Travel Nursing in a Tiny Home, RV or Skoolie

Tiny homes are taking over a bigger percentage of the travel nursing industry. Nurses now travel around in tiny homes, RV's or Skoolie's.

Seems like the choice to downsize our living spaces and live "tiny" is everywhere these days, and the world of travel nursing is no exception. A growing number of travelers are taking their homes with them on assignment. We asked a few of them why they choose to 'travel tiny' and if they have any tips for travel nurses who are considering it.

Tiny house living is overtaking TV and social media. These super compact houses, many under 500 square feet, can be hitched to the back of a vehicle and parked wherever it is legal to park a regular RV. Websites like Tiny Living and Tree hugger provide resources across the country for these tiny mobile houses. You can design your home to be for “off-grid” or “on-grid” parking. If you’re off-grid, you must physically empty your compost toilet, rotate your solar panels, and fill your fresh water tank. If this sounds overwhelming, you should seek a parking spot with full connections (otherwise known as hookups for electric, water, and sewer).

Tiny home prices typically fall around $20,000-50,000 depending on size and amenities. Check out Tiny House Giant Journey to get an idea of a tiny home resident’s average monthly expenses.

Most travel nurses prefer RVs that are either motorhomes or travel trailers. Motorhomes can be quite deluxe, and require little set-up. On the other hand, travel trailers provide the added convenience of using just the car or truck for your daily commute. You can park overnight for free at many Walmart locations (use this app to locate them) and other unexpected locales. Depending on how long you plan to stay and the amenities you require, you may choose to stay in national, state or local parks and campgrounds. You many also want to look into joining RV clubs such as Passport America that provide discounted rates at campgrounds and other services.

Many tiny living aficionados have opted to convert a school bus (a skoolie) or even a coach or transit-style bus into a mobile residence. If you’re the DIY-type, you can purchase a bus as-is, and then convert it into a livable space including electric, plumbing and furnishings. Another possibility is hiring a company that assists with bus conversions such as Skoolie Homes. Ready-to-go converted buses are also widely available. While skoolies can be an economic and eco-friendly choice, not all RV resorts allow them, so a little more advance planning can be called for.

Travelling tiny can make it easier to relocate for some of the highest-paying nursing assignments out there. Put that housing stipend to good use and travel the country in your very own RV, skoolie, or tiny house.

Audra travels in an RV with her husband. Audra is about to complete her first assignment at CAMC in the PCU unit and is starting her next assignment in Virginia.

Favorite Locations: Our two favorite places to camp would be the Outer banks of NC and Kissimmee, FL \ (We love Disney!). Upsides to RV-ing/camping:

Upsides to RVing: You have the flexibility to go just about anywhere you want. There are so many campgrounds all over the country. We have found that KOA sites are clean and very family-oriented which makes for a great place when I am at an assignment by myself. Having an RV on an assignment is so convenient and is usually cheaper than finding a place on Airbnb or an extended stay hotel.

You don’t have to worry about packing and unpacking each time you go somewhere. When we first bought our camper, I went out and bought kitchen utensils, pots, pans, plates, cups, etc that are designated for the camper. That way I can put all of the essentials in there and really never have to remove them. We love having the opportunity to meet new people and explore so many new places, while still having a familiar space where we can eat cook, sleep, watch tv, do just about anything we want. You also don’t have to worry about wondering what your housing might really be like; your housing travels with you!

Insider Advice: Open spots at campgrounds are very seasonal. It may be very difficult to find a place to park your camper during summer months, even places that you wouldn’t expect to be that tourist-y. Just be prepared to commute a little bit if you do want to stay in a camper/RV in a tourist area during high season.

Would you recommend RVing to other travelers?: Absolutely!

Upsides to RVing: We decided to take our fifth wheel with us instead of opting for apartment living. That way we would always be home no matter where we park. I'm on my second assignment and I absolutely love going to new places, learning new things and meeting some of the best people. It's awesome knowing I have friends all over the country now because of working with American Traveler.

Would you recommend RVing to other travelers?: My husband and I started traveling at the beginning of the year and we are the happiest we have ever been! We are literally living the dream. None of this would be possible if it wasn't for my recruiter Adrienne. She has been the best and helped me in more ways than she even knows. We wouldn't be where we are today if not for her.. literally, mentally and emotionally.

Upsides to RV’ing: Pulling her home behind her as she travels gives her great flexibility with locations and allows her to focus on her goals of paying off bills and building savings while exploring the country!

Insider Advice: Simplify your life. Less is more. You will be surprised by how many amenities you don’t need. Remember your life has to fit into your vehicle.

Favorite locations for RV’ing: Anywhere that's not humid or below zero.

Insider Advice: Get a big enough RV, and make sure it’s rated for cold weather if you’re headed to a colder climate. Get on as many blogs or social media sites pertaining to RV’s. Talk to other RV owners, and remember to pack light.