RNNetwork provided this article.
Are you about to head out on a travel nurse assignment away from home? Here’s a list of essentials you’ll want to be sure to take along.
1. A second form of ID
Consider bringing along your passport as a second form of ID. Hopefully, your main form of ID never gets lost, but this will cover you if necessary.
2. Documents
Items like a copy of your contract, digitally accessible copies of your immunization records, your nursing license, and your certifications are things you’ll want easily accessible. Many traveling nurses keep these in a secure digital place like Dropbox or Google Drive that they can access as needed from their own computer, tablet, or phone.
3. Kitchen essentials
Ever get to a new place and miss that perfect knife? Your garlic press? Small travel blender? Bring along those items that make your life easier or that you enjoy using in the kitchen.
Travel nurse Haleigh Todosichuk shares on her blog, “If you eat a lot of rice, consider a small rice cooker. Maybe you can’t live without your crockpot or your instant pot. Do you like meal prepping all of your meals before your set of shifts? Bring some Tupperware with you … chances are the housing doesn’t have enough. Another thing I always bring is a baggie of Bounce sheets and Tide Pods that are easy to travel with, just in case your housing doesn’t provide laundry detergent for you.”
4. Comforts of home
Bring along whatever makes you feel comfortable. That might include a favorite mug, heating pad, or handheld massager for after your shifts. Maybe it’s a weighted blanket. And don’t forget to bring your prescription medicines.
What else is personal to you? “A weird thing I always bring is a mini extension cord and a mini fan,” says Todosichuk. “I can’t sleep without a fan blowing on me, and there are never enough outlets to plug everything in. Some people pack black-out curtains with them so that their room is really dark. Sometimes I bring my GoPro camera depending on what I’ll be doing while I’m there. Bring from home whatever will make your travel assignment easier! This is your home away from home, so do what you need to do to make your experience that much better.”
Another thing to bring? Mementos of home that make you feel better. “Bring some pictures, cards, letters, or trinkets from home that bring a smile to your face. Tired of scrolling social media? Get a digital picture frame for your memories. Make sure to leave room for the new ones!” says travel nurse Bob Goldnetz.
5. Clothing and workout gear
You’ll want clothing that matches the weather. Look ahead. Do some research. Know the typical weather patterns for where you’re going — and what the extremes can bring. Bring workout clothes and shoes too, and equipment like jump ropes, running shoes, and a backpack or Camelbak.
6. Car essentials
If you’re driving, you’ll want to have a winter kit in the vehicle — shovel, food, water, blanket. And always carry a first-aid kit, a good spare tire (not the donut!), and jumper cables.
Also, consider signing up for roadside assistance. “My last cross-country trek was during the polar vortex of arctic temperatures across the Midwest. Nearing midnight — in single-digit temperatures — I locked my keys in the car in the middle of Kansas while filling up with gas,” says Goldnetz. “Thank God for roadside assistance! Embarrassingly, I lock my keys in the car a couple of times a year, and at $100 bucks a pop for a locksmith, I’d rather pay the additional several dollars a month.”
7. Packing supplies
As a travel nurse, you’ll need packing supplies to make things easier. Ideas? Vacuum-sealed bags to help make things fit better into a suitcase or tote. Look for totes for when you can drive so you can ship a tote or two ahead of time when you’re flying. These will all make it easier and simpler to organize your belongings and go.
8. Yoga mat, travel blanket, and travel pillow
Why these? Because you never know when you might get stuck in the airport or simply need to get more comfortable in your new place.
“A mat can serve many purposes,” says Goldnetz. “I have slept on mine in the airport, used it to sit on at the park or the beach, or used it as a surface to put dirty stuff on in the car. A small (or inflatable) pillow and blanket are always a nice touch as well, especially when your accommodations aren’t what you expected on arrival.”
Now, just enjoy your travel assignment!
Once you’ve checked these must-brings off your list, you’ll be able to enjoy your time on a travel assignment, truly feeling like you’re in your home away from home.
RNnetwork can help you find your next travel nursing job. Call us at 800.866.0407 or view today’s travel nurse job openings.
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.
