Florida girl goin to Alaska

[BonnieL.Hoening]

Hello guys! I am beginning to get the ball rolling to get sent to Alaska for 13 weeks, I've contacted the company's head hunter and will be getting my paper work to fill out soon. I am now trying to figure how to pay for my Alaskan lisence AND get other items i will need while there. I could be sent to Nome, or stoic anchorage. I have no clue what i need to pack as for clothing. Jim, the gentleman i spoke with, said winter has been mild for them this year and I'll be coming as it turns to spring so it shouldn't be too terribly cold. But at 60 degrees this Florida girl is throwing on sweat pants and a robe lol.

I am wanting to bring some items like fem hygine stuff, shower stuff, my medications and supplements, and laundry detergent and possibly coffee as i know groceries are quite pricey. Is there anything i should make sure to pack? All i can think of is wool socks, some boots, maybe snow pants, a heavy jacket other than my super awesome camo field jacket, lots of under pants and scrubs.

This is going to be my first big adventure, so any tips and recommendations are appreciated!

On an ending note, I love you guys and am eternally grateful to be apart of our enormous nursing family!

--Bonnie

[Argo]

I would pick anchorage for sure. It's a real city so you won't feel to far gone. Still beautiful and access to the wilderness.

Prioritize what you want/need, start at the top priorities and pack what you can get in your luggage. Take one jacket, likely that your stuff isn't really up to snuff for real cold anyhow, buy some merino wool thermal under wear and socks, synthetic works too but NO cotton.

[bagladyrn, RN]

Pretty much anything you can buy as clothing in FL won't be suitable in Alaska. I'd suggest going online to L.L. Bean or LandsEnd for clothing.

(from another Floridian currently in NH)

[8-ball, BSN]

I don't know about FL but I would check out some outlet malls I just got a jacket rated at -30 degrees from the eddie bauer outlet store here in Louisville KY for $55, and my wife got a nice cold weather coat rated the same temp from the north face outlet for $99 it was reg $319.