Holly, her husband and two cats make their home in an RV while traveling the country for her job as a travel nurse.
Traveling as a healthcare professional can be both exciting and challenging. For those who choose to hit the road in an RV while taking on travel nurse assignments, the journey is even more unique. Holly H., a seasoned travel nurse, shares her valuable insights on making life in an RV work seamlessly. In this blog post, we’ll explore Holly’s tips for finding the perfect RV campground, dealing with various weather conditions, ensuring reliable internet access, and, of course, making time for fun activities during your travels.
Finding the Right RV Campground
When you’re an RV-traveling nurse, your home goes wherever you do. However, finding a suitable place to park your RV is crucial. Here are some considerations:
Year-round Availability: Some campgrounds close during the winter months, which may coincide with prime job seasons. Holly recommends working closely with your recruiter to plan your assignments effectively. She uses RV Life Trip Wizard, a subscription-based website that provides a map of RV campgrounds nationwide, making it easier to find year-round options.
Private RV Parks: Since most state and national parks have shorter stay limits, private RV parks often become the preferred choice for longer assignments. Holly recommends making reservations or getting on waiting lists while you decide on your contract. Be sure to inquire about deposit policies and cancellation terms.
Battling Weather Extremes
Living in an RV means dealing with the elements, from freezing winter conditions to scorching summer temperatures. Holly offers practical solutions:
Insulation: Invest in removable skirting to insulate the underside of your RV and use Reflectix in your windows to block out heat while providing insulation. Holly recommends buying the Reflectix before summer hits, especially before you get to the desert states, because stores will likely sell out.
Heated Hose: Prevent your water hose from freezing by using a heated garden hose and pack insulation around the water spigot.
Staying Connected
Having a reliable internet connection is essential for work and leisure. Holly’s husband works remote and so a dependable internet connection is not just a convenience but a necessity. To ensure connectivity, Holly and her husband have a three-tiered approach:
Starlink: A satellite internet service that works well in open areas but may face challenges in heavily forested regions.
T-Mobile and Verizon Hotspots: These mobile hotspots provide additional internet options.
Test: Holly recommends testing all three services upon arrival to determine the most reliable one.
Exploring the Area
Holly at Zion National Park.
The fun stuff! While your primary focus is your nursing assignment, Holly reminds us to have fun and explore. Here are some tips:
Outdoor Activities: If you love outdoor adventures like hiking, cycling, or mountain biking, utilize trail sites and apps to find routes and trails in your area.
Live Entertainment: Look for local venues for live music or other events you enjoy.
Tourism Websites: Smaller cities often have tourism websites that offer information on popular attractions and activities.
Ask Locals: Don’t hesitate to ask your new coworkers for recommendations on where to eat and what to see.
Conclusion
Traveling as a nurse in an RV offers a unique and adventurous lifestyle. By considering factors like campground availability, weather preparation, internet access, and recreational activities, you can make the most of your travel nursing experience. Thanks to the valuable insights shared by Holly H., you’ll be better equipped to navigate the road while excelling in your nursing career and enjoying life on the go. Safe travels!
For a comprehensive list of housing resources, visit the Uniti Med Housing Resources webpage.