Travel nurses and healthcare workers move often, sometimes every few months, but that doesn’t mean they should have to sacrifice comfort, safety, or convenience.
The right home base can make all the difference when you’re working long shifts, adjusting to a new city, and trying to make the most of your assignment.
At Compass Furnished Apartments, we’ve helped countless traveling nurses, doctors, and other medical professionals find fully furnished, short-term rentals in Massachusetts, Connecticut, and New York. Our goal is simple: give you a place where you can rest, recharge, and feel at home, no matter how far you are from yours.
In this guide, we’ll walk through the realities of life on assignment, compare housing options, and share tips on finding rentals that work for you.
Why Housing Matters for Traveling Medical Professionals
Travel nurses and contract healthcare workers have unique housing needs. You might relocate every 13 weeks, work irregular hours, or need to live close to a specific hospital or clinic, so a comfortable, quiet, and convenient rental is a necessity for both your job performance and your overall well-being.
When you’re on back-to-back 12-hour shifts, you need:
- Rest – A peaceful space to sleep, especially if you work nights.
- Privacy – Time away from roommates or shared spaces to recharge.
- Reliability – Housing that’s ready when you arrive and free of unpleasant surprises.
According to Vivian Health, roughly 80% of travel nurses arrange their own housing. That means most traveling medical professionals are in the driver’s seat, and choosing the right place can make every day of your contract better.
Hotel vs Airbnb vs Furnished Apartment: Which is Best?
Not all housing options are created equal. Here’s a side-by-side comparison of the three most common choices for traveling medical professionals.
| Accommodation Type | Pros | Cons | Best For |
| Hotel | Central locations, daily cleaning, loyalty rewards | High nightly rates, no kitchen, limited storage, noisy common areas | Very short assignments or quick training stays |
| Airbnb | Potentially homey, full kitchen, variety of locations | Inconsistent quality, high service/cleaning fees, no guaranteed support | Stays under one month if vetted carefully |
| Furnished Apartment | Fully equipped kitchen, in-unit laundry, consistent quality, flexible leases, near hospitals | Requires longer booking (usually 30+ days) | Assignments of 1 month or longer |
Why furnished apartments often win for medical travel: They combine the comfort of a home with the reliability of professional management, so you get predictable quality, built-in amenities, and locations chosen with professionals in mind, not tourists.
Learn how serviced apartments compare to hotels →
Benefits of Furnished Rentals with Compass
Compass Furnished Apartments was built to support professionals who need a place that works as hard as they do. For traveling nurses and other healthcare workers, we offer:
- All-inclusive amenities – In-unit laundry, full kitchens, high-speed Wi-Fi, and dedicated workspaces.
- Proximity to hospitals – Properties near major medical hubs in Boston, New Haven, Stamford, and more.
- Flexible leases – Stay for 30 days, 90 days, or extend as needed.
- Guest support – Our team handles maintenance, questions, and local recommendations.
- Consistency – Professional cleaning, reliable furnishings, and zero “surprise” conditions on arrival.
Things to Look For in a Rental as a Medical Professional
When you’re choosing a rental for your next assignment, keep these must-haves in mind:
Quiet Neighborhoods for Shift Workers
If you’re working nights, peace and quiet during the day is essential, so look for neighborhoods away from heavy traffic and nightlife.
Fully Equipped Kitchens
Cooking your own meals helps you eat healthier, save money, and control your schedule, especially when hospital cafeterias are closed during your off-hours.
Laundry Access
Hauling scrubs to a laundromat after a 12-hour shift isn’t practical, so in-unit or on-site laundry is a must.
Safety and Security
Secure entry, well-lit parking areas, and safe neighborhoods should be non-negotiable.
Short Commute to Hospital or Clinic
Cutting down on commute time means more rest and less stress, so a rental within 15–20 minutes of your workplace is ideal.
See our guide to what to pack for short-term stays →
Booking Tips & Housing Stipends
Most travel nurses receive a housing stipend as part of their pay package. Here’s how to make the most of it:
- Consider opting out of agency housing – You can often find better value and more suitable locations when booking on your own.
- Book directly with a provider – Skip booking fees from third-party platforms and work directly with companies like Compass.
- Keep receipts – For potential tax deductions on temporary housing expenses.
- Know your contract length – Match your lease to your assignment and confirm extension options before signing.
What is the best app for travel nurses housing?
Many nurses use TravelNurseHousing.com or RotatingRoom.com to browse listings, but working directly with a trusted furnished apartment provider ensures consistent quality and support.
Why Choose Compass in MA, CT, or NY
Whether your assignment is at Massachusetts General Hospital, Yale New Haven Hospital, Stamford Health, or dozens of other medical centers, Compass has properties nearby to make your stay easier.
Boston, MA
Perfect for assignments at Boston Children’s, Brigham and Women’s, or Mass General. Our apartments put you close to work, dining, and public transit.
New Haven, CT
Ideal for Yale New Haven or surrounding clinics, with walkable neighborhoods and quick access to I-95.
Stamford, CT & White Plains, NY
Great for travel contracts in Westchester County or Fairfield County hospitals, with easy commuter rail access to NYC.
No matter where you’re headed, our team works with you (or your agency) to find a space that matches your schedule, budget, and preferences.
Browse our furnished apartments near hospitals →
Finding the right housing on a travel nurse or medical contract doesn’t have to be a gamble. By choosing a professionally managed, fully furnished apartment, you get the comfort, location, and flexibility you need to focus on your patients, not your living situation.
Compass Furnished Apartments offers housing that works for the way medical professionals live and work, whether that’s a quiet studio near a hospital or a larger apartment for you and your family during an extended contract.
Get help finding the right place for your assignment →
About The Author
Lauren
Lauren, a passionate marketing professional from Vancouver, Canada, has an insatiable love for travel. Whether it’s camping off the grid in a secluded forest or enjoying the bustling streets of Manhattan, New York, she embraces every adventure with enthusiasm.