Congratulations! You’ve finally signed your contract and picked out your scrubs—in an assortment of colors. However, those empty suitcases relegated to your bedroom corner have been staring at you for days. As a traveling healthcare provider, you’ve made the brave decision to live like a nomad in the name of offering care to those in need. While living the life of a healthcare hero may come naturally to you, packing your bags for long-term work-related travel can feel like a daunting undertaking. As you prepare to embark on your travel adventure, check out these must-know tips and tricks to packing everything you’ll need.
Research your location
When you partner with a reputable staffing company, Fusion Medical Staffing jobs are at arm’s reach. After a few simple steps, you’ll connect with your dream employer and gain access to necessary information about your new gig. Do your homework about your new home by researching critical factors like climate, popular activities, or local cultures. Studying your future surroundings will hone your packing list and help you prepare the necessary clothing, supplies, and equipment. Since you won’t want to find yourself landing in Phoenix, Arizona, with a bag full of turtlenecks or Salt Lake City, Utah, without your ski gear, relocation investigation is vital.
Keep it simple
While on the road as a traveling healthcare provider, you won’t want to be weighed down by excess items. After all, healthcare workers are too busy saving lives to lug around heavy packs or declutter flustering areas. Channel your inner Marie Kondo and only pack that which either truly makes you happy or serves a legitimate purpose. Keep in mind that work will consume a sizable portion of your time, so you may not require access to the same items you enjoy while at home. If you plan to live in a shared space or small rental, you’ll be glad you sidestepped a cluttered living space by packing light.
Make it personal
While traveling light is undoubtedly wise, don’t leave all of your possessions behind when you embark on your journey. In the COVID-19 era, the job of a travel nurse or healthcare professional is a challenging and heavy one. Although immensely rewarding, healthcare providers like travel nurses can experience loneliness and homesickness while completing assignments far from home. Bring along a few small keepsakes like framed photos of loved ones or beloved decor pieces to help you combat the traveling blues. Remember that you’ll also have access to movies, music, and phone calls or video chats to remind you of home and keep you feeling close to those you may miss.
Determine what items will be provided
Although you may want to fill one suitcase with all of your kitchen appliances and another with the entire contents of your bathroom, remind yourself that many necessary items may already be waiting for you at your destination. Research the accommodations provided by your housing location and pack accordingly. Many living arrangements include furniture, appliances, and basic toiletries, which means you’ll have extra room in your suitcase for that which you genuinely need.
Utilize a packing checklist
When it comes to gathering items for a long trip, perfected organization skills are your golden ticket to a seamless packing experience. Because forgetting an essential item or two amid the commotion surrounding your travel preparations isn’t entirely unlikely, consulting a packing checklist for traveling healthcare providers will help you keep your priorities straight. If this is your first travel assignment for work, online lists that experienced travelers have published can offer clarity and perspective surrounding must-bring items. Print or write out a checklist so that you can remain confident that you’ve stowed away everything you’ll need.
Before you go
Those who have decided to accept a travel-based healthcare assignment have an arduous but rewarding road ahead. Luckily, the sooner you can complete your packing to-do list, the sooner you can hop on the road and start changing (and saving) lives.
