than the housing subsidy payment. Your recruiter and/or housing coordinator may know the location of a RV park close to the assignment facility and you might avoid a major RV park disaster by checking with them before reserving a site.
Try the Internet, RV clubs, and RV guides for the loca- tion of reliable parks.Some trailer parks may double as long- term RV parking. Ask other travelers, as well as the hospital representative who performs your interview for ideas on RV parks.Several of my nurse managers have given great advice about RV sites.
These references provide valuable input, but always re- search the parkbefore locking into a long-term rental agree- ment or paying a month in advance. Reserve a few days at a time and verify that monthly reservations can be changed without incurring a fee. It is a good idea to see the spot per- sonallyto confirm that it is suitable for your needs.
Don’t be surprised to find that most RV parks are located outside of major metropolitan areas.Occasionally, you will luck into one right around the corner from the hospital, but usually a brief commute should be expected.A good num- ber of parks will be located along a common bus route, mak- ing travel easy if you don’t have another vehicle.
Inquire at the assignment facility about on-site RV park- ing availability.Several hospitals offer this for use by patients and family members only, but it never hurts to ask about the specifics.
Find an RV park that feels comfortable and safe. Full hook-ups have worked best for us, but everyone has their own comfort level. Explore all the options.
Don’t rule out the state parks. Multiple upgrades have been made in recent years to accommodate bigger coaches 106 FAST FACTS FOR THE TRAVEL NURSE
and provide more amenities, with several offering 50-amp service. However, a lot of the national and state parks post a 14-day maximum length of stay. Ask the park host about the rules and how to extend, or renew, the reservation. Occa- sionally, exceptions can be made on an individual basis. Men- tion that you are a traveling nurse. It never hurts to let the campground host know that a reliable, working professional is using the site.
While on assignment in Alaska, we stayed at a state park that was absolutely breathtaking. A glacier view greeted us each morning and the site was huge with full hook ups, and 50-amp service.
Fast facts in a nutshell
• Preparation is important when “traveling” in an RV.
• Utilizing an RV on assignment is considered self-pro- vided housing, but several resources are available to provide insight on finding the right park while on as- signment.
• National and/or state parks have fantastic camp- grounds that are usually suitable for a traveling nurse utilizing an RV.
Exhibit 11.2 lists some additional advice to take into con- sideration when using a RV as a travel and housing option.
Check out a RV guide for additional ideas. Ask other travel- ers, who have used a RV while on assignment for their advice.
EXHIBIT 11.2 Advice Regarding Recreational Vehicle Use for a Travel and Housing Option 1. Before leaving in an RV, locate the telephone number and
address of a trustworthy RV repair shop in the assignment area.
2. Have a reliable roadside assistance program.
3. Prepare your RV for the trip. For example: change the oil, check the tire pressure, and fill the water tank.
4. Have an emergency kit, including flares, available.
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A lot of great experiences can be gleaned from others’ travels and some pitfalls might also be avoided.
Whichever type of self-provided housing is used, if the arrangements don’t work out for the entire length of an as- signment, call your recruiter or housing coordinator. She might be able to arrange something on a short-term basis. Re- member though, if a change is made, the housing subsidy will not be paid for the time company accommodations were required.
Fast facts in a nutshell: summary
Company-provided apartments are generally comfort- able and safe. Any issues that occur will be easily re- solved when a recruiter and/or housing coordinator be- comes involved.
The travel staffing company is not responsible for problems arising at self-provided accommodations. Rely on friends, family, and a local repairman to assist with any issues that develop. Using a recreational vehicle for travel and housing while on assignment is a fun alter- native to traditional housing options. Difficulties are easy to solve with proper preparation.
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Getting Settled in a New Town
INTRODUCTION
The housing is comfortable and you’ve started to settle in.
Now, go out and explore a fantastic new city! Chapter 12 is full of information about how to navigate the assignment area, while reaping the rewards of being in a new town.
There may be a few challenges regarding traffic and com- muting, but these problems are easily overcome. The joy ex- perienced during the exploration of the locale, including the adventures it has to offer, definitely overshadows any issues that may arise.
In this chapter, you will learn:
1. How to use the various resources available for assistance in navigating the assignment area.
2. How to uncover fun adventures, entertainment venues, and the best restaurants in the contract area.
3. How to combat loneliness while working as a travel nurse.
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