Winter packing can be quite a challenge. After all, winter clothing and footwear involve a lot of bulky items that are difficult to fit in your check-in luggage, much less your carry-on. But as a travel nurse, you know that packing is a regular occurrence in your line of work — and thankfully, there are ways to help you pack for winter travel assignments with ease. This article provides guidance on what you should consider when packing and lists the most essential items you should bring when you drive or fly off to your next winter assignment.
What to consider when packing for your winter travel assignment
1. Mode of transportation
First, you have to decide how you’re getting to your next travel nursing assignment because your mode of transportation affects the number of things you can pack.
If you’re driving to your next healthcare facility, you can bring more items — as much as you could fit in your car’s trunk and maybe even the second row of your vehicle. Meanwhile, if you’re flying out, you have no choice but to pack lightly. There are some things you can do to save up on luggage space, though:
· Create a list of things to bring so that you won’t bring unnecessary items (we provide a helpful list later!)
· If you can and if you’re comfortable, wear the bulkiest items to the airport, such as your jacket and winter boots. Plus points if your winter jacket folds down and can fit in a small pouch, one that you could use in the plane as a pillow for your back to make your trip a bit more comfortable.
· Always prioritize clothing and scrub sets over toiletries or other items that you can easily purchase (and finish up) when you get to your destination.
2. How long your assignment is
If your assignment is longer than 13 weeks, whether it’s originally set that way or if you’re open to extending your 13-week assignment, you might want to bring more clothes. This doesn’t just mean packing more scrub sets you can cycle through during your work days, but it also means bringing a few more non-work clothes that fit your lifestyle and plans.
3. Where your assignment is
Winter can be a different experience, depending on which state you’re in. Winter in states such as Minnesota and Iowa can feel warmer than in Alaska, North Dakota, and Vermont.
Winter packing guide for travel nurses
We’ve listed the following must-bring items for your next winter travel assignment and categorized them accordingly. Depending on the travel considerations we’ve discussed above, you can choose which items to prioritize:
o Important documents
o Identification cards (Passport, driver’s license, state ID)
o Social Security card and birth certificate
o Nursing license (state or compact) and registration
o Basic Life Support (BLS) certification
o Insurance documentation
o Medical records (including immunization, PPD reading, and lab records)
o Travel nursing contract, handbook, and other important documents from your agency
o Pens and notepad
o Medicines and vitamin supplements
o Lock for your work locker
o Water tumbler
o Coffee tumbler
o Blackout curtains (if you’re working the night shift)
o Eye mask
o Earplugs
o Work bag
Clothing
o Scrub sets (bring at least a week’s worth plus one or two more sets)
o Scrub hats
o Underwear
o Leggings
o Underscrubs
o Socks (Wool and compression)
o Scarf
o Gloves
o Loungewear
o Exercise clothes
o Waterproof winter jacket
o Sweater
o Casual clothes
Footwear
o Winter boots
o Work shoes
o Casual shoes
o Winter slippers
Tech and entertainment
o Noise-cancelling headphones or earphones
o Amazon Firestick or Google Chromecast
o Tablet/laptop
o Gaming console
o Books/ eBook reader
o Chargers
Appliances and miscellaneous items
If you’ll be traveling with a car, you might have more space to bring other necessities that can help you live comfortably and healthily while you’re on assignment.
o Air fryer
o Hair dryer
o Instant pot
o Electronic kettle
o Electric blanket
o Pillow
o Beddings
o Towels
o Cooking pots/pans/utensils
o Corkscrew, can opener, knife
o Cutting board
o Coffeemaker, coffee, sugar
o Spices and condiments
