Packing for a 13 Week Assignment

Packing for a 13 week travel assignment seems daunting, but you get the hang of it pretty quickly. At the time of writing this post, I’ve completed 5 travel assignments. I wasted money, time and space on my first assignments, and I forgot things I wish I would have brought on others. Now I’ve developed a system that ensures I have everything I need and is also quick/easy to do. 

*By the way, this does not only apply to 13 week assignments. Whether your contract is 8 weeks, 52 weeks or anywhere in between, this list should be helpful for you. 

What to pack for your travel assignment

Work-related items

This one is fairly simple and depends on what area you work in, but here is a general list:

• scrubs
• compression socks
• work shoes
• stethoscope
• trauma sheers
• lunchbox
• pens
• water bottle
• back pack
• hard copy of certifications/licensure (I also keep photo copies of these on my phone in a photo album).
  • Yes, your agency should provide all of that to the hospital, but these things have a way of getting lost in communication between the agency and hospital. Save yourself a headache, and keep your own copy on hand. 
• badge clip
  • Some hospitals will provide you with one when you pick up your badge, but others do not. Either way, usually the hospital-provided clips suck. I prefer my own.
• my own badge buddies
  • I have transparent badge buddies that I use to write down things like important phone numbers and lock codes during my orientation. I simply write what I need to know on a small piece of paper and slide it into the transparent holder. I also created my own badge buddy for pediatric vital signs which is super helpful in a setting like the ER. 

Household Items

What you will need as far as household items will depend on where you stay. Most travel nurses rent places to stay that are already furnished. I’ve used vacation rental companies like Airbnb before, but the most cost effective option I’ve found is a website called Furnished Finder. Usually the items provided are part of the listing, but if not, you can message the landlord to inquire about specifics. 

In general, you can expect furnished rentals to include furniture, bedding, a coffee maker, kitchen utensils, cookware, and a TV. 

To decide what else to bring, think about what you use on a weekly basis. For example, I use my crockpot for meal preps, so I always bring one with me. Here is a list of the things I bring, but this one will vary a lot depending on what you use and what your interests are:

• crockpot
• popcorn kernel popper
• apple tv
• yoga mat
• a cozy blanket
• massage gun
• speaker
• 1 water bottle (same as the work one listed above)
• lap top
• meal prep containers
• My husband’s work related items (his lap top and second monitor)
• My husband’s playstation
• extra back pack (used when packing for day trips or long hikes)
  • I like to keep this separate than my work bag so I don’t have to unpack and repack all of my work stuff. It stays as a grab and go bag.
• flat fanny pack- for hiking or jogging (it carries my phone and wallet)
• adventure camera (knock off version of a go-pro)
• Headphones (for the gym)

Some of these items might not be on your list at all. The key is to consider what you actually need plus what will make you feel comfortable/at home without taking up too much packing space.  

Skip items that are inexpensive and disposable (think cheap toiletries, laundry detergent, etc). Instead, create a shopping list with all the starter options that you will need. Go ahead and plan for your first day in a new area to be all about unpacking and getting set up in your new place. 

Clothing

Clothing is one of the most difficult things for me to decide on as far as packing. Obviously you need scrubs for work. Otherwise, my best advice is to consider the weather, activities you want to try in the area, and whether or not you will possibly extend. 

• rain jacket
• winter gear if appropriate for the area
• swim suit (it doesn’t take up much space, so I include it unless I absolutely know I will not need it)
• gym clothes and gym shoes
• 5-6 outfits for going out on the town or to dinner
  • The more you can mix and match here, the better so you get the feeling of variety without having to pack a lot-think capsule wardrobe
  • Shoes take up the most packing space, so try to choose shoes that work with a lot of different outfits
  • Consider weather changes that will occur during your contract or that might happen if you choose to extend. Outfits that you can add layers to are best. 

I usually skip any kind of formal/dressier wear unless there is a specific activity I plan to do in that location. 

Pet Supplies

If you travel with your pet, you know how important their comfort is too! If you don’t, feel free to skip ahead. 

• collapsible dog bowls
• dog medications
  • I usually bring enough for 3 months knowing I can use Chewy.com to order more as needed
• favorite toy for each dog (mine love their treat ball)
• collar/leash for each dog
• poop bags
• favorite blanket or bedding

Hobbies and other interests

Hobby and other interest items aren’t exactly necessities, and they can take up a lot of space when packing. It can be tempting to leave them behind. Personally, I think they deserve more careful consideration. Here are the things you should consider:

What is going to help you enjoy your destination?

For me, it’s the outdoors, so I bring my bicycle, lightweight camping gear, and a backpack for hiking. For my husband, it’s video games (this also helps him keep in touch with friends back home), so he brings his playstation. 

The thing is, you have to be able to do what makes you happy. Otherwise, you will burn out. 

What things might you wish you had if you extend?

A friend and fellow travel nurse took a contract in southern California in the summer, but decided to extend into winter. She is an avid snowboarder, but did not bring her snowboard with her on her summer assignment. This meant she had to make an extra trip all the way back to her home in Washington to get her gear. If you aren’t traveling more than a days drive home, then absolutely pack lighter. For those of us traveling far away, save yourself the hassle and consider what you will want and use if you extend your contract. 

Are there places near your assignment that you want to explore as a weekend trip?

During my first northern California contract, I chose not to bring my camping gear. While on contract, I planned a weekend trip to Yosemite national park. My husband and I could have stayed inside the park and tent camped if I had my gear. Instead, we booked a hotel in Oakhurst (a neighboring town) because everything closer was either prohibitively expensive or did not have any availability left. This meant we had an hours drive in the morning just to get to the middle of the park. In hindsight, I should have brought my gear. It also would have opened up more destinations for us to explore. 

How to pack for your travel assignment

Now that you know what you are packing, you need to know how to pack it and make it fit. You need a system to make it as painless as possible. Here is my system:

Tools I use

• Yakima EXO Swing base system
  • I’ll admit, this thing is expensive, but it’s a lifesaver. I am a travel nurse who travels across the country  for months at a time with a husband and 2 dogs all inside our Subaru Forester. The amount of extra packing space the gear locker attachment allows is awesome. I have my bike rack as the top rack, but if you aren’t a bicyclist, you have a wide variety of attachments you can choose (including the option of a second gear locker). 
• Dedicated plastic bins
  • You know the bins you parents put all their Christmas decor in before it goes in the attic? Those are the bins I’m talking about. They help with carry-ability and organization especially for small to medium sized items. They also can double for things after you arrive such as a laundry bin. 
  • Bin #1-miscellaneous items such as a small speaker, pens, my bicycle helmet, apple tv, umbrella, massage gun, etc. Any items I have duplicates of at home stay in this bin ready to go for the next assignment. 
  • Bin#2- kitchen supplies that are not included at my housing- crockpot, meal prep containers, popcorn popper (I realize I could probably just do microwave popcorn bags, but I like the kernels more. Don’t judge me.)
  • Bin#3- shoes, jackets, any items that didn’t fit in bin 1 or 2
• Suitcases/backpacks
  • This sounds simple, but it makes sense to pack clothing and toiletries in suitcases/backpacks. One, they are easier to carry for moving it in and out of your vehicle and home. Two, it gives you something to pack in for weekend trips or day trips while at your destination.
• Vacuum bags– This actually isn’t something I use myself as I haven’t needed it, but another travel nurse friend of mine swears by them. If you are the kind of person that wants to have a lot of outfit options, vacuum storage could save you a ton of space. 

Car organization

This will of course depend on your vehicle and the size/shape of the things you are packing. I do have a few tips to make the road trip easier if your drive will require more than 1 day. 

1. In one of your backpacks, pack like you are going on a small weekend trip – clothes, toiletries, chargers. Keep this bag somewhere on top and easy to get to. You don’t want to be constantly unpacking and repacking when you get to a hotel after driving all day. This will come in handy for potential weekend trips during your assignment too.
2. Leave space for drinks/road trip snacks within reach. For me, this is a plastic grocery store bag on the floorboard behind the drivers seat. This way whichever one of us (my husband or I) are in the passenger seat can reach the items. If you are driving by yourself, the passenger seat would make more sense. We also bring a second plastic bag to function as a trash bag.
3. (For pet owners) Similar to your backpack with essentials for the hotel, keep a bag for your pet accessible as well. Whenever we stop for gas, we can easily get to leashes, bowls, and food to give the dogs a break and nourishment as well. You’ll also want to be able to bring this into the hotel. Also, on the subject of pets, I like to leave the entire backseat for my dogs. I use a dog hammock. It’s safer for them, and it leaves the floorboard free for packing the hotel ready items and snacks.

Do you have any tips for packing for a long trip or work assignment that you want to share? Comment below!

Looking in other tips/advice for travel nurses or other travel healthcare professionals? Here are some posts you may be interested in:

• Is Travel Nursing Still Worth it (financially)?
• How to Prepare before Leaving for your Assignment
• Bringing your Pet on your Travel Assignment
• Is this a good contract offer?