If you’re new to the world of travel nursing, packing your life up for 13 weeks into a few bags can be quite stressful and overwhelming. Luckily, it’s easier than you think. Our blog will cover everything that should be on a travel nurse packing list, and everything you need to bring with you on assignment.
Travel Nurse Packing List: The Essentials
Important Documents
Your important documents should always be your first priority. These should be things like your compliance documents, driver’s license, social security card, or your credit card. You want to make sure these are stored in a safe place, and where you know you won’t misplace them. You never know when HR could need them, so make sure these items are always packed.
Medications
If you’re taking any prescription medications, make sure you have enough on hand to make it 13 weeks. Call your doctor in case you’re running low before or during your assignment, typically they can send your medication to a pharmacy near you. In case you get sick, keep a first aid kit with the essentials like ibuprofen and cold medicine with you at all times.
Emergency Contacts
If anything were to happen while you’re on assignment, make sure you have an emergency contact list stored on your phone or written down. Of course everyone hopes they never have to make use of their emergency contacts, but it’s always better to be vigilant when it comes to your safety especially in new and unfamiliar situations.
Travel Nurse Packing List: Personal Items
Clothing
Hospitals always have a specific uniform color they expect their staff and travelers to wear. Make sure you are packing enough scrubs! More importantly, do your research on the weather where you are traveling to. If you think you’ll need it, you will. Pack heavy winter coats or rain gear just in case.
Entertainment
When you’re on assignment, it can be hard to not let your work consume you. That’s why you should be packing plenty of items to keep you entertained! Bring your laptop or tablet for binging Netflix, books, adult coloring books, or even board games to play with the new friends you make. Bring things that will help you unwind after a long day.
Household Essentials
This probably seems like it wouldn’t make sense to pack, but it is if you don’t want to eat takeout for every meal. Depending on where you stay, your host or landlord will provide some kitchen essentials to you. If you don’t have access to the basics, bring some with you. A hot plate, small pan, and utensils will help you make some delicious meals in the comfort of your temporary home! If you have enough room, we recommend bringing a few towels and disinfectant wipes with you as well.
Travel Nurse Packing List: Tips & Tricks
- Make sure your luggage is easy to transport and sturdy.
- Don’t overpack! Remember, you’re leaving for 3 months, not 3 years.
- If you forget something, there’s always a Walmart nearby.
- Maximize your space. Nest items into one another as you pack.
- If you’re traveling by car, consider using plastic totes to store any larger items.
Travel nursing opens the door to explore new environments. If there’s one thing you should take away from this, it should be to have fun! Packing up your life for months at a time shouldn’t be a dreadful task. Remember why you decided to take that jump into travel nursing, and get ready to experience new things.
