Michael Schlottman | On the Clock // Off the Record | Episode 12
By Atlas Medstaff
On the Clock // Off the Record
Home Away From Home: Navigating the Travel Healthcare Housing Maze
Finding the perfect place to hang your stethoscope after a long shift shouldn’t be harder than the shift itself. In the latest episode of On the Clock // Off the Record, Rich Smith sits down with Michael Schlottman, Director of Strategic Partnerships at Extended Stay America, to pull back the curtain on one of the most vital—and sometimes misunderstood—parts of the traveler lifestyle: lodging.
Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a staffing leader looking to streamline the experience for your team, this episode is packed with insights on how to balance comfort, cost, and the “night shift” reality.
It’s Not Just a Room, It’s a Strategy
One of the biggest myths in the industry? “All housing is the same.” Michael was quick to debunk this, noting that housing options vary wildly in terms of safety, consistency, and compliance.
For the staffing leaders tuning in, the message was clear: Extended Stay America isn’t just for individual bookings. They’ve built a massive footprint across the U.S. designed specifically to handle the high-speed, high-volume needs of the staffing world. Whether it’s an agency booking or a traveler using their stipend to make their own choice, the goal is to make the process as frictionless as possible.
We all know that in travel healthcare, the only constant is change. Contracts get extended, start dates get pushed, and occasionally, cancellations happen. Extended Stay has built its model around this flexibility, making it easy to accommodate the unpredictable nature of healthcare assignments.
Pro-Tips for the Road
Michael shared some “insider” advice that every traveler should keep in their back pocket:
- The Night Shift Hack: If you’re working nights, always request a room on the top floor. This ensures you won’t have the sound of footsteps above you while you’re trying to sleep during the day.
- Bring Your Best Friend: One of the most common requests? Pet-friendly accommodations. Rest assured, Extended Stay welcomes your fur babies.
- Safety First: Beyond just a bed, the priority is always creating a safe, reliable environment for healthcare professionals.
Want to learn more? If you’re curious about specific discounts, perks, or finding a location for your next assignment, check out the Extended Stay America website or reach out to your recruiter for the inside scoop!
Listen to the full episode of On the Clock // Off the Record on your favorite podcast platform!
