Are you gearing up for your first travel nursing assignment? If so, you might already be feeling the pressure of deciding what to pack and what to leave behind. Packing for a travel nurse assignment is a unique task. While these assignments typically last 13 weeks, they range from 4 to 24 weeks. You’re not moving permanently, but it’s not a short vacation either. Finding that balance requires some tips from seasoned travelers and some practice.

That’s why Voca has created this travel nurse packing guide to help you focus on the essentials, streamline the process, and ensure you pack just right.

1. Research and Choose the Right Assignment

Start by researching and choosing the right assignment that aligns with your preferences, such as location, facility type, and specialty. Carefully review the contract details, including the terms, pay rate, benefits, and duration. Additionally, check the licensing requirements to ensure your nursing license is valid in the assignment state or apply for a new one if necessary.

2. Prepare Your Documentation

Next, prepare all necessary documentation. Update your resume to include recent experience, certifications, and skills. Gather essential documents like your nursing license, certifications (BLS, ACLS, etc.), immunization records, and background check. Complete any required health screenings and drug tests to ensure compliance.

3. Plan Your Travel and Accommodation

Planning your travel and accommodation is another crucial step. Book your travel arrangements, whether it be flights, a rental car, or planning your driving route. Arrange housing, deciding between agency-provided accommodation or finding your own. Consider factors such as proximity to the facility, safety, and amenities. Budget for expenses, including travel costs, housing deposits, and daily living expenses.

4. Familiarize Yourself with the New Environment

Familiarize yourself with the new environment by researching the city, local attractions, and amenities. Identify the location of nearby healthcare facilities, including hospitals, urgent care centers, and pharmacies. Take time to understand the facility’s protocols, including their policies, charting systems, and workflow.

5. Prepare Financially

Financial preparation is also essential. Set up direct deposit to ensure timely payroll and manage your finances by budgeting for potential gaps between assignments and unexpected expenses. Be aware of the tax implications of travel nursing and keep track of deductible expenses.

6. Connect with Fellow Travelers & Family/Friends

Connecting with fellow travelers provides valuable support and advice. Join online communities and social media groups for travel nurses and seek mentorship from experienced travel nurses. Maybe join a running group and prioritize your health and well-being. Maintain a healthy diet, exercise regularly, and get adequate rest. Manage stress through relaxation techniques such as yoga, meditation, or journaling, and stay connected with family and friends to maintain a support network.

7. Pack Wisely

When it comes to packing, be strategic. Pack your professional essentials like scrubs, comfortable shoes, a stethoscope, and other medical tools. Don’t forget personal items such as clothing suitable for the local climate, toiletries, and personal care items. Keep important documents like copies of your contract, ID, insurance information, and emergency contacts handy.

Before Your Travel Nurse Assignment

Before you start packing, it’s essential to know what’s provided in your travel nurse housing. Voca recruiters help secure and set up housing for travel nurses. Connect with your recruiter to understand what is furnished in the free, company-provided lodging. If you choose the housing stipend and plan to find your own accommodations, work directly with the property manager to verify what they provide.

Ask questions like:

• What furniture and kitchen items are included? Basic furniture and appliances are typically provided, but cooking utensils, pots, and pans sometimes are not.
• Is a microwave included?
• Is there a TV or DVD player?
• What size is the bed if you plan to bring your own bedding?
• Are there amenities such as pools, fitness centers, or tennis courts?

Knowing the answers to these questions ensures you have what you need while traveling as light as possible. You are able to purchase some items once you arrive.

Here’s a comprehensive checklist to help you get started:

Travel Nursing Packing List

Personal Items

Your personal items are among the most important things you’ll pack as a travel nurse. Some special-to-you items can’t be purchased at a store. Here are the basic categories:

• Scrubs or work uniform (per facility guidelines), including personal stethoscope
• Clothing (casual, dressy, sleepwear, and workout clothes), undergarments, socks, shoes
• Hats, visors, and other accessories
• Favorite jewelry and a travel jewelry box
• Toiletry kit (shampoo, conditioner, face wash, body wash, hairspray, deodorant, makeup, nail grooming supplies, sunscreen, lotion, toothbrush and paste, razors, hairbrush)
• Hairdryer and other grooming tools
• Mini first aid kit, plus prescription and over-the-counter medications
• Cooler or insulated tote for food and beverages during your road trip or flight
• Sporting equipment and attire/shoes
• Select books, puzzles, or other hobby items

Some tips to help you travel light in this department:

• Pick clothing items and shoes that work with several other pieces
• Roll clothes instead of folding
• Nest smaller items inside larger ones (like socks and underwear inside shoes)
• Utilize packing cubes and compression bags
• Consider a foldable/collapsible bag or backpack to fill with items and use for other needs at your destination

Paperwork and Documents

• Your travel nursing contract, traveler handbook, and any other paperwork required by your facility, including first-day instructions
• Nursing license, credentials, and documentation requested
• Contact information for your recruiter, assignment facility, and nurse manager
• Driver’s license, insurance, and registration
• Social Security card and birth certificate
• Personal photographs and mementos

By following these steps and using Voca’s travel nurse checklist, you’ll be well-prepared to embark on your first travel nursing assignment with confidence and ease. Embrace the adventure and enjoy the unique opportunities that come with being a travel nurse.

Are you a first-time travel nurse eager to explore new places, gain valuable experience, and make a difference in diverse healthcare settings? Voca is here to help you every step of the way! From finding the perfect assignment to providing comprehensive support, we ensure your travel nursing experience is seamless and rewarding.

About Voca: The Spirit of Work

Voca is a relationship organization focused on uniting talented healthcare professionals across
nursing and allied, as well as travel and local with exceptional companies. Headquartered in
Rochester, MN, Voca works coast-to-coast supporting national, regional, and local healthcare
companies. Voca is proud to be certified by The Joint Commission, which evaluates and accredits
healthcare staffing agency organizations and programs in the United States. We are committed
to creating and maintaining a workplace in which all employees have an opportunity to
participate and contribute to our mutual success and are valued for their skills, experience, and
unique perspective. For more information, visit https://myvoca.com/