Posted on October 3rd, 2023

The world of healthcare is always evolving, and with it, the way healthcare professionals, especially nurses, choose to live and work. 

An emerging trend in the healthcare industry is travel nursing, where nurses move from one location to another to fill temporary positions. 

While this might sound challenging, many nurses find the experience rewarding, both professionally and personally. 

A significant subset of these travel nurses has discovered the immense benefits of using Recreational Vehicles (RVs) as their homes on wheels. 

This approach not only gives them the flexibility to move from one assignment to the next with ease but also ensures the comforts of home are always with them. 

With the rise of the "RV travel nurse" lifestyle, there's a lot to unpack and understand, especially if you're considering this path. 

In this post, we'll dive into the essentials of travel nursing in an RV and how you can make the most of it.

The Growing Appeal of RV Travel Nurse Housing

Travel nursing often requires a nurse to be away from their permanent residence for extended periods. Traditional housing options, such as apartments or hotel rooms, can become expensive and don't always provide the homey comfort one might desire. This is where the concept of RV travel nurse housing comes into play.

Advantages of RV Travel Nurse Housing

Living in an RV offers numerous advantages to the modern travel nurse. For starters, there's the undeniable appeal of having a consistent and familiar environment, no matter where your assignment takes you. Instead of repacking and adjusting to new accommodations every few months, your home comes along with you.

Moreover, an RV provides a personal space that can be tailored to your preferences. Whether it's your favorite throw blanket or your cherished coffee mug, these little comforts make a big difference when you're on the road.

Made in the Shade's Extended Stay Offerings

For travel nurses who appreciate the RV lifestyle, Made in the Shade RV Park and Campground provides the perfect solution with our Monthly Extended Stay RV Sites. Nestled in prime locations like Augusta, GA, and Aiken, SC, these sites are not just about parking your RV; they're about joining a community that understands and supports the travel nurse lifestyle. Offering essential amenities and a welcoming environment, these extended stays promise comfort and convenience to every RV travel nurse.

Travel Nurse RV Parks vs Traditional Housing

The debate between RV parks and traditional housing for travel nurses can be a bit overwhelming. Each option has its unique benefits and potential challenges. For many travel nurses, the decision boils down to personal preference, lifestyle choices, and the duration of their assignments.

Benefits of RV Parks

Flexibility: One of the undeniable advantages of RV parks is flexibility. Travel nurses can easily move between assignments without the hassle of house hunting every time. With the RV already equipped with personal belongings, transitioning between locations becomes a breeze.

Cost-effective: Over time, staying at RV parks can be more cost-effective than renting apartments or staying in hotels. There are no hefty security deposits, long-term leases, or utility bills to worry about. And with establishments like Made in the Shade RV Park offering competitive rates, the savings can quickly add up.

Community: RV parks often foster a sense of community. Fellow RVers understand the challenges of mobile living, and it's easy to form bonds and friendships. For travel nurses, this camaraderie can be a much-needed support system.

Traditional Housing and Its Limitations

Settling in Takes Time: Every time you move to a new assignment, there's a period of adjustment. From understanding the layout of a new apartment to getting utilities set up, traditional housing often requires more settling in.

Long-term Commitments: Some rental properties might demand longer lease periods which might not align with the short-term nature of some nursing assignments.

Lack of Personal Touch: While some rentals can be homely, many lack the personal touch and familiarity that an RV, customized to one's liking, can provide.

Tips for Travel Nursing with a Family in an RV

Travel nursing in an RV can be an adventure on its own. Throw in a family, and it becomes an epic journey filled with its set of joys and challenges. Whether it's managing your kid's schooling or ensuring everyone has their own space, there's a lot to consider.

Planning is Key

Before hitting the road, it's essential to have a solid plan in place. Consider factors like the duration of your assignment, schooling for the kids (if applicable), and how you'll manage daily family routines in the confined space of an RV.

Creating a Work-Life Balance

Being a travel nurse is demanding, but it's crucial to ensure a balance so that family time isn't compromised. Set boundaries for work hours and make time for family outings, movie nights, or simple dinners together.

Educational Opportunities

Traveling offers a plethora of educational experiences for kids. From visiting museums in new cities to exploring nature trails, there are countless ways to make learning fun and practical. Some families opt for homeschooling or online schooling to maintain consistency in education.

Community and Support

Like solo RV travel nurses, families also benefit from the supportive community at RV parks. Children can make new friends, and parents can share tips, experiences, and even babysitting duties with fellow travel nurse families.

Embracing the Travel Nurse Van Life

While the idea of an expansive RV complete with all amenities might be enticing, there's another segment of the travel nurse community that's leaning towards a more minimalist approach: the van life. This alternative to larger RVs has its distinct flavor, marrying the essence of simplicity with the essentials of mobile living.

Why Choose Van Life?

Simplicity and Minimalism: The van life naturally promotes a simpler lifestyle. With limited space, there's an emphasis on what's truly essential, ensuring that clutter is minimized and every item has its purpose.

Ease of Mobility: Navigating city streets, parking in tighter spaces, or venturing to off-the-beaten-path locations becomes more feasible with a van as opposed to a larger RV.

Cost-Effective: Maintenance costs, fuel expenses, and initial investments for vans can be considerably lower than their larger RV counterparts.

Environmentally Friendly: Many van lifers are opting for conversions that utilize solar power and other sustainable resources, making their travel footprint a tad greener.

Preparing for the Van Lifestyle

As rewarding as van life can be, preparation is paramount. This means considering storage solutions, ensuring a comfortable sleeping arrangement, and perhaps most importantly for a travel nurse, making certain there's a dedicated space or setup for unwinding after demanding shifts.

Ensuring Comfort and Security in Travel Nurse RV Living

The allure of the open road, the freedom of mobile living, and the camaraderie among fellow RVers are undeniably attractive. However, ensuring one's comfort and security while embracing the RV or van life is crucial, especially when your vehicle is both your transport and your home.

Prioritize Personal Comfort

Tailored Interiors: One of the perks of RV and van living is the ability to customize your space. Whether it's investing in ergonomic furniture, blackout curtains for quality sleep, or noise-canceling headphones for those moments of solitude, personal comfort should always be a priority.

Stay Connected: Invest in reliable internet connectivity. For a travel nurse, staying connected can mean accessing vital resources, staying in touch with loved ones, or simply unwinding with some online entertainment.

Safety First

Choose Safe Parking: While the idea of boondocking (parking in undeveloped areas) might be tempting, always ensure you're in a safe location. RV parks like Made in the Shade offer not just amenities but also the security of a known community.

Invest in Security Measures: From basic measures like quality locks to advanced systems like surveillance cameras or alarms, ensuring the safety of your mobile home is essential.

Stay Informed: Especially if you're traveling to new locations, it's crucial to stay updated on local news or any potential issues in the area.

Conclusion

Travel nursing in an RV or van offers an unparalleled blend of professional commitment and personal adventure. It's a lifestyle choice that speaks of freedom, flexibility, and the thrill of new experiences. With every new assignment, not only do travel nurses get to flex their professional muscles, but they also get to explore diverse landscapes, cultures, and communities. 

The idea of having a home on wheels that can be tailored to one's liking, be it the expansive space of an RV or the minimalist charm of a van, is truly empowering. Moreover, the community spirit among RVers, especially at places like Made in the Shade RV Park and Campground, can provide a comforting sense of belonging on the road. As with any lifestyle choice, preparation, awareness, and adaptability are key. By ensuring comfort, safety, and a balance between work and leisure, travel nurses can truly make the most of this unique journey. 

For those ready to embark on this adventure, or for those seeking a community that understands and supports this nomadic nursing lifestyle, Made in the Shade eagerly awaits. Don't hesitate to reach out to us at (762) 333 2901 or via email at [email protected].  

Your road to a fulfilling travel nursing experience in the heart of the Southeastern US begins here.