RVing while on assignment

NedRN · Jan 1, 2014

There are lots of travelers who go the RV route. It is especially useful for travelers with pets. It is much more difficult to find short term housing with pets, and RV parks are almost universally pet friendly. It is also great not to have to unpack, and then pack again when you leave an assignment.

Mind you, it is generally a lifestyle choice, not a way to save lots of money. If you are willing to go cowboy and park on the street, well yes, you might save some money. I have a good friend who is an RV travel nurse and I can tell you that the park fees he pays are comparable to the shared housing costs in a much more luxurious home that I usually find on assignment.

On top of that are not negligible RV costs. You will be lucky to get 12 mpg plus propane costs for the fridge and heat, and you have two motors to maintain (the drive and auxiliary for parked electrical power), a fridge, holding tanks, a roof AC, if you must have TV and expensive satellite dish and monthly cost, and a large transformer for AC/DC is part of the RV list. Based on watching my friends five years or so with a Class C, generally there is always something to repair or replace. And an RV loses value the older it gets so that upfront cost is important. It doesn't look like a way to save money.

I don't know of a nurse traveler specific forum, but for much more information, I would recommend the RV forums on Escapees, RV dot net, and iRV. You want to look for the subforums entitled Working on the Road, or Fulltimers. That will load you up with information about what RV is right for you, finding the right parks, and even how to do mail.

One last warning, an RV is not a tax home. If you want to qualify for tax free benefits (which are substantial) as a traveler, you still need to maintain a separate residence at home. An RV pad won't cut it!

trackhead, APRN · Jan 2, 2014

I live in a 32' fifth wheel with wife/2.5 yr old. We rented our home out and maintain a tax home via one bedroom rental.Pros: Between assignments we camp off the grid and take a few weeks off to chill. Very low expenses this way.No unpacking, home is always home.Full timer RV parks are generally quiet and peaceful. No big deal if you have a night shift and need sleep.If you use company A for one assignment, then company B for the next, you can double tip on travel reimbursement which more than covers gas/camping costs.We get 12mpg going 60mph towing 11,000lbs. I have a motorcycle for work commuting.Cons:Fifth wheels need big diesel trucks to pull them well. We paid cash for our rig/trailer, so no payments.RV sucks in cold climates (condensation, heating costs, etc)Campground wifi universally sucks.Campground qualities are hit/miss, do some research. Many snowbird communities are 55+ Retirement only, which excludes me.

nursetaminator · Jan 10, 2014

There are a few groups on facebook and one that has several members who are RV traveling nurses. Try Travel Nurse Network - The Gypsy Nurse, Travel Nursing, etc.