By Emma Joyce

January 29, 2024

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5 Travel Nursing Must-Haves for Every New Assignment

Healthcare professionals are drawn to travel nursing because it is a dynamic and fulfilling career path that offers incredible opportunities for adventure. This route enables them to make a significant and beneficial difference in patients’ lives in various healthcare settings across the nation while fusing their love of travel with their passion for nursing. However, starting a new nursing assignment can be a complex undertaking that involves both thrilling adventures and difficult practical difficulties, especially when it comes to packing and being sufficiently ready for the trip. This comprehensive list of travel nursing must-haves will help you navigate this complex environment and make a smooth transition into the field of travel nursing with each new assignment. 

Travel nursing must-haves for every new assignment:

travel nursing must-haves

Documentation and Credentials

It is highly recommended that you make sure all of your credentials and documentation are current and well-organized before beginning your next nursing assignment. This includes a careful examination of your certifications, nursing license, and any other necessary documentation. Understanding that various states and healthcare facilities may have different requirements is crucial, as it calls for a methodical approach to document management.

If you don’t keep this meticulous organization, you might experience unnecessary stress and difficulties when you move to your new job. As a result, take the time and make the necessary preparations to go over, update, and organize all of the important documents that help to define your professional identity before you leave on your next travel nursing adventure.

Quality Scrubs and Comfortable Shoes

The shoes and scrubs a travel nurse wears for her demanding shifts are two essential parts of her everyday wardrobe. These two factors have a big impact on performance and comfort. Because you will be on your feet for extended periods, you must wear clothing that is both comfortable and durable. Indulge in scrubs made of materials that are breathable and moisture-wicking to keep you cool and comfortable even during the most taxing tasks.

Additionally, carefully consider the type of shoes you select, making sure that they provide the necessary cushioning in addition to the necessary support to lessen foot fatigue and discomfort. Given that the caliber of your clothing can have a significant influence on your capacity to deliver efficient and compassionate care, make thoughtful decisions in this area.

travel nursing must-haves

Personalized Medical Supplies

Being able to provide patients with the best care possible requires having your customized medical supplies on hand. Although many hospitals do provide a basic supply kit, it is still a good idea to keep a unique set of tools on hand, such as a stethoscope, penlight, scissors, and other essential tools. You can also pack one of those practical pocket knives that might help you in different scenarios, from opening something in a matter of seconds to cutting the bandage to the right size.

Customization of this kind ensures not only a higher degree of comfort but also encourages compliance with strict infection control guidelines, which is crucial given the current state of global health. Make sure you have a complete medical toolkit with customized instruments and equipment so you are always ready for every patient encounter. These will be your constant allies when it comes to delivering excellent care.

Travel-Friendly Essentials

Because travel nursing is a nomadic field, it frequently requires a level of location switching that is unmatched in many other professions. Therefore, it’s necessary to arm yourself with a carefully chosen assortment of travel-friendly necessities. The choice of luggage is crucial in this category; having a high-quality, long-lasting suitcase that can endure frequent travel is a must.

Use packing cubes and organizers to further expedite your packing and unpacking procedures. These tools will keep your space organized even when your schedule is hectic with assignments. Do not undervalue the significance of a portable charger for your electronic devices in this day of digital connectivity. It will guarantee that, wherever your nursing career may take you, you stay connected on a personal and professional level.

Health and Wellness Toolkit

Keeping your health and wellbeing safe when navigating the waters of travel nursing is not just advised—it is imperative. To achieve this, put together a thorough health and wellness toolkit that is well-stocked with some of your most essential vitamins, over-the-counter medications for common ailments, and any prescription medications that are essential to your overall healthcare plan. It is impossible to exaggerate the significance of maintaining a balanced diet and drinking enough water. Carry reusable water bottles and a variety of wholesome snacks to support these essential elements of well-being. This will guarantee that you stay well-fed and energized throughout even the most demanding shifts.

The field of travel nursing offers an incredible array of opportunities, including the chance to further one’s career, pursue personal interests, and have a significant positive influence on patients’ lives all around the country. To make sure that you are exceedingly well-equipped to traverse this complex terrain, which includes the various facets of your professional and personal journey, you must have the necessary tools for each new assignment, so check these things out today!

Do you have any travel nursing must-haves? What are they? Comment your travel nursing must-haves below.

Interested in a travel nursing job? Our job board is a great place to search for assignments, and if housing is an issue, our housing page can help. It’s time to make a difference!

If you are a new travel nurse or looking into becoming a travel nurse:

Travel Nurse Guide: Step-by-Step (now offered in a PDF Downloadable version!)

By CareerStaff Unlimited

December 8, 2023

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Packing for Cold Weather: 30 Travel Nursing Essentials

CareerStaff Unlimited provided this article.

White blankets of snow, cozying up after a long shift, magical holiday events warmed by the fire, hot chocolate, and long-standing traditions – there are endless reasons to choose a cold weather destination for your next travel nursing assignment!

Not sure how to prepare or unfamiliar with packing for cold weather? Consider this a travel nursing essentials guide for your fun, frosty adventures ahead!

travel nursing essentials

Benefits of Cold Weather Assignments

While they might not be as popular, there’s a long list of reasons to choose a colder climate for your next travel nursing assignment. Here are some of the highlights:

  • Better Pay & Opportunities

Let’s face it — almost everyone applies for positions in the warm-weather states during the winter months. Cut past the competition and embrace the opportunities in cold-weather states. With less competition and higher demand, you might just find more options and higher pay.

  • Seasonal Festivities & Events

Skip the long lines and crowds of tourists and explore the area’s top spots during the off-season.

Plus, cold-weather regions tend to be the best at holidays. See if the area has any holiday markets or events you can attend. Who knows — you might even get to try your hand at winter sports!

Tips for Preparing & Packing for Cold Weather: Travel Nursing Assignments

travel nursing essentials

Ready to brace for the cold? With a bit of preparation and packing for cold weather, you’ll go from chilly to cozy in no time:

  • Research the Climate.

Look up the monthly weather averages in the city you’ll be living in, including the highs, lows, rainfall, and snowfall when packing for cold weather.

  • Invest in Warm Clothing

A quality winter coat, footwear, and gloves will be your best friends when packing for cold weather. However, if you need to pack light, remember you can purchase more winter travel nursing essentials once you get there.

  • Learn How to Travel in Snow & Ice.

If you aren’t used to driving in the snow, take some time to learn and practice safe winter driving techniques. Map out your driving, walking, or public transportation path to work.

Packing for Cold Weather: Travel Nursing Essentials

Throw on your sweater, blast your winter playlist, and grab a pen — it’s time to pack! Packing for cold weather is a whole different experience if you’ve never done it before. Here’s a list of travel nursing essentials to help you get started.

Remember: Some items may be better to get once you arrive. Use this as a packing and moving checklist of travel nursing essentials!

  • Clothing & Accessories
    • Winter-friendly scrubs and moisture-wicking base layers (Pro tip: Remember to layer your scrubs for cold weather!)
    • Warm, water-resistant winter coat
    • Insulated gloves or mittens
    • Scarves and/or neck gaiters
    • Sweaters and thermal tops
    • Thermal bottoms and/or fleece-lined leggings
    • Insulated, waterproof boots
    • Wool or thermal socks
    • Hats or beanies to cover your head and ears
    • Heavy-duty snow boots for extreme conditions (if necessary)
    • Sunglasses to protect your eyes from harsh winter glare
    • Waterproof, insulated backpack or tote bag for carrying travel nursing essentials
  • Personal Care
    • Sunscreen with a high SPF (Yes, you still need it in winter!)
    • Lip balm or chapstick with SPF
    • Travel-sized first aid kit with basic supplies
    • Medications and any necessary medical supplies
    • Personal hygiene items (toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, etc.)
travel nursing essentials
  • Home Essentials
    • Extra blankets and bedding for added warmth
    • Space heater (if permitted and necessary)
    • Electric blanket and/or heated mattress pad (if needed)
    • Flashlight with extra batteries
    • Emergency kit with essential supplies (e.g., non-perishable food, water, first aid items)
    • Rock salt or ice melt for walkways and driveways
    • Snow shovel or snow removal equipment
    • Entertainment (something to cozy up with when it’s cold out!)
  • Documentation
    • Health insurance information and contact numbers
    • Recruiter and travel nursing agency contact information

Find Your Next Travel Nursing Assignment

Packing for cold weather assignments? From thrilling hotspots to chilly escapes, your career can be an endless journey of adventure. However, don’t forget one of the biggest travel nursing essentials: your recruiter!

Discover how travel nursing agencies like CareerStaff can guide you through the entire process of finding the right position, location, and healthcare facility that aligns with your career goals. Happy travels!

Our job board is a great place to search for your next travel nurse assignment. We have you covered with our housing page if housing is an issue. You can search for what you are looking for.

If you are a new travel nurse or looking into becoming a travel nurse:

Travel Nurse Guide: Step-by-Step (now offered in a PDF Downloadable version!)

By Titan Medical

November 14, 2023

2047 Views

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Top Essentials for Travel Nurses

Titan Medical Group provided this article.

As a travel nurse, you need to make sure you pack your essentials. But what are those? We have put together a list of the top essentials for travel nurses. Find out what they are below.

Top Essentials for Travel Nurses

essentials for travel nurses

Good Shoes

Good shoes are crucial for nurses who travel because of the long hours on their feet, often walking or standing throughout shifts. Comfortable and supportive footwear can help prevent foot and leg fatigue, reducing the risk of chronic pain and injury. Proper shoes can also enhance stability and balance, especially when navigating unfamiliar hospital environments or patient rooms. Lastly, durable and well-fitting shoes ensure that traveling nurses can focus on patient care and their duties without the distraction of uncomfortable or inadequate footwear. Hoka and Clove shoes are great for nurses, and Hoka offers discounts for healthcare workers! Below are the links to their websites.

Earphones

essentials for travel nurses

A good pair of earphones is essential for traveling nurses as they can provide a vital source of privacy and concentration in noisy hospital environments. Healthcare professionals often need to review patient records, communicate with colleagues, or attend virtual meetings, and noise-canceling earphones can help maintain confidentiality and improve communication. Furthermore, music or calming sounds can be used to reduce stress during breaks, promoting mental well-being. Lastly, a comfortable and durable pair of earphones ensures that you can enjoy your downtime and stay connected with loved ones, which is crucial for maintaining work-life balance while on the go. Below are links to highly-rated brands with exceptional earbuds and headphones!

Packing cubes

Packing cubes are indispensable for traveling nurses as they help keep work attire organized and easily accessible within luggage. With varying shifts and unpredictable work situations, travel nurses often need quick access to their uniforms, scrubs, and medical gear, and packing cubes make it effortless to locate specific items. Additionally, these cubes help maintain cleanliness and hygiene by keeping dirty or contaminated clothing separated from clean ones, ensuring infection control protocols are met. Lastly, packing cubes maximize the limited storage space available, allowing efficiency while packing more essentials and maintaining a streamlined travel experience during assignments. Cal Pack and Eagle Creek are both extremely popular packing websites that carry even better packing cubes. Below are the links!

Speaker

A portable speaker can be a valuable companion for traveling nurses as it enables them to unwind and relax during downtime by playing their favorite music or podcasts. It offers a sense of comfort and familiarity, especially during long and challenging shifts away from home. Moreover, a speaker can enhance communication by you participating in virtual meetings or conferences, ensuring they stay updated with the latest medical advancements and hospital protocols. It can also serve as an emergency alert system, providing a loud and clear notification in case of important calls or messages, ensuring you do not miss critical updates while on the move. The Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 3 speaker is highly rated by the New York Times, and the JBL Clip 3 speaker is immensely popular. Below are the links to their websites!

essentials for travel nurses

The Basics

Packing basic clothing items that can be dressed up or down is essential for traveling nurses because it enables you to adapt to various work environments and dress codes. This versatility allows them to seamlessly transition from a formal hospital setting to a more casual or relaxed attire when off-duty. It makes it easier and more lightweight when packing when you have options for all styles of outfits. Basics make it easy to dress up with a cardigan and some jewelry, or dress down with comfortable pants and shoes! It also minimizes the need for an extensive wardrobe, making packing and maintaining luggage more manageable during assignments. This approach ensures that traveling nurses are always prepared for any professional or personal situation they may encounter while on the road. Many stores have affordable and excellent quality basics, but Abercrombie & Fitch, Old Navy, and Lululemon are some of the most talked about stores when it comes to basics! Below are the links.

Water bottles

A high-quality water bottle is vital for travel nurses as it ensures staying well-hydrated throughout demanding shifts. Proper hydration is crucial for maintaining energy levels and concentration while providing patient care. Additionally, having a reliable water bottle allows avoiding disposable plastic bottles, contributing to environmental sustainability. It is also a convenient and cost-effective way to access clean drinking water, especially when working in various healthcare facilities with varying access to water sources. Below are three links to amazing websites with wonderful water bottles for travel nurses! Specifically, Cuptify is custom nurse water bottles!

We hope you found this article on essentials for travel nurses helpful. Do you have any essentials to add to the list? Comment below.

Our job board is a great place to search for your next travel nurse assignment. We have you covered with our housing page if housing is an issue. You can search for what you are looking for.

If you are a new travel nurse or looking into becoming a travel nurse:

Travel Nurse Guide: Step-by-Step (now offered in a PDF Downloadable version!)

By Furnished Finder

July 20, 2023

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Packing for Travel Nurses: A Comprehensive Guide

As a travel nurse, one of the most daunting tasks that come with a new assignment is packing. You might have limited space to carry your belongings, which means you need to be strategic in your choices. However, with a bit of planning and organizing, you can make sure you have everything you need while keeping your luggage manageable and easy to carry. In this article, we will dive into the essential items that every travel nurse should consider packing for their next assignment.

Packing for Travel Nurses

1. Clothing and Shoes

When packing your clothes, think about the climate at your destination and the duration of your trip. Make sure you have enough clothing to last at least a week. You can pack neutral colors that can be mixed and matched and don’t forget to include comfortable and durable shoes. Apart from work shoes, you might need sneakers for your leisure activities and flip-flops if you’re headed to a sunny spot.

2. Toiletries and Medications

Pack your toiletries, including toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, and body wash, in a toiletry bag. Also, ensure that you have enough medication for the duration of your assignment. Don’t forget you can always buy more supplies at your destination. You could also carry essential oils or aromatherapy to help you relax after a long day.

3. Electronics and Entertainment

Bring your cell phone, charger, laptop, and any other electronic gadget useful for you. You could bring along an ebook reader, tablet, or music player to help pass the time during a long shift or on days off. Additionally, you should also invest in a good power bank, in case you can’t get access to electricity.

Packing for Travel Nurses

4. Personal Items

Personal items might include jewelry, purses, and decorative items for your mid-term rental. You could also include task-specific tools, like a stethoscope or work log books necessary for your assignment. Don’t forget to carry some cash, credit card, or ATM card, as well.

5. Documents and Paperwork

Finally, make sure you have all your essential documents and paperwork when traveling. You might need your nursing license, travel documents, passport, health insurance, and more, depending on your assignment’s specifics. Keep all these documents in a zipped folder and label them so you know what’s in there.

Packing as a travel nurse can seem overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. With careful planning, you’ll know exactly what you need to bring and what you can leave behind. Also, packing essentials can help you avoid unnecessary expenses and stresses during your trip. By focusing on the essential items, you’ll pack in a way that gives you peace of mind, no matter where your travel nurse journey takes you. Happy packing!

Our job board is a great place to search for your next travel nurse assignment. We have you covered with our housing page if housing is an issue. You can search for what you are looking for.

If you are a new travel nurse or looking into becoming a travel nurse:

Travel Nurse Guide: Step-by-Step (now offered in a PDF Downloadable version!)

By Titan Medical

July 28, 2022

1416 Views

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Pack Your Bags!

Titan Medical Group provided this article.

Getting ready for a 13-week travel assignment can be both exciting and hectic! You’ve got so much to do– from squaring things away at home to ensuring you’re getting all your paperwork done for your assignment.

Packing your bags may be one of the last things on your to-do list, but it’s one of the most important things to get right!

Of course, you don’t want to show up with bags upon bags of clothing, toiletries, and other odds and ends from home; so, what’s the most efficient way to get everything done? We’ve come up with a few helpful hints to make your packing (and the rest of your adventure) a breeze!

job board

1. Make a packing list.

Begin to think of things you use every day and things you can’t live without a few weeks before you begin packing for your assignment. Adding to this list over time can help ensure that you won’t forget anything the day of.

Go over your packing list the day of and ensure everything is packed and ready to go.

2. For shampoo, conditioner, and other bottled liquids, place a square of plastic wrap under the cap.

The plastic wrap will keep the fluids from getting into the cap and spilling out if the lid isn’t shut. Place the piece of plastic wrap on top of the bottle and screw the cap back on. Safe and secure!

3. Roll your t-shirts, pants, and other garments to save space.

Rolling your garments to form a cylinder shape will save more space than folded clothes. You can pack more into your suitcase without worrying about wrinkles.

4. Cover your razor heads with a binder clip.

Razor heads are sharp and can be dangerous. Not only can they scrape your hand when reaching in your bag to find something, but they can also tear up the inside of your luggage. Placing an appropriately sized binder clip over the razor head will keep everything safe & clean.

5. Separate your shoes from your clothes with a shower cap.

To prevent dirt, dust, and other stuff from getting onto your clothes in your luggage, wrap a pair of shoes in a shower cap. Covering the soles of your shoes will keep your bag and clothes neat!

6. Hide valuables in an empty lotion container.

You can never be sure of your new surroundings or the people you’ll encounter. To ensure that your money and valuables stay safe, especially in your hotel room or on a plane, keep your valuables in something discrete—like an empty suntan lotion container or an old shampoo bottle.

Try out these hacks, and stress less about your new assignment! Everything will go smoothly, and the next 13 weeks will be a breeze! So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags!

Our job board is a great place to search for your next travel nurse assignment. We have you covered with our housing page if housing is an issue. You can search for what you are looking for.

____________________________________________________________________

If you’re ready for your next travel assignment, give Titan Medical a call today at 866.332.9600, and we’d love to assist in finding your next adventure!

By Kevin Devoto

July 23, 2022

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Great Tips To Help Travel Nurses Live Minimally

Any job that requires you to travel also requires you to be able to pack adequately for that type of travel. People traveling for business typically have bags ready to go with the essentials, including suits, work devices, and documentation, for example. However, packing as a travel nurse requires a bit more. Here are five great tips to help travel nurses live minimally.

1. Simplify Your Wardrobe

One of the easiest ways to live minimally is by prioritizing the clothes you need for your job, including women’s scrub sets, appropriate shoes, and layers necessary for your assignment location’s climate and the time of year you’re working there. However, that doesn’t mean you need to omit all other clothes. Instead, think of ways to make the most out of your clothes. Athleisure garments are good multi-use garments and can be worn whether you’re exercising or not. Pieces that layer, such as tank tops and cardigans, can make your wardrobe more versatile. If you can, pack clothes that complement each other so you can mix and match more easily.

job board

2. Learn about Your Housing in Advance

There are two main housing options: finding it yourself and having it assigned by your agency. If you’re finding lodging yourself, you have more freedom to find a place that fits your needs best, but your agency will have more experience and may be better suited to ensure you get what you need. Before you go, you should familiarize yourself with your housing. Check average utility costs, whether the place is pre-furnished, what stores and services are nearby, and what transportation options you’ll have.

3. Differentiate Needs And Wants

Another great way to live minimally is to differentiate your needs and wants. It’s important for people who travel for work to prioritize their packing needs over their packing wants. Clothes, toiletries, documents, linens, certain electronic devices, and medications are all necessary. Depending on your role, you may also need to bring a printer, kitchen supplies, cleaning tools, and a television. While entertainment and exercise are also important, these are activities you’re more likely to be able to find when you arrive at places such as gyms and libraries, so you may classify them as wants.

4. Create Packing Lists

If you plan to participate in travel nursing for an extended period of time, it will be helpful for you to create a packing list template that you can populate for each assignment. Typical lists written by hand or in a word processor will work just as well. Lists can help you stay organized and ensure you pack everything you need. You can even divide your list to account for your needs and wants. That way, you can pack your needs first and then fill in your wants with the room you left in your luggage.

5. Keep Your Method of Travel in Mind

Travel nurses may end up working almost anywhere. Their options may be limited to within their home country, or they may have the option to work internationally, depending on their degrees and licensing. You should pack according to what method of travel you’ll take to get to your destination. Driving yourself will give you the most space for packing, while taking ground transportation such as buses and trains means you’ll have minimal space to store your bags. Airlines typically require you to pay additional fees for checked luggage over their size, weight, or number limits. You should focus on how long you’ll spend at each location and whether you’ll be going home between assignments or spending long stretches away from home. You should also consider your transportation options. These will heavily inform how you pack and how.

Our job board is a great place to search for your next travel nurse assignment. If housing is an issue, we have you covered with our housing page. You can search for what you are looking for.

If you are a new travel nurse or looking into becoming a travel nurse:

Travel Nurse Guide: Step-by-Step (now offered in a PDF Downloadable version!)

By trustaff

June 27, 2022

2170 Views

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Top Must Packs For Your Travel Nurse Assignment

trustaff provided this article.

Packing for your assignments can be a stressful time. Making sure you have everything you may need for a 13-week stay in a new area while also trying to fit everything in your suitcase or trunk can be a real task. Whether you’re a light packer or over pack just in case, we came up with this list of 5 must-have things to make sure you have room for in your suitcase to bring on every assignment.

A camera.

You’ll be out adventuring new places, and what better way to create memories than to take lots of photos to share with friends and family or for yourself as keepsakes. While it’s just as important to take a mental image and take in all the experiences, sometimes having a photo to look back on helps you reminisce about your unique experience. Packing a good camera is a must for travelers of all kinds. Evolving technology makes this even easier now, as many high-quality cameras are compact and packable in a purse or backpack.

Top Must Packs For Your Travel Nurse Assignment

A few good books.

Taking some time away from screens can really refresh your mental state. Having a few good books on hand can make your time between shifts enjoyable and a breath of fresh air. We highly suggest checking out Book-Tok (on TikTok!) for some amazing suggestions for your next read. Whether you’re into history, fiction, or biographies – enjoying a good read can be very important for your mental health and overall downtime.

An air fryer, Instapot, crockpot, etc.

Meals are important, and having time between long shifts to prepare them is sometimes a hassle. Bringing your favorite kitchen appliance can do wonders for time-saving on your meal preps while on assignment. And to be fair – what CAN’T you cook in an air fryer or Instapot?! The options are endless! These are taking over kitchens and are easy to use in any housing situation. Thinking ahead and bringing one of these can make for a life-saving item when you’re hungry.

A yoga mat or at-home fitness gear.

Finding somewhere to work out or clear your mind with yoga in an unfamiliar location could be challenging. Having a few staples ready in your hotel, apartment, or house while on assignment can make a difference! And making sure you’re moving your body and clearing your mental state is SO important as a healthcare professional.

Your pillow.

Sleeping on a new pillow you’re not used to can jam your beauty sleep – and we know how important your sleep is after a long shift! Making sure you have your comfy pillow wherever you sleep is a game-changer. Never leave home without it – especially for 8-12 weeks of sleep.  

We hope you found this list of top must packs for your travel nurse assignment helpful. Are there any other items you think should make the list of must packs? Comment below.

Our job board is a great place to search for your next travel nurse assignment. We have you covered with our housing page if housing is an issue. There you can search for what you are looking for in housing.

If you are a new travel nurse or looking into becoming a travel nurse:

Travel Nurse Guide: Step-by-Step (now offered in a PDF Downloadable version!)

By Kevin Devoto

May 22, 2022

2104 Views

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Everything You Need to Pack for Your First Travel Nursing Assignment

If you are just getting started in the exciting world of becoming a travel nurse, you already know there are many benefits associated with this job. Perhaps you get to travel and see more of the country than you ever dreamed, or maybe you like the pay that comes with this particular line of work. 

Before getting caught up in the excitement, it is crucial you know how to pack before heading out on your next travel nurse assignment. These guidelines can ensure that you have everything you need and you are ready to go. 

Find Out How Far You’re Traveling

Before doing anything else, find out where your travel nurse assignment is taking you. This will also help you plan for the weather ahead since you’ll need some regular clothing, too, outside of your work uniform. It’s important to learn if the weather is typically dry, wet, cold, or warm and how this will affect your living conditions. For example, if wet weather tends to give you a headache, it can be helpful to pack the right type of medication, so you aren’t trying to work through a migraine. 

Determine What Essentials Can Help You the Most

Think about what essential items you’ll want to take with you.

Some of these could be:

  • Face care products
  • Moisturizer
  • Shampoo/conditioner
  • Body wash
  • Deodorant
  • Toothbrush/toothpaste
  • Dry shampoo
  • Nail care kit for hangnails etc

As you are compiling your packing list, don’t forget to think about other things you might need to make the process easier for yourself. Maybe you want to bring laundry soap along so you can easily wash your uniforms. Don’t forget to bring several sets of uniforms to wear since you don’t know how long it will take to get through a busy day at the hospital. The last thing you want is to wake up and not have anything clean to wear for that day. 

Travel Size or Regular Size: Packing Based on How Long Your Travel Nurse Assignment Is

Often when packing, many people find it easier to take travel-size bottles. This eliminates the need for extra space in your bag. If you have shorter travel nurse assignments, this can make life easier for you. However, if you know you are going to be gone for a long time, perhaps it might make sense to take bigger bottles. This way, you can avoid the need to go shopping on your days off, and you’ll have everything you need on hand. 

Have Enough Backups On Hand

No matter the length of your assignment, have enough backups of items you’ll need so you aren’t left scrambling at the last minute. This could be anything from underscrubs to extra socks or anything else that makes your life easier. Nursing is a demanding career, and you might not be getting enough sleep or necessarily have the time you need to take care of basic errands and tasks. When you have enough backups of daily items, you avoid running into problems associated with making you late for work because you had to stop and grab something. 

Conclusion

Travel nursing gives you the opportunity to build upon your professional career while providing you with a change of scenery. Although it might sound like fun, it’s important to be prepared and have everything you need. Make sure you understand the length of time you’ll be gone and where you are going to since this can influence how you should pack. It’s useful to take items you know you’ll put to use and have backups as needed, particularly for essentials like uniforms. These suggestions can ensure you flourish while you are on your next assignment. 

We hope you found these tips on everything to pack for your next travel nurse assignment helpful. If we missed something, comment those items below.

Are you looking for your next travel nurse assignment? Click here to view our job board. Do you need housing for an upcoming assignment? Click here to search our travel nurse housing page.

If you are a new travel nurse or looking into becoming a travel nurse:

Travel Nurse Guide: Step-by-Step (now offered in a PDF Downloadable version!)

By Katie Pierce

April 5, 2022

3150 Views

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6 Packing Tips for Travel Nurses

 Getting ready to hit the road for another assignment? The life of a travel nurse can be full of excitement and adventure, but it can also cause a ton of stress and inconvenience without the right preparation. To help you avoid this situation, we’ve made a list of 6 packing tips for travel nurses that are easy to remember and simple to do.

Let’s get started. 

Tip #1: Find out how long you’ll be traveling

Being on the road distances you from a ton of society’s modern conveniences, e.g., department stores, specialty boutiques, and restaurants. Before embarking on the next journey of your life, find out exactly how long this trip is going to be. That way, you can come up with an appropriate estimate of items to bring on your trip. Some assignments may take nurses over a month to complete. Others may only last a few days. 

Tip #2: Location, location, location

Our second travel nurse tip is to research details about your assignment location. Is the climate warm or cold? Does it rain a lot in the area? What activities can you participate in while you’re there? Will you need to get any papers or certificates while in the area, e.g., a driver’s license, IDs, a card to ride public transportation? Knowing details like this can help you get a better idea of what items you need to pack and what procedures you need to follow. 

Tip #3: Personal care items first

If you’re someone who’s particular about the products you use on yourself, make sure you pack all your personal care items first. Everything from your skincare essentials down to your favorite brand scrubs. Some states or countries may not carry the product you’re using or perhaps may not have the model you’re looking for in stock. 

For some women, this may also mean packing more period underwear than you normally would. You never know what period accidents may happen while you’re during your assignment. In this case, it’s better to be safe than sorry. 

Tip #4: Travel light

Unless you’re planning to stay in a location for more than a couple of weeks, you don’t need to bring an excessive amount of things with you. Apart from really important papers and personal care items, everything else you need you can simply buy or rent while you’re in a foreign location. 

Travel nurses need to be quick on their feet in case of emergencies or new assignments. Traveling light reduces the level of struggle that you may experience during each transition. So as much as possible, stick to the basics. 

Tip #5: Consider compression bags

Running out of luggage space? Compression bags are nifty equipment that you can use to squeeze your clothing into tighter shapes, so you can easily squeeze them into your suitcase. They come in a variety of sizes and, most cases, in sets. The great thing about compression bags is that they can also keep your things protected from possible leakage in your bags, e.g., from lotions, oils, and creams from your personal care items. 

Tip #6: Consider leaving behind unnecessary items

If you want to make more room in your suitcase, perhaps consider leaving a few items that aren’t technically necessary on your trip. For instance, you don’t need to bring along your entire library of books. Get a kindle and download all the titles you want to read on that single device. 

Want to take amazing pictures of the sights you visit? Most mobile devices nowadays have cameras that can take HD images that are just as good or even better as larger cameras. 

Pack it all up!

Packing for a nursing trip can be overwhelming, especially if this is your first time. However, with the tips that we’ve given you above, you should be able to manage packing without any trouble. Enjoy your next nursing adventure!

We hope you found this article with 6 packing tips for travel nurses helpful. Do you have any packing tips to share with fellow travel nurses? Comment them below.

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If you are a new travel nurse or looking into becoming a travel nurse:

Travel Nurse Guide: Step-by-Step (now offered in a PDF Downloadable version!)