Helpful Resources for RV and Van-Life Travel Nurses
Traveling from assignment to assignment in an RV or van can help you cross off many to-dos on your life list. It can help you get out of debt or see the country with your family or furry friend. It can give you a chance to reconnect with nature or soak in some much-needed alone time.
Most travel nursing agencies will provide you with a number of travel benefits and resources, like temporary housing or a housing stipend. But aside from those, RV and van living have become an attractive alternative for many nurses looking to hit the open roads. Here are some helpful resources that will help simplify cross-country or long-term road trekking, keep you safe and well-rested, and allow you to have some fun!
Where to Rest and Reset
It can be hard for traveling nurses who are new to the mobile lifestyle to gain a sense of where to sleep overnight, where to shower, or what rest stops are safest. Luckily, there are so many helpful websites, apps, and traveler blogs to use as resources!
- Camp & RV – This tent & RV Camping app is handy in many practical ways, and it offers user-supplied photos of sites, so you know exactly what to expect when you arrive at each location. It tracks detailed information about campgrounds, nearby camping stores for supplies and food, RV dealerships, and more. It also uses your location to display bridge heights near you, so you never have to search for overhead clearance or question if your ride will fit through a low clearance area.
- Rest Stops Plus – When you don’t want to bother with convenience stores, locating a park, or navigating narrow entrances and exits, Rest Stops Plus is an app that lists over 4,000 welcome centers, turnouts, rest areas, and more across the US. It has helpful details about services and amenities available, and it can help you find pet-friendly areas to stretch your furry friend’s legs or places with wi-fi and snacks to take a much-needed break.
- If you don’t have access to a private shower, finding safe, public options along your route can seem like a hassle, but it really doesn’t have to be! The good thing to know is that you have options. 24-hour gyms with multiple locations, like Planet Fitness, are great because they’re cheap, contracts are easy to cancel, and you can get in a quick workout. Most gyms offer other amenities as well, like tanning or massage chairs. Another good option is truck stops because they cater to people living life on the road. Most well-known truck stop facilities, like Love’s or Pilot, are clean, well-lit, and well-maintained. Your safety is priority #1, so choose the option that makes you feel most comfortable and safe.
As with any public place, always stay safe and aware of your surroundings.
Have Some Fun!
Don’t forget to have some fun while you’re out on the road! Take an hour or two to explore a new city and make some memories in-between assignments. Or purchase a National Parks Pass to stretch your legs and check some items off your bucket list. Be sure to also find and follow some travel nursing blogs, Facebook groups, or podcasts for new tips, tricks, and insights from seasoned travelers.
The RV and van lifestyle has both pros and cons for traveling nurses. It’s up to you to decide if this lifestyle works best with your travel and career goals and what you’re willing to sacrifice. If you choose to take the leap (or already have), you’ll get to experiences life adventures you wouldn’t have had otherwise.
Are you curious about what new travel assignments are available to you with Aureus Medical? Search available jobs for your practice or reach out to your recruiter!