Imagine finishing your shift, stepping out of the hospital, and walking...
07/30/2025 |
Imagine finishing your shift, stepping out of the hospital, and walking straight into your home-on-wheels parked beneath a sky full of stars. No packing and unpacking. No hotel check-ins. Just freedom, flexibility, and the open road.
Maybe you’re parked in a scenic mountain town, or maybe you’re soaking in a sunset by the cost. With van life or RV living, your surroundings change with each assignment, but your home stays consistent.
Whether you’re just starting to explore the idea or you’re already dreaming of converting to a van, this guide will walk you through the why, how, and what to expect of life on the road.
Why Travel Healthcare Workers Are Embracing Van and RV Life
Let’s be real – housing can be one of the trickiest parts of travel healthcare. From finding short-term leases to dealing with unpredictable costs, it can quickly become stressful. That’s where van life and RV living come in.
Bringing your home along for the ride means you’re no longer at the mercy of rental markets or extended-stay hotels. You’re in control. Want to stay close to the hospital? You can. Prefer waking up in nature every morning? No problem! Van and RV living allow you to tailer your experience to your assignment – and your lifestyle.
There’s also the financial side. Without monthly rent or utilities, many healthcare travelers find themselves saving significantly more, especially over longer assignments. And instead of unpacking every 13 weeks, you simply park and plug in. Not to mention, this lifestyle naturally encourages a minimalist mindset – helping you prioritize what truly matters and cutting out the rest.
But one of the biggest perks? The freedom to explore. National parks, coastal drives, small-town charm – your off-days turn into mini-vacations. You’re no longer just working in a new city, you’re living in it, fully immersed.
Choosing Your Rolling Home: Van vs. RV
Deciding between a van and an RV is like choosing between an apartment and a house. Both have perks, but it depends on your needs.
Van Life is perfect for travelers who want a more compact, mobile, and low-maintenance lifestyle. Vans are easier to park in regular spaces, blend in more discreetly in urban areas, and are generally more fuel-efficient. They’re ideal for solo travelers or couples who want to maximize mobility and minimize fuss. Think cozy sleeping space, a small kitchen setup, and create storage solutions packs into a sleek, stealthy build.
RV Living, on the other hand, offers more space and amenities. With separate areas for sleeping, cooking, and lounging, RVs can feel more like a traditional home on wheels. Many include bathrooms with showers, full-size fridges, and room to stand and stretch. If you’re traveling with a partner, kids, pets, or just need more comfort after long shifts, an RV might be the better choice. They do require more upkeep and can be trickier to drive and park, but the added comfort can be well worth it.
Not sure which one fits you best? Test the waters by renting each option for a weekend getaway or short road trip before making the investment.
Where to Park and Live While on Assignment
Once you’ve chosen your rig, the next big question is: where do you park it?
The answer varies depending on your preferences, assignment location, and how connected (or remote) you want to be. Some hospitals allow healthcare travelers to park on-site, either in designated RV areas or less trafficked corners of the lot. It’s always worth asking your recruiter or facility contact if this is an option – it’s convenient, safe, and often free.
Campgrounds and RV parks are another popular choice, offering electrical and water hookups, laundry facilities, Wi-Fi, and even social events. Many are located near cities, hospitals, or national parks, making them a solid basecamp. Sites like Campendium, AllStays, and RV Life make finding nearby parks a breeze.
For more adventurous, there’s boondocking, also known as dry camping. This involves staying on public lands (like Bureau of Land Management areas or National Forests) without hookups or amenities. It’s free, scenic, and deeply peaceful, but it requires preparation. You’ll need to manage your own water, power, and waste, and know how to camp respectfully. Still, for many van lifers and RVers, boondocking is the heart of the lifestyle.
Pro tip: Always scout locations ahead of time, especially in unfamiliar towns. Apps like iOverlander
and The Dyrt offer real-time reviews and updates from fellow travelers.
Pro Tips for Thriving in Van or RV Life
Living in a small space isn’t just about where you park, it’s about how you live. The key is making the most of every square inch and staying adaptable.
Organization is Everything
When space is limited, clutter builds fast. Use vertical space for hanging storage, opt for multipurpose items (like a bench that doubles as storage), and embrace the “one in, one out” rule. Keeping your space tidy helps maintain clarity, especially after a long shift.
Budget for Fuel and Maintenance
RVs, in particular, can be gas guzzlers. Plan your route to avoid unnecessary miles and keep up with routine maintenance to avoid breakdowns on the job. Using route-planning apps that track elevation, rest stops, and fuel stations can make long drives much smoother.
Stay Connected
Healthcare travelers need reliable internet access – for work, communication, and relaxation. Invest in good mobile hotspot (Verizon and T-Mobile tend to offer the best rural coverage) and consider a cell signal booster if you’re frequently off the grid.
Prepare for All Seasons
Insulation and climate control vary across rigs. If you’re heading into a cold-weather assignment, make sure your van or RV can handle freezing temps (think headed hoses, thermal curtains, and proper ventilation). For hot climates, roof fans, reflective window covers, and portable AC units can be lifesavers.
Don’t Go It Alone
There’s a massive van life and RV community online – and chances are, some of them are healthcare travelers just like you. Join Facebook groups, Reddit threads, and Instagram circles for travel tips, destination inspiration, and real-life hacks.
Is Van Life/RV Living Right for You?
Living on the road isn’t for everyone. It requires flexibility, problem solving, and a willingness to go without certain comforts. But for the right person, it can be life changing.
If you crave independence, love to travel, and want a deeper connection to the places you work, van or RV life might be your perfect match. You get to experience the country not just as a tourist, but as a local – one hospital, one mountain range, one epic sunset at a time.
And the best part? You don’t have to figure it all out alone, at TotalMed, we’re here to support you on every mile of your journey – from finding the right assignment to cheering you on from the road.
Ready to take your healthcare career on the road, literally? Apply today and start your next adventure with TotalMed.
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