdoor venue.

We hope this list has piqued your interest in a travel nursing job in Charlotte. We are proud to say we are “local experts” when it comes to travel nursing jobs in this great city. We currently work with all of Charlotte’s hospital systems and it would be our pleasure to help you find your way around Charlotte.

For the most updated list of available travel nursing jobs in Charlotte or across the country, check out our job board.

You cannot be in Boston on a travel nursing contract without immersing yourself in all that Boston has to offer. “Beantown is so walkable and there is no shortage of things to see and do on your days off. 

Take advantage of this “must go do/see list” that we have put together.

1. Catch a ball game at Fenway Park

Whether you are a baseball fan or not, there is something to be revered about catching a Boston Red Sox game in Fenway.  The baseball stadium, like Boston itself is rich with history.  Unlike the new mega sports stadiums around the country, Fenway is as “vintage” as they come.  It is a must do, but do check out when the Sox are in town here. 

2. Walk the Freedom Trail

Interested in learning more about how America came to be? The Freedom Trail helps tell the story of the American revolution by taking you past 16 significant history markers such as museums, churches, meeting houses and burying grounds. It’s typical to start your route at Boston Common but wherever you see the brick path throughout the city, follow along to expand your history knowledge and see unique sites!  

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3. Spend a day at the Museum of Fine Arts

If you’re in the mood to walk around the 14^th largest art museum in the world then the MFA is perfect for you. With a growing collection of nearly 500,000 works of art and everchanging exhibits, the Museum of Fine Arts has something for everyone. There are European paintings, mummies, a Chinese Dynasty gallery, Japanese gardens, and so much more. 

4. Appreciate our history, check out the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum

Everyone knows about the Boston Tea Party but not many people can say they saw it re-enacted on a full-scale replica of the 18^th century ships! At the Boston Tea Party Museum there are interactive exhibits, live actor shows, 3D movies, and more. You can even throw tea into the same body of water where the Boston Tea Party took place (and then go sample some actual tea and scones at the café). This museum was voted #1 ‘Best Patriotic Attraction’ 

5. Stop and smell the flowers at Boston Public Garden

The Public Garden is a park located in the heart of Boston. It was actually the first public botanical garden in America. There is a large pond and during the warmer months, guests can ride the Swan boats which are pedaled around by a tour guide. If you find yourself at the Public Garden during the winter, then you can ice skate on the pond instead. There are also plenty of flowers, trees, and statues to see as you walk around. 

6. Spend the afternoon at North End, Boston’s “Little Italy”

The North End is one of the most visited neighborhoods in the City of Boston. It’s known for its wonderful restaurants and historic sights. If you’re looking for the best Italian food in Boston then this is it. There are plenty of restaurants, cafes, food markets, bakeries, and bars to go around. In certain months you will find that there are a lot of feasts (festivals) in the streets of the North End with costumes, music, floats, and even more food. 

7. Find out more about the life of JFK at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Museum & Library

John F. Kennedy was the 35^th president of the United States and this Museum is a tribute to him. If you’re looking to learn more about JFK’s presidency then this is the place to do so. At this beautiful museum overlooking the water, you can watch short films, read speeches, and admire artifacts and photographs that all tell the story of John F. Kennedy. 

8. Taste the local lager at Samuel Adams Brewery

The Samuel Adams Brewery is perfect for beer lovers. It offers unique tours where visitors can learn and observe the brewing and fermentation process of beer. After seeing all the machinery and experts work their magic you get to try samples of the product. There is also a taproom and beer garden with an everchanging long list of what’s on tap. 

9. Check out the Boston Public Library

Boston Public Library was the first free municipal library in the nation. It is a beautiful building with bronze doors and marble staircases. You can take a tour of the building to learn more about its history and see all of the works that are stored within, or check out the event calendar if you’re interested in workshops or live readings. 

10. Enjoy all the food New England is known for at Faneuil Hall

There are now more than 100 places to eat, drink, and shop in Faneuil Hall. This hall is also known as Quincy Market and it is definitely a center for tourists. It’s the largest food hall in New England with a large variety of options. After you grab something to eat be sure to walk around the area and watch the many street performers and musicians. 

*Bonus: Duck Boats

Duck Boats are also a Boston classic. It’s an easy way to see many attractions and learn information from an expert. You get to experience beautiful Boston sights from both land and sea.