Packing for a travel nurse assignment requires careful consideration of both your professional and personal needs. You can’t bring everything with you, but there are some non-essentials that I believe can make bouncing from home to home a more comfortable process. Of course, you have to pack the basics: clothes, toiletries, identification, etc. But the convenient commodities in this list have become necessities for me as well. They make my home away from home just a bit more enjoyable. These are my favorite unessential, but incredibly useful, items to pack on every travel nurse assignment.
1. Safety/Emergency Items
I consider these items to be perhaps the most essential on the list. Especially if you are traveling solo like me. Bringing safety items is not just a matter of being prepared; it’s a vital aspect of ensuring your well-being and peace of mind. Below are a few of the things I always pack with me.
Portable Door Lock
A portable door lock is a simple yet effective security device that can provide added safety and peace of mind in various situations. It is especially useful for hotel stays. This one features two different sizes for standard door locks as well as larger ones.
Portable Car Jump Start
With all of the driving we do as travel nurses, this is a must-have. It allows you to jump-start your car without the help of a stranger. This portable jump starter includes a flashlight as well as USB ports for charging your electronics.
Home Security Camera
This allows me to check on the place I’m staying even when I’m not there. An at home monitoring system doesn’t have to be expensive. I purchased this Kasa security camera on amazon for only $30. This camera detects audio, has night vision capabilities, motion detection, and it works with Alexa. You can check your camera any time from your smartphone on the Kasa app, and if you want to store your footage simply grab a MicroSD card to insert into the camera. Bonus: It can double as a pet-cam for those of you with furry friends.
Self-Defense Tools
This can include a number of items ranging from pepper spray to stun guns. Just be sure to check the local state laws for what you are allowed to carry with you. One item I personally love is the Birdie Safety Alarm. Simply pull the top pin if you feel threatened and the device will activate a loud siren and flashing strobe light, to help deter an attacker.
2. Water Filters
A sink filter or water filter pitcher is great to avoid the funky taste of some tap waters, but this isn’t the only reason I use water filters. With all of the moving around, the different types of water can wreak havoc on your skin and hair. Some water can contain heavy metals and trace chemicals like chlorine. Along with my pitcher in the fridge for drinking, I keep a water filter on my bathroom sink and my shower head. This might seem excessive, but it has dramatically improved the condition of my skin and hair.
There are multiple expensive options, but I simply use the Pur Faucet Mount water filter on my bathroom sink and the AquaBliss filter on my shower head. Both were easy to install and came with adapters to fit multiple faucet types. With replaceable filter inserts, these are great portable options to bring with you on every assignment.
3. Alexa
I absolutely LOVE my Alexa Echo Dots. There is currently one in my living room and one in the kitchen. I use them to play music, set timers, control lights, make lists, start the Roomba, ask questions and so much more. With tens of thousands of skills and counting, Alexa is constantly coming up with ways to make my life easier.
4. Roomba
This is something I owned prior to travel nursing, but it has become an asset when it comes to cleaning up. Not every housing location will have the best vacuum options if any at all. My iRobot Roomba Vacuum helps keep dirt, dust, and pet hair at bay without me having to lift a finger. It works with Alexa and I can start it from anywhere using the app on my phone, which is super convenient.
Pack Items that Fit Your Lifestyle
When it comes to packing for your travel nurse assignments, there’s more to consider than just the essentials. Include items that go beyond the basics to create a home away from home that makes you feel at ease in your space. It’s the small touches that will transform your travel nurse assignment into a more comfortable, secure, and enjoyable experience. What items do you consider must-haves? Drop a comment below!
