The third option that many travel nurses choose, is to carry their home with them in the form of an RV. Using an RV Travel Nurse housing as an alternative has many advantages.
I’ll be brief on this because I’m not as well educated on RV living as I am with the previous two options. There are a lot of travel nurses that choose to take their homes with them and there are some distinct advantages to doing so.
Advantages
If you have a tax-home and are eligible for the tax-free perks, your travel nurse housing stipend can actually make both your lot rent payments as well as your RV payments. I have spoken to several travel nurses that have done that very thing.
You only have to go through the riggers of packing once. To many, this in itself is reason enough to go through the trials of RV ownership.
When you choose RV travel nurse housing and living in an RV park there are no outside chores to do. No lawn to cut. If the wind should blow down a tree or tree limb the park cleans up the mess. Oops a dog got into the trash…park managers job. Essentially the only upkeep you must maintain is the home itself.
If you get tired of living in one spot or you just don’t like the neighbors you just crank up and move on.
If your planning to explore this option, I would advise you to reach out to the RV communities both in your local area as well as online and do as much research as possible beforehand. There are a multitude of resources for RV living.
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.
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:
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:
The discussions at the RV Living RoundTable this year at the conference was varied and informative.
The round table discussions were attended by gypsies who have never lived in an RV, dreamers planning for their first assignment, gypsies who live in their RV’s now who just want more information, and gypsies who have a lot of experience with RV living and were willing to share it. The Round Table was formatted as a question answer and discussion format so anyone with a question could get help.
As winter is approaching, the main questions were related to living in an RV during the cold weather season.
My first experience with winter weather happened about a week after moving into the 5th wheel. We had bought a four season RV and thought that as long as we had the heaters on and the underbelly was heated we were fine. Then we woke up and the water line (from the faucet to the RV) was frozen, the sewer line (from the RV to the sewer) was frozen and our fresh water tank was empty. We learned several lessons from this experience.
You must have a heated water hose going into the RV. You can make your own using heat tape but we chose to buy a heated water hose. We bought the Pirit brand.
Keep the grey and black water sewer lines closed during freezing weather. Remember when you empty, empty the black water first, then the grey water to flush the line.
Another question was how to most economically heat the RV in the winter time?
At most parks, electric is included, but most RVs heat with propane. The answer that most of us came up with was to heat with electric space heaters unless the temperature is below freezing. You must use the propane to heat when the temperature drops close to freezing so that your underbelly will be heated and your waterlines will not freeze. Some RV’s have heat pumps that work on electric and a furnace that works on propane.
Where to park your RV on assignment was also addressed.
The most important thing I can say to this is to stay where you feel safe. For some people this would be a traditional RV park. Others, like me, are comfortable staying at alternate places such as a mobile home park that accepts RV’s or a place on private property that has RV spaces. The more open you are the more diverse the rates will be.
I have a blog that tells of some of my experiences with RV living and the road to that first assignment. You can find it at http://rnrvfulltime.blogspot.com I would love to answer any other questions that you have. There are several RV forums on the internet that will also help answer your questions.
