5 Must-Have Amenities for Travel Nurse Housing – Based on Real Nurse Reviews

Travel nurses have a unique lifestyle that blends flexibility, adaptability, and constant movement. While this career path brings exciting opportunities, one consistent challenge is finding travel nurse housing that truly supports the demands of a travel nurse’s assignment. Beyond affordability and location, the right amenities can make or break a travel nurse’s experience.

At Travel Nurse Houses, we’ve compiled data from dozens of real travel nurse reviews and feedback to reveal the top five must-have amenities professionals consistently look for — plus bonus amenities that go the extra mile. Whether you’re a property owner wanting to attract nurses or a travel nurse planning your next assignment, this guide is packed with real-world insights.

Why Amenities Matter for Travel Nurses

Unlike typical renters, travel nurses often face grueling 12-hour shifts, rotate between night and day schedules, and are required to relocate frequently — sometimes with very short notice. These factors make comfort, convenience, and safety far more than luxuries; they are essential to maintaining physical health, mental well-being, and job performance. An amenity-rich property not only supports their unique work-life balance but also directly impacts their ability to rest, recover, and remain productive while away from home. Whether it’s fast internet for charting after hours or a quiet, secure environment for post-shift rest, these details often define how successful and stress-free their assignment will be. An amenity-rich property can significantly:

• Improve mental and physical recovery after shifts
• Enhance focus for nurses working on charts or documentation
• Reduce the stress of relocating
• Encourage longer stays and repeat bookings

As Furnished Finder emphasizes, the presence of key amenities often influences a nurse’s decision to book — especially in competitive markets.

1. Quality Bedding & Comfortable Sleep Environment

“Nothing ruins an assignment like a bad mattress or noisy neighbors.” – Emily, RN from Winnipeg

Sleep is sacred for travel nurses, and it’s often the one thing that can make or break the success of an assignment. After long, demanding 12-hour shifts—sometimes rotating between nights and days—nurses return home physically and emotionally exhausted. That’s why having a peaceful, restorative sleep environment isn’t just a luxury; it’s an absolute necessity. According to multiple nurse reviews, a quiet and restful atmosphere helps prevent burnout, supports immune function, and boosts job performance the next day. A well-prepared bedroom space can significantly impact their ability to rest and recover. Based on their feedback, the most important sleep-related features include:

• High-quality mattress (memory foam or medium-firm support)
• Blackout curtains or blinds for day sleepers
• Noise insulation (solid doors, no shared walls with loud tenants)
• Extra bedding and pillows
• Adjustable lighting in bedrooms

Tip for Hosts: Consider investing in a premium mattress and marketing it as a feature. You can even include a sleep sound machine or fan — small gestures go a long way.

Learn more about choosing the right mattress for short-term rentals.

2. Reliable High-Speed Internet

“I chart from home and stream to relax. Slow Wi-Fi is a dealbreaker.” – Jason, Travel Nurse in Alberta

In today’s fast-paced, digital-first world—especially in a post-pandemic era where remote documentation and virtual communication have become routine—high-speed internet is more than a convenience; it is a non-negotiable utility for travel nurses. Beyond browsing or streaming, reliable internet plays a direct role in a nurse’s ability to work effectively from their housing unit. Many nurses are required to complete electronic charting, attend virtual training sessions, access telehealth platforms, and communicate with their staffing agencies or hospital systems in real-time.

Not only does it enable professional productivity, but it also offers comfort and connection during off-hours by allowing nurses to stream, socialize, and stay in touch with loved ones. Without strong Wi-Fi, a nurse’s housing experience can quickly become frustrating and stressful—making it one of the first things they check before booking a property. Travel nurses consistently rely on Wi-Fi for:

• Electronic charting
• Virtual trainings or telehealth check-ins
• Streaming for downtime
• Staying connected with family and peers

Minimum suggested speed: 100 Mbps download / 20 Mbps upload

Pro Tip: Include the Wi-Fi speed test result in your listing. Nurses often use tools like Speedtest by Ookla before booking.

For hosts: Here’s how to optimize Wi-Fi for Airbnb guests.

3. In-Unit Laundry (Washer & Dryer)

“Having to share a laundromat after a 12-hour shift? No thanks.” – Angela, ICU Nurse from Nova Scotia

For travel nurses, in-unit laundry isn’t just a convenience — it’s an essential component of a livable and stress-free home. After working exhausting shifts in clinical environments, the last thing most nurses want to do is search for a laundromat or share communal laundry facilities, particularly late at night or in bad weather.

The ability to wash their scrubs, uniforms, and personal items on-site allows for better hygiene, time management, and personal comfort. It also contributes to the overall sense of independence and safety, as nurses can handle their laundry on their own schedule without needing to leave their home base. Many have emphasized that the presence of a private washer and dryer directly influences whether they choose one property over another. Commonly cited benefits include:

• Hygiene concerns with shared facilities
• Time savings between shifts
• Uniforms that need immediate washing
• Cold or rainy weather that makes outdoor trips uncomfortable

A guide to why in-unit laundry boosts rental appeal.

Hosts: If your property doesn’t have in-unit laundry, consider offering pickup/drop-off laundry services or installing a combo washer-dryer unit.

4. Fully Equipped Kitchen

“I like to meal prep. I can’t rely on takeout when I work nights.” – Brenda, Emergency RN in Ontario

Many travel nurses are health-conscious and financially mindful due to the nature of their assignments and the need to maintain good health while working demanding shifts. Having access to a fully equipped kitchen gives them the flexibility to prepare home-cooked meals, manage dietary restrictions, and reduce reliance on expensive or unhealthy takeout options — especially when working night shifts with limited food access.

Moreover, cooking at home provides a sense of routine and comfort, which is essential for those living in unfamiliar environments. Hosts who invest in a well-stocked kitchen can expect higher ratings and repeat bookings from nurses who value convenience, nutrition, and autonomy in their daily routines. Based on real nurse reviews, the most frequently requested kitchen items include:

• Full-size fridge with freezer
• Oven & microwave
• Coffee maker & kettle
• Pots, pans, cutting board
• Storage containers & utensils
• Dishwasher (bonus!)

Resource: Kitchen essentials checklist for short-term rentals

Bonus: Add some local spices or snacks as a welcome gift!

5. Safety & Security Features

“I work nights — I need to know I’m safe walking in or out.” – Latasha, Travel Nurse in Quebec

Safety is a top priority, especially for solo travel nurses who often arrive in unfamiliar cities and work night shifts. These healthcare professionals face the unique challenge of balancing demanding work hours with the need for personal security, particularly when returning home during late-night hours or staying in isolated areas. Many nurses travel alone, so they consistently look for housing that offers peace of mind, both inside and outside the property. A strong sense of security not only enhances their comfort but also helps reduce stress and anxiety associated with staying in temporary accommodations. Hosts who prioritize safety features are more likely to gain trust and long-term bookings from nurses. Features they frequently request include:

• Smart locks or keyless entry
• Well-lit entryways and parking areas
• Secure doors and windows
• Visible smoke/CO detectors
• Exterior cameras (for multi-unit buildings)

Bonus: Provide an emergency contact sheet and list of nearby urgent care/ER locations.

For more: 7 ways to make your Airbnb safer for guests

Source: Optimize My Airbnb

Bonus Amenities That Nurses Love

While the top 5 amenities are essential for functionality and comfort, there are several additional features that travel nurses repeatedly cite as factors that enhance their overall housing experience. These bonus amenities may not be deal-breakers, but they often tip the scale when a nurse is deciding between two listings. They contribute to convenience, reduce daily stressors, and can even make an assignment feel more like home. When included, these thoughtful additions transform a standard rental into a nurse-preferred property — one that’s more likely to receive high ratings, positive reviews, and repeat bookings:

Free Parking

• Especially valuable in urban or hospital-adjacent zones
• Covered or gated parking preferred

How to make the most of your rental parking

Private Entry & Workspace

• Solo nurses often prefer not to share entrances
• Desk or workspace with ergonomic chair = big win

Work-from-home setup ideas for renters

Pet-Friendly Options

• Nurses with therapy pets look for listings that accept animals
• Include nearby parks or vet clinics in listing description

Making your rental pet-friendly (without damage)

Outdoor Space

• Small patios, balconies, or gardens can boost mood and reduce stress

Benefits of outdoor space for short-term renters

Flexible Lease Terms

• Month-to-month or 13-week contract options preferred

Flexible lease structures for travel nurse housing

Final Thoughts

The right amenities don’t just make a stay more comfortable — they help travel nurses perform better at work, feel secure during their off-hours, and enjoy their time away from home. Hosts who cater to this specialized group of professionals will not only attract more bookings but build loyalty with a high-value audience.

If you’re a travel nurse looking for your next assignment home, browse listings on Travel Nurse Houses to find vetted, nurse-friendly properties across Canada.

And if you’re a property owner, now you know exactly what to include — based on real feedback from nurses who’ve been there.

Helpful Resources and External Links

• Furnished Finder
• Speedtest by Ookla
• Airbnb Safety Guide
• The Kitchn – Kitchen Checklist
• SafeHome.org – Airbnb Safety
• Rent.com – Laundry Tips
• Sleep Foundation – Mattresses
• Apartment Therapy – Rental Parking
• Tripping.com – Short-Term Rentals
• Zumper – Pet-Friendly Rentals
• The Spruce – Small Workspaces
• Apartment List – Outdoor Space
• Landlordology – Landlord Tips
• Nomad Nurses – Travel Nurse Insights
• Tiny Travel Nurse Blog
• Nurse.org Housing Tips
• RN Network – Housing Help
• Gypsy Nurse Housing Advice
• Reddit – TravelNursing Sub