5 Packing Essentials for Every Travel Nursing Assignment

Heading out for a new or first-ever travel nursing assignment is nothing short of exciting! You might spend a lot of time researching your new city, trying to figure out your perfect neighborhood for housing. You might find some thrilling, bucket list adventures to fill your time off, and finalize the itinerary details for the length of your stay. However, one of the most important ways to get prepared is to establish your packing essentials for every travel nursing assignment.

Some items just cannot be replaced, so you want to ensure that your packing list has all of your must-haves ready to go. Read on for a few tips to remember while packing and items to put on your list.

Climate-Specific Clothing

Are you traveling somewhere warm or cold? Somewhere with hiking trails or beaches? As you think of the activities you already have scheduled or hope to do, start packing the items that feel most appropriate for each excursion.

If your new travel location has beaches nearby, remember to bring a bathing suit and a couple of towels so you can relax by the water. For colder areas, layers will be important for any outdoor activity such as exploring the city or hiking the mountains. Never head to a cold travel assignment without packing your favorite winter jacket!

Personal Information

This seems like a given, but every new job comes with necessary paperwork for your first day. The best thing you can do is collect your driver’s license, passport, nursing license and credentials, insurance cards, a copy of your social security card, and a copy of your birth certificate to keep in a file folder before you begin packing. Pack these items last so that you can easily double-check that they are at hand before you head out.

Along the lines of personal information, you will want to make sure to bring any medications or vitamins that you take daily. Shampoo and other bathroom essentials can always be picked up once you arrive, but having your medications packed will save you a call to your doctor.

Extension Cords

Moving into your rental home sight unseen is pretty common for travel nursing assignments. This experience may feel daunting at first, but you can pack some essentials to make the house feel just right. Extension cords and outlet extenders are helpful for any older rentals with fewer outlets.

If you like to charge your phone on your nightstand, an extension cord will help you set up your room however you prefer, with a cord that will reach your nightstand from anywhere. If you have too few outlets in the kitchen, a multi-outlet extender will help you plug in all the appliances you need.

An Eye Mask

As a nurse, your sleep is so important. If you prefer to sleep in pitch black, an eye mask is going to be critical to pack. If your new rental has many windows or lots of lighting, the eye mask will help.

For nurses working the night shift, trying to catch some z’s during the day, you and your eye mask will quickly become best friends.

An Item to Feel at Home

Most travel nurses suggest bringing one item from home, that helps you feel settled in a new space. Packing personal photos, cozy blankets, and even your favorite mug will help you feel more comfortable in the new space. Whatever your item is, save room in your suitcase for it.

If you forget any items, don't fret! Most of the items you might miss can still be found once you're at your new travel nursing destination. Don’t sweat forgetting your toothbrush or phone charger because you can easily replace those at a local shop. Start your packing list with items you know you don't want to be without for the next 13 weeks.

Check out the Packpnt App to help you organize and prepare for your next adventure with Gifted Healthcare!