The holidays are upon us, and it’s time to start thinking about what gifts you might want to get the nurse in your life! I have put together a holiday gift guide for travel healthcare professionals. I’m breaking down these gift ideas into three categories: Nurses/Student Nurses, Travel Nurses, and RV Travel Nurses. A lot of these are functional, but some are also just plain cute and would make for some great work accessories.
Nurses/Student Nurses
Badge reels. These are always great, inexpensive gifts to get the nurse in your life. You can find them on Amazon or Etsy, and can be personalized to the nurse you are purchasing for! Here’s a super cute option, but there are tons of others.
Badge pens/markers. These come in handy and are another great stocking stuffer/inexpensive gift you will be thanked for!
Personalized water bottle/coffee cup. You really can’t go wrong with this option because 1) most nurses love cups/bottles with cute or funny sayings and 2) getting nurses motivated to drink more water during their shifts is never a bad thing!
Fleece/jacket. Hospitals get CHILLY. Bonus points if you get the jacket personalized!
Blue light glasses/safety glasses. Nurses spend long hours staring at computer screens/charting. We also spend a lot of time at the bedside performing interventions that could potentially expose us to a lot of germs. A great gift would either be to get regular blue light glasses for all the time spent at the computer or a combination of blue light blockers/safety glasses like these.
Travel Nurses
Packing cubes/vacuum storage bags. It’s no secret that travel nurses do a lot of packing/moving. Why not get the travel nurse in your life something they can use often and they will be forever grateful for? Packing cubes and vacuum storage bags are great gifts and will help them stay organized every time they have to move!
Digital Photo Frame. Photos help you feel close to friends and family when you are physically far away from them, but traveling with dozens of picture frames can be difficult. Get your travel nurse a digital photo frame that can hold hundreds of photos in one, so they don’t have to worry about taking tons of individual frames.
Portable battery. Bound to be either on the road or on an adventure, your travel nurse may run into a dead or dying phone battery or may need to charge their cameras up to capture their latest adventure. Portable batteries are so handy to have and should be on everyone’s wish list!
White Noise Machine. Sleeping in a new place can be noisy, especially if your travel nurse is asleep during the day. White noise machines are a great and thoughtful gift to help them get their Zs. Opt for one with an optional timer so they won’t have to worry about it going off in the middle of their sleep!
RV Travel Nurses
Propane Fire Pit. Part of the fun of being a full-time RVer is getting to feel like you are camping all the time. What gets you more in the camping spirit than a campfire? Some RV parks, however, do not allow your traditional wood-burning fire pits, so propane fire pits are a great gift for the RV travel nurse in your life!
Roadside Assistance Emergency Kit. When you have a full-time RV, you do a lot of driving. You never know when an emergency will happen, and it’s always good to be prepared.
Small space heater. RVs can get cold in the wintertime, and space heaters come in handy always! This is a relatively inexpensive yet thoughtful gift for the RV travel nurse in your life.
Harvest Hosts Membership. Harvest Host campgrounds are places RVers/van lifers can stay all over the country and are typically found at wineries, breweries, farms, and other unique places. In order to stay at these places, though, you need to be a member. This is a great gift to give the adventurous RV travel nurse, you know to give them a full year of cool overnight stays!
National Parks Pass. Give the RV travel nurse the gift of one year of free access to all the national parks in the United States with this awesome gift!
We hope you found this holiday gift guide helpful. Do you have any other ideas that we should include in our next holiday gift guide? Comment them below.
Travel nursing is a great career choice because it allows nurses to travel across the country or even around the globe. This job also offers flexible hours and the chance to earn extra income from home.
However, finding the perfect travel nurse housing rental isn’t always easy. You want to choose a place with good amenities, such as a pool, gym, laundry facilities, etc. Also, you don’t want to pay too much for rent.
Here are five things you should consider when searching for travel nurse housing rentals.
How Do Travel Nurses Find Housing?
Travel nurses often find themselves looking for affordable housing while working in a different city. While many travel nurse agencies out there specialize in providing housing for travel nurses, most aren’t very good at it. They usually just hand over a list of apartments or houses that they’ve found. This isn’t ideal because it doesn’t allow you to pick what works best for you.
However, there are agencies out there that do a better job. These agencies actually work directly with landlords and property managers, allowing them to make sure that the properties are safe, clean, and well-maintained. In addition, they’ll take care of everything for you, including finding you a roommate if necessary.
The downside is that these agencies charge a fee upfront. Some charge up to $1,500 per month, while others charge around $500 per month. But, depending on how much money you want to spend on rent, this could end up being a small price to pay.
3 Factors to Consider When Choosing Your Next Housing
1. Location
The location of your accommodation is important. Is it near public transportation? Are there good restaurants nearby? What are the crime stats like? Does it have a pool? How much does rent cost? These questions can help you determine whether or not a certain area is worth considering.
2. Amenities
If you end up choosing a house or apartment, make sure that it offers amenities that you’ll actually use. For example, do you really need a dishwasher? Will you actually cook meals there? Can you store luggage safely? Make sure you know what you’re getting into.
3. Safety
Safety is another factor to take into consideration. Some places are safer than others. Ask around to see how safe a neighborhood seems. Also, check online forums to see if anyone else has been robbed or assaulted while staying in a particular area.
7 Tips for Finding Travel Nurse Housing
1. Ask about security deposits
Most landlords require a security deposit ranging anywhere from $500-$1000, depending on where you live. Make sure you ask about it upfront. You don’t want to find out later that you’ve been charged too much.
2. Check references
Your landlord may provide references for previous tenants, but it’s always best to check online. If you find anything suspicious, you’ll know immediately. Ask around and find out what people think about the property manager and ask friends and family members if they’ve heard anything about the landlord. If there are many negative ones, it might mean that the landlord isn’t very trustworthy.
3. Find out about pet policies
Some properties allow pets; some do not. This is something to consider before signing a lease. If you plan on bringing your dog along with you, be sure to let your landlord know ahead of time so he/she can prepare accordingly.
4. Research Local Amenities
When searching for furnished housing rentals, one of the most important things to research is the neighborhood itself. Look for areas that offer amenities such as grocery stores, restaurants, parks, etc. These are often considered “must haves” when moving to a new city.
5. Know what you’re paying for
It’s easy to get caught up in all the excitement when searching for an apartment, but you should also keep track of what you’re spending. Don’t sign a lease without knowing exactly how much you’re spending.
6. Do an inspection
Before you sign any paperwork, make sure that you inspect the place thoroughly. Look for things such as mold, leaks, and other potential problems. Don’t forget to look under sinks and behind appliances.
7. Consider Extended Stay Hotels
Extended-stay hotels are typically located near airports or major highways. They offer guests many of the same amenities as regular hotels, such as free Wi-Fi, cable TV, laundry facilities, and roomy suites. These hotels often feature kitchenettes, making it easy for travelers to cook meals or keep snacks handy.
While some travelers prefer the convenience of staying in one place for several days, others enjoy the freedom of being able to move around town without having to worry about finding a hotel. Extended-stay hotels make traveling easier for both types of people.
With a little planning, you can find an extended-stay hotel that suits your needs. Check out our guide to finding the best extended-stay hotels.
Conclusion
Finding travel nurse housing can be difficult, especially if you have no experience doing so. However, once you start looking, you’ll quickly realize that this type of accommodation doesn’t come along every day. Take advantage of these tips and tricks to help you find the perfect place to call home.
Traveling is fun, but it’s also stressful. There are so many different aspects to consider, but if done right, you can find the perfect home away from home!
Most experienced travel nurses would agree that when you are looking for housing it is easiest to find something that comes fully furnished. Whether you are renting a room in someone’s home or a more private space, ideally you won’t have to worry about bringing any linens, basic kitchen tools, or larger electronics like a TV. Most travelers typically prefer these fully furnished rentals because they don’t have to worry about overpacking their car or moving home items from place to place.
While some travel nurses will rent these types of spaces and can manage to pack everything into a suitcase or two, it can be nice to bring a few extra items to make your stay more comfortable. Here are five small items you can bring to make your thirteen weeks in a fully furnished rental just a little better.
1. Your Favorite Pillow
There is nothing like getting off from a stretch of three shifts, feeling dead tired, taking a nice hot shower, and curling up in your comfy bed. However, each person’s definition of “comfy” may be a little different. Landlords will typically provide a decent bed with all the necessary accompaniments, but obviously each individual will have different preferences for their sleeping arrangements. A pillow is great because it doesn’t take up much space, adds a homey touch, and helps make that much-deserved sleep after a long shift that much better.
2. A Good Kitchen Knife
If you enjoy cooking on your days off, most landlords provide basic pots and pans, utensils, and dishes in their furnished rentals. But no matter how nice the landlord and rental has been, I have yet to stay at a short-term rental with a decent (aka sharp) kitchen knife. Nicer knives are typically expensive, so this makes sense from a practicality standpoint. I simply bring my own medium-sized kitchen knife that I know will work for any of the basic cooking I need to do while on assignment.
3. Your Favorite Coffee Mug and Water Bottle
Keeping your coffee or tea hot for work is a must for most nurses, as is having a water bottle handy to attempt to stay hydrated during shifts. Personally, I love Yeti and Hydroflask products for both work and travel purposes. Since you won’t be stocking up on a bunch of different travel mugs or random water bottles, buy a good quality version of each and you’ll be set.
4. A Laptop Computer
Even if you use your phone for almost everything you do on the internet, as a travel nurse it is helpful to have at least a cheap laptop with you. First of all, some sites you may want to use don’t work well on mobile versions. Second, when you are doing onboarding or credentialing for future jobs you will likely need a laptop to manage paperwork, do online modules, or renew certifications. It is rare that your host will have a computer for you to use, so having one before you set out for your assignment will make your life that much easier in the long run.
5. A Pet Blanket or Bed
It can be hit or miss on whether or not landlords allow pets. If you choose to travel with a furry companion, keep in mind that your etiquette and consideration while living in a rental with your pet will likely directly affect whether or not pets are allowed in the future. Landlords may request that you avoid letting your animals on furniture if they are particularly worried about wear and tear. Regardless, it is courteous to bring some sort of cover for the furniture or bed for your pet. This will help contain any pet hair and saves you the trouble of having to lint roll like crazy before you leave to avoid extra cleaning fees.
Living in a furnished rental definitely cuts down on the amount of packing you will have to do prior to setting out for your travel assignment. This is great because it also cuts back on the number of trips you will have to make hauling things back and forth from your car. However, bringing a few extra items to make your space more comfortable or life a little easier is a great idea. Even if your job is “temporary,” three months is long enough to want to feel settled in and happy about your space.
We hope that you found these 5 things to pack for a fully furnished rental helpful. Do you have any other items to add to this list? Comment them below.
Bio:
Alex McCoy – Alex is a pediatric travel nurse and the content manager of Furnished Finder, the leader in affordable travel nurse housing, and is part of a travel healthcare duo. Married to her physical therapist high school sweetheart, Alex has a passion for the traveling healthcare worker. Click here to read more articles from Alex McCoy.
All travel nurses must face the same daunting question when it comes to planning their housing for an assignment; Should you rent private housing or a shared home? It’s a question that comes with many pros and cons, so let’s break it down.
Private Room, Shared Spaces
When the idea of shared housing is brought up, we know that many people immediately think of college dorms or rentals. But this is a different situation and a completely different lifestyle than college days! Many homes are available for rent (check out Furnished Finder!) with individual private rooms and shared living and kitchen spaces.
Pros of a private room- shared spaces:
The cost savings is the first and arguably largest advantage of renting a room within a shared home. Prices for private rooms are typically much lower than renting the entire home as the expenses are shared and split up between tenants. We know travelers and travel nurses have budgets to keep in mind, which is a great way to save some money on rent!
Another great perk about renting a private room within a shared home is the chance to meet other travelers or perhaps residents of the local area. Some homes are rented to all travelers, and other homes may have long-term tenants or even the owner residing in other parts of the home. What better way to meet new friends and get the scoop on the local areas than to live with someone?!
Cons of a private room- shared spaces:
Sometimes there can be a conflict with roommates or those sharing a living space. However, this is much less common with professional roommates. Be sure to set clear expectations and have an open and respectful line of communication; many conflicts can be avoided before they even happen.
Entire Homes- private housing
Just like it sounds, renting an entire home means that it’s you, you, and only you (or perhaps you and a spouse or family member!) in the home. No sharing of common spaces – everything is yours!
Pros of entire homes:
Total privacy! Although it may seem obvious, this perk is a big perk for those who may have varying hours, work nights, or just tend to be more private travelers. You won’t need to worry about potentially waking someone else up if you’re headed in to work late (or early!), and vice versa if you are trying to sleep.
Additionally, with an entire home rental, you can live according to your own habits without worrying about others who you live with. Keep the thermostat how you like, clean it on your own accord, etc. As long as you are within your lease limits, you get to determine how you keep things!
Cons of an entire home
When you’re the only tenant, you’re also the only one to assume all housekeeping responsibilities. Any terms agreed to in your lease are on your shoulders. This may not be a big deal for some, but for others, it may be difficult with schedules and workloads. Remember that different types of homes require different types of maintenance (and per your lease). An apartment may have minimal outdoor upkeep, for example, but an entire single-family home may require you to do yard upkeep if agreed upon.
Whichever you prefer – a private room within a shared space or an entire unit (private housing) – find a home that excites you! On Furnished Finder, you’ll find everything from apartments and townhouses to single-family homes, cottages, back houses, and guest suites! You may even find an RV or a tiny home!
In recent years, full-time RV living has taken the world by storm. All it takes is a few scrolls on Instagram or TikTok before you see a post of someone living this lifestyle. Most of the time, people rave about living in an RV and seem incredibly content in their choice to downsize and live in a tiny home on wheels.
Oscar and I decided early in our travel nursing journey that RV living was the right move for us, but we have learned a lot along the way. Most of these things we wish we knew before we got started. Hopefully, this article can shed some light on what it is really like living in an RV and what you should definitely know before jumping into becoming a full-time RVer.
It isn’t cheap
A big reason Oscar and I chose to live this lifestyle was because we thought that it would be cheaper in the long run. For the most part, we were right; however…we were also very wrong. RV living, like most things, can be as luxurious or as basic as you want. To get started, you will need to have or invest in a great towing vehicle. We started out with Oscar’s relatively new Chevrolet Silverado because we weren’t ready to invest in a bigger and more powerful vehicle at the time.
Our Silverado gave us a good 6-8 months before it finally gave out on us. We learned from that point forward that diesel trucks really are the best way to go if you want something that is going to last and get the towing job done well. These vehicles do NOT come cheap, though and we sort of begrudgingly went through with the purchase because we knew we would be living in the RV for years to come, and to us, it was more than worth the investment.
Choose your RV
Next up, of course, you will need to choose your RV. Again, you can go as basic or luxurious as you want, so this is up to your preference. However, be prepared to spend a decent amount. After all, this is going to be your home, and you don’t want to get something you end up hating. For this reason, make sure you look at RVs in person! This gives you the opportunity to walk around the inside and get a good feel for the size of the RV. Trust me; this is a step you do not want to miss! Pictures only do a trailer so much justice. I would recommend using a website like rvtrader.com to compare the different costs of the RV model you like in different states (our exact RV model costs double in Virginia than it did in Texas!).
Let’s talk accessories.
Boy, you can really go all out with this part. However, there are some basics you will certainly need, and that’ll cost you a few hundred dollars. Some RV shops include these items with the purchase of your RV, which is a major plus, but not always. These basics include two sewer hoses (in case one isn’t long enough to reach the sewer connection at the RV park), plastic sewer hose support (this is where your sewer hose will sit when it’s connected), 3 water hoses (a heated one – you can find these on amazon – hopefully we will have a store up soon where we can link these items!, a spare water hose, and one to flush out black water tank – make sure you NEVER use the black water tank hose for your regular drinking water!), water pressure regulator (controls the water pressure coming into the RV), and power chord for electricity and surge protector.
It would also be a good idea to have an adapter for 30/50 amp service (these come in handy when you park at an RV site that only has 30 amp service and your setup is 30 or 50 amp). 50 amp service is better because it allows you to run multiple electronics/ACs at once without tripping the breaker, but not all RV parks have this service.
Another great basic to have is a water filter that you will connect to your heated water hose/freshwater drinking hose. Some other basic things you should have on hand are an extra extension cord, tools such as a power drill and toolkit that comes with screwdrivers/ratchets, and level/leveling blocks to ensure your RV is not tilting to one side.
Lastly, let’s talk about the cost of an RV spot.
This is going to depend highly on where you are and at which time of the year. For example, RV parks in Florida during the month of December will cost a lot more than an RV spot in a colder place during the winter. The same applies for summertime and spots up north (think Washington, Idaho, etc.). RV parks can charge up to $3,000 monthly for a spot in these desirable locations. However, keep in mind that furnished places can cost just about as much, so you aren’t really losing too much money there. Plus, you don’t have to worry about moving in and out of your RV – you’re already moved in!
Spots can be hard to find
Speaking of RV parks, let’s talk about finding one. Due to the recent increase in people purchasing RVs and wanting to live this lifestyle, RV parks have been filling up faster than ever. This poses a unique challenge to travel nurses, especially because this can make or break whether you take an assignment in a certain place.
For our summer assignment last year in Eastern Washington, I must’ve called 15-20 RV parks multiple times in hopes of finding a spot. It wasn’t until the 3rd time I called a specific RV park that I was able to secure us a spot. Even still, the RV park was ~30 min away from the hospital, but we were even willing to drive further just to have a spot. Be prepared for long commutes to and from work in certain areas if RV parks are hard to come by.
I’m not sure why we didn’t think this would be an issue before we decided to embark on our RV adventure, but I am here to tell you that it has been stressful at times finding us spots on the road and while on assignment. This may mean you need to look at the types of places you want to work and perhaps consider working there during a shoulder season (aka not a tourist season!) in order to easily find a spot. You can also search Facebook groups for private listings as well if you get really desperate.
Learning curves galore
Thankfully, Oscar has taken on much of the learning curves that we have experienced since living in our RV full time, but I am here to tell you that there has been A LOT of learning.
Some of the learning includes:
learning how to prep the inside and outside for long travels
how to get the RV hooked up and secured before towing
how to drive and park the trailer (this is a huge one and one I have yet to partake in!)
how to perform the required maintenance
figuring out how often to dump your black and gray tanks
understanding what blank and gray tanks even are
having the right tools/accessories to keep our RV functioning appropriately
troubleshooting when things go wrong
and the list goes on and on.
There are tons of resources available to help you on this new journey (YouTube, for instance), but really the best way to learn is to just get on the road and start doing it yourself! An important thing to remember is to be patient with yourself and allow yourself the time to learn these new skills. You aren’t going to understand it all in one day so take as much time as you need!
Another important tip: RVs are not always made very well. This is an unfortunate truth, but something good to know regardless. It doesn’t always matter what type or brand of trailer you get; sometimes, they are just not made well. Therefore, it’s not a matter of if things will break, but when! Don’t get discouraged when this happens, but learn to roll with the punches. This is the only way you are going to survive RV life!
You will need to downsize… A LOT
This should come as no surprise to most of you, but it is still something that I am reminded of almost daily. You really don’t realize how much you have until you are forced to live out of small closets and storage bins! Luckily for us, the RV we chose has a great amount of storage, so that has helped. However, it still can only handle one season’s wardrobe at a time – our home back in Texas serves as our major “storage unit” where we keep all off-season clothing, but not everyone has this option.
If RV living is something you are serious about, I invite you to go through all your things now and donate what you don’t use on a daily/weekly basis. In doing so, you are setting yourself up for success when you do finally move into your RV. It’s been incredibly nice to live a more minimalistic lifestyle, but we are still guilty of filling our RV up more than we should from time to time. We are still learning!
It isn’t as scary as we thought.
Finally, I wish we knew just how much we love living this way before getting started. Like everything, there are pros and cons to full-time RV living, but for us, the pros heavily outweigh the cons. We have learned so much about ourselves, about each other, how to problem solve, how to not sweat the small things, and how to enjoy the moment so much more.
We have realized we don’t need a lot to live a happy, fulfilled lifestyle. There is something special about knowing you have your home with you wherever you go, and it brings a sense of comfort and consistency to a travel nurse’s ever-changing and sometimes chaotic life. I can honestly say that after a year of living this way, I can’t imagine our travel nurse experience any other way. This lifestyle is certainly not for everyone, but one thing is for sure: it is definitely for us!
There are many today who are choosing rental homes over hotel rooms or other short-term housing. The industry is changing drastically, and it has become effortless for a person to rent out their home or condo on a short-term or long-term basis. However, if one is looking to turn their home into a rental, there are a few things they must consider and prepare before opening up their home to others.
Determine if the Home Is Suitable
In some instances, a person may be looking to buy a property to become a rental, and a first-time home buyer may find the process overwhelming. But it is not impossible when given the proper knowledge and preparation. The first step is determining if the property would be suitable for a rental.
There are a few questions to ask when considering if the property would be a good place for people to rent out for a vacation or short or long-term housing. One thing to ask is whether or not the location is desirable? Are there any popular attractions nearby or amenities that would draw people to the home? What might be something unique about the property that may draw people? And are there any other rental properties close by or even in the same neighborhood? These are just some questions to ponder.
There is also the critical task of finding out if the property can be legally rented out short term. Each state, city, county, or even homeowners association could have strict rules and regulations regarding vacation rentals. It will be vital to learn them before opening up the property for rental.
Decisions to Make
Once it is determined that the property would be suitable to become a rental, the next step would be making a few decisions about how this rental will be run. The first decision will be choosing the time frame of when a person could rent out the property. Will it be seasonal, year-round, or short-term? That will entirely depend on the property owner’s schedule and if they need the home on certain days throughout the year. It may also depend on the location’s regulations on rental properties.
Another thing to decide is whether or not the entire property will be rented out or if a portion will be available. When considering the answer to this question, some things to think about would be determining if engaging with strangers will be uncomfortable or not. If the thought is unsettling, it would be best to consider renting the entire property and not being present.
Setting the Rules
The decisions have been made now to set the rules for the guests. There should be a good balance of rules. Too many rules can turn off guests, but too few rules will lead to potential damage. Once the rules have been set, put them together in a welcome packet for guests to go through upon arrival with the information they may need during their stay and all the rules they must follow.
Preparing the Property
Once all the rules have been set, it is time to get the property ready for renters. There are a lot of details that go into preparing a home for rental. One of the primary things to do is clean the home inside and out. Ensure all of the appliances are functional and usable, and the furniture is of good quality. The safety equipment should all be up to date and easily accessible such as carbon monoxide and smoke detectors and fire extinguishers.
Make sure also to take down any family photos or other personal items. Put all of these items in a secure location, like a locked closet that guests cannot open. Keep a stock inside the property of specific necessities such as pots and pans, utensils, plates, cups, other dishware, and certain toiletries and cleaning products.
Turning your property into a rental can be an exciting time, but do not forget that it requires much work. But in the end, it can be rewarding and a significant investment.
We hope you found this article on how to turn your house into a rental for travel nurses helpful. Have you turned your home into a rental? Do you have any tips to share? Comment below.
Are you looking for your next travel nurse assignment? Click here to view our job board. Do you need housing for an upcoming assignment? Click here to search our housing page.
If you are a new travel nurse or looking into becoming a travel nurse:
According to Furnished Finder, here are the top 50 cities where travel nurses work.
First, we’ll start with the top 10 cities where travel nurses need housing:
San Diego
Seattle
Denver
Phoenix
Boston
Los Angeles
Nashville
Atlanta
San Francisco
Portland
Here are the other most popular travel nurse cities to round out the top 50.
Albuquerque
Austin
Las Vegas
Saint Louis
New Orleans
Tucson
Tacoma
San Jose
Reno
Portland
San Antonio
Miami
Charleston
Houston
Washington
Sacramento
Orlando
Honolulu
Tampa
Baltimore
Charlotte
Asheville
Chicago
Burlington
Dallas
Oakland
Palo Alto
Saint Petersburg
Colorado Springs
Anchorage
Fort Myers
Santa Rosa
Charlottesville
New York, NY
Scottsdale
Fresno
Savannah
Boise
New Haven
Jacksonville
There are so many great cities that travel nurses can visit, and just because a city isn’t on this list doesn’t mean that travelers don’t go there. One of the things you’ll notice is that Furnished Finder doesn’t just have listings in the big cities, as about 50% of the cities in the top 200 have populations of less than 100,000 people.
Whether you’re going to the big city or a quaint rural town, chances are that Furnished Finder will have a monthly furnished rental to choose from. Start your travel nurse housing search today by filling out a Housing Request or Search the Map.
The way it works is that you can search and contact landlords directly or through the App. Every landlord on Furnished Finder is verified so you can book housing in confidence, knowing that the person you’re speaking to really is who they say they are.
Next, there are no booking fees on Furnished Finder. This can literally save travelers hundreds every month! Plus, you can now book hotels on Furnished Finder and save up to 25% off.
Want to learn more about a city before you go there? Check out the free travel nurse housing Stipend Calculator.
Packing for your RV travel nursing assignment can be overwhelming, especially your first time. You are taking your home with you, but you cannot carry everything, only the essentials. Just like when moving to a new apartment, you require certain things for specific areas like your kitchen and bathroom.
Imagine going to the toilet and realizing there is no toilet paper. What next? Well, what you need to do is prepare yourself in advance and buy what is appropriate for tour RV travels.
The following list will help you thoroughly prepare, so you don’t miss anything.
RV Must-Haves
For your RV to run smoothly, you must ensure that you have all the tools ready. From lighting to the drainage system, everything should be fully functional. In this category, you will pack things that will affect your travel, and if these things miss, you might get into trouble.
This list includes the following:
Leveling blocks
Drinking water hose pipe
Extension cords
Flashlights
Emergency roadside kit
Fire extinguisher
Personal Items
If there is a category that can be overwhelming, it is the personal item category that packs a lot of things. For example, if you have long hair, a hair tie will most likely be on the list, but you will probably forget it. To solve such a problem, it is always a good idea to make a checklist, and as soon as you pack an item, you cross it off.
Personal items will include:
Medications or prescriptions
Campground directory and travel map
Shampoo and conditioner
Toothpaste and toothbrush
Makeup and deodorant
Shaving cream and nail clippers
Kitchen Items
Since your home is mobile, it doesn’t mean that eating out is the way to go. Your RV has a kitchen, and you should make use of it. Carry enough utensils and cutlery to ensure you don’t run out of anything. An extra spoon or plate will not throw off your space.
Include the following in your list:
Dish towels
Griddle pans
Food storage containers
Plastic wraps
Cups and plates
Garbage bags
Napkins
Food Supplies
As you embrace your travel nursing assignment, you need to have sufficient energy, which means you need to eat. Consider stocking up on dry foods with longer shelf life while buying fruits and vegetables every other day if you cannot keep fresh food.
Some of the foods you can include in your list:
Condiments like ketchup and mayo
Salt, spices, and herbs
Cooking spray or oil
Baking items
Grill meats
Cereals
Freeze-dried meals
Fun Gear
You cannot be traveling to different states without spending your leisure time appropriately. You can choose to read or play games or even go for a walk outside.
A list in this category will include:
Favorite sports equipment
Fishing gear
Guitar
A notebook or a journal
A laptop
Yard games
Books and magazines
Whether you will visit the nearest museum or go to the beach, you need to make your time as enjoyable and memorable as possible. A good camera or drone will enhance your relaxation. Choose a drone that will give you amazing videos or pictures.
If you are not sure how to handle your shopping after all the valuable tips you’ve received, here is a list of affordable drones. In addition, check out the following links.
Apart from your nurse uniform and the regular clothes you wear like jeans and T-shirts, include other pieces for different occasions. Pack some dinner or cocktail dress. For the gents, a suit would be in order.
Include clothing items like:
Sheets and blankets
Shoes like sneakers and boots
Rain gear
Pillows
Socks
Towels
Bathing suit
Communication Tools
While on the road, you need to keep up with what is going on in the world, not just where you are. While a mobile phone is essential, a two-way radio is important. Streaming news will make you feel connected to the outside world. Remember your phone chargers, Bluetooth earphones, and batteries as you pack what you need.
While the above list is not exhaustive, it will help you make a comprehensive one before hitting the road.
Final Thoughts
Organizing your RV will help free up your space, and you will not feel cramped at all. Remember that you will need to unwind and have fun after work hours. Getting a drone will help you with sightseeing and taking fantastic pictures.
We hope you found these tips on essentials for RV travel nursing helpful. Are you an RV travel nurse? Do you have any tips to share with fellow travel nurses? Comment them below.
Are you looking for your first travel nurse assignment? Click here to view our job board. Do you need housing for your assignment? Click here to search our housing page.
If you are a new travel nurse or looking into becoming a travel nurse:
Travel nursing can take sightseeing to a whole new level, considering the different states you get to work in. While it has some great pros, it also comes with a set of cons. That said, you have to weigh them to see what works for you before choosing.
If you love to travel and see new places, travel nursing can be the choice of work for you, but if being outdoors and on the move is not your cup of tea, you should stick to a permanent residence as you tend to your nursing duties.
Pros
Travel nursing has its share of benefits, especially on your finances and enabling enjoying different cultures while on the job.
Flexibility
While a travel nurse does not get to apply for paid-off days, you can arrange your calendar so that you can be on vacation during the summer. The flexibility ensures that you control the time you are available to work. If you want to work six months or ten months, that’s entirely up to you.
Great Pay
Traveling nurses enjoy impressive compensation packages wherever they go to work. Chances are, when an institution is looking for more staff, you will receive a higher salary package. With travel nursing, you can earn a six-figure salary.
Avoid Work Politics
Given that you will be working on a contract basis, you will not be staying at one place for a long time. By the time you get used to people, your time will be up in that institution and on your way to vacation or a different institution.
Travel with Your Belongings
One of the major advantages of travel nursing is the provision of traveling with your belongings. Think of it as having your home, whichever state you work in. The principles of packing or unpacking your belongings, similar to when you say in a motel or apartment, do not apply to travel nursing.
Job Security
Travel nurses are always in demand. Whether a certain place faces shortages of nurses, chances are, with the right experience, you will get the job. The security reduces the uncertainty of you being out of a job.
You Get to Travel
Traveling and enjoying your new location is a plus for travel nursing. You can choose an activity that will take your mind off of work and help you relax on your off days. If you love to ride bikes, remember to bring one along. In case you don’t have one, think of buying it.
While scouring the internet, we realized that many people don’t know how to select a bike that fits their needs and financial standing. From tire sizes to disc brakes, you can choose the perfect bike for yourself. Fortunately, we found a great list of rugged gravel bikes under $1000. Other useful links include:
Even though travel nursing has some awesome pros, it also has cons that you should bear in mind when you contemplate joining other traveling nurses.
Varying Pay Rates
Since you will be working in different states, your pay will vary greatly and lead to differences when filing your taxes. Such a situation can be daunting, and you might need to hire a professional to file your confusing taxes.
Unfamiliar Environments
With the movement from one state to another, no place will be familiar like home. The constant change of locations will always expose you to new areas where you have never been. If you love adventure, this might not be so bad, but you will need some time to familiarize yourself.
License Issues
Licensing can be tricky to deal with when working in multiple states. The application and approval can be quite a process when submitting verification documents. The process can be quite daunting in instances where you cannot use a compact license but have to apply for a new one.
Final Thoughts
If you are an outdoorsy person, travel nursing can be a suitable job. Considering the job’s flexibility, you can choose which activities to engage in. Whether you want to go camping or to the beach, you choose your location when applying for the job.
If you get rough terrain, get yourself a gravel bike that will help you navigate as you go sightseeing and enjoy yourself.
We hope you enjoyed this article on the pros and cons of RV travel nursing. Do you currently use your RV for your travel nursing assignments? Comment some pros and cons of RV travel nursing you have found, below.
Are you looking for your next travel nurse assignment? Click here to view our job board. Do you need housing for an upcoming assignment? Click here to search our housing page.
If you are a new travel nurse or looking into becoming a travel nurse:
Happy Nurses Week 2025! We’re so grateful for all that nurses do—every single day. This week is all about you, and we’re excited to celebrate with a giveaway! Need more details? Visit our Facebook page.
