8-Words Every Recruiter Dreads
“My housing is haunted and smells like cheese”
Ask any traveler the quickest way to make or break an assignment, and you’ll undoubtedly hear “housing” at the top of the list. Let’s face it—you are working at facilities that are short-staffed and you’re bustin’ your tail; you deserve…no, YOU NEED a nice, quiet, well-appointed retreat to call home.
When I started in healthcare staffing 14-years ago, the vast majority of travelers trusted their staffing agency to find and rent housing. Results were mixed. Today, however, more and more travelers are taking the bull by the horns and finding their own housing.
Here are my suggestions for making your search more efficient and successful:
1—Visit the GSA site and determine the housing allowance for the city where you’ll be living. While the client’s bill-rate may not support the full amount, it is a great resource to get a sense of housing costs in the city and establish a baseline for reasonable rent. http://Users/redbranchmedia/Documents/Websites/triagemulti.dev.gsa.gov/portal/content/104877
2—Google Map the address of the hospital you will be working at. http://Users/redbranchmedia/Documents/Websites/triagemulti.dev.google.com/maps
Click “Search Nearby” and type in “Apartments”. When the apartment complex answers their phone, ask if they do “short-term, corporate style rentals”. If “yes”, ask if they can furnish the unit and at what cost. Note—Cort Furniture will typically charge $350 a month for furniture and electronics, with housewares running an additional $150. Aaron’s Furniture will not offer housewares, but if you speak to the Sales Manager it is likely you can rent furniture and electronics for under $300 a month (and sometimes for as little as $200!). If the thought of signing a lease is intimidating, perform the same Google Map search and substitute “Hotels”. When calling, ask to speak to the Sales Manager. The front-desk staff is not going to cut you a deal, but a Sales Manager (who may also be the owner) will! Explain that you are a hospital employee looking for a 30-day rate. Be sure the quoted rate includes all taxes. Always ask if they have a room furnished for extended stays; many hotels and motels have a few rooms with kitchenettes they do not advertise on their website. It is not uncommon to find a clean, safe, relaxing hotel for less than an apartment (and you have the flexibility of no lease and many times get free breakfast, use of a fitness room or pool, etc).
3—Visit http://Users/redbranchmedia/Documents/Websites/triagemulti.dev.airbnb.com/ Airbnb is an up and coming site that I find more fruitful than Craigslist, VRBO, etc… You can select the type of accommodations you need (private, shared, a room, etc), amenities, rate, etc. You will be dealing with the owner of the property who will be impressed that you are a traveling healthcare professional (they automatically assume you are a good person and tenant). With this power, ask for a discount! If it is a house you’re looking at, don’t forget to ask who’s responsible for lawn care, snow removal, etc.
4—Still struggling to find a place? Speak with Property Management Companies in the area and give them your pitch.
5—Once you’ve narrowed your list to a few options, ask your Recruiter if he/she has an employee living in the area who is willing to drive by your properties to help select a winner. Travelers understand the importance of finding good housing and many times are glad to help in the search.
6—If steps 1-5 make your head hurt, ask your Triage Staffing Recruiter to provide a great place to live!
By following these simple suggestions, you are bound to find wonderful housing that is ghost-free and smells great!
Kelly