Airbnb: A Viable Option For Travel Nurses?

is airbnb good for travel nurses

Airbnb is a popular option for travel nurses due to its convenience, affordability, and flexibility. With its wide range of prices and locations, travel nurses can find accommodations that fit their budget and preferences. Additionally, Airbnb offers amenities such as fully equipped kitchens and laundry facilities, which can be advantageous for those on the move. The platform also allows hosts to offer discounts for extended stays, making it cost-effective for longer assignments.

However, there are mixed reviews from Airbnb hosts about their experiences with travel nurses. While some hosts have reported positive experiences, others have encountered issues with communication, last-minute cancellations, and a lack of tidiness from their guests.

Overall, Airbnb can be a viable option for travel nurses, but it is important for hosts and guests to set clear expectations and maintain open communication to ensure a positive experience for both parties.

Characteristics Values
Cost Airbnb is cost-effective for longer stays as hosts can offer discounts
Convenience Airbnb is convenient for travel nurses as it offers a wide range of prices and locations, as well as amenities such as a fully-equipped kitchen and laundry facilities
Flexibility Airbnb allows for short-term rentals and is useful for finding housing close to the hospital or clinic
Host experience Experiences vary; some hosts have had negative experiences with travel nurses, while others have had positive experiences
Guest experience Travel nurses may prefer hotels as they don't want the added responsibility of keeping a host's home tidy

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Airbnb's pros and cons for travel nurses

Airbnb Pros and Cons for Travel Nurses

Airbnb can be a great option for travel nurses seeking housing during their assignments. It offers a wide range of choices to suit various budgets and preferences, including short-term rentals such as apartments, houses, or private rooms. Here are some detailed pros and cons for travel nurses considering Airbnb:

Pros:

  • Variety of Options: Airbnb provides a diverse selection of accommodations, from private rooms to entire houses, catering to the diverse preferences of travel nurses.
  • Short-Term Rentals: Airbnb specializes in short-term rentals, making it convenient for travel nurses who typically have transient lifestyles and may not require long-term leases.
  • Cost-Effectiveness: Airbnb hosts often offer discounts for extended stays, which can be economically advantageous for travel nurses, especially those on longer assignments.
  • Amenities: Airbnb accommodations often include amenities such as fully equipped kitchens and laundry facilities, enhancing convenience and comfort for travel nurses.
  • Proximity to Healthcare Facilities: Airbnb allows users to search for housing near their assignment location, reducing commute time and providing quick access to healthcare facilities.

Cons:

  • Variability: Since each Airbnb property is uniquely managed, there may be inconsistencies in rental experiences, with differences in quality and amenities across various listings.
  • Cancellation Policies: Airbnb's cancellation policies may not always be favourable for travel nurses, as their schedules can be unpredictable, with contract changes and shifts.
  • Maintenance and Cleanliness: Some hosts have reported that travel nurses may not perform basic home maintenance or maintain the same level of cleanliness as other guests due to their busy and irregular work schedules.
  • Communication: A few hosts have shared negative experiences with communication, mentioning instances of guests not responding or negotiating after initial contact.
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How to find housing as a travel nurse

Finding housing as a travel nurse can be challenging, but there are several options available to make the process easier. Here are some tips to help you find suitable accommodation:

Agency-Provided Housing

The travel nursing agency you work with may provide accommodation. This is the most common type of housing arrangement for travel nurses. The agency typically arranges the housing, and you pay a weekly rate, which is often lower than the market rate. This option is convenient and can save you money, but it may not be available in all areas, and it can be difficult to find an apartment that meets your specific needs.

Find Your Own Housing/Using Your Stipend

If you prefer more control over your living situation or want to live in an area not served by agency-provided housing, you can choose to find your own housing and receive a stipend from the agency. This option allows you to live in your desired location and choose accommodation that meets your specific needs. You will be responsible for finding your own housing, and the stipend will typically cover a portion of your rent.

Online Platforms

There are several online platforms that cater specifically to travel nurses and other healthcare professionals looking for housing. These include:

  • Airbnb: Airbnb offers a wide range of prices and locations, allowing you to find accommodation that fits your budget and preferences. You can also find amenities like fully-equipped kitchens and laundry facilities.
  • VRBO/HomeAway: This platform offers vacation home rentals, including condos, apartments, and unique places like cabins and beach houses. They offer 24/7 support and a Book with Confidence Guarantee for your security.
  • FurnishedFinder.com/Travel Nurse Housing: These websites are dedicated to short-term housing for travelling professionals and are free to use. They allow you to search for hotels and general housing, and you can submit a housing request if you don't find what you're looking for.
  • Tripping.com: This is a comprehensive search engine for short-term rentals, offering a large selection of unique accommodations worldwide. You can compare prices and read reviews from other renters to make an informed decision.
  • Extended Stay America: This platform focuses on short and long-term hotel stays for travel nurses. They offer exclusive programs with additional discounts and loyalty programs. Their hotels provide on-site extras like guest laundry, and pets are welcome.

Facebook Housing Groups

Facebook housing groups can be a great way to find an apartment without going through third-party entities. However, these groups are not vetted or verified, so you need to take extra precautions and keep your recruiter informed. You can also connect with other travel nurses in these groups for firsthand feedback and recommendations.

Other Options

In addition to the above, you can also explore:

  • Hotpads and Padmapper: These are map-based rental search engines with listings across the US. They offer verified landlord contact information, landlord ratings, real-time updates, user reviews, and a commute-time calculator.
  • Homestay.com: This option is ideal if you're not interested in maintaining an entire apartment and just need a place to stay. Rooms are less expensive than renting an entire place, and you can learn about the local people and culture.
  • ShortTermHousing.com: This website offers furnished housing for professionals, including specialty housing for healthcare employees. They focus on proximity to medical centres and quiet neighbourhoods to accommodate various shift schedules. They also support multiple occupancy if you're considering roommates.
  • Housestay.com: This platform offers a streamlined service for renting furnished apartments and homes for 30+ nights. They run in-depth background checks on both hosts and tenants as a safety measure.

Remember to start your housing search early, negotiate terms when possible, and connect with fellow travel nurses for recommendations and advice. With these options and a proactive approach, you can find comfortable and convenient housing for your travel nursing assignments.

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Travel nurse housing requirements

Travel nurses have a variety of housing options available to them, including agency-provided housing, finding their own housing with a stipend, and short-term rentals. Each option has its own requirements and considerations.

Agency-Provided Housing

The most common type of housing for travel nurses is agency-provided. The nursing agency arranges this housing, and the nurse pays a weekly rate, often lower than the market rate. This option offers convenience and potential savings but may not be available in all areas and may not meet specific needs.

Finding Your Own Housing with a Stipend

Travel nurses can also choose to find their own housing and receive a stipend from their agency. This option offers more control and flexibility, especially for those wanting to live in areas not served by agency housing. The stipend typically covers part of the rent, and nurses are responsible for finding suitable housing.

Short-Term Rentals

Short-term rentals like Airbnb, VRBO, and Apartments.com are another option for travel nurses. These platforms offer a range of prices and locations, as well as amenities like kitchens and laundry facilities. Nurses can also consider extended-stay hotels, Facebook housing groups, and specialised websites like FurnishedFinder.com and ShortTermHousing.com.

When choosing housing, travel nurses should consider their specific needs and preferences, such as proximity to the hospital, budget, and length of stay. They may also want to explore multiple options before deciding, and be mindful of potential extra fees and scams. Additionally, travel nurses should be prepared to provide proof of their profession and credentials when requested by landlords or property owners.

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Discounts for travel nurses

Airbnb is a great option for travel nurses looking for housing. With its wide range of prices, locations, and amenities, travel nurses can easily find an Airbnb that fits their budget and preferences.

Airbnb offers a number of benefits for travel nurses, such as the ability to search for short-term rentals, including apartments, houses, or even private rooms. The platform also provides a range of choices to suit various budgets and preferences, and hosts can offer discounts for extended stays, making it a cost-effective option for longer assignments.

In addition to Airbnb, there are several other websites and platforms that offer discounts and benefits specifically for travel nurses. Here are some examples:

  • Extended Stay America: This hotel chain offers affordable long-term stay options and has an exclusive program designed for travel nurses. They provide additional discounts through loyalty programs and stays over 30 days. Pets are also welcome at no extra charge.
  • Furnished Finder: A dedicated platform catering to healthcare professionals, including travel nurses, seeking fully furnished housing options. It allows users to search for housing by location, and listings include essential details such as proximity to medical facilities, rental rates, and property photos.
  • TravelNurseHousing.com: A website exclusively designed for travel nurses and allied healthcare professionals, offering a user-friendly interface to search for furnished and unfurnished housing options. Users can filter their search by location, property type, and specific travel nurse requirements.
  • VRBO (Vacation Rentals by Owner): Similar to Airbnb, VRBO offers a diverse range of housing options, from single rooms to entire homes. It is particularly useful for travel nurses who prefer a homelike atmosphere during their travels. VRBO also offers more extended stay options and amenities like free parking, laundry facilities, and access to community pools or fitness centers.

When searching for housing as a travel nurse, it is beneficial to explore multiple platforms and compare prices, locations, and amenities to find the best option that suits your needs and budget. Additionally, don't hesitate to negotiate rental rates, especially for longer assignments, as many landlords are willing to offer discounts for extended stays.

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Airbnb alternatives for travel nurses

Airbnb is a popular option for travel nurses, thanks to its wide range of prices and locations, as well as its amenities such as fully-equipped kitchens and laundry facilities. However, there are several other options for travel nurses to find suitable accommodation.

Agency-Provided Housing

The travel nursing agency arranges this type of housing, and the nurse pays a weekly rate that is often lower than the market rate. This can be convenient and cost-effective, but it may not be available in all areas and can be difficult to find an apartment that meets specific needs.

Find Your Own Housing/Using Your Stipend

Travel nurses can receive a stipend from the agency to put towards rent and find their own housing. This gives nurses more control over their living situation and allows them to live in an area not served by agency-provided housing.

Alternatives to Airbnb

  • Apartments.com: A well-known site for finding apartments, but it also offers short-term housing options.
  • VRBO/HomeAway: Specialises in vacation home rentals, with property types including condos, apartments, and houses.
  • FurnishedFinder.com/Travel Nurse Housing: Free websites that focus on short-term housing for travelling professionals. They are not vetted, so caution is advised.
  • Tripping.com: A comprehensive search engine for short-term rentals with a large selection of unique accommodations worldwide.
  • Extended Stay America: A hotel-based option with an exclusive program for travel nurses, offering short-term rentals and loyalty programs.
  • Facebook Housing Groups: A way to find an apartment without third-party entities, but they are not vetted, so extra precaution is needed.
  • Hotpads and Padmapper: Map-based rental search engines with listings across the US, featuring verified landlord contact information and landlord ratings.
  • Homestay.com: Offers rooms for those who don't want to rent an entire apartment. Some listings are 'visited and verified' and have been inspected by a Homestay Local Partner.
  • ShortTermHousing.com: A furnished housing company offering short-term housing for professionals, with a focus on proximity to medical centres and hospitals.
  • Housestay.com: A service to rent furnished apartments and homes for 30+ nights, running in-depth background checks on both hosts and tenants.

Frequently asked questions

Airbnb is a good option for travel nurses as it offers a wide range of prices and locations, as well as amenities such as a fully-equipped kitchen and laundry facilities.

Airbnb offers travel nurses the ability to find short-term housing in major cities, often with discounts for long-term stays. It also provides a convenient and affordable option with a variety of choices to suit different budgets and preferences.

Some alternatives to Airbnb for travel nurses include VRBO, Furnished Finder, TravelNurseHousing.com, and Craigslist. These platforms offer temporary housing options with a focus on vacation rentals, fully furnished spaces, and short-term rentals.

Travel nurses should consider factors such as location, proximity to healthcare facilities, rental rates, property photos, and reviews from previous guests. Starting the housing search early and negotiating terms are also important considerations.

Travel nurses using Airbnb should verify their credentials and communicate their specific needs and preferences to the host. It is also important to be mindful of any extra fees and to read reviews from previous guests to ensure a positive experience.

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