Working as a travel medical professional can be an exciting opportunity to explore new places and gain work experience. However, finding suitable housing can be challenging when moving to an unfamiliar place. Keep reading for housing tips for travel medical professionals considering placement in a particular area.

Communicate your needs to your staffing agency

Working with a healthcare recruiting firm, you can find the best placement for your experience level and desired location. There are many options when it comes to travel nursing, locum tenens and other travel medical positions.

Short-term positions can be three months or as long as a year. Be clear about your preferences to find opportunities and the schedule that works for you. Clear communication will help the recruiting firm find the best placement options that align with your needs.

While your medical placement is the most important aspect of your search, housing comes in a close second. When you are not working, you want to have a comfortable place to unwind and relax.

Research the area

Before accepting an assignment, research the location and housing sites thoroughly. Consider factors such as cost of living, safety and the commute to the healthcare facility. Understanding the area will help you make an informed decision about your housing location.

Look into the local amenities, including grocery stores and pharmacies, to ensure you have everything you need within a convenient distance. See if recreational facilities are nearby if you participate in a sport or other activity. If you have a dog, see if the area has pet-friendly neighborhoods or parks.

Find housing

Travel medical professionals have several options when choosing housing in their new placement location. Here are a few popular choices for finding locum tenens or travel nurse housing options:

Furnished rentals

Renting a furnished apartment for short-term housing allows you to move without worrying about large items. This is the most popular and accessible choice for travel medical professionals with short-term placements.

You can check websites like Furnished Finder that specialize in short-term furnished housing. Search by area and budget to find the right option for you. A website like Airbnb offers more than vacation rentals, so you may be able to find a short-term rental there. And don’t forget to check Facebook groups and other social media sites that share housing opportunities.

The listings should include the date of availability, minimum length of stay and any amenities included in the monthly rent cost. You can also read renters’ reviews to ensure they have provided positive experiences for previous tenants.

If you rent a private apartment or house, consider negotiating the rent based on your length of stay. Property owners may be open to lowering the price for longer-term tenants. You may be able to pay for your total rent cost at once instead of month to month for a discount.

Corporate housing 

Some larger healthcare facilities offer corporate housing options that are fully furnished apartments or condos. These housing units often include utilities, internet and amenities such as fitness centers or swimming pools.

Corporate housing a great option for travel nurses or other temporary medical staff. It provides a convenient and hassle-free solution for temporary housing needs. Some medical centers have corporate housing, so ask your recruiter if your medical facility does. Also, ask if your employer offers a housing stipend to offset the cost to you.

Extended stay hotels

Extended-stay hotels, like Extended Stay America, are designed for longer-term stays. They offer more space and amenities than traditional hotels. They often have fully equipped kitchens, laundry facilities and other amenities like a swimming pool or on-site gym.

Hotels may cost more, but they provide a location that may be safer than short-term housing in a neighborhood. They may be the most economical choice if your assignment requires short-term travel.

Check the commute

Consider how you will get to your new job from your rental. You may have several options for commuting to work.

Are there any public transportation options available? Consider if you need a car to get to work and commute to other places. If you want to walk or bike to work, there are excellent resources online with walking and biking information. Consider carpooling if other temporary medical professionals are living nearby.

Be sure to factor in the cost of your commute. Whether it’s a bus passes, gas, car maintenance or parking fees, these costs can add up.

Stick to a budget

Create a housing budget to ensure you can cover the rent, groceries, commute and other expenses. Remember the cost of living for an area, as it may be more or less than your permanent location.

If you will receive stipends and reimbursements for your placement, factor them into your overall expenses. Some assignments may cover housing and food, while others may only cover a portion.

Understand the terms and conditions of your financial arrangement with your employer to maximize your benefits and save money.

Stay safe

Once you have found a home, ask about security measures, such as secure entry systems, home alarms and safe parking areas. If you have any specific security concerns, discuss them with your landlord before signing a lease agreement.

Share your new address with family or close friends so they have it in case of an emergency.

Don’t forget insurance

Anyone renting a private home or apartment should have rental insurance to protect your personal belongings. Rental insurance can protect you against theft, fires and other events. If you will live in an area with extreme weather conditions, check your policy to ensure it will cover natural disasters.

Be flexible

Working as a traveling doctor or nurse means you need to be adaptable. Be prepared for the unexpected and embrace the flexibility that comes with the lifestyle.

Remain open to exploring different housing options and adapting to new environments. A positive and flexible mindset will create a smoother and more enjoyable experience during your travel nurse assignment.

Medical professional placement resources

Finding suitable housing as a travel nurse or doctor can impact your experience of the job assignment overall. Work with an experienced healthcare staffing team like the recruiters at TinkBird. We want to help you make the most of your career as a traveling medical professional.