Gypsy/Nomad RNs - Tips and Experience?

Specialties Travel

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Specializes in MICU, Burn ICU.

This topic must have been covered many times already. I've read through some old threads a while back on travelling and living in a home on wheels and am not sure what I'm asking has been talked about based on my google searches ;)

A little background (first post): I'm currently a student graduating next year interested in burns/wound care. I enjoy living by the minimalist mindset and alternative living people are doing and sharing. I think it's pretty sweet that one can pursue their dream career by giving to others AND live a nomadic lifestyle all rolled into one. I plan to live in a van full-time as my "first place" while I gain experience for travel nursing because I desire adventure/freedom over materialistic things.

Because you experienced folks have done this/are doing/or have friends that travel this way whether in an RV, SUV, bus, car, truck camper or TT, I'd like to ask:

  • What rig did you choose for your travels and why? Cons/pros?
  • Did you bring along a furry friend and how were they looked after while you worked?
  • Did you stay in RV parks, boon-docked, or urban stealth parked?
  • Did you have time to explore around the area on your off-time?
  • What do/did others think about your decision to live that way?
  • Was/Is it worth it?

And just to be nosy - what specialty are you in? How do you like it?

Any other tips/suggestions are greatly appreciated. Again I apologize if I'm asking things that were already addressed! THANK YOU

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I am so sorry no one replied. I am also headed in the travel direction...and will be looking for answers for some of your same questions. Please give us an update on your investigation.

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Specializes in Peri-Op.

I just bumped up a thread with a lot of info in it about travelling in an RV....

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Specializes in MICU, Burn ICU.
I am so sorry no one replied. I am also headed in the travel direction...and will be looking for answers for some of your same questions. Please give us an update on your investigation.

Oh it's fine! There are many good answers across YouTube and such but most of them aren't nurses or have quit their jobs so it seems it's easier to get by with the lifestyle. I will patiently wait. :)

Good luck with your adventures!

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Specializes in MICU, Burn ICU.
I just bumped up a thread with a lot of info in it about travelling in an RV....

Thank you Argo! I've read so much from you actually.

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Specializes in Peri-Op.

There arent alot of rv travellers, there is at least one other member here who is in an RV. The Facebook group "adventures of rv travel nursing" is a better resource for quick more precise info.

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Specializes in CVICU, ER, Education.

Hey SqrB3ar! I am happy to hear you are interested in the Travel Nursing Nomadic Lifestyle. I actually have a YouTube Channel and Blog that discuss RV living while travel nursing.

What rig did you choose for your travels and why? Cons/pros?

Our second RV we currently travel in is a Fifth Wheel. We love the additional slides and space throughout the RV. It's great for traveling with family. We originally traveled in a Travel Trailer. Unfortunately, it was not the rig for us. It was very small and cramped. However, not all travel trailers are like the one we experienced. Always do your research :)

Did you bring along a furry friend and how were they looked after while you worked?

My husband and I have two dogs and we watched them during the day when I was working. If we decided to go shopping or have some adventures for a couple of hours, they were placed in their crate together with the air conditioning on blast.

Did you stay in RV parks, boon-docked, or urban stealth parked?

We only stayed at RV parks due to have the animals and wanting to be connected to shore power, water, and sewer at all times. I have heard of other travelers who stayed in the parking lots and showered at the hospital.

Did you have time to explore around the area on your off-time?

We always made it a point to explore the areas we were located because no matter if you are in a big city and small town, there is always something to see.

What do/did others think about your decision to live that way?

We received a lot of push back from our families and friends because they were worried about us. However, after time our families learned to accept our lifestyle choice and fully support us.

Was/Is it worth it?

Totally worth it!

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Specializes in MICU, Burn ICU.

I actually came across your channel a few months ago! THANK YOU for your thorough response! I worry about having a pet since I'll most likely do this solo. Can't knock it til you try it (the RV lifestyle). Happy it's worked out for you and your family. :)

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There are a couple Facebook sites devoted to RV travel nursing.

I don't think it would ever work for me. I'm scared of driving/parking one of those things. Plus I tend to gravitate towards big cities.

But I still love reading the posts on those sites! Recently someone had posted that they fired up their generator after work to use the microwave & woke up the next morning to nasty post-its stuck all over their windshield! :D

They seem to all have a lot of fun too, though.

So yeah, maybe check out those sites if you're still looking for info for your project! :)

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