Helpful Resources for RV and Van-Life Travel Nurses
Traveling from one assignment to the next in an RV or van can help you cross off many items on your bucket list. It can even help you get out of debt or see the country with a family member or friend (furry friends included!). You can even use the time to reconnect with nature and soak in some much-needed alone time.
Although Alegiant Healthcare provides you with several travel benefits and resources, like a housing stipend and discount programs, RV/Van living has become a desirable alternative for many travel nurses and medical professionals looking to hit the open roads. We have made a list of helpful resources that will simplify your cross-country or long-term road trip while keeping you safe, and well-rested, and allowing you to have fun!
Where to Rest and Reset
It can be difficult for people that are new to the mobile lifestyle to gain a sense of where to spend the night, where to shower, or which rest stops are the safest. Luckily for you, we have found some helpful websites, apps, and traveler blogs for you to use as resources!
- Camp & RV – This app “Camp & RV” is very handy in many practical ways, as well as offering user-supplied photos of sites so you know exactly what to expect before you arrive at your location. It will also track detailed information about campgrounds, nearby camping stores for supplies, RV dealerships, and much more. It will also use your location to display bridge heights that are near you, this way you will never have to search for overhead clearance or questions if your ride will fit through some low clearance areas.
- Rest Stops Plus – This app is great for when you don’t want to bother with convenience stores, locating a park, or navigating through narrow entrances and exits. Rest Stops Plus is an app that lists over 4,000 locations like welcome centers, turnouts, rest areas, and more across the US. It stores helpful details about services and amenities available and can help you find pet-friendly areas to let your furry friends stretch their legs or find places with Wi-Fi and snacks to take a much-needed break.
- If you don’t have access to a private shower, finding a safe and public option along your route can get a little stressful, but it doesn’t have to be! The important thing to know is you have options! Places like 24-hour gyms with multiple locations, like Planet Fitness, are great because they’re affordable, contracts are easy to cancel, and you can get a quick workout in before your shower! Most gyms also offer other amenities as well, things as tanning or massage chairs. Another good option is truck stops because they cater to people living life on the road. Some most well-known truck stops facilities, like Pilot or Love’s, are clean, well-lit, and well-maintained. Your safety is your #1 priority, so make sure to choose the option that makes you feel the most comfortable and safe.
Just like in any public place, always stay safe and be aware of your surroundings!
Have Some Fun!
Don’t forget the main reason why you are traveling, to have some fun while you’re out on the road! Take a day or 2 to explore a new city and make some wonderful memories in-between assignments. You can even purchase a National Parks Pass to stretch your legs and check some more items off your bucket list. You can also find and follow some travel nursing blogs, Facebook groups, or even podcasts for new tips, tricks, and insights from seasoned travelers.
Like anything, the RV and van lifestyle has both pros and cons for travelers. It’s ultimately up to you to decide if this is something that works best with your travel plans, career goals, and what you’re willing to sacrifice. If you choose to take the leap (or even if you already have), you’ll get to experience life adventures that you wouldn’t have had otherwise! We hope you have found this article helpful! If you are interested in starting your travel med career, reach out to one of our recruiters or visit our jobs board today!