Whether you’re an experienced or a novice travel nurse, you’re bound to do one important thing before you go off to your first or next travel assignment — pack your bags (and/or suitcases). Like most things in life, packing for travel healthcare assignments requires balance: It’s important not to overpack and bring multiple suitcases for a 13-week travel assignment, but not to bring so few things that you’re uncomfortable the entire time you’re away from home.
In this article, we’ll discuss the essential things travel nurses need to pack for their next assignment that aims to balance necessity, comfort, and happiness.
But before you bring out your suitcases and duffel bags, let’s talk about something that will greatly impact how much (or how little) you pack for your trip: how you’ll get to your travel assignment.
Unpacking driving vs. flying: What it means for your packing plans
If you’ll be driving to your travel healthcare assignment, you’ll have more space to pack more clothes, shoes, housewares, and even big items that you’d love to bring with you. If you’re going to a state famous for its scenic trails and you love biking, you may consider bringing your bike on your assignment and cycling through beautiful trails on your days off. You will also likely have fewer problems bringing back home some knickknacks and gifts. For example, it will be easier for you to go to Disneyland and pick up merch for your children, friends, and family members when you’re traveling by car as opposed to flying. If you enjoy driving long hours and want to bring large items, driving to your next destination is a good option to consider.
Flying to your next travel nursing destination will limit the number of things you will be able to bring, as passengers can only bring a specific number of check-in and carry-on bags during their flight. These bags also have to fall under the weight and size limits. Though you can only bring a few bags on the plane, if you tend to be a minimalist traveler and prefer to save time and energy, flying may be the optimal choice for you.
Now that we’ve tackled the first major consideration when it comes to packing for your trip, let’s discuss the travel essentials you need to pack for your next work trip.
Important documents, medications, and a first-aid kit
Always bring physical and digital copies of the following important documents with you and keep them in a secure place:
· Identification cards
· Nursing license
· Professional certifications
· Immunization records
· Emergency contact list
You also need to bring your prescribed medications as well as a first aid kit with antihistamines, antidiarrheals, and pain relievers.
Scrub sets, casual clothes, underwear, and shoes
Pack enough scrub sets for a week’s worth of work plus two extra sets just in case. So, if you have a four-day workweek, pack six pairs of scrubs. You can wash your clothes once a week and still have a couple of scrubs to wear to work. Don’t forget to bring enough underwear and a good pair of comfortable rubber shoes that you’ll wear to work, too.
Bring casual clothes or clothes that you’ll wear when you’re not at work, which could be loungewear, pajamas, and workout clothes. You’d also need to bring seasonal clothing depending on the time of year you’re traveling. For wintertime, you’d need to bring boots, a jacket, and thermal clothing/accessories. If you’re going somewhere sunny and warm, bring a pair of sandals and a hat with UV protection.
If you need to attend a special work function or if you plan on watching a play or a musical on your days off, consider bringing a tea-length dress and a pair of nice flats if you’re a lady, or a button-down shirt, a pair of slacks, and nice shoes.
It’s also a good idea to pack your clothes using space-saving methods, such as the ranger roll or the army roll, or using packing or organizing cubes.
Houseware and beddings
If you’re staying at an Airbnb for the duration of your travel assignment, you’ll have a good idea of what amenities and housewares are available. To ensure that you’re comfortable throughout your trip, you can bring your towels, pillows, bed linens, and comforter. Consider also bringing blackout curtains, especially if you’re working the night shift and need to sleep in the morning. If you’re taking the plane, you can pack all these items using vacuum seal bags to save on luggage space considerably.
If you’re driving, it’s a good idea to bring essential housewares with you, including:
· A pot and a pan
· Cooking utensils
· Cleaning utensils
· Dishware and glasses
· Coffeemaker (if your Airbnb doesn’t have it)
If you’re flying and have limited luggage space, you can buy these essential items once you get settled in your Airbnb. You can also buy toiletries such as shampoo, soap, razor blades, deodorant, and skincare items at a local store to avoid bringing them with you on your drive or flight.
If you don’t want to bring housewares when you go back home (or ship them to your home address), you can always donate them to local shelters or charities.
Entertainment items (and other things that give you joy)
Don’t forget to bring things that give you joy and entertainment, such as your laptop, Apple TV, Switch, Firestick, iPad, Kindle, or even your favorite sudoku or crossword puzzle book. It’s also recommended to bring things that you always enjoy doing. If you’re into crocheting, you can bring your crocheting supplies, or if you love bird watching, you can take your binoculars, field notebook, and camera with you. Don’t forget to bring your devices’ chargers, too!
Aside from these, you can also bring one or two items that can make your temporary home feel familiar and comfortable, such as your favorite candle or a white noise machine.
