The Ultimate Travel Nurse Guide to Boston

Assignment number seven allowed me to be a travel nurse in Boston, MA; a city that was on my “travel nurse” bucket list since I began traveling 2.5 years ago.  While I enjoyed many lobster rolls, day trips to the quaint beach towns of Provincetown and Newport, and thoroughly enjoyed listening to people speak with a thick, Bostonian accent… Boston wasn’t quite what I expected.  Neither good nor bad.  Instead of sunshine and warm weather, I got rain and snow.  Instead of being charmed by the people on the east coast, I got the cold shoulder.  And instead of being thrilled that I was finally in a “walking city”, I found out the hard way that Boston has a LONG way to go to get their public transportation more user-friendly.  And while I can’t say I’m dying to go back for a second assignment in Boston, I wouldn’t have traded my experience for anything.

Now that I’ve spent 13+ weeks as a travel nurse in Boston, getting to learn the ins and outs of the city; I am sharing with you everything you need to know for a successful assignment in Boston.  Hoping that you can acclimate quickly, get all of your travel nursing questions answered, and thoroughly enjoy Boston in the short time that you’re there.  Here is everything you need to know about Boston if you’re a travel nurse!

 

Best Time to be a Travel Nurse in Boston

Located on the eastern side of the United States and on the eastern side of Massachusetts, Boston experiences all four seasons.  The coldest month of the year tends to be January, and the warmest month of the year tends to be July.  With a brief summer and fall, winter brings rain and snow, while summer brings sun and humidity.

Depending on what kind of weather you prefer – you may choose to sign a travel nurse contract in Boston during the colder months for more affordable rental costs.  However, keep in mind that Boston is mainly a walking city.  If you do choose to come in the winter, expect freezing cold weather and snow.  If I were to do it again, I would visit Boston in the summer months when the city comes alive and you can truly enjoy every aspect of Boston.

 

The Best Housing Options for Travel Nurses in Boston

There are so many great neighborhoods in Boston and depending on where you’re working or whether or not you’re bringing a car to Boston, you should be able to find somewhere great to live.  When you’re looking for housing, make sure to take into account whether you can walk to where you’re working or if there’s good public transportation.  Traffic can be crazy and parking costs at the Boston hospitals add up.

 

Neighborhoods in Boston – Where Should You Live?

There are over 23 neighborhoods in Boston alone, meaning there are endless places to choose from when it comes to living.  When it comes to choosing where to live in Boston there are two important things to keep in mind.  Do you plan to bring a car?  And if not, do you plan on walking or taking public transportation?

If you bring a car to Boston, you can live just about anywhere.  (Make sure that where you’re living has a parking space available seeing as street parking is hard to come by).  It’s important to keep in mind that the streets can get congested so expect traffic delays.  And that parking at the hospital may be expensive.  I suggest that in your interview you ask how much it costs to park.

If you don’t have a car with you you’ll need to know how far the hospital is, and if there is a train stop walking distance.  When you’re looking for housing, I would suggest first asking how many miles the hospital is from where you’ll be living.  Next, I would ask how far the nearest train stop is, and what color line it is.  You can easily figure out how long the train will take to and from work, among other places, by using the Transit app.

The Boston neighborhoods that I thoroughly enjoyed during my 13-weeks in the city include the North End, Financial District, Seaport, Back Bay, Beacon Hill, and Fenway.

 

 

The Best Housing Options in Boston

• Simple Studio – Walk to MGH, Beacon Hill, North End
  • 1 bath
  • Washer/dryer in building
  • 3 minute walk to public transport
  • 20 min walk to Mass General Hospital (10 mins with transport)
  • Pets allowed (with additional fee)
  • Parking not included
  • Run by agency
  • Complaints – Noisy at night
• Downtown Boston – 1 BR | Keyless Entry | Fast Wifi
  • 1 bed, 1 bath
  • Washer/dryer in building
  • 3 minute walk to public transport
  • 20 min walk to Mass General Hospital (10 mins with transport)
  • Pets allowed (with additional fee)
  • Parking not included
  • Run by agency
  • Complaints – Noisy at night
• Comfy 1 Bed/1 Bath Apt in Boston City Center
  • 1 bed, 1 bath
  • Free street parking Monday-Friday 8 am-6 pm
  • Run by agency
• Great City Views from 1 Bedroom Apt
  • Apt located on third floor
  • 8 minute walk to public transport
  • Washer/dryer in building
  • Not run by agency
• Warr16-1/1 Charming Theatre District 1 Bedroom | Walk Anywhere!
  • 1 bed, 1 bath
  • Apt located on fourth floor (no elevator)
  • Parking not included
  • 4 minute walk to public transport
  • Dogs allowed (with additional fee); need special permission for cats
  • AC only available from May-October
  • Run by agency
• Centrally Located Loft | Walk Anywhere | Pets OK
  • 1 bath
  • Washer/dryer in building
  • 3 minute walk to public transport
  • 20 min walk to Mass General Hospital (10 mins with transport)
  • Pets allowed (with additional fee)
  • Parking not included
  • Run by agency
• Downtown Luxury 1 Bedroom | Pets Welcome | W/D in Building
  • 1 bed, 1 bath
  • Washer/dryer in building
  • 3 minute walk to public transport
  • 20 min walk to Mass General Hospital (10 mins with transport)
  • Pets allowed (with additional fee)
  • Parking not included
  • Run by agency
• West Square Apartments 132 – USE CODE “PassportsandPreemies” FOR $250 OFF YOUR FIRST STANDARD STAY WITH LANDING
  • 1 bath
  • Utilities not included
  • Pets allowed (with additional fee)
  • In-unit washer/dryer
  • 24/7 concierge, clubhouse, fitness center, and coffee bar
  • Parking available

 

ANOTHER HOUSING OPTION IN BOSTON IS TO BOOK WITH EXTENDED STAY AMERICA – CHECK IT OUT HERE!

 

Read more:

• The Best Travel Nursing Housing Sites

 

Cost of Living in Boston

According to PayScale, the median rent in Boston is $3,075/month.  Housing expenses are 124% higher than the national average, utilities are 25% higher than the national average, groceries are 14% higher than the national average, and transportation is 28% higher than the national average.  Overall, the cost to live in Boston is 50% higher than the national average.

 

Travel Nurse Salary in Boston

There are tons of factors to consider when discussing what a travel nurse’s salary is.  These factors include (but are not limited to)…

• Time of year
• Unit need (the more desperate, the higher the pay)
• Unit (specialized units generally pay higher than non-specialized units)
• Cut that your recruiter takes
• & more

With that being said, as a NICU nurse working in Boston my contract was $1,650/week which I struggled with at times (I paid $2,000/month in rent).  In my opinion, Boston is too expensive to accept anything under $1,800/week.

 

To better understand travel nurse pay, don’t miss:

• Your Guide to Travel Nurse Pay

 

Travel Nurse Jobs in Boston

When searching for travel nurse jobs in Boston, my biggest piece of advice is to find a recruiter that you trust and go from there.  When you’re working with a recruiter to be placed in Boston, make sure that the company staffs in Massachusetts and ask your recruiter if the company has had success placing other travelers in Boston.  (This is where that trust aspect comes in!  DM me on Instagram if you’re looking for a trustworthy recruiter).

 

Transportation in Boston

Besides driving, the main way of navigating around Boston is by the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority, known as the “T”, or as I’d like to call it… the train.  The T services all of Boston plus outlying areas and is a complex web of interconnected railways getting you from point A to point B.  While Boston has a long way to go with their public transportation, I found the T relatively easy to use once I got the hang of it.

Whether or not you choose to bring a car to Boston you will undoubtedly be taking the T at some point in your stay.   You can buy tickets at each train stop for a one-way price of $2.40-$13.25 (price based on distance traveled); or you can purchase a CharlieCard and receive unlimited rides for $90/month.  CharlieCards must be purchased at the train station from an employee or a dedicated fare vending machine and the monthly rate cannot be prorated.

As I mentioned earlier, if you plan on navigating the T, download the Transit app.  This app is free and will tell you each train and bus to get on and off in order to reach your destination.

 

If you’re traveling to Boston without a car, don’t miss:

• Tips for Travel Nursing Without a Car

 

If you need to rent a car in Boston, I recommend Discover Cars!

 

Hospitals in Boston

There are 30+ hospitals and medical centers serving the Boston area alone.  From the group of Longwood Medical hospitals to Mass General, Boston has some of the top-rated hospitals in the US.  There is almost always a need for a travel nurse in Boston from any number of specialties.

 

My experience:  I signed a contract at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center.  BIDMC is located on Brookline, near other major hospitals such as Boston Children’s and Brigham and Women’s Hospital.  The closest train stop is Longwood, giving you a short seven-minute walk to the hospital. Although I didn’t have a car, it’s important to note that the parking costs $38/day, $5/night.  They did not offer any discounts to travel nurses.

 

IF YOU’RE LOOKING FOR A TRAVEL NURSE RECRUITER TO HELP YOU LAND IN ASSIGNMENT IN BOSTON, DM ME ON INSTAGRAM SO I CAN SET YOU UP WITH MY RECRUITER!  OR FILL OUT THIS FORM AND A SENIOR LEVEL RECRUITER WILL REACH OUT TO YOU.

 

Prioritizing Your 13-Week Travel Nurse Assignment – What Should You Do?

Whenever I arrive at a new destination, I sometimes feel completely overwhelmed by the number of things to see and do.  I think to myself, how in the world do I accomplish all that I want to accomplish without wasting any time in 13 short weeks?  And that feeling didn’t escape me when I signed on to be a travel nurse in Boston.  While there were definitely things that I did, the places I ate, and neighborhoods that I visited that I would not recommend… Boston is brimming with things to do!  For that, I’ve made a comprehensive list of things to see and do, where to eat, and where to enjoy a cocktail or two.

 

The Best Things to See & do in Boston

Catch any number of sports games.  Boston is home to some of the best sports teams in America.  See the Red Sox play at the iconic Fenway Park, the oldest baseball stadium in America.  Catch a hockey game, basketball game, or a football game!  Boston has it all.  (Note:  If you work at BIDMC, you can get two tickets to a Red Sox game for $5/each.  All you have to do is show your badge and wait 30 minutes after the game has already started to enter).

 

Learn the history of America as you walk along the Freedom Trail.  The Freedom Trail is 2.5 miles long and runs from Beacon Hill to Charlestown.  While you can take a free tour, I followed directions from here and was able to make the walk on my own.  I will say, however, that once you hit Paul Revere’s House, the walk seems to become bland.  The most interesting history is at the beginning of the trail.

 

Visit Boston’s most picturesque street – Acorn Street.  Acorn Street is located on Beacon Hill and is one of the most photographed streets in America.  While it has recently become illegal to have a full-on “photoshoot” on Acorn Street, you’re welcome to bring your iPhone and snap a few pictures as you please.  Keep in mind that people actually live on Acorn Street and please respect their privacy.

 

Shop on Newbury Street.  Newbury is referred to as the “Rodeo Drive” of Boston.  Located in Back Bay, you’ll find a number of stores ranging from designer to boutiques, and cheaper stores such as Nordstrom Rack.

 

Spend the day at Faneuil Hall Marketplace, an indoor/outdoor shopping, dining, and entertainment experience wrapped into one.  While this stop is on the Freedom Trail, carve out a day to explore the marketplace in its entirety.

 

Day trip!  The best part about being a travel nurse is being able to explore the country!  There are loads of day trips to take from Boston.  My favorites included a day in Newport, Rhode Island, and Provincetown, Massachusetts.

 

 

The Best Bars & Restaurants in Boston

BANYAN BAR + REFUGE

This Asian fusion restaurant is located in the South End.  I especially enjoyed it for its quirky décor and fresh, fun atmosphere.

 

BEEHIVE RESTAURANT

Located in the South End, Beehive is a lively restaurant with music every night.  Make sure to hit Beehive for weekend brunch for live jazz.

 

CITRUS & SALT BOSTON

Located in Back Bay, Citrus and Salt is a Mexican tapas restaurant.  With a quirky, edgy atmosphere, it’s a fun restaurant to sip on cocktails and enjoy great food.

 

DRINK

Located in Seaport, Drink is a menu-less cocktail bar.  Belly up to the bar and describe to the bartender what you typically like and they make it up for you!  While Drink doesn’t have a cocktail menu, they do have a wine and food menu.

 

HOJOKO

Located in Fenway, Hojoko is a hip Japanese restaurant with great craft beer and frozen cocktails.

 

LOLITA

With a couple of different locations in Boston, this gothic decorated restaurant serves elevated Mexican food.  I personally enjoyed the innovative margaritas and the cotton candy served at the end of the meal.

 

NEPTUNE OYSTER

Located in the North End, Neptune Oyster is where you can get some of the best, and most fresh seafood in Boston.  In my opinion, Neptune Oyster serves the best lobster roll in all of Boston.  While you’re unable to make reservations, the wait is worth it.

 

REELHOUSE

Located in East Boston, ReelHouse serves fresh seafood in a fancy feeling atmosphere.  Its situated on the harbor with views of the Boston skyline making it the perfect place for a nice day.

 

SAMUEL ADAMS

Located in Jamaica Plain, Samuel Adams brewery offers free brewery tours every 15 minutes.  With a lively and fun staff, the tour is interactive and different from your typical brewery tour.  Stick around afterward to hang out in the bar area.

 

THE FRIENDLY TOAST

With multiple locations throughout Boston, The Friendly Toast is your go-to place for brunch!  Serving mimosa flights, bloody mary flights, and breakfast, lunch, and dinner all day every day, The Friendly Toast can conquer any craving.  Plus it’s perfect for a morning out with co-workers after a long night shift!

 

TORO

A Spanish restaurant located in the South End, Toro is a hot spot on the Boston restaurant scene.  Perfect as a solo traveler or for date night, Toro serves their food tapas style.  While you can reserve a table for lunch, dinner is determined on a first-come, first-serve basis.

 

EAT LIKE A LOCAL!  BOOK A FOOD TOUR HERE

 

Essential Massachusetts – Everything You Need & Need to Know When Visiting Massachusetts

 

If you’re taking a travel nurse assignment in Boston, I sincerely hope that this guide helps you navigate the city.  If you have any questions, please let me know in a comment below!

 

If you’re looking for other ideas of where to be a travel nurse, check out these posts:

• Travel Nurse Guide to Huntsville, Alabama:  Where to Work, Live, & Explore
• The Ultimate Guide to Travel Nursing in Austin
• The Ultimate Travel Nurse Guide to Chicago
• The Ultimate Travel Nurse Guide to Fargo
• The Ultimate Travel Nurse Guide to Omaha
• The Ultimate Travel Nurse Guide to San Francisco
• The Ultimate Travel Nurse Guide to Santa Barbara
• The Ultimate Travel Nurse Guide to Seattle

 

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