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 trustaff

August 31, 2020

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5 Things You NEED From Amazon for Your Next Travel Assignment

This article was provided by TruStaff Healthcare.

Planning what to pack for your next travel assignment can be a challenging task. With limited room in your car, you’ve got to be smart about what you bring! Everyday necessities like clothes, toiletries, shoes, and your nursing bag are a no brainer, but what else can help make your next assignment feel like home?

We’ve created this Travel Nursing Amazon Wish List to add a few helpful items to your packing list that you just can’t miss! (Plus, let’s face it, we all love a good Amazon buy and Prime shipping!)

 Filtered Water Pitcher

First things first: all water does not taste the same, especially when you’re in a new place. A filtered water dispenser or pitcher is a must. With this simple Brita dispenser, you’ve got the closest thing to “water from home” you can find and without worrying about strange water from the sink. It’s also the most eco-friendly option–pair it with a reusable bottle and refill to your heart’s content!

Vacuum Seal Bags

The next item on our list will make packing much easier. Vacuum seal storage bags are life-changing for travel nurses! They come in multiple sizes that can fit in your trunk or even in your suitcase if you’re more the minimalist type. They can hold multiple coats, jackets, an entire bedding set with pillows, and much more, and then shrink down to a compact size! These make packing your trunk a breeze and you can save plenty of space for you other large items. If your packing list is long, be sure to pick up some of these to make the job easier.

Instant Pot

If you don’t already have an Instant Pot, maybe now is the time! With the long working hours of a traveler, the last thing you want to do after a 12-hour shift is to make yourself a meal. Instant Pots can make an entire meal in minutes, and you can even pre-program so dinner is hot when you get home! With multiple sizes ranging from 4-8 quarts, they’re also great for bulk meal prepping. If you’re staying at an extended stay or Airbnb that may not come equipped with a full kitchen, we HIGHLY recommend it!

Couch

There’s no better feeling than plopping down on the couch after a long shift. But what if your accommodations don’t come with a couch? (Such a shame!) It’s really hard to pack a traditional couch in your car, but that’s where the inflatable couch comes in! It can be packed right into one of the vacuum storage bags above and suddenly you can bring your couch along on every assignment! Just like air mattresses, air couches have come a long way. They’re extremely durable and come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes. Our pick is even a sectional! Plenty of lounge space to take a nap or relax on your day off.

Coffee

Speaking of working long hours, coffee is a MUST. This cold brew press is the answer to those early mornings or overnight shifts. Making your own coffee is simple with just two steps! Mix water and your favorite coffee grounds and put the pitcher in the fridge for 12 hours. When you’re ready to drink, press the grounds down, and BAM you’ve got 51oz of cold brew iced coffee to last you a week (or not, we don’t judge!). Super simple and ready to add your favorite syrups, cream, milk, or sugar. Become your own barista and avoid the LONG coffee shop lines at any hour!

While we know there are plenty of other items that are a must for travel assignments, these are just a few necessities we feel are much needed to help with the traveler lifestyle! What are your favorite and most helpful Travel Nursing Amazon Wish List buys?

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!)