Being a traveling nurse can be an extremely rewarding job. You’ll meet new people and see how hospitals around the country are run.
Most importantly, you’ll have the opportunity to help people who otherwise wouldn’t have access to quality care. However, figuring out housing can be a nightmare for traveling nurses.
Here’s a list of some things that you should keep in mind when planning your next job.
1. Complicated Stipends
If you’re a traveling nurse, you’re probably familiar with stipends. Experienced travel nurses know how complicated they can be.
Read your contract and stipend agreement very carefully before committing to anything. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact your employer or stipend provider.
There are different types of stipends. Make sure you know what kind you’re receiving and what the details are.
Blue force staffing has a guide to nursing stipends. Fellow health care professionals are one of the best resources when it comes to stipends.
Experienced nurses can tell you what stipends they have used and what you need to watch out for.
Consulting a tax advisor or legal professional can be expensive, but it could end up saving you money in the long run.
2. Tax Laws
You’d be surprised how drastically tax laws vary from state to state. In some cases, tax regulations can vary even between counties and cities.
If you’re traveling across state borders, you’ll need to familiarize yourself with the tax laws in all states you work in. If you live in a state where you don’t work, things get even more complicated.
Tax laws change every year, so make sure you stay up to date on what the most recent legislation is.
Make sure you keep all receipts in case any questions come up about your expenses.
3. Extended Stays
Most hotels or rental companies offer deals on extended stays. If you regularly travel back to the same area, some hotels will offer deals for repeat customers.
Figuring out accommodation on your own can be overwhelming.
Consulting an agency or a travel company that specializes in business travel will save you time and money.
Businesses like Hotel Engine have connections in the hospitality industry. They can get rooms at better rates and help you find individualized accommodation.
Another advantage of booking services is that they take care of any problems for you.
There are extended stay options for hotels as well as apartment and house rentals.
4. Varied Quality
Be prepared that the quality of housing is going to vary. If you’re traveling to a more remote location or a poorer area, you can’t expect the quality you might be used to.
Some areas of the country are more expensive than others. Your dream stay might not fit into the budget of your stipend.
Putting up with a few inconveniences is just part of the job, but make sure to stand up for yourself and ensure that your needs are always met.
Everyone’s requirements for a good stay are different. If you’re traveling with pets or other family members, you’ll need to have a place that suits them.
Commute time can vary significantly from location to location, so this is something you’ll need to factor in when scheduling.
5. Lots of Options
The stereotype of regular work travel is a tiny motel room, but that isn’t your only option.
There’s no reason you shouldn’t be comfortable while traveling for work. After all, the more at home you feel, the better you’ll be able to work.
If you want the convenience of staying in a hotel but want to feel more at home, look for a suite with a kitchenette or a bit more space.
For those who prefer to feel totally at home, consider renting an apartment or house. That way you’ll have more space and privacy.
The length of your stay will probably affect your decision, and your needs from one location to the next might vary.
Conclusion
It might take a bit of time to find out what sort of place you like staying in best. Or maybe you want to change things up every time you move.
Whatever you end up deciding, keep these things in mind to ensure the best work experience possible.
