Most useful items to pack-medical mission

nerdtonurse?, BSN, RN · Oct 1, 2011

Just me, but I'd go to the dollar store and get some toys for the kids -- things that aren't easily broken, melted, etc. like coloring books, colored pencils AND sharpeners. Friends who've gone on trips talk about how dark it gets at night, so I'd probably pack some lightsticks (those things you snap). They were actually out in a village where they only ran the generator a few hours a day, so anything that runs off hand crank or solar power would be good.

Good luck, and your mission will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Double-Helix, BSN, RN · Oct 1, 2011

Deoderant- You'll be sweaty and hot, so smelling nice wil help you feel refreshed. Although your patient's won't care if you smell bad.

Tampons/Pads- You just never know when you, or someone in your group, will need them.

Tylenol/Ibuprofen- In case of headaches, minor aches and pains due to standing, bending, long days, uncomfortable sleeping, etc. It can be a life saver!

Finger nail clippers- I can't stand doing medical procedures with long nails.

Sun screen- Always a good idea. Sun is stronger down there and there is nothing worse than a bad sunburn!

Chap stick- Goes along with the sun screen.

That's all I can think of for now. Make sure you drink lots of water! I'm sure you will be a blessing to the people in the Carribean!

Hospice Nurse LPN, BSN, RN · Oct 1, 2011

toliet paper and/or those wet wipe thingys and sunscreen. The kids we worked w/ loved chewing gum. I was able to go on a medical mission trip 5 years ago and it was one of the greatest experiences ever. God bless you.

allnurses Guide · Oct 1, 2011

Pen and paper, for taking notes or journaling. Plenty of pens.

Roll of duct tape; comes in handy all sorts of things. package of safety pins.

Extra toothbrush. Hand lotion, extra strength. Bandanna, or 2, for when you just need to keep your hair up and out of the way, and catch the sweat. Also handy while traveling as a hand towel, and something to hold over your nose when passing highly odiferous sites. Nail brush, sometimes you just need to be able to scrub your hands.

Allergy meds, in addition to the ibu/tylenol. Being older, I also take some baby ASA, for the long flights or rides (I have a hx of clots).

Sun hat; I found out what a huge difference it can make vs. being bareheaded in Guatemala. Keeping the sun off your head is important. Skirts are cooler than jeans in hot humid weather, and sometimes more culturally acceptable than shorts.

Power bars, and a good strong water bottle. Some of those little individual packets of ice tea or flavored powders, even "clean" water sometimes tastes terrible. Put these things in a tight plastic box or ziplock bags to keep the bugs out.

If you're in a place with power, check to see if you'll need a converter. They aren't all that expensive at Wallyworld. If rural, consider if you need an extra battery for your camera.

Whispera, MSN, RN · Oct 2, 2011

Check with the organization you're going with to see if the country has required people to pay a "duty" fee to bring things into the country. They might have a list of things that can be brought in "duty-free".

Bring socks! clean socks!

JustJen, BSN, RN · Oct 2, 2011

Thanks for all the suggestions....keep them coming!

FlyingScot, RN · Oct 2, 2011

Wet wipes definitely. They have a million uses. I second the "feminine protection" suggestion. Even if you're not due, the stress of the trip might cause you to start early. It happened to me and a bunch of my co-workers. Silly Bandz are easy to pack and loved by even the most remote children.

GilaRRT · Oct 2, 2011

Cipro or Levaquin are a must. Often overlooked, but it's nearly impossible to avoid exposure to indigenous food related microorganisms.

Altra, BSN, RN · Oct 2, 2011

Mosquito netting

Fold-up travel size rain ponchos (these are $1-$2 each and I traveled with a dozen of them - some I wore, some I shared, and some I used as a tarp when necessary)

linearthinker, DNP, RN · Oct 2, 2011

I have made 32 overseas mission trips in 20 years. Trust me when I say to you, you MUST bring something to cover your head or you will get Lice. Cover it on the plane and don't uncover it until you get home (except briefly for showering, if you get a shower). I wear a scarf at all times, and a wide brimmed hat over it. and not TMI, but I would recommend a Brazillian wax before you leave or you might bet lice in other places too. It happened to plenty of people from squatting at community holes and using outhouses. Believe me, they were not intimate with anyone! I'd get rid of any body hair I could.

First, find out the largest suitcase the airline will permit and the max it can weigh. Stuff it with as much as you can get in there. Ziplock bags are always needed, so take everything out of it's original package and put them into ziplocks. I buy all new clothes for every trip. I really like those quick dry pants from REI that roll up to capris and snap. I usually bring 4-5 pair and several longer skirts. They are great for all climates and weather. I also like tanks and long sleeve linen for layering. Linen is perfect for all climates, and is very durable (unlike silk, which is the best "all weather" wear, lol). No one cares that it is wrinkled! It packs light and small, keeps you warm when the sun goes down without being hot. Long sleeves that button to 3/4 sleeves are best. Longer sleeves protect you from sun and insects, and can tie around your waist if you need to. I also bring a few pair of leather boots and heavy duty "smart wool" socks.

I bring light, bright colors. Lots of U.S. t-shirts, from any of the States, athletic teams, big cities, whatever. I do this because I leave every single thing I bring with me there. I trade my last pair of boots for flip flops on the last day and I come home completely empty handed. I even leave my toothbrush, hairbrush, toiletries and suitcase. Literally. I come home with my passport, money and ID in a ID packet that I wear around my neck and the clothes on my back, occasionally a souvenir in a plastic bag or once, a pillow case, lol. That is it. Yes, you and I think it is disgusting to use someone else's toothbrush, but if it is a used toothbrush (boiled) or NO toothbrush, which would you take? Also, take a crap load of hair bands and barrettes and bobby pins to leave. They are in short supply and have a million uses. Do not bring tampons (except for yourself) b/c many cultures will not use them. bring sanitary napkins by the score. They desperately need them. Millions of girls can not go to school during their menses b/c they have no feminine hygiene products. And remember, take them out of the box and put them in ziplocks. This will also serve to keep the customs gorillas out of your stuff. More on that next.

Check with the organization you are going with, there are different rules about what follows. One group I go with sneaks in medicines and supplies and bribes customs officials to let them through. Another group does not. In Haiti last year we had to bribe the customs people about US$40 to pretend the didn't see a suitcase full of drugs. Bribes are negotiated openly, lol. We started at $20, they started at $200. We ended at $40. Those drugs would have cost thousands of dollars to purchase through sanctioned channels, if we could have, which we couldn't. We saved lives with those meds. I know it for a fact[ Children who would otherwise be dead. Now, for all I know they are dead by now anyway, but you do what you can. You can get into a lot of serious trouble for this, and I am NOT telling you to break international customs law. I am telling you to check with TPTB in the org you are going with for their policy on the issue.

anurseatlast · Oct 2, 2011

If you will be wearing a skirt, biker shorts will prevent chafing when it is so hot.

Packing clothes for each day in an XL ziplock is helpful and bags will come in handy.

Slip on shoes and a flashlight on a lanyard for middle of the night trips to the outhouse. (Shake shoes to be sure nothing is inside before putting them on). Speaking of outhouses, definitely take tp. Charmin makes travel rolls (no core, in plastic dispenser). Let's just say other places don't always seem to find tp as necessary as Americans do.

Hip pack for carrying important stuff like tp, hand sanitizer (use it a lot!), sunscreen etc. otherwise you will never have it with you when you need it.

Water bottle with your name on it.

Ear plugs (in case you sleep with snorers or if you have a rooster right outside your window like we did in Nicaragua - he crowed all night!)

Swimsuit in case you do not have as much privacy as you might like for bathing. Something comfortable but modest to sleep in for the same reason (maybe a tank top and shorts)

Travel size laundry soap

Extra toothbrush, contacts, etc - in case you drop them on the ground, lose them, etc

Small container of unscented baby powder or cornstach for when you feel hot and sticky

journal so you don't forget important things later

Snacks (in an airtight container so you don't get varmits!) that do well in heat (granola, crackers & individual PB, nuts, etc)

If you take any medications, take extra in case your departure is delayed.

For the kids: hacky sacs or balls are great and last a long time, matchbox cars, bubbles, gum, stickers (They also loved seeing themselves on the screen of my digital camera) They also like to see pics of your children, spouse, friends etc.

Extra batteries for anything that needs them.

travel clock

sunglasses and backup pair in case you lose/break them

chapstick (The heat really dries out your lips)

premoistened facecloths (so you don't have to put water on your face)

definitely a hat

Most importantly, an attitude of service and flexibility. You will undoubtedly face unexpected challenges. Your attitude will make all the difference. This can be a life-changing event. Also, get people to commit to pray for you while you are gone. Hope you have a great time.