Travel nursing assignments can typically range from 4 weeks to 24 weeks. It is important that you carry all that you will need to do your job well as well as personal items that make you feel at home. With varying assignment lengths, the things you pack for your gig may also change. As a new travel nurse, it is quite easy to overpack or under-pack. Or even if you are a seasoned traveler, maybe you are trying a new location and the excitement throws off your process.
Retired travel nurses and experts who have prior experience in creating a packing list for travel nurses have all the right tips. These tips can help you pare down the essentials and stop you from faux pas. Also, don’t neglect taking specific advice about the area you are traveling to and the all-season items that you must never miss.
Here is the essential travel nursing list for you to ensure that you carry all the things on your assignment.
Essential Documents
You cannot miss the essential documents that help you verify your identity and work history. This is why you must have a folder that contains your nursing license and certifications, photo ID, and social security card. Also, it must have the documents that contain your health insurance information, immunization records, employment contract, and related paperwork.
Talent marketplaces like SkillGigs organize all your information in one place that the employer can see. Personal information, work history, education-related documents, licenses, and other certifications are stored in our database. Moreover, you can see all the information about the job/gig you are interested in. In case, you need to carry any additional documents, we inform you about that too. For any queries that you have, you can chat or call the customer care team. Our team is available round the clock 24/7.
Clothes as per the job
You’ll be spending a lot of time on your feet, so it’s important to have comfortable and supportive work shoes, as well as plenty of scrubs to wear during your shifts. Make sure to ask in advance if your new unit has a color preference for scrubs. Also, in today’s climate, it’s crucial to bring your own PPE, such as masks, gloves, and face shields as the supply won’t be the same as it was a few years back.
Clothes as per the climate
Travel nursing assignments are all over the country. So, it is important to research the weather in the area before you pack. In travel nursing, a winter assignment in Miami is quite different from a winter assignment in the Northeast. Apart from the weather, the common clothing items you must pack are scrubs based on the length of your assignment. Also, include comfortable outfits for your days off, shorts if it’s summer, and a jacket or coat if it gets chilly. Furthermore, invest in quality nursing shoes for long shifts and pack swimwear or gym clothes depending on what activity you take in your off time.
Personal care items
Personal care items are necessary to ensure you have all that you need on your travel nursing assignment. These include toiletries, toothbrushes, toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, soap, deodorant, etc. Also, carry an adequate supply of any prescription medications you require and a regular first aid kit. Expert tip: call ahead to your pharmacy to ensure a smooth transition of any required medications.
Work-related items
Work-related items remain the same for most travel nursing assignments. Some of the essential work-related items include a stethoscope, penlight for physical assessments, identification badge holder, and pocket-sized nursing reference book among others.
Miscellaneous items
Before deciding on the miscellaneous items, travel nurses must inquire about the type of accommodation. It could be that you have all the necessary items in your place like a TV, fridge, washing machine, and dining area. On the other hand, it could be that you have just a bed and a washroom with your meals provided by the facility. Depending on the accommodation, you can pack or arrange for the items you will need. However, some of the common miscellaneous items include travel locks, laundry supplies, and a travel-size iron to keep your scrubs wrinkle-free and presentable.
Packing apps or organizer
Travel nursing can take a lot out of you as you need to be available daily for long hours. Also, it is possible that you do not have a lot of time between travel nursing assignments. A packing app or organizer can help you pack all the time. Such apps come with a checklist that you can tick off as you pack items for your next travel nursing assignment. Contrarily, if you have a habit of referring to a list every time you begin an assignment save it on your phone or computer.
Travel nursing is a demanding profession that can take you to the most beautiful places. However, each opportunity comes with its own set of challenges that can rock you hard if you are not well prepared. This is why it is important to carry all the essential items that you will need for your travel nursing assignment. When you pack properly, you are prepared for all types of emergencies that can take place on the professional as well as the personal front.
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