This last year has been a total whirlwind, and no one knows that more than a Travel Nurse. With more than additional 22,000 nurses estimated to be needed in the workforce by 2022, the nurses our country does have are in high demand. That means a lot of miles are being traveled!
To make all the traveling easier, we’ve made a Travel Nurses’ Checklist to ensure Travel Nurses have everything they need to make the best of their new assignments. Follow this guide to make sure you have everything you need before setting off on your journey.
1. A Good Bag
If you are a travel nurse, you know the benefits of a good, sturdy bag. You’ve got a lot of stuff and having enough space is essential. Make sure your water bottle, lunch, and any medications can fit in alongside your tech products. Not only will it make your workdays easier, but it’s one less thing to worry about while flying.
2. Freshly-Filled Medications
There’s nothing worse than getting to a new city and realizing you need to refill your prescriptions. The hassle of finding a new pharmacy and switching over your information takes valuable time out of your day that can better be spent exploring. Be sure to refill before you set off on your new assignments and avoid the hassle.
3. Stethoscope Check
Have you ever arrived at your new assignment only to realize your stethoscope is falling apart? After years of dutiful service, even the best need replacing eventually. It’s always better to check that your stethoscope is in good condition before leaving to make sure you can order a new one in time if needed.
4. A Good Blanket
Even when blankets are provided, they aren’t quite the same as your favorite blanket back home. Bring yours along for the ride and stay cozy in your new housing. Trust us, you won’t regret it!
5. Hand Lotion
All that hand sanitizer can dry out your hands. Invest in a good hand lotion that fits in your bag for easy access. Keep the hand cracks and sore skin at bay with a hydrating solution that will also protect from frequent washing.
6. Paperwork Check
Paperwork is your life while on the road. Directions of when, where, and how are your lifeline to each new assignment and are essential to a stress-free transition. It’s important to double-check your paperwork before leaving and before arriving on your first day. That way, you can verify everything is in order and give you time to correct them if not.
7. Working Watch
Just like your stethoscope, a watch is an essential tool for every nurse. No matter if checking heart rate or counting down the minutes until lunch, a working watch will make your day easier. It is always a good idea to give your watch a once-over checkup before setting off on a new assignment. It’s much more hassle than switching pharmacies to get it fixed!
8. Comfortable Shoes
As a nurse, we know you know all about this! Comfortable shoes are a lifesaver and can make or break your day. Always be sure to double-check that your comfy shoes are packed before traveling. If you wear special socks with them, make sure those are packed, too!
9. Coffee Maker
We know this one sounds silly, but have you ever arrived at your new accommodations only to find that there isn’t a coffee maker? Save yourself the horror of it ever happening again by bringing your own. Besides, the coffee maker is one of the first interactions you have each morning. Knowing how it works is a great way to start the day.
10. Subscribe to RN Guardian
Being a Travel Nurse gives you enough to worry about. When you partner with RN Guardian, protecting your license is one less thing. As a member of RN Guardian, you get access to a small and elite team of vetted expert attorneys who have handled thousands of cases just like yours. The most experienced and successful attorneys in the business are there to support you through BRN proceedings. Talk about relief!