Packing/Organization Tip for Travel Nursing?

bagladyrn, RN · Mar 7, 2009

When you get your first contract, check with the agency to find out exactly what is included in the housing. This can vary from an apartment with basic furniture only, to "housewares packages" that will have linens, basic kitchenware, maybe a microwave, to a "turnkey" setup with everything already in place (more likely if they are renting from a private owner in a resort or vacation area).

Take only about half of what you think you will need - we all tend to overpack. Once you are there you can get any household items you are lacking from the local Goodwill or dollar store for very little and can drop a box back off there when you leave. If you are like me you may find that your belongings tend to "breed' while you are at work, expanding considerably by the time you pack up to leave.

Be sure, though, to take a few items to make the new place feel like home. I carry some photos, candles, etc.

One thing I always pack is a bag with immediate necessities that I can grab and take in as soon as I arrive: light bulbs, toilet paper (many apts. don't have when you get there), a roll of paper towels, a mug or cup, plastic knife, fork, spoon, a serving of dog food for my dog. This gets me through until I can unload my truck and find the boxes that I packed everything else in, especially if arriving after a long drive.

KaraThrace · Mar 8, 2009

Thank you so much for the reply (I too am traveling with my Dog...the main man in my life!

I know all too well how items tend to "breed".

I moved from Vermont to Washington State a year ago and am couch surfing right now until I am on my way.

Still cannot believe how much STUFF I aquired while I was here!

I have found only a couple of online resources that speak to this subject (I have some printed out material from a site that had a "travel nurse's toolbox).

Here are some specific questions...

Quite a few folks speak to carrying a scanner/fax with them so that they can send hand signed documents quickly to thier agencies??

Is it really that hard to do on the road??...I would imagine that I could find a store--say a Kinko's or Staples-like store that would have fax services?

What would I be so hurried to receive or send I am wondering?

I have also never purchased wireless internet time so that one might use their laptop freely in "hotspots".

Assuming that I would have cable access or internet service at a given housing locale--wonder how neccessary that is?

I definately would want a few comfort items. My own "special pillow" for example, and most definately my own linens...I am just a freak like that!

Oh...and I did just upgrade my AAA service to AAA "plus" for peace of mind.

I have also slowly been shopping travel items like toiletry bags, duffles and packing cubes. I found these "under the bed" stoage things that have a clear top and two grab rings (soft sided). Just one of these gagets held all of my scrubs and the shirts I wear with them very nicely and seem easy to stack (say in a car).

If anyone has any packing or organizing gadgets that they LOVE--would love to hear about them!

Thank you all again....this site is so amazing, welcoming and informative.

Any more comments or ideas very much appreciated....

Respectfully,

Elaine VT

:prdnrs:

bagladyrn, RN · Mar 8, 2009

I've never found the need to own a fax/scanner. Any time I needed to send or receive faxes or documentation I've either used the one at the office of any apt. complex I'm in, gone to Kinkos or any "Pack and Ship" type of store or if it was related to the assignment used the hospital fax (with permission, of course). I do like my wireless internet device - don't have to set up new service every time I move and can use it while traveling.

I had an "issue" with one of those packing cubes that you vacuum the air out of to compact stuff this time. I put all my pillows, sheets and comforters in one, vacuumed it down, zipped it shut and stowed it in the back of my truck. Somewhere along the way it exploded and all those things resumed their original volume wedging everything into the cap of my truck! Oops!