How Do I Get My Stuff to My Travel Nurse Jobs?
By Aaron Moore, MSN, RN-BC, travel nurse expert
Q. How do I get the stuff I’ll need to my travel nursing assignments?
A. First off, you won’t be able to take all of your stuff, of course, so you will have to pare down. Most nurses end up driving to their travel nurse jobs. This can make for some great road trips, and allows you to bring the essentials with you.
Large cities with great public transportation systems may be the exception; in those cases you might choose to fly and ship your things. But whether you drive or fly, you should be able to get many of your travel expenses reimbursed by your travel nursing agency.
If you are taking the free housing offered by your agency, major furnishings will be provided. But you’ll still need to bring some household items, clothing and personal items for you and anyone else you are bringing with you.
RELATED RESOURCE: The Essential Packing Guide for Travel Nurses
Don’t forget: you can also buy some essentials once you arrive, and sell or donate them when you are ready to move on to the next travel nursing assignment.
Start with a reliable vehicle that holds a lot
In travel nursing, your vehicle is often the biggest investment you make. It helps you get to and from your dream destinations and will often be your commuter vehicle and touring partner, as well. So picking the right vehicle to take on travel nurse jobs is an important investment.
Some important things to consider for your ride
It’s gotta be reliable. I can’t stress this enough. New or old, a car must get you from point A to point B—especially when those two points may be several hundred miles apart. If you plan to use your existing car, you must take it into a local mechanic and get it checked out. The last thing you want is to be stuck in the middle of the Nevada desert on interstate 15 with a bad alternator.
If getting a new vehicle, put good gas mileage on the top of your list. This vehicle is going to take you everywhere, including some places you haven’t yet dreamed of. Having a reliable, fuel efficient vehicle is a necessity in travel nursing.
Another thing to think about is space. My wife and I traveled together. We each got one large Rubbermaid tub for our stuff, and then one to share. These three bins fit perfectly in the back of our car with the seats laid flat. And there was even enough room for our little dachshund to ride along safely. (Note, I love the fold-down seat option that many crossovers and SUVs provide. It’s practical and gives you plenty of room for hosting the occasional visitors.) If you must, you can also buy a hard case carrier to put on the top of your vehicle for additional storage.
And make sure your ride is road-trip equipped. It should be comfortable for those long hauls across the country. Little extras like a good sound system and a sunroof to make the most of your scenic drives can make it even sweeter. A built-in GPS can also be helpful.
No matter where your travel nurse jobs take you, be sure to ride in comfort and style with the right vehicle. Then get ready for an unforgettable adventure!
RELATED BLOG: What Do I Do with All My Belongings While I’m Traveling?
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