You spend every shift taking care of other people. When you finally clock out, your apartment should take care of you, whether that means a bedroom dark enough for a 9 a.m. bedtime or a couch you can sink into after back-to-back shifts.
The right furniture, appliances, electronics, and decor can turn your apartment into a space that fits your schedule. Here are the essentials that can help you create a comfortable home base.
Nurse Apartment Must-Haves for Supporting Quality Sleep
As a nurse, you do your job well when you’re well-rested. That’s why your home setup should start with the bedroom. Whether you sleep at night or during the day, these pieces help create a space where you can fully recover before your next shift.
Comfortable mattress
A supportive mattress is one of the first necessities to prioritize in an apartment. After hours on your feet, you need a sleep surface that relieves pressure on your back and hips so you wake up feeling refreshed.
Pay attention to firmness and material when you shop. Memory foam contours to your body, while hybrid mattresses pair foam comfort with the bounce of coils. If a furnished unit comes with a worn or uncomfortable mattress, upgrading it can make a noticeable difference in how rested you feel.
Durable bed frame
A sturdy bed frame keeps your mattress supported and off the floor, helping maintain its shape over time. Look for a frame that doesn’t creak or shift when you roll over, especially if you’re catching sleep at irregular hours. Frames with built-in drawers or under-bed space also give you storage for linens and off-season clothes, a helpful bonus in a smaller apartment.
Blackout curtains
If you work nights, blackout curtains are nonnegotiable. Daylight signals your brain to stay awake, so blocking it out helps you fall asleep and stay asleep after a night shift. Choose curtains that extend a few inches beyond the window frame on each side to limit light leaks, and pair them with a fan or a white noise machine to soften daytime noise from traffic and neighbors.
Warm lamps
Bright overhead lights can make it harder to wind down, especially when you get home at 7 a.m. and need to head straight to bed. Bedside lamps with warm-toned bulbs provide enough light to get ready for sleep without harsh glare.
Kitchen and Laundry Must-Haves for Post-Shift Chores
After a 12-hour shift, you want your chores to be as easy as possible. Many apartments come with a refrigerator and stove, but a few other additions can save you time and energy between shifts.
In-unit washer and dryer
Scrubs need frequent washing, and hauling them to a laundromat after work is hardly how you want to spend your free time. An in-unit washer and dryer lets you start a load while you shower or make dinner, so clean scrubs are ready when you need them.
If your apartment has hookups but no machines, choosing a rent-to-own laundry machine option is a practical way to add this convenience without a large upfront cost. Stackable or compact models work well in tighter spaces.
Dishwasher
Not every apartment includes a dishwasher, and handwashing dishes after a long shift can feel like an overwhelming task added to an already full plate. A dishwasher frees up time for meal prep, so you can batch-cook lunches for the week and clean up in minutes. Portable countertop models are a good fit for rentals, since they connect to your kitchen faucet and don’t require permanent installation.
Dining table and chairs
A small dining table gives you a dedicated place to sit down for a real meal instead of eating over the counter or on the couch. Drop-leaf tables and bistro sets fit well in compact kitchens, and they can double as a workspace for studying for certifications or paying bills.
Living Room Essentials for a Healthcare Professional Apartment Setup
Your days off should be all about relaxing and recharging, so set up your living room with that in mind. These pieces turn it into a place where you can switch off and enjoy some downtime.
Cozy couch
A comfortable couch is where you’ll spend much of your downtime, whether you’re catching up on a show or sneaking in a nap before an evening shift. Sectionals and L-shaped sofas give you room to stretch out, while a loveseat or sleeper sofa suits a smaller space and gives visiting friends and family a place to stay.
If you’re working with limited square footage, our tips for furnishing a studio apartment can help you plan a layout that fits.
High-quality TV
A TV makes it easy to unwind with a movie night or a reality show binge after a tough week. Choose a screen size based on your room and how far your couch sits from the wall, and look for a smart TV with built-in streaming apps so you don’t need extra devices. Just make sure your apartment has reliable Wi-Fi so you can stream without interruptions.
Coffee table
A coffee table keeps your essentials within reach, from the remote to a glass of water. Models with drawers or a lift-top surface add hidden storage, and a lift-top design can double as a laptop desk when you want to check your schedule or finish continuing education courses from the couch.
Organizational Apartment Essentials for Nurses
When you’re rushing out the door for an early shift, you don’t want to hunt for your badge or a clean pair of compression socks. Organizational pieces give everything a designated home, so you can grab what you need and go.
Shoe rack
A shoe rack by the door keeps your work shoes in one spot and away from the rest of your living space. Slim, tiered designs fit in tight entryways, and some include a top shelf for keys or sunglasses.
Wall hooks and a catchall tray
A few wall hooks or a small tray near the door give your badge and stethoscope a consistent landing spot. When everything goes back in the same place after each shift, you won’t lose time searching for it before the next one.
Storage bench or cubbies
Cubbies or a storage bench makes a good home for your work bag and jacket. A bench also gives you a place to sit while you put on your shoes before heading out.
Dresser or closet organizer
A dresser or closet organizer keeps scrubs sorted and ready to wear. Designate one drawer or shelf for clean scrubs and another for compression socks, so you can get dressed quickly even when you’re half awake.
Supply bin
A small bin or drawer organizer for extra supplies like pens, medical tape, hand lotion, and shift snacks means you won’t have to scramble before you leave. Restock it on your days off so it’s ready when your next stretch of shifts begins.
Moving soon? These moving organization tips can help you unpack and settle in faster.
Filling the Gaps in Furnished Housing for Travel Nurses
If you’re moving into furnished travel nurse housing, you’ll likely have most of the basics you need, but there may be some gaps worth filling. Knowing what to expect before you arrive makes it easier to pack smart and settle in quickly.
Furnished housing for travel nurses usually includes a bed, a couch, a dining set, basic kitchen appliances, and sometimes a TV. What’s provided varies between housing options, so if you’re still finding housing, ask the landlord or housing coordinator for a full inventory before you sign. Once you know what’s move-in ready, let the length of your assignment guide what you add.
For a standard 13-week assignment
- Bedding and pillows: Your own sheets and pillows make an unfamiliar bed feel familiar, and they pack easily between assignments.
- Mattress topper: A topper can soften a provided mattress that feels too firm or worn without replacing it.
- Blackout curtains: Many furnished units come with thin blinds, so add curtains if you’re working nights.
- Kitchen basics: Not every unit stocks a coffee maker or food storage containers, so check before you arrive.
For extensions and back-to-back assignments
- Laptop: A laptop for scheduling and video calls home makes life on the road easier to manage.
- Comfortable seating: A reading chair or recliner gives you a place to decompress and helps short-term housing feel like a home away from home.
- Larger TV: If the unit has a small screen or none at all, a TV makes long stretches in a new city more enjoyable.
- Extra storage: Shelving or a storage bench helps once you’ve collected more than your suitcase can hold.
Renting these pieces lets you stretch your housing stipend further and avoid buying furniture you’ll need to move or sell when the contract ends. Still deciding which approach fits your plans? Compare the pros and cons of renting vs. buying furniture — and learn how rent-to-own can give you the best of both worlds.
New Grad Nurse Essentials to Plan For
If you’re a new grad, starting your nursing career is an exciting time. But there are more essentials you may need to plan for when moving into your new apartment.
Unlike a short-term assignment, a long-term apartment often means furnishing from scratch. Rather than trying to get everything at once, start with the pieces that affect your daily routine and build from there.
What to get first
- Mattress and bed frame: Put your bed at the top of the list, since it directly affects how well you rest between shifts.
- Missing appliances: Cover any kitchen or laundry appliances your apartment doesn’t include, like a washer and dryer or a dishwasher.
- Computer: A reliable computer is worth getting early for scheduling and benefits enrollment.
- Linens and cookware: Stock the everyday basics so your first weeks in the new place run smoothly.
What can wait
Once you’ve settled into your schedule, you’ll have a better sense of how you use your space. These pieces can come later.
- Sofa or sectional: Get a feel for how you like to relax before committing to a size or style.
- TV and entertainment: A smart TV can wait until you know where you’ll spend your downtime.
- Dining set: A counter or coffee table works in the meantime.
- Decor: Rugs and artwork make the apartment feel like yours, and they’re easy to add one piece at a time.
Spreading out these purchases keeps your budget manageable while you adjust to life as a working nurse.
Create a Home Base That Works Around Your Schedule
After a long shift, home should be the place where you can unwind and switch off. Whether you’re settling into a new apartment after graduation or filling the gaps in travel nurse housing, start with the pieces that make a real difference in how you sleep, eat, relax, and get ready for the next day. Rent-A-Center offers rent-to-own furniture, appliances, electronics, and more, so you can build your space around what you need now and add to it as your needs change. Shop online or find a store near you to get started.