As a travel nurse, the anticipation of moving on to your next assignment and a new location can be exciting, but also overwhelming. Whether you’re headed to New York or New Brunswick, there are a number of factors to consider. One of the tasks on your agenda is packing up the essentials. Everything can’t come with you after all.
Traveling light is always a smart rule to live by, but before you begin packing, check with your housing coordinator on just how furnished your new place is. Some organizations like ours, White Glove Care in New York offer their travel nurses free furnished housing. To help you narrow it down, here is a quick packing list of must-haves for traveling nurses.
Packing List For Traveling Nurses:
- Housewares: Bed linens, pillows, towels and dishtowels, pots/pans, utensils and cooking utensils, dishes/glassware (only 2-3 settings if you’re traveling solo), coffee maker, flashlight, batteries, iron, microwave (you can also rent one).
- Clothing and Uniforms: Casual clothes and dressy ones, workout gear, a swimsuit if you’re headed someplace warm, shoes, sneakers, sweaters, coats, sunglasses, and of course the appropriate uniform for your new facility.
- Electronics: You’ll want your cell phone, laptop or tablet, and don’t forget to document your travels with a camera. You can also bring your own TV and DVD player or rent one if your new place doesn’t have one already. Also be sure to pack the appropriate chargers.
- Documentation: Nursing license, Bcls/Acls certification, Paper work, Driver’s license, car insurance, social security card, copies of credentials, birth certificate and professional licenses, credit and ATM cards, checkbook, travel paperwork, and cash.
- Hygiene: Soap, sunscreen, tooth care, shampoo/conditioner, hair dryer, deodorant, cosmetics, contact lenses/solution, hair care essentials, bandages, medications, pain relievers, shaving cream and razors.
- Home away from home: Bring an item or two that helps you stay connected to your family and friends or makes you think of home. Perhaps it’s a favorite scented candle or a framed picture of loved ones.
Remember, no matter where you travel, more likely than not a store is close by for you to pick up any missing essentials. Or, ask to borrow something from a co-worker or neighbor. It’s a great way to open the door to a potential new friendship.
