Travel Nurse Packing Essentials - What to Pack and How to Prepare

Discover the top travel nurse packing essentials and tips for a successful assignment.

Getting ready for your next travel nurse job? Packing efficiently is key to a smooth and successful experience! We cover it all… from researching for your upcoming assignment to handy travel nurse packing tips, and critical documents you will need.

Before you start the actual packing process, preparation is crucial. Focus on these areas: researching your destination, understanding housing options, and maintaining clear communication with your recruiter.

Researching Your Destination: Learn about the city or town where you’ll be working. Discover local attractions, cultural events, and amenities to help you feel more at home. Look up what the climate is like in your area to prepare you for what type of clothing to pack… do you need hiking boots? Bathing suit? This all depends on what you want your free time to look like. Make a list of things you want to do according to your location and plan your packing list accordingly.

Understanding Your Housing Situation: Take time to research the best housing options while researching the distance to work and housing as well as your desired bucket list adventures in the area. Second, be sure to know what is included in your housing amenities to give you an idea of what you will need to add to your packing list.

Communication with Your Recruiter: Keep your recruiter informed about any changes in your schedule or concerns. A strong relationship with your recruiter can ensure a smoother assignment.

Clothing Items: Bring enough scrubs to last through your assignment. Comfortable shoes are a must for long shifts. Also, pack a lightweight jacket for varying hospital temperatures.

Nurse Bag Essentials: You know what is important to you on your daily shifts: water bottle, coffee thermos, pens, chapstick, watch, hair ties, gum/mints, anything you use everyday. You may want to pack more than usual to last your full assignment.

Comfort Items for Your Temporary Home: Make your living space cozy. If you prefer to bring your own pillow and blanket, do so if that makes you happy. Consider a portable speaker, books, or hobby materials for downtime relaxation.

Packing efficiently can greatly enhance your travel experience. Maximize your suitcase space by rolling your clothes instead of folding them to save space and prevent wrinkles. Use packing cubes or compression bags to optimize space and keep items organized. Choose versatile clothing that can be mixed and matched. Layering is a great way to adapt to changing temperatures. Pack lightweight, versatile layers that can be easily added or removed.

Keep your documents organized by scanning or photographing them and saving the copies to a folder on your laptop or secure digital storage. This includes medicals, releases, etc. You never know what will come up, and having easy access to these items will save you time in the future. We also recommend that your certifications, driver's license, social security and nursing license info are easily accessible either in physical form or via your mobile device.

Insurance and Identification Documents: Carry a copy of your health insurance policy and any additional travel insurance. Bring your driver’s license or passport for identification.

Important Contact Information: Keep a list of important contacts, including your recruiter, agency, and relevant professionals. Also, have contact information for family or trusted friends in case of emergencies. Keep this list in both digital and hard copy formats.

Securing Your Electronic Devices: Ensure your devices are password protected and use encryption software for sensitive data. Avoid public Wi-Fi networks to protect your personal information.

Adjusting to a new area can be both exciting and challenging. Here are some tips to help you transition smoothly:

Exploring Your New Surroundings: Take time to explore the local area and immerse yourself in the culture. Visit nearby attractions, parks, and landmarks to get a sense of your new location.

Finding Local Services and Amenities: Research local hospitals, pharmacies, grocery stores, and other essential services. Use online resources, like community forums or local directories, for recommendations and reviews.

Building a Support Network: Connect with other travel nurses, join social media groups or forums dedicated to travel nursing, or attend local meetups. You may want to find a local house of worship to build your sense of community. Some travelers like to search for local groups that share a hobby or special interest: from yoga class, to book clubs to weekly runners groups. These connections can provide valuable advice and potential friendships. Truthfully, you’re bound to connect with many of your new coworkers. So much so that they’ll be what you miss the most when you go to a new assignment.