Your Travel Assignment Housing Questions Answered with Tiffany Bennet, GHR Housing Coordinator

Moving to a new location for a travel assignment can be overwhelming for nurses, allied health professionals, and other healthcare workers. At GHR, we strive to make this transition as smooth as possible by offering comprehensive support throughout the entire process.

Leading the way is Tiffany Bennet, our experienced housing coordinator, who brings over a decade of expertise in the travel industry, including six years dedicated to assisting GHR travelers. Below, Tiffany shares expert insights to dispel myths and offer practical guidance for travelers!

Common Questions About Housing for Traveling Medical Professionals

When it comes to housing for traveling medical professionals, there are often a lot of questions and misconceptions. Here, Tiffany provides answers to some of the most frequently asked questions, offering clarity on what to expect and how to make the most of your travel assignment.

Q: What do you think is the #1 misconception travelers have about assignment housing?

Tiffany: “Many travelers believe that housing is automatically provided, paid for, or a lease is signed by the company. Actually, the housing stipend is part of the MLA (Meals and Lodging Allowance) stipend provided to cover the duplication of expenses. The amount you receive for housing is based on the cost of housing provided by the GSA site. It’s important to address concerns about finding suitable space or sharing accommodations as it’s about finding what suits each traveler’s individual needs. It’s not a one-size-fits-all situation.”

Q: Let’s dive into the travel stipend. How does it work, what does it cover, what doesn’t it cover?

Tiffany: “The stipend is available for candidates meeting specific qualifications: living 50-75 miles away from their home address, duplicating living expenses for seven days a week during the contract duration, and being ready, willing, and able to work. The IRS allows the agency to pay part of the weekly pay as a non-taxable stipend because it duplicates living expenses.

This stipend is a significant part of travel nursing, covering daily meals and lodging for the contract period. It’s paid weekly, and as long as you’re ready and able to work your weekly shifts, the full non-taxable amount should be received. Our goal is to help travelers find something unique within their budget, creating a home away from home.”

Q: A lot of travelers are intimidated by the act of securing housing. How does our team ease their worries and make the journey as seamless as possible?

Tiffany: “Oh, I totally get it! Securing housing in a new place can feel overwhelming, but we ensure our travelers know they are never alone in this process. We help before, during, and after assignments from budgeting and planning to transitioning out of the assignment, we support the entire journey.”

Q: What are some of the most creative housing accommodations you have witnessed from travelers on the GHR team?

Tiffany: “We’ve had incredibly creative and adventurous travelers, from those using RVs or camping in tents throughout their stay to one who transformed a van into a mobile home. The possibilities are endless, you can tell us what you are looking for and if it’s out there, we can find it! Our team has encountered all kinds of unique housing situations.”

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