If you have to buy a truck and that is part of the $5000 budget that will not work for you. You could pick up a early 90's Class A or C for $5000 and use your car to get back and forth to school. Once you save some money you could pick up a small tow car for your work travels. As a contract nurse you can choose your destination and time frame of work. I know a couple that do this and it is up north in the summer and down south for the winter. I would not winter in an older RV in IL. Hope this helps and good luck to you.