Are you ready for a new adventure? Over the last few years, there has been an increase in demand for travel nursing. With this growing trend, many nurses are embracing a more mobile life. For some, this includes living in an RV instead of a traditional house or apartment. Choosing this option lets you see more sights, but there are other things you need to consider, like finding a long-term space and vehicle maintenance. The upfront cost of obtaining an RV can be cost-prohibitive, but it provides freedom to move your home when you change assignments. Overall, those travel nursing with an RV tell us that flexibility, cost savings, and adventure are the most significant benefits to this lifestyle.
Is Travel Nursing with an RV right for you?
The answer is a non-answer; it depends. Before jumping on the RV-lifer trend, consider what you need and want in a home.
- Do you need a pet-friendly or kid-friendly space?
- Are you ready to live a simpler life?
- Do you want a place that requires maintenance but allows for freedom of movement?
These, and more, are questions to ask yourself as you consider travel nursing with an RV.
Pros of RV Life include:
If you’re looking for a simplified lifestyle where you can travel and work with your pets and family close to you, RV life can be the perfect choice. The pros include:
- No need to pack because your home travels with you.
- Mobility between assignments.
- Tow your car so you have a smaller vehicle available.
- No pet deposit or rent needed.
- No long-term lease commitments.
- Costs less than traditional housing.
- Lower cost for utilities.
- Easier to extend assignments because you already have housing.
- Creative ways to store food and personal belongings.
- Sense of belonging within the RV community that fosters a network of support and camaraderie.
- Tax write-off for the rental space (but not the vehicle), according to FreshBooks. Check with your tax expert for this and additional tax implications.
Cons of RV Living
With every choice comes pros as well as cons. While RV living looks simple, there are additional considerations like:
- Problem-solving and maintenance of an RV is different than with a smaller vehicle or a traditional home.
- Internet bandwidth limitations, whether for home schooling or streaming services.
- Lack of space for family members or pets, and storage for food, clothing, and sporting equipment.
- Finding a campsite or RV park near your assignment.
- Limited amenities like a clothes washer and dryer, having stores nearby, and the challenge of receiving mail and deliveries.
- RV maintenance.
Consider the lifestyle you’d like to live. Rent an RV before purchasing one. A long weekend away will give you an idea of the experience. If you try it for a 13-week travel nurse contract and decide it’s not for you, that’s okay too! Our travelers love the ease of travel, comfort, and adaptability the RV lifestyle provides.
Choosing the Right RV for Travel Nursing
Meeting other travel nurses with RVs via Reddit and social media is good. They will give you an honest review of what it’s like. Ask your recruiter if they can connect you with other RV-ers to ask questions before a long-term rental or purchase. It’s a different way of life, but it can be rewarding and fun!
RV Types
While you may not be a rock star on a decked-out travel tour bus, the ultimate RV experience, you need a space that feels like home. Here are RV Types to help you choose:
- Class A: These are the largest motorhomes, stretching 25 to 45 feet. They offer plenty of space to move around and are the best option if you don’t want to tow the trailer behind you. They are available with slide-out sections that increase the square footage. They are also the most expensive to rent, buy, repair, or insure.
- Class B: Also called camper vans or conversion vans, these vans need to be customized if you plan to live there for any length of time. This is a more affordable way to live RV life, but it comes with challenges like bathrooms, showers, offices, and storage space.
- Class C: These are often built on the chassis of a large truck like a Ford E-series. They include a cockpit with swivel chairs for socializing when not driving and a bunk area above the cockpit. Larger models may include a dinette, separate bedroom, sofa, and bunk beds. These are easier and less expensive to buy, repair, and insure than Class A and offer more space than Class B.
Whatever type of RV you choose, consider the workspace, storage, kitchen, bathroom, and fuel efficiency. While it won’t be cheap to drive any of these models, they may cost less than other housing options and provide freedom to you and your loved ones.
Finding RV-Friendly Travel Nursing Assignments
Communication with your recruiter is KEY to having a good experience as a travel nurse, whether you’re living in an RV or somewhere else. They have many contacts and can connect you to people and information; you only need to ask.
- Let your recruiter know you’re thinking of travel nursing with an RV.
- Recruiters can let you know nearby RV sites or research where to find them.
- Make a list of must-haves like internet, power sources, kitchen supplies, and storage solutions.
Set yourself up for comfort by bringing items that make any space feel like home. Photos, special blankets and pillows, and hiking boots are among the favorite items our travelers carry with them on assignment.
Finding RV Parks & Campgrounds Near Assignments
As you explore RV living, research membership and discount programs like Passport America, KOA, and Thousand Trails. These programs provide information about RV parks and campsite discounts. Look for RV parks with full hookups, proximity to work, safety, and amenities. Stay current on RV registration, insurance, and state-to-state requirements, like you do for your resume and certifications.
Safety Tips
As always, travel safely! If you’re a solo traveler or unfamiliar with RV life, plan your route, always secure the RV, choose well-lit locations, and check the weather along your route and at the campsite. Be prepared for emergencies like Mother Nature causing you to seek alternate campsites or shelter, RV breakdowns, extreme weather conditions, and healthcare needs. Include a first aid kit, a fire extinguisher, flashlights, and batteries.
Community & Resources for RV Travel Nurses
Websites like HipCamp, Recreation, Campendium, RV Parky, and Reserve America will help you find and reserve campsites along your route and near your new home. We also recommend searching social media groups for travel nurses who live the RV lifestyle.
Are you ready for travel nursing with an RV? If you’re thinking this may be the right choice for you, we encourage you to talk to your recruiter and check out the AB Staffing Job Board to see what is available.
