beaverheart

Hello Rosecarrier - Sorry for the late response. To improve your nursing market value for travel assignments, continue to add education to your many years of the experience you already have. Most companies now only require 1 year in the specialty that you wish to travel in, including new grads. The outlook for MS is excellent and is highly sought after. I would suggest adding tele experience to that, since many units are now med - surg - tele and this gives you more flexibility for better assignments. AACN has an MS certification program for this specialty and of course track all CEUs, seminars, and classes you take and add those to your resume addendum. I have found it very important to have solid references in writing and letters of recommendation for the interviews with the facility you will be traveling to. Perhaps others can offer suggestions here as well. Yes, I am an SKP member, what a blessing to have this organization for us "homeless" people. "Home is where you park it"

Hi Nick and Lesley. I am leaving town for a week and can answer those questions and provide a list for you when I return. Sorry for the delay. You can open a bank account anywhere, anytime, just call the bank or use a branch of a national chain like Bank or America. Most can be done online, except they do have to have an original signature card sent throught the mail Banking is not a big issue, its a small piece of the picture. I still bank in CO as well as TX

Hey Again. There are mail and address services that can provide a legal address (Livingston TX is such a county very favorable). You do not have to rent a place or own anything. I live in my motorcoach. Again, with a legal address, drivers license, and auto registration, bank account etc. , you show intent that this is your state of residency. So the message here is that you build a profile either all at once or over time, and remain loyal to your personal business being conducted in the state - of course you happen to work all over the country because that is the nature of your work. Beware that some rent a place in one state, register auto in another and vote somewhere else - big red flag, and a definite ticket to trouble with the IRS. The feds accept our new lifestyle now because travel nursing is a well established occupation as long as the proper intent is followed. All the best - Greg

I suggest a Google search for state offices, tax board or driver license division. If you own property in a state, that is very strong evidence of tax base declaration. Some states do require you to return for a period. Every situation is very different and depends on so many factors for example: I travel full time, I do not own property anymore. I can bank online (with a TX bank), renew auto and motorhome registration by mail, and obtain a DL for 10 years, I have a permanent mailing address in TX which forwards my mail on a schedule. All of these factors add up to my Texas Residency even though I do not spend any time in TX. I would also advise you to consult a CPA with expertise in this area. I did not, but like you, I did a lot home work. As far as rules for travelers, there are no state rules, you are free to travel and work anywhere you please, however, tax wise there are rules. You must pay income tax in the state you earn it, if it is an income state, If you live in an income state, you may be subect to additional taxes (double taxed). That is why retirees and full timers choose non-state-income tax states to establish residency. I hope this is starting to make sense, keep searching, and reading and asking qustions, if you fail to do this properly, it can be a huge hit from state and fed

It is a very confusing issue primarily because each state has its own set of "rules". Confusion is further compounded because much of the criteria has to do with "Intent". The more committed you are to auto registration, voting card, driver's license and a mail address, the more legal you are as a resident of that state. I am a full time RV 'er and base my residence for tax purposes in Texas. It is income tax free (State) and they are very friendly towards this with full time travelers and retired people. Auto license fees are low as well. You do have to obtain a Drivers License in person - since 911, you can/t do this by mail anymore, but there is not a requirement to return to the state to be official. South Dakota is another very resident friendly state. A good sourse of material to read can be found through the Escapees Website http://www.escapees.com. Also try fulltimerrv.com. If you need specifics I would be happy to help. Greg

I agree, we are still in the minority, so there is not a need to list this information, but I think the numbers are growing and will continue when others discover the benefits we have found. I have stayed at a few hospitals' parking lots that provided power, but dump and water is an issue, but driving off once a week is not too big a hassle to re-supply. I use a "Medical Staff" sign in the window, and security is pleased because there is another set of eyes in the lot. I work cath lab so, I need to be 20 minutes out for call, and finding well appointed parks can be a challenge - Its all part of the adventure! What specialty are you? I list my personal priorities as 1:Proximity 2: Dog accomodation 3: WiFi 3: Security. Appreciate the response. Take care - Greg

The opportunity for travelers continues to grow, don't give up on that dream. Do your homework now and plan. It will save you a ton of trouble when the time comes. I spent almost two years improving my RN market value and researching the perfect home for the road that would suit my new lifestyle.

I just added a new thread for RV travel, because I didn't dig deep enough to see you folks have already started a discussion. I sold the house and everything in it a year ago, hit the road with 2 dogs and have not looked back. I had a simple formula of listing advantages and disadvantages, it came out about 20:1 in favor. Not the lifestyle for everyone, but it is an awesome way to be free, and take advantage of the demand for travel nurses and have all you "stuff" with you. Would be happy to keep this going - Greg

I am posting a new thread for nurses who are traveling by motor coach, 5th wheel, or other mobile means. My intention is address only specific issues with travelers who have chosen wheeled mobility and housing. Those of us who are living this lifestyle might find it useful to share ideas in this unique approach to travel nursing. Some areas of discussion could be: rallies, quality rv parks near hospitals, develop a network of friends, dealing with safety and tech issues. Sometimes we feel like it is a lonesome world out here, but many, many nurses have adopted this work approach to freedom and living all around this great country. Let me know your thoughts. Thanks. Greg