Packing up for a trip always seems stressful, right? There’s so much to do and so much to remember. But what about when you’re heading out for work instead of vacation? What kind of things do you need to make sure you remember when you’re heading out on that first assignment? As a travel nurse there are some things that will be taken care of for you. But not everything will be. So, here’s what you need to remember.

It’s All About the Paperwork

The first thing to focus on and make sure that you don’t forget is all the paperwork. This includes things like your driver’s license, nursing license, social security card, immunization records, and any documentation about your assignment. This could include where you’re staying, where you’re working, what you’ll be doing, or who you need to check in with. It’s better to have more information than you need than not enough.

All of these pieces of paperwork should be kept together so you can easily take them with you wherever you go. You may need to present any of these documents when you’re working or when you’re checking in for your assignments.

Bring Your Own Tools

For the most part, the tools you need as a travel nurse will be provided for you. One thing you will need to bring is your own stethoscope. You want to be sure that you don’t forget it when you pack up your bag or that you purchase a new one when you arrive where you’re going.

Being familiar with your own tools and with the basic tools you’ll be required to use is also important, especially if you’re new to nursing in general. Also in this category are scrubs, which should adhere to any rules for the facility you’ll be working with. Keep in mind that some facilities may have requirements for colors, patterns, or styles (i.e. solid vs. patterns, V-neck vs. u-neck, etc.).

Remember the Basics

It’s not always necessary to bring your own linens for a travel nursing job, but some people prefer to. Also, it depends on the type of living situation. If you’re staying at a home rental the linens may be provided (though you may still prefer to have your own). If you’re staying at a dorm or getting a short-term apartment rental you may need to bring them.

You’ll want at least two sets so you’re not rushing to get laundry done all in one day. More than that will probably just take up extra space that you’d rather use for other things. And while you’re at it, you may want to bring your own laundry soap too.

Kitchen items are another thing to think about. Once again, if you’re renting an apartment or dorm you won’t have any of these things. If you’re staying in a rental house you will likely have some but may not have specialty tools or pans that you might be used to. Consider the situation of where you’re staying and for how long and pack any kitchen items you don’t want to do without.

Fun Items

You might actually have a running list of all the specific items you need to bring like a toothbrush and toothpaste and clothes. You might have that paperwork already in the bottom of your bag because you’ve been scared you’ll forget it. But what about the things you’re going to do when you’re not working? Do you have the extras that are going to help you feel at home?

This is where you want to think about what you do in your free time. Do you enjoy puzzles? Or maybe you like to knit or you like to go running. Maybe you like rock climbing or reading. No matter what it is that you enjoy, make sure you bring items that will help you do those things. You will have downtime, after all, and you want to have fun during those times. Don’t get all the way to a new place and realize you forgot your favorite book.

Other items that could go in this category include game systems or even a streaming stick so you can watch all of your favorite shows. A laptop or tablet (with all the necessary cables and cords) is also a great way to go. It also lets you keep up on anything else you might need (like classes or outside work projects).

Make it Personal

It’s not just about the fun items that you’re going to want so you can enjoy yourself. You may also want to bring a few personal items that remind you of home. Your favorite blanket. That candle with the scent that reminds you of your favorite camping spot. A scrapbook you can look at when you’re missing home. Your special pillow that helps you get comfortable at night.

Making the space you’re staying in feel a little more like home is going to make it a whole lot easier. And after you’ve done it the first time it’s going to get a whole lot easier the next time. Plus, you’ll just feel more comfortable in the space rather than feeling like you’re living in someone else’s home for an extended period. (Which, maybe you are.)

Take a Shopping Trip

There are a lot of things you’ll want to remember to bring when you’re going on your first travel nursing assignment. But some things are just going to take up a lot of space. That’s especially true if you’re going to be flying versus driving.

As you’re packing you may want to make a list of items that you need but don’t need to take with you. These could be laundry soap, toiletries, and other simple items that are easy to get ahold of just about anywhere. Keep in mind just how long you’ll be able to do without those items though. You may not get a chance to go shopping right away.

Even if you feel like you’ve packed everything, remember that you may get to where you’re staying and realize you forgot something. Or realize that it doesn’t include something you thought it would. In that case, knowing where the local stores are (groceries stores, hardware stores, and any other) will help you get comfortable and prepared for anything.

A Little Note for Flying

If you’re going to be traveling further away and you’re taking a plane you’ll need to pare down even these items a bit more. Still make sure you’re taking a couple items that will remind you of home or things that will make your hobbies easier. And then plan on taking a shopping trip as soon as you arrive to get anything else you may need.

And keep in mind that you may end up donating a lot of things at the end of your assignment because you don’t want to pay to take them back with you either.

When it all comes down to it, you want to enjoy yourself while you’re on assignment. After all, that’s the whole reason for trying travel nursing, right? You want to be able to experience new things, help new people, and have a good time, right? Packing the right items will help you do exactly that, right from day one.