Heading into summer 2024, temporary housing rental costs are skyrocketing, so travel is getting (more) expensive. Paired with continued post-COVID market adjustment, the current state of affairs in the travel industry leaves some travelers wondering if it’s time to hang it up.

Don’t give up yet! It might just be the perfect time to consider traveling differently. There are some distinct advantages to utilizing a vehicle that allows you to say, “Home is where I park it!”

5 benefits of RV Living as a Travel Nurse:

1. Cost-Effectiveness

Compared to finding temporary housing, RV living is typically cheaper.

Only one “park” fee typically includes water, power, and the spot per month

Housing costs continue to increase nationally, and rental prices for mid to long-term temporary housing have risen consequently. According to an article from the National Association of Realtors online magazine, the top ten largest metro areas in the US saw upwards of a 14.8% increase at the end of 2023. It’s no surprise that the rental market reflects it with the current average, around $2183 per month, according to Zillow. These statistics apply to more long-term housing, of course, and any experienced traveler will tell you that temporary housing required by traveling healthcare providers will typically be higher.

Directly compared to the average cost range of an RV park between $500 – $1200 monthly, it seems like a no-brainer. You do need to keep in mind there are additional costs to consider, though:

RV payment
Tow-vehicle payment, if needed
insurance
Gas
Propane

Lower your overhead

Consider buying a used RV to decrease your payment. Trailers and motorhomes are notorious for decreasing in value, quickly losing as much as 45% of their value after only 5 years, depending on the type of RV.

Pro-tip: Purchase a used RV customized by other travelers for full-time living who are exiting the RV life. These rigs often have considerable add-ons, such as full solar packages and luxury items you won’t find elsewhere, and can save you considerable cash to boot!

Keep the fuel costs down by signing up for a fuel or fleet card and earning points while decreasing costs at the pumps. Open Roads is a program we use to save on diesel fuel. It even gets you into the fast-pumping truck lanes!

Staying closer to your home destination and keeping miles down will also help, but traveling to new destinations could be more fun.

Propane is used for heating, cooking, and, on some models, even running refrigerators. These costs are mostly mitigated when staying at an RV park, as most things switch to electric power when you’re plugged in. Skip the heating costs by using the RV to chase those 70° weather locations!

Pick the right type of Rig

If you’re a single traveler opting for something more conservative in size will also keep the payment and fuel costs down. Some RVs can cost as much or more than your average home, such as this 45ft Toy-Hauler or a large Class A diesel-pusher. Going smaller will also save you on park spots as larger sites with bigger electrical hookups will be more expensive.

Keep in mind if you choose a trailer-type RV you’ll need something that can safely pull it, while if you go the route of a drivable RV you’ll still need something to get you to work and back.

2. Flexibility and Mobility

The ability to quickly and easily relocate between assignments is unparalleled within the RV community. Being able to travel with your belongings and not worry about finding housing takes significant stress off the traveler. Sure, you’ll need to find RV parks but that can be as simple as a quick Google search and performing a little research to learn what areas of the country cater more to RVers.

Spoiler Alert: The majority of RV park locations reside in the Southwestern part of the country but certainly don’t count other areas out.

3. Comfort and Convenience

Your home goes with you! You’ll have all the comfort and convenience of having your own things at your fingertips. There’s nothing quite like sleeping on your own bed, using your own shower, sitting at your own table in your own kitchen. (even if it is a little tiny)

No more worrying about if the place will be clean, the AC/heater working, hot water running, or if they can take pets.

Got problems with the RV park where you’re staying? Unplug and drive down to the next one!

4. Community and Camaraderie

Checking off your list has never been easier

Find other Travel nurses within my RV park
Getting together to hang out and spill some tea!
Make new friends and lasting connections

The travel nurse lifestyle creates an instant connection that is only further solidified when its paired with RV living! You’ll find others who have chosen this unique way to travel easy to talk to and genuinely interested in how it’s going for you. RVers love to compare rigs and talk about places where they’ve been. Make sure to ask when checking into a new RV park if there are other travel nurses there – the answer is almost always YES!

5. Adventure and Exploration

The unique advantage of picking up and rolling out means it’s easy to visit places while on contract

Make sure to keep your RV spot so you’ve got a place to easily return to.

Travel to new places between contracts
- Visit family and friends

Bring it all together by setting goals related to your travel! Even the trip to the next contract or back home can be an adventure by choosing unexplored routes and visiting places you didn’t have an excuse to see before.

Come to TravCon 2024 to learn more!

This article barely scratches the surface. If you’d like to learn more about what RV living as a traveler is like, make your way to Las Vegas for the 2024 TravCon in September! There, you’ll have the opportunity to meet my wife and me and learn about No Ordinary Path. We’re a family known for our RV adventures and expertise in the RV travel nurse community. We’ll have two speaking engagements about RV living and traveling with a family and there’ll be plenty of opportunity for questions. We’ll be hanging out, walking around, and passing out SWAG the whole week. We hope to see you there!

We hope you found this article on RV living helpful. Do you use an RV while on travel assignments? Do you have any tips or tricks for making RV living easier? Comment them below.

Find Your Next Travel Nurse Assignment with Our Job Board!

Are you on the hunt for your next travel nurse gig? Look no further than our job board! Click here to explore all our current opportunities.

Discover the Perfect Housing for Your Next Assignment

Need somewhere to stay on your next travel nurse assignment? We’ve got you covered. Check out our housing page to find your ideal home away from home. Click here to start your search.

Nurse 2 Nurse Staffing provided this article.

Did you know that the minds behind Nurse 2 Nurse Staffing were once avid traveling professionals themselves? Indeed, we’ve navigated the thrilling and challenging journey of being a traveling nurse! The countless adventures, the captivating allure of the unknown, and the ever-present question of “where next?” are experiences we’ve lived firsthand. Together as a family, with our two kids and our furry friend, we traversed several states. The best decision we made during our travels? Investing in a mobile home—or RV became our constant companion, a home away from home, accompanying us on every new journey!

Preparing a meal after touching down in a new city—our next travel assignment awaits!

So, why an RV?

Imagine this: a home that travels with you, holding all your belongings, always ready for the next adventure. When I was a travel nurse, and during the initial days of setting up our agency, we had our RV ready to roll out within a span of 10 minutes! Stow away your items in the RV’s cabinets and drawers, empty your tanks, and you’re all set for the road ahead. We always managed to find picturesque RV parks equipped with swimming pools, laundry facilities, and other amenities. It was akin to being on a perpetual vacation! And the freedom to explore your current state or even venture into the neighboring one on your days off—all for the cost of renting an RV spot elsewhere for a day or two—is a wonderful way to truly immerse yourself in your travel nursing experience.

Reveling in the winter wonderland at our new campground—complete with laundry, a playground, a general store, and weekly BBQs!

But wait, aren’t RVs challenging to set up?

Absolutely not! The sales rep took us through every feature and function when we bought our RV. Connecting a few tubes, aligning colors, and lowering the jacks is all it takes. And remember, there’s a world of helpful YouTube videos out there to guide you through any situation.

Budgeting for Your Home on Wheels

Assisting Dad with the stability jacks—a breeze!

Investing in an RV is not just about purchasing a vehicle—it’s about acquiring a mobile home. Just like any home purchase, it involves various costs that you should consider as part of your budgeting process. Let’s break down the main expenses associated with owning an RV:

Initial Purchase: The cost of an RV can vary widely based on factors like size, age, brand, and features. A new RV can cost anywhere from $10,000 to $300,000 or more, with travel trailers typically being the least expensive and large luxury motorhomes being the most expensive. Used RVs can be a more affordable option, but it’s essential to have a thorough inspection done to avoid unexpected repair costs down the line.
Financing: Like with a house or a car, many people choose to finance their RV purchase. Keep in mind that interest rates and terms can vary, so it’s important to shop around for the best deal. Also, note that longer terms will lower your monthly payment but increase the total amount of interest you pay over the life of the loan.
Insurance: RV insurance is a must-have, and the cost will depend on factors like the value of the RV, how much you use it, and whether it’s your full-time residence. Expect to pay anywhere from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars per year for RV insurance.
Maintenance and Repairs: Just like any vehicle, an RV will need regular maintenance and occasional repairs. Budget for routine maintenance like oil changes, tire rotations, and engine checks, as well as less frequent expenses like replacing tires or batteries. Also, keep some money set aside for unexpected repairs.
Operational Costs: These include fuel for driving, propane for cooking and heating, and expenses for campgrounds or RV parks. These costs can vary based on how much you travel, where you stay, and the size and fuel efficiency of your RV.
Depreciation: Just like cars, RVs depreciate over time. While this won’t affect your monthly budget, it’s an important consideration if you plan to sell your RV in the future.

Remember, owning an RV can be a cost-effective housing solution for traveling healthcare professionals, especially when you consider the savings on hotel stays and dining out. However, it’s vital to understand and plan for all the associated costs to make an informed decision and ensure that your new mobile home fits comfortably within your budget.

Resources for RV Owners

As a traveling healthcare professional living in an RV, there are numerous resources available to you that can make your life on the road a little easier. Here are some of our top picks:

Good Sam Club (goodsam.com): Good Sam Club is one of the largest organizations dedicated to RV owners, and it offers a plethora of resources. By becoming a member, you can get access to discounted RV parks, fuel, and camping supplies. They also offer roadside assistance, travel assistance, and insurance services tailored specifically for RV owners. The Good Sam Club also has a community forum where you can connect with other RV owners, ask questions, and share your experiences.
RV Parky: This is an easy-to-use tool that helps you locate RV parks, campgrounds, rest areas, and other places to stop while on your journey. It includes user reviews, which can be invaluable when choosing your next stop.
Allstays: Allstays is another excellent resource for finding campgrounds, RV parks, and rest areas. The site also provides information on low-clearance spots, which can be essential when navigating an RV.
RVillage: Consider this as a social network for RV owners. You can connect with others, join groups, participate in forums, and even arrange meet-ups. It’s an excellent way for traveling healthcare professionals to meet other people on the road.
YouTube: While not specifically an RV resource, YouTube is filled with helpful how-to videos on everything from RV maintenance to cooking in your RV kitchen. Just search for your question or problem, and you’re likely to find a video that can help.

Remember, part of the fun of being on the road is the community you build along the way. Don’t hesitate to ask for advice or share your own experiences with these resources. The RV community is known for its camaraderie and helpfulness, so take advantage of it!

The Joys of RV Living: Benefits for Traveling Healthcare Professionals

Living in an RV as a traveling healthcare professional comes with a host of benefits that can significantly enhance your overall travel experience. Here are some of the key advantages:

Flexibility: The flexibility that RV life offers is unparalleled. Being able to move from one location to another at your convenience, without the hassle of packing and unpacking, is a game-changer. On your days off, you can easily switch locations, explore a new city or state, or even take a mini-vacation.
Cost-Effective: Investing in an RV can be more economical in the long run than constantly renting apartments or staying in hotels. With an RV, you have the added benefit of avoiding expensive short-term leases or hotel rates. Furthermore, cooking your meals can lead to significant savings over dining out.
Comforts of Home: One of the challenges of travel nursing is continually adjusting to new living spaces. With an RV, you have a consistent living space that you can personalize to your liking. Your own bed, your own kitchen—these familiar comforts can provide a sense of stability amidst the constant change.
Healthier Living: Having your kitchen lets you have more control over your diet, enabling you to eat healthier and cater to any specific dietary requirements you may have. Additionally, many RV parks are in beautiful outdoor settings, providing ample opportunities for outdoor activities and exercise.
Community: RV parks often have a strong sense of community. You’ll get to meet and interact with a diverse group of people, many of whom are also on the road, leading to new friendships and a strong support network.
Pets-Friendly: If you have pets, an RV can make traveling with them easier and more enjoyable. Many RV parks are pet-friendly and offer amenities like dog parks. Plus, your pets get to enjoy new environments along with you.
Enriching Experiences: Living in an RV provides a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in each new location. You can wake up to a new, beautiful view every day, get to know different areas of the country, and make the most of your travel assignments by experiencing local culture and attractions.

Ultimately, the benefits of RV life go beyond practicalities. The sense of freedom, adventure, and connection to the outdoors that it can provide makes it an exciting and rewarding option for many traveling healthcare professionals.

Isn’t it a bit cramped?

Waking up to this view outside our RV—simply breathtaking!

Well, it requires some adaptation, especially for a family. We had to learn to travel light to keep our mobile home as spacious as possible. Most of our stuff stayed at our home base in Texas, and we refreshed our supplies during breaks between assignments. If you ever feel a bit tight on space, step outside—that’s the beauty of RV living. With a gorgeous view right outside your door, the RV never feels too small.

Our RV has been the backdrop for some of our most cherished family memories. It has taken us to North Texas, Colorado, Arizona, and New Mexico, providing a unique perspective on our beautiful country. The initial cost of the RV quickly proved to be a worthwhile investment, offering a more economical option than renting apartments or staying in hotels. Plus, the convenience of having our belongings with us and cooking our meals was not only cost-effective but healthier too! The ability to uproot and explore a new city or state on a whim was an added bonus. With the soaring costs of rental housing, an RV could be the perfect answer to your housing concerns. As the founders of Nurse 2 Nurse Staffing, we’re committed to finding the best opportunities for traveling professionals. Let’s talk about your next exciting adventure—get out there and explore!

Visit us at www.nurse2nursestaffing.com

By: Megan Jones, Division Manager, Nurse 2 Nurse Staffing

Our job board is a great place to search for your next travel nurse assignment. We have you covered with our housing page if housing is an issue. You can search for what you are looking for.

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!)

Imagine not having to worry about packing up your entire life and finding a furnished apartment every three months. This is just one of the many reasons why vans and RVs are growing in popularity with the travel nurse community. Having a home on wheels helps to remove much of the stress associated with traveling so you can enjoy your time off. So what do you need to know if you are considering RV Living?

RV Living: Housing Tips for Travel Nurse

Choosing your rig:

Based on your needs, there are several options for nomadic homes, including busses, vans, RVs, and travel trailers. A great way to determine which is best for you is by trying it out for yourself temporarily. Some companies allow you to rent a van or RV for a few days. This can give you a feel of which option would work for your lifestyle and how much room you may need. Here are a few things to consider when choosing your home on wheels: how many people are in your household? Do you have pets? What are the necessities you can’t live without?

Downsizing:

If you’ve been travel nursing for a while, you’re probably already used to traveling with a lighter load but travel nursing while living in a condensed space requires the belongings you travel with to become even lighter. When deciding what you will fill your home on wheels with, it is important to determine your wants versus needs. Look at your items and ask yourself if it is something you will use frequently or if it will sit in a corner and take up precious space.

Parking accommodations:

When starting a new assignment, you will need to ensure that the location will fit your parking needs. Parking may vary based on the size and type of your home. For example, if you have an RV that requires electrical and water hookups, you will need to make sure there is an RV park near your hospital. If you have a van that runs off solar power, you may choose to seek out free parking in your area. Some free parking options include the hospital you are working at (it is always best to check in with security and ask where to park. Most hospitals are happy to have you stay there), national forests, BLM land, truck stops, street parking in local neighborhoods, chain stores like Walmart, Cracker Barrel, Cabelas (it is always good to call ahead to ask permission first).

Temperature and Climate:

When choosing an assignment location, consider the season that you will be in for the duration of the contract. Research the average high and low temperatures in that area and be compatible with the climate control that you have inside your rig. With extreme temperatures, whether it be 120 degrees in the desert or single digits in the mountains, living conditions can become very uncomfortable without proper planning. One of the perks of travel nursing is having a say when you take your assignments, so be sure to think about this when deciding on your location.

Security:

One downside to living in your vehicle is having all of your valuables in your rig. This can be stressful when working twelve-hour shifts and being away from your vehicle for that long period of time. Taking extra measures to secure your home on wheels can alleviate some of that stress and give you peace of mind when you are away. Some ways to add extra security measures include installing extra locks on the inside of your vehicle, security cameras, keeping valuables out of sight, having a lockbox hidden to store important documents or valuables. One of the most important steps you can take is being aware of your surroundings and if something feels off, listen to your gut. Making the jump into living in a home on wheels while travel nursing can be a beneficial decision in so many different ways. Although this way of life isn’t always for everyone, those who decide to adopt nomadic living usually don’t regret it. If this is something, you find yourself considering but still have some reservations about it, again, seek out one of the vans or RV rental companies and give it a try for a weekend. It’s always best to be confident before pulling the trigger rather than diving in and then realizing maybe this lifestyle isn’t exactly what you had in mind.

We hope you found these tips for RV living helpful. Are you currently or have you used a van or RV for housing during a travel nurse assignment? Do you have any tips for RV living to share? Comment them below.

Travel nursing is a fun and rewarding career.

It allows you to serve others while exploring different places. But a major challenge that travel nurses face is finding temporary housing. Is RVing the solution to it? We find out.

Many people dream of becoming travel nurses. Why not? It’s a very interesting career. You get to work with different people and learn about different hospital policies while exploring new locations. If you a dynamic work environment and the ability to travel on the side, it’s the perfect job for you. What’s more, travel nursing is a lucrative profession too. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), travel nurses earn an average of $70,000 per year.

One major challenge of travel nursing, however, is finding temporary housing.

Most of the time, you will stay in one location for a few months. This means you need temporary housing all the time. Many travel nurses choose to rent an apartment or a house or stay in a hotel room while completing their assignment. Travel nurses are given housing stipend. However, in some states, housing is too expensive that the stipend may not be enough. Constantly relocating can be stressful as well. Packing, moving, and unpacking several times a year is not easy.

For these reasons, many travel nurses choose to invest in an RV rather than finding temporary housing.

RVing as a Travel Nurse: Pros and Cons

One of the major advantages of RVing as a travel nurse is that you get to save on housing costs. There are many options for RV financing, such as dealership financing, personal loans, and bank or credit union loans. Renting a house or apartment can be very costly especially in cities and highly populated areas. Once you have your RV up and running, you won’t have to deal with rents anymore.

Another perk of RVing is that you will have a living space that is always yours. You can enjoy a furnished space that feels like home. There’s no need to pack and unpack. You don’t have to spend a great deal of time and effort looking for a temporary house in advance each time. You can increase your travel memorabilia and stock up on your travel collections without worrying about moving them to and from.

More fun and Convenient

Furthermore, having your own mobile home makes traveling more fun and convenient. Having an RV brings you closer to the great outdoors. You can take a trip to campsites and parks or tour around the city during your rest days. You can even take your whole family and pets with you!

But RVing does have some downsides too. One is finding travel positions and parking areas. You must always consider your travel options depending on where you are assigned. In some places, you may need to live outside the downtown area and take a commute to work.

You should also take note that RVing has its own costs too. Apart from the vehicle itself, other costs would be the fuel, parking fees, and maintenance. Nonetheless, if you compare the cost of RVing with that of temporary housing, you still get to save a significant amount of money on it.

If you decide to travel nursing with an RV, here are some tips for you:

Choose the RV that Suits You Best

Visit as many as RV shows as you can. Take time figuring out what you want from an RV. Consider renting one to have a sense of what you want and need.

Make Sure Your Tow Vehicle Suits Your RV

Choose an RV that you can tow at a 75-percent rate to be safe. That means if your truck can pull 10,000 pounds, the weight of your trailer should be no more than 7,500 pounds.

Know Your RV

You have to be familiar with your vehicle – it’s ups and downs, and the best way to maintain it. Yes, you should know how to fix your vehicle. Before each trip, make it a habit to check your brakes, tires, and everything else.

RVing is a great alternative to temporary housing when you are a travel nurse. While it requires a big investment, it is much more cost-effective in the long run. Just make sure to choose the right RV that suits your lifestyle and keep it well-maintained for a safe and enjoyable journey on the road.

What other temporary housing options have you gone with? Have you tried the RV route? Comment below.

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

START HERE

5 benefits of RV Living as a Travel Nurse:

1. Cost-Effectiveness

Lower your overhead

Pick the right type of Rig

2. Flexibility and Mobility

3. Comfort and Convenience

4. Community and Camaraderie

5. Adventure and Exploration

Come to TravCon 2024 to learn more!

Find Your Next Travel Nurse Assignment with Our Job Board!

Discover the Perfect Housing for Your Next Assignment

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So, why an RV?

But wait, aren’t RVs challenging to set up?

Budgeting for Your Home on Wheels

Resources for RV Owners

The Joys of RV Living: Benefits for Traveling Healthcare Professionals

Isn’t it a bit cramped?

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

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

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RV Living: Housing Tips for Travel Nurse

Choosing your rig:

Downsizing:

Parking accommodations:

Temperature and Climate:

Security:

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Travel nursing is a fun and rewarding career.

One major challenge of travel nursing, however, is finding temporary housing.

RVing as a Travel Nurse: Pros and Cons

More fun and Convenient

Choose the RV that Suits You Best

Make Sure Your Tow Vehicle Suits Your RV

Know Your RV

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

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

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