Travel nurses are RNs from various clinical backgrounds who work for independent staffing agencies. They are assigned to different care areas on a temporary basis to fill in short-term employment gaps.
Travel nursing is a specialty that took root when the field of nursing faced a nationwide shortage. Hospitals, clinics, and other care areas had unfilled positions, yet had patients needing care. To try and attract nurses to the open positions, employers offered higher pay, housing, and covered the cost of relocating. (www.registerednursing.org)
Once you figure out what items you can leave off of your list, here are some of things you will need:
1. Clothes
Remember, you only need enough to get through a few weeks, so you don’t necessarily have to take your entire wardrobe, or seasonal items.
Stick with a few casual outfits (tops and bottoms that you can mix and match), a couple of sweaters/sweatshirts, work clothes/uniforms, gym/lounge clothes, nice shoes, sneakers, slippers, pajamas, and intimates. Items to consider depending on where and when you’re traveling: outwear, a swimsuit, rain gear.
2. Personal care items
You will likely want to take your hair dryer, electric toothbrush, etc., but don’t go too crazy packing up toiletries that you can buy once you’re there. Bring a few days supply so you have them on hand, and then stock up once you arrive.
3. Electronics
Bring along your laptops, e-readers, tablet, phone, and the appropriate chargers for each. Don’t forget to pick up a car charger if you’re road tripping it.
4. Paperwork and financial stuff
When you’re traveling for a long period of time, you should always take along copies of important documents that you’ll need for work, and in case of an emergency. This includes:
- Your travel nursing contract
- Driver’s license, Car registration, insurance card (originals)
- Birth certificate and Social Security card (copies)
- Copies of nursing license and credentials
- Major credit card, debit card
5. Meds
If you take prescription medication, bring a full supply and prescriptions for refills. You can also take along a small first aid kit, vitamins, and a couple days supply of other over-the-counter medicines you use. Other items can be purchased when you arrive.
Get paid to travel. Up to $10k per assignment plus benefits!
6. Cooking and kitchen appliances
If not supplied, pick up any of the following that you use: a coffee maker, tea kettle, toaster, microwave, slow cooker, and pots and pans.
You can also buy utensils, a can opener, dishes and glassware (a service for 2 or 4 should suffice), etc. Unless you like to bake or live on smoothies, you can probably live without a hand mixer or blender.
What you need really depends on your cooking preferences.
7. Travel gear
If you’re flying, a neck pillow and headphones are good items to have. If you’re in the car, consider a good quality travel mug, some bottled water, and snacks.
8. Comforts from home
Whether it’s photos of friends and loved ones, a favorite knick-knack, a local coffee brand, or scented candles, bring along something that will help you fight homesickness.
9. Bed and bath items
A bed in a bag set, and a couple of bath towels, hand towels, and washcloths are probably all you’ll need. You might also bring things like a comfy throw and a bathrobe.
10. Household items
Think about things you might need, like a basic tool set, a broom and dustpan, office supplies, and pack up a box. Again, you can get these items once you arrive, but why pay for new ones if you have them on hand?
Deciding what to pack for your travel nursing assignment really depends on what you use and what you don’t, but this list will give you a starting point. Happy packing!
(www.travelnursing.org/)
Travel Nurse Kit
1. First Aid Only FAO-442 All-Purpose First Aid Kit
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