Extended Stay Hotels?

While looking for a traveling assignment the last few months, I have been shocked at the number of companies that are using BUDGET Extended Stay Hotels. While I understand the financial savings this represents to the traveling company (no lease, no deposit, no furniture rental, no utilities, etc...), I do not understand the companies complete DISREGARD for their employees SAFETY.

On any given day, on any given type of news media, people can clearly see that these type of low class accomadations attract a seedy element at best. Homicides, Suicides, Prostitution, Meth Labs, Drug Dealing are just a few well documented occurances. Ask the nurses that have had to live in the Extended Stays, Crossland Suites and Motel 6's!

It is long overdue for Nurses to stand up for themselves and DEMAND safe and acceptable housing.

Remember....the Traveling Nurse Company works for you! You do not work for them....without you they do not make a dime.

I lived for more than two years in extended stay hotels and when I got tired of the living conditions in one I moved to another one in a more isolated and safer location. Since I was paying for this myself, I didn't have to be concerned with being stuck in accommodations picked out by a third party. The ultimate person responsible for one's personal safety is oneself. The well-placed chair against the doorknob and the phone connection removed from the wall work wonders for safety and privacy.

NO ONE should have to place chairs against doorknobs and disconnect phones from the wall!

In the olden days (5 yrs ago), nurses were given upscale one bedroom furnished apartments with utilites plus a rental car.

All I can say is....The traveling companies must love you, your low requirements, low expectations and your willingness to take your safety into YOUR own hands.

As a corporate nurse consultant, I've stayed in Marriott, Hyatts, and Hiltons with Car Club Rentals, prepaid airfare, and expense accounts. If the hospitals are willing and DO pay those expenses for those nurses, then why can't we expect more as Travlers than a Prositute Meth Lab Haven by night and housekeeping hell by day?

It's lackadaisial attitudes like yours that keep nurses locked in the Pink Ghetto. Over the years, travelers have lost significant hourly wages, benefits, rewards, incintives and even any type of decent nurse advocacy....and now we're shoved in low budget hotels for 3 months or longer.

We need to be proactive, and demand safe and comfortable living accomadations!

:nurse-soapbox: