August 8, 2018

15005 Views

Step #19 Arrival on Location

Posted on August 8, 2018July 24, 2023 by The Gypsy Nurse

Travel Nurse Housing Safety, Security, and Condition

Assessing travel nurse housing safety, security, and condition on arrival is crucial. Regardless if you’ve allowed the agency to arrange your travel nurse housing or if you’ve arranged it yourself. Hopefully, you’ve researched your housing thoroughly ahead of time so you avoid any significant problems when you get there!

While we have broken down these short-term housing safety tips into multiple steps, many of them can be done quickly as you move in on your first day. The most important thing is to be aware and make note of any issues that need to be fixed immediately.

Assess the safety and security of the apartment location, complex and surrounding area.

Drive around the surrounding area first, then circle in towards the apartment. Assess the general location. Is the area clean? Landscaped? What type of vehicles are parked around? Do all of the security gates (if the complex has them) work? Are there security lights in the parking areas?

Talk with your neighbors.

A great way to feel safer in your new area is to get familiar with the people around you. Try to make small talk and say hello if you can, and if you notice anything disconcerting, ask neighbors about it! Most people will be upfront if there are any huge safety concerns at your new short-term housing.

Learn the area.

If amenities are included in the apartment complex, walk around and check them out. Part of feeling a sense of safety in short-term housing locations is simply feeling comfortable and confident. If there are front desk staff, it’s always nice to introduce yourself and get familiar with the faces you will see around the place.

Another good idea regarding travel nurse housing safety is to look up your address on crime statistic websites. This step is most helpful before you move in, but if it gets missed, knowing what crimes are more likely in the area can empower you to keep yourself as safe as possible!

The importance of researching the safety of your short-term housing

On occasion, it may seem that you are put between a rock and a hard place when it comes to choosing travel nurse housing. Some areas of the country are notoriously difficult to find short-term housing. In order to make sure that you have a safe place to live, it is imperative that you research your housing ahead of time! Do not simply book a spot and move in. No questions asked. Instead, make sure you do your diligence so you aren’t scrambling to find a new place days before your assignment starts. Safety should win out over cost every single time!

Moving In

After you take the time to do a once-over of the area and unit, it’s time to move in! If you book through a short-term housing site, one safety perk might be that you don’t have to meet with a stranger to gain access to the unit. If you rent directly from an apartment complex or leasing company, you may need to arrive during business hours to sign paperwork and get your keys. Be sure to make note of this during your road trip planning so you don’t arrive at a time when someone isn’t available.

During your first walk-through of your new place, write down anything damaged, broken, or in poor condition. If you can electronically contact your landlord, send a note with any safety concerns in your short-term housing unit. Otherwise, be sure to make a physical list and keep a copy for yourself and your landlord.

Here are a few reminders of things to check

Open all blinds and turn on all lights so you can see well.
Condition of walls, carpet, and tiles.
Door locks and windows functionality.
The toilet flushes well with no leaks around the base.
Cabinets in good condition. Don’t forget to check under the sinks for water damage or bugs.
The closet/room doors are in good working condition.
Fire Extinguishers and locations (current tag).
The thermostat for AC/Heat/Fan is working.
Refrigerator condition, temperature, smell.
Laundry room condition, number of washers/dryers, cost, distance from the apartment.
Do all of the provided appliances work?

A few items that you should also ask once you have decided to move in:

Location of mailboxes (does your key work)?
Location of trash.
Pet Policies (if applicable)
Ask about maintenance after-hours contact information.
Location of Parking, visitor parking (covered or not, important in areas such as AZ).
Hours of use for any community areas, laundry, pool, etc.

IMPORTANT:

Travel Nurse Housing Safety, Security and Condition isn’t up to par: What to do?

Use your instincts and do not take residency in housing that obviously unacceptable other than problems that could be easily fixed. If there are issues that they are willing to fix, make an agreement for a time and date items will be fixed.

If you are taking company housing and there are any immediate red flags–do not take residency if you can wait. Reach out to your recruiter as quickly as possible and try to work out a solution. You always have the right to refuse the apartment prior to move-in. If you choose to refuse the apartment, you should notify the leasing agent and your recruiter as soon as possible. Most companies will assist you in finding an acceptable apartment but realize they also have money tied up in that short-term housing, so unless there are huge safety concerns, they will likely try to make the first option work.

By The Gypsy Nurse

August 8, 2018

13262 Views

Step # 20 Settling Into Your Travel Nurse Housing

Posted on August 8, 2018January 3, 2024 by The Gypsy Nurse

Your Travel Nurse Home

You now have the keys to your travel nurse home for the next 13 weeks. Now it is time to make it feel like home!

You should have completed the checklist and confirmed the housing is satisfactory.

Hopefully, you have a few days to get settled in before starting work. If you have taken our advice on packing, you won’t have a lot of unpacking to do. Everyone has their own process for settling into a new travel nurse home. Most nurses choose to do some combination of unpacking, purchasing groceries, and getting familiar with their surroundings. What order you choose to do these things is up to you!

Here are a few things to keep in mind as you settle into your new home as a travel nurse:

Take note of anything that might need maintenance. Although you have (hopefully) already completed a checklist inspection, some things might be found during the unpacking process.
If any of the furniture is in disrepair, note it and notify the appropriate person. Sometimes this is the leasing company and other times, furniture is arranged separately through your company.
Make sure that all locks and keys work. Check your mailbox, community areas, and the apartment door(s) and window(s).

A few more items to complete:

Organize a grocery list:

Condiments
Staples like flour, sugar, salt, pepper, spices
Coffee and filters
Paper products
Trash bags and food storage bags

Remember, as you are setting up your new home, as a travel nurse, you are only in the location for a short while. Some items may last longer than you’d think, so don’t buy large quantities of much up front!

Make your apartment a ‘home’

For cheap home items, try places like Goodwill or Dollar Tree. If your rental is from a site like Furnished Finder, you will probably have more decorations and homey touches. However, if you simply rent an apartment and furniture from a corporate company, you might not have many extras when you get there.

Here are a few cheap items you could grab to help make your travel nurse home feel more comfortable:

Candles or small decorative items
Seasonal Items
- Outdoor furniture/chairs (especially nice if you have a patio)
- Holiday decorations (Dollar Tree has surprisingly great options!)
Large items that you may not carry with you
- Broom and Dustpan
- Trash Containers
- Large bowls/storage containers
- Snow Shovel (depending on the location)

Is there something that you, as an experienced travel nurse, have on your ‘settling in’ list? Is there an item that you always forget? Mine is salt and pepper! I always need it, yet it’s the one thing that I consistently forget to pick up on my initial shopping trip. (or I did until I developed a Move-In shopping list!)

By The Gypsy Nurse

August 8, 2018

21239 Views

Step #21 Your First Day as a Travel Nurse

Posted on August 8, 2018July 24, 2023 by The Gypsy Nurse

Today is the day! Your first day as a travel nurse. You have settled into the new apartment and done the shopping. The first-day nerves have probably got a hold of you…don’t worry. Check out our first-day tips below, and you’ll be ready to set yourself up for success.

A good thing to remember is every first day is the countdown to new adventures. Some contracts will be good and some not-so-good, and no matter how much you researched and questioned your recruiter about the position, you won’t know what any contract will hold until you get there.

Test Run Your First Day as a Travel Nurse

After the shopping and unpacking are finished, take a dry run through your first day of work. Time yourself from when you walk out the door to when you arrive at your parking location. While you might not be able to go inside the hospital depending on visitor restrictions, getting a feel for the drive-in will do wonders to help soothe your nerves.

Pre-pack Your Nurse Bag

Being prepared is a sure sign of success. Although the hospital should have received all your paperwork from the agency, don’t take this for granted. A good rule of thumb is to bring copies of your certifications and nursing license (if your state still does hard copies). It is also good to bring a notebook to note things like your computer login, passcodes, and directions.

Pack as if you are going to work the floor. Hopefully, you got an idea of your orientation schedule from your manager ahead of time, but on rare occasions, you may have to jump into patient care on your first day. Bring what you usually pack for a shift, and you’ll be ready for anything.

Toss a snack and a bottle of water in your bag. As a travel nurse, you may not have access to a fridge or microwave on your first day of orientation, so plan accordingly. Finding the cafeteria might be more of a task than you’re up to (or have time for). Make sure to have something that will get you through the day.

Get a Good Nights Sleep

I can’t stress this enough. Sleep is important, and your past few days have most likely been hectic, exciting, and chaotic. Take some time to relax (after you have your bag packed for work), have a glass of wine, soak in the tub, curl up on the couch, or whatever it is you do to help you relax.

Arm yourself with optimism.

Optimism is the best thing you can take with you on the first day of the new travel nurse contract! Know that there will be bumps along the way and that you will struggle to find supplies, be confused with the computer system, get lost on campus, and a myriad of other problems along the way. Accept it. Know that you are armed with the ability to carry on and get through it.

Expect the Unexpected

What should I expect? The unexpected! The first day on the job is never the same from one facility to another. You could experience any of the following on your first day of travel nurse orientation:

Full-Day General Orientation
Part/Full Day Testing
Computer Training
Formal outlined orientation or full-blown chaos
A brief overview of the unit and a Patient Assignment (Rare, but it could happen)
Sitting in an office with no one knowing what to do with you

If you think that list seems all over the place–it is. And it is the reality of travel nursing first days! Each assignment will be its own beast, so just roll with the punches.

As an experienced travel nurse, is there something that you have on your first-day list? Is there an item that you always forget? We would love to hear your first-day suggestions below!

By Joseph Smith @ Travel Tax

May 15, 2018

49353 Views

I Use an RV for Travel Nursing– Can I Deduct The Expenses?

Posted on May 15, 2018April 29, 2024 by Joseph Smith @ Travel Tax

Using an RV or 5th Wheel as your assignment lodging is a great way to work as a traveler. It removes the dreaded task of loading/unloading your vehicle with each assignment and having to find another apartment. Even though an RV, 5th Wheel, and Travel Trailer are similar terms, we will use the word “RV” to avoid repetition.
RVs are not cheap, and some cost more than a regular home. It’s quite an investment. Paying apartment rent at assignments is equally as expensive, and once spent, the money is gone. Unlike an RV, the place is still yours.

So…. Can you deduct your RV expenses?

If you rented an apartment at the assignment, you would deduct the expenses less any per diem you received. Since an RV is bought as a substitute for an apartment or rented home, you would think that RV expenses would also be deductible when used in the same manner.

First, let’s clear one hurdle.

To deduct ANY travel-related expense for assignments, a traveler must maintain a qualifying tax residence. Not just a permanent legal residence which is something different. A tax home is your Principal Place of income, OR when a person does not have a main place of work, their tax home can be at their principal residence if they have substantial expenses to maintain their dwelling that is duplicated when at an assignment.

Second, an RV must be a SECOND residence.

If you travel in an RV and do not maintain a job or have the main dwelling that you incur a financial burden for, we have failed the tests. Some RVers will leave behind an empty pad or vacant land and do not have a second residence for lodging. A pad or vacant land is not a dwelling.

Now that the basic stuff is covered, let’s get to our question about deducting the RV expenses.

RVs are considered a “residence” in the Tax Code

1) RVs are considered a “residence” in the Tax Code and, more specifically, a “dwelling unit.” Basically, anything that one can live in with adequate provisions for a living can rise to this level. RVs, boats, apartments, and homes are all included
in this category. Just as mortgage interest and real estate taxes are allowed as a deduction for the main residence, interest is paid on an RV and boat loan. Property taxes substitute for real estate taxes in RVs, so those payments to local governments are deductible as well.
But what about the rest of the expenses?

RVs fall under a peculiar part of the tax code

2) Since an RV is a “dwelling unit” and considered a residence, it falls under a peculiar part of the tax code (§280A ) that places specific restrictions on deductible expenses for dwelling units. Whenever one uses a dwelling for more than 14 days for personal lodging or >10% of days in which the dwelling unit is rented to other parties, deductions for the dwelling are limited to income derived from the RV or within the RV (like an office in the home) or not allowed at all.

Unfortunately, the rule in #2 answers the question that many travelers ask. It would be one thing to rent someone else’s RV on the road, but owning the RV as a residence triggers limitations that keep personal living expenses from becoming business expenses. Once you watch TV in the RV or do any personal act, you are using the RV for personal purposes as a dwelling and cannot deduct any further expenses. This is true even though you are using the RV as a second residence to deduct rent for an apartment at the assignment location normally. The ownership changes the deal.

Summary:

As a traveler using your RV as a work residence, you can deduct interest and taxes on the RV. You cannot deduct the costs of the RV nor depreciate the RV since it is used as a residence for> 14 days. As to the housing per diem, it applies to other expenses such as paying rent. Check out the TOP 10 Questions for Travel Nurses on Taxes.

References:
Jackson v Commissioner TC Memo 2014-160,
Dunford v Commissioner TC Memo 2013-189

By The Gypsy Nurse

February 19, 2018

12306 Views

How to Make Temporary Travel Nurse Housing Feel More Like “Home”

Posted on February 19, 2018January 3, 2024 by The Gypsy Nurse

Hey Gypsies! So you found yourself a new travel nurse assignment, and you just arrived at your new “home”! Congratulations! Now, try and make it feel a little cozier and more comfortable since it’s where you will be coming “home” to after every shift.

Making your new travel nurse temporary housing feel welcoming is an essential part of your health and happiness while on assignment. Below are a couple of examples of easy and inexpensive tips to help guide you through decorating temporary housing (without breaking the bank!) and making it feel more like home.

Candles and Diffusers:

The scent is known to trigger memories and feelings. Whether that smell takes you to a place or reminds you of a person, we’ve all had that experience. If you burn certain candles at home, bring that scent to your new temporary home. Different smells have different effects, and certain oils or incense can help make your home more inviting and calming!

Photographs:

Bring some pictures of loved ones, animals, and family with you and put them up in your bedroom, on the refrigerator, or buy some frames and hang them on the wall! Nothing beats the comfort of a reminder you feel when looking at pictures of people you care about or places you have been!

Art:

Not many things are more depressing than dull, generic walls. Grab some inexpensive artwork from discount stores like TJ Maxx or Marshall’s to spruce up the walls a bit. Wall decals are an awesome (and cheap) way to decorate as well, and the best part is that they easily peel off when you’re done with them.

Add some color:

Whether these colors are homelike themes or you want to go with a bright palette you’ve never tried before, color is a lively way of helping you forget that this home is temporary. If your housing is completely furnished, try buying a vibrant throw blanket to dress up the couch or substituting the comforter with a crazy quilt. Making your home away from home colorful will help it feel much less boring and bland.

Plants and Flowers:

Flowers are an attractive and fun addition to your temporary home furnishings. Grab low-cost flowers from the grocery or some easy-to-care-for green plants. Plants and flowers can brighten any room!

We hope these tips help you enjoy your 13 weeks (or more!) stay at your new assignment. Have other tips on how to make your temporary travel nurse housing feel more “homie” you would like to share with fellow gypsies? Please leave your decorating tips here in “comments.”

FIND TRAVEL NURSE HOUSING

By The Gypsy Nurse

February 18, 2018

13526 Views

Ask A Travel Nurse: Missed Shift Fees

Posted on February 18, 2018January 26, 2023 by The Gypsy Nurse

Gypsy,

Is it common for the agency to request monetary repayment for missed shifts? I’ve worked on two assignments, and this has never been part of my contracts before.

Thank you,
Anonymous RN

Thank you for reading The Gypsy Nurse. You have taken the first step on your journey to becoming A Gypsy Nurse.

It is common in this industry. I’ve worked for multiple agencies over the past 8 years of Travel Nursing, and only two did not have a dollar amount for missed shifts in their contracts. One used to allow two missed shifts per contract, but too many of their travelers abused it, so they no longer do.

The penalties are to cover housing costs. If you don’t work, the agency doesn’t get paid, but they must still pay for housing. The penalties should approximately equal the cost of housing.

Example: housing is $1200/month. The contract is for 36/hrs a week, 144 hours a month. $1200 divided by 144 = 8.30/hour. If the penalty seems excessively high, ask what housing costs are. If the agency has not secured specific housing yet, they may not have an exact figure, but they should have a general idea.

I had one contract in a smallish city, and the hourly missed shift penalty was equal to the housing costing the agency nearly $3000/month. I knew there was no way they would spend that amount and refused to accept it. They lowered it to a more realistic figure.

I love hearing the opinions of my readers. Your opinion could be the perfect solution for someone. Please share your thoughts below in the comments. Do you have a question for me? Fill out the Ask A Travel Nurse form and submit your questions.

(Disclaimer: Please note that this is the Authors opinion only. I do not provide career counseling, legal or medical consults. If you require any of these, please search out the appropriate resources)

Do you have any insight into missed shift fees? Comment them below to share those with fellow travel nurses.

By Katy

November 19, 2017

12081 Views

Travel Nurse in an RV: Amenities

Posted on November 19, 2017March 21, 2022 by Katy

The following article is provided by Katy, who works as a travel nurse and lives in an RV. Katy describes what things the travel nurse may look for in RV park Amenities.

RV Park amenities, what to look for and why you may need them

RV parks vary greatly in what they offer in the way of amenities. Everyone is unique in what they want and what they cannot live without. Following is a list of amenities that some parks offer and why you may need them.

30/50 amp service. Be sure that you specify what amp service you need. Some parks have only 30 amps or have a limited number of 50 amp spaces.

Pull though sites versus back in sites. This will be a personal preference. We like the back in sites because we love to leave the back window blinds open and look outside. Look at a park map to see what would be behind your space.

WIFI. This is an easy one. While some, but not all, parks offer WIFI, there may be limitations. Be sure and ask about those if this is something that you really need. Some parks offer WIFI for free and others require you to pay extra for it. Some parks also offer a computer near the office as an alternative to free WIFI.

Cable. Like WIFI some parks offer it for free and others require you to pay extra. We have a satellite dish installed so this is not mandatory for us.

Pool and hot tub. For me a hot tub is a must if I am going to pay more money for an RV space. Most RV’s do not have a bath tub and after a 12 hour shift a soak in a hot tub feels wonderful. Some questions to ask about the pool and hot tub. Is it indoors or outdoors? Is it heated? What are the hours? Is it seasonal or open all year?

On site laundry. Our rig has a washer and dryer on board but our last RV did not. If your RV does not have laundry facilities this will be a big one for you.

Exercise Room. The parks that offer exercise rooms vary greatly in what they offer. Some have a treadmill and a bike and that’s it, while others have a complete workout station. Check the website for pictures or ask about what is there.

Showers. While most people shower in their RV’s, there are times when you may want to use the showers at the park.

Dog Run. I do not have any animals with me, but if you do, you will need to ask about this. Most parks have rules about animals being on a leash. Some parks also have an area where your pet can run free without a leash. A dog wash station is an added bonus in some places.

Concrete pads. If I am paying extra I want a concrete area. Not only for the RV to sit on but for chairs, table, grills, etc. If the park has concrete slabs for RV’s and then grass, ask where you can set up your outdoor space. Some parks do not allow you to put anything on the grass and although it looks pretty, you have a limited amount of outside area to be in. In our current park there is limited grass and no concrete. We have a large outdoor rug purchased at an RV store to set up our outdoor space on.

BBQ’s and open fires. I have never had a problem using my propane grill, but during fire season charcoal grills are sometimes banned. Some parks have fire rings that allow open fires. These are usually found in state parks although some parks in country settings have them also.

Playground. If you have children, this will be a must for you. A nice safe area for the children to get outside and run around will be high on your list.

Propane filling station. It is a nice perk to have. I have been at a park where you can set your bottles out and they will pick up, fill them, and return them to your site.

Washing your car or RV. Most parks have rules against washing your car at your site, but most have some alternative to getting your RV clean. We have had some that encourage you to do it yourself, some that have an RV washing area and some that require you to hire someone to come out and do it.

Social gatherings. Large parks tend to have social events scheduled, such as karaoke, bingo, happy hours, and pot lucks. If you are a social person this is a great way to meet others in the park and can be lots of fun.

This list covers the most common amenities but is sure to look at web pages of the parks you are considering for more.

By The Gypsy Nurse

October 21, 2017

71061 Views

A Travel Nurse on Assignment In An RV

Posted on October 21, 2017October 10, 2023 by The Gypsy Nurse

I recently published a 3-part Series on Travel Nurse Housing Options. The option that I am least familiar with is RV Travel.

Travel Nursing in an RV isn’t my specialty (actually, I know nothing at all about it and won’t pretend to).

I consulted with long-time RV traveler Karen B. Karen has provided the following article to help clear a few things up when taking an assignment as a Travel Nurse in your RV.

Karen is a solo female traveler and has been a Travel Nurse since 2000. She has worked on approximately 24 assignments in WA, OR, CA, NV, and NM. Karen has traveled exclusively via RV since 2005. Karen works in L&D and NICU II.
On Assignment In My RV
Karen B., RN

Travel Nursing in an RV

“The RV lifestyle is a fabulous way for me to make some extra $$$ and to live in the comfort of my own things. I am a solo female Travel Nurse (in her 60s) who has been traveling in her RV for the past 10 years. Before that, I took the housing my company provided and found that I had to haul half my house with me anyway. I like sharp knives, good pots and pans, coffee makers, towels, bedding, etc. Well, you get the picture. I had a Chevy Tahoe at the time, and it was always FULL of all the “must-haves” I needed. I had a perfect RV parked at home but hadn’t really thought about using it for travel. It just seemed so much easier to take the housing provided.

Well, after a couple of not-so-great housing mishaps, I decided to hit the road in my RV. It has been the perfect solution for me. There are advantages and disadvantages to this lifestyle. For me, the good outweighs the bad in a big way.

Let’s talk about some of the advantages first.

I keep my motor home packed with everything I need except my scrubs, electronics, and food. So, no more packing and unpacking. I travel with a small dog, so I never have to pay a pet deposit. I take the company stipend, which pays for my RV spot with money left for my motor-home expenses, monthly payment, insurance, gas fund, slush fund, etc. RV spaces are rented for different prices in different areas. Some spaces include everything, and others require you to pay for electricity. Where I am now, I pay $500.00 a month, which includes electricity, cable, and wifi. Of course, sewer and water are standard. Hooking up your RV when you get to your location is usually very easy. Plug in your electric, cable (if you have it), and water, and connect your sewer hose, and you are all set up. Sometimes, you need to level your rig, and that can be done either with jacks or special leveling blocks under the tires.

Independence is another huge advantage. IF my assignment is canceled by either the hospital, company or myself, there are no huge paybacks. Most housing is secured for 3 months by companies, and if your assignment ends for whatever reason, you are often liable for reimbursement to the company for the balance.

Disadvantages

RV Parks can be difficult to find, depending on where your assignment is located. In the bigger, busier cities, it seems the RV parks are further out of town and can be very expensive. Not impossible to find. Just depends on how far you are willing to commute. Some RV parks do not take monthly residents, although I haven’t really had a problem with that aspect. Some that do take monthly residents have a lot of undesirable people in them, in my opinion, so finding the right RV park can take some research. Most of it depends on how well-run the RV park is and if they have specific rules for monthly residents.

Another aspect is weather dependent. An RV is a “tin box,” so you must be prepared for very hot or very cold weather. Some RV’s are labeled “4 Season” and have Thermopane windows, heated bays where your water and connections are located, and extra insulation. I personally choose to remain in a milder climate during the winter and away from the desert in the summer.

During my time off, I have a “beach house, mountain cabin, or desert-dwelling.” I can also spend time visiting areas along the way to or from my assignment that interest me for a few days. I have a “sticks and bricks” house, so definitely have a tax home and am eligible for the tax-free perks.

The interest on an RV loan is also deductible on your income tax as a second home, which is another plus for me.

Gas prices tend to influence my choice of assignments. I am not going to drive across the USA for a 3-month assignment because the reimbursement doesn’t even begin to cover my costs. If the assignment is for 6 months, I might consider it. But who is going to take a 6-month assignment? Not me. I might stay somewhere for 6 months, but I wouldn’t know that until I was there for a while. So, for me, if I wanted to go on assignment a long distance away, I would probably take the company housing.

There is maintenance on an RV, just like on a home or automobile. I put some of my stipends away for those incidentals. And yes, I have had incidentals. The hot water heater and air conditioner needed repair, but I had the money in my slush fund for the repair (so it does happen).

There are many types and styles of RV’s. Class A, B, B+, C, trailers, fifth wheels, van conversions, and campers. There are lots of websites out there to help you decide what would work for you and what you can afford.”

I just want to take a minute to thank Karen for the informative article. Are you considering travel nursing in an RV? What questions do you have? Have you previously traveled via RV and would like to contribute to The Gypsy Nurse? Get in touch! The success of The Gypsy Nurse depends on contributions like the above from Karen. I don’t profess to ‘know everything,’ but I am determined to find the information and provide it to you here. Help me Help Others by contributing!

Please share your thoughts on travel nursing in an RV, questions, and comments below.

If you are a new travel nurse or looking into becoming a travel nurse:

START HERE

Travel Nurse Guide: Step-by-Step (now offered in a PDF Downloadable version!)

By The Gypsy Nurse

July 8, 2017

19154 Views

Travel Nurse Housing: How to Choose the Right RV

Posted on July 8, 2017April 29, 2024 by The Gypsy Nurse

Karen Bell has provided the following information.

Karen is a solo female traveler and has been a Travel Nurse since 2000. She has worked approximately 24 assignments in WA, OR, CA, NV, and NM. Karen has traveled exclusively via RV since 2005. Karen works in L&D and NICU II.

Travel Nurse Housing: Choosing the right RV for your travels can be a daunting undertaking. I, fortunately, had been “camping” for many years, so I was aware of many of the positives and negatives of each type of RV.

Some of your choices will be dictated by finances, family, security, personal preferences, and many other variables unique to each of us. I will attempt to explain some of the differences, but I have not had the pleasure of having every type of RV.

Choosing the Right RV: My routine

I have a 35 ft Class A Motorhome.

I chose this specifically because of the ease of setup, safety, and enough room so I don’t feel confined. I have it set up to tow my AWD SUV. I did not want to drive a large truck as my only vehicle. Once on assignment, I love to go exploring and take many side trips, so a vehicle with a little better fuel economy was my choice. My Motorhome is not easy on gas, but at least once I get where I am going, I can remain parked and drive my SUV. My travel money helps defray the cost of travel. I don’t usually take assignments across the country as the cost would be astronomical for just a 3-month assignment.

Safety was another concern for me. People are unable to tell if I have a house full of people with me or if I am alone. When I stop somewhere for lunch or a restroom break, I don’t have to get out of my rig. And if I do, they don’t know who is left behind.

Once I arrive at the RV park, setting up is easy.

Level, plug in the electricity, hook up the water and cable, and attach the sewer hoses. I am done!! Class C Motorhomes are the same for setting up. I think the dreaded sewer hoses are the thing most of my friends think is SO hard. In reality, it is very simple. Attach to the outlet (usually just swivels and locks into place) of the Motorhome, and place the other end in the campgrounds septic outlet (I have a sandbag I put on top just so there are no issues of it coming out of the outlet). Open the valve on the Motorhome.

Choosing the Right RV: Types of RVs

Travel Trailers

Travel Trailer towing I know very little about but have watched many a person set them up. Seems the basics are the same for setting up. However, towing seems a little daunting to me as they talk about weight distribution hitches, sway bars, brake controllers, and jacks. You need the right-sized truck designed to be able to tow the chosen trailer. Salesmen will sell you anything and tell you, “Your truck can do it,” but that is not true in many instances. Do your research.

Fifth Wheels

Fifth wheels seem to me to be the biggest “bang for your buck”. They tow very well, are very roomy, and come in all sizes and prices. Again, you need the right size truck for the RV. I have watched people set these up, and they seem very labor-intensive. If I did not travel alone and had a spouse, this would probably be my preferred choice. I just don’t have some of the physical strength required to deal with the hitch and jacks, etc. Although I understand many of them to have electric jacks, which makes that easier.

My best suggestion is to go to RV shows, Sales lots, internet, and look at all the different types of RV’s. When you think you have found “the one”, then research the manufacturer, reviews, complaints, and customer service.

No one manufacturer is perfect. Some are just better than others. Hope to see you on the road.

Do you use an RV for your travel nurse housing? Have you found any tips for choosing the right RV? Comment them and any other RV travel nurse tips below.

More Travel Nurse RV Resources:
Katy Blythe is another Travel Nurse traveling full-time in an RV. Katy writes at Blogspot about her experiences: http://rnrvfulltime.blogspot.com/

If you are a new travel nurse or looking into becoming a travel nurse:

START HERE

Travel Nurse Housing Safety, Security, and Condition

Assess the safety and security of the apartment location, complex and surrounding area.

Talk with your neighbors.

Learn the area.

The importance of researching the safety of your short-term housing

Moving In

Here are a few reminders of things to check

A few items that you should also ask once you have decided to move in:

IMPORTANT:

Travel Nurse Housing Safety, Security and Condition isn’t up to par: What to do?

Related Posts

Charting Your Journey: Experience Required for Travel Nursing – Years and Criteria

Tips for Small Space Living

Disasters, Outbreaks & What You Can do to Protect Yourself

Categories

Hot Jobs

Recent Articles

Your Travel Nurse Home

Here are a few things to keep in mind as you settle into your new home as a travel nurse:

A few more items to complete:

Organize a grocery list:

Related Posts

Learning by Default: Homeschooling on the Road

Nursing Care Plan: Whinorrhea

19 Travel Nurse Tips

Categories

Hot Jobs

Recent Articles

Test Run Your First Day as a Travel Nurse

Pre-pack Your Nurse Bag

Get a Good Nights Sleep

Arm yourself with optimism.

Expect the Unexpected

Related Posts

5 Tips to Bolster your Travel Nurse Resume

How to Keep in Touch With Family and Friends When You’re Working as a Travel Nurse

A Day in the Life of a Covid Nurse

Categories

Hot Jobs

Recent Articles

So…. Can you deduct your RV expenses?

First, let’s clear one hurdle.

Second, an RV must be a SECOND residence.

RVs are considered a “residence” in the Tax Code

RVs fall under a peculiar part of the tax code

Summary:

Related Posts

Travel Nursing: Thoughts from a Traveling Child

Frequently Asked Friday: Finding Love as a Travel Nurse

Frequently Asked Friday: How to Handle Bullying in the Workplace

Categories

Hot Jobs

Recent Articles

Candles and Diffusers:

Photographs:

Art:

Add some color:

Plants and Flowers:

Related Posts

10 Best Places to Live

5 Easy Ways to Make a Space Feel Like Home

Tips for Surviving the Travel Nursing Housing Crunch

Categories

Hot Jobs

Recent Articles

(Disclaimer: Please note that this is the Authors opinion only. I do not provide career counseling, legal or medical consults. If you require any of these, please search out the appropriate resources)

Related Posts

5 Traits Sought-After Travel Nurses Share

Tips and Advice for New Travel Nurses

Understanding the Nursing Shortage

Categories

Hot Jobs

Recent Articles

Related Posts

5 Things to Keep in Mind During Your Travel Nurse Housing Search

Step #13: Sealing the Deal

Diagnosis: Whinorrhea

Categories

Hot Jobs

Recent Articles