Nomadic Nurse Diaries

Dear “Christmas in Baja Sounds Really Good Right About Now,”

So, my recruiter asked if I want to extend my travel nursing contract, and I’m torn. Part of me is screaming, “Take a break! Head to Baja Mexico in your van for a month and a half!” I’ve been on the road for a while now, and honestly, I haven’t had a Christmas, Thanksgiving, or New Year’s off in five years. Baja’s warm beaches, taco stands, and van life freedom sound like the perfect reset, especially after months of working in healthcare.

But there’s this tiny voice whispering, “What if the travel nursing market dries up in January? What if there’s no contract when you get back? What if you end up scrambling for work in February?” There’s this unspoken risk in van life, where you don’t have the 9-to-5 stability, but also the reward of total flexibility. It’s why I started this journey in the first place—freedom, adventure, and the ability to follow the sun.

The idea of parking my van in Baja’s beachfront campsites, mingling with other nomads, and living that slow-paced, laid-back life is tempting. The travel nursing hustle has been nonstop, and the thought of slowing down feels like the self-care I’ve been neglecting. Plus, there are plenty of budget-friendly options in Mexico, with safe campsites and other van lifers who’ve paved the way. I could work remotely for a bit, maybe do some online certifications while lounging in my van by the beach.

But there’s the other side. If I don’t extend, what does that mean for my nursing career? The travel nursing market has been up and down, and skipping out on this opportunity could mean a long break until the next contract pops up. And even though van life is amazing, it’s not always the most convenient when you’re waiting for the next gig.

What I’m struggling with is the balance between living my van life dream—traveling the West Coast, seeing new places—and keeping a stable career that I’ve worked hard for. Stella and Watson, my trusty sidekicks, would love Baja, no doubt. But am I ready to roll the dice and see if I’ll find work when I get back in January? I don’t want to be stuck waiting around, wondering if I made the wrong call.

Maybe the break will do me good. Or maybe I’m just getting tired from the constant hustle of being on the road and working in new environments. Who knows? Either way, Baja or not, I’ve earned some downtime. Question is, do I take it now or push through a little longer?

Until next time,
Your Baja-Dreaming Nomadic Nurse