Preparing For Your Next Traveling Healthcare Assignment

Congratulations! It’s finally time to head to your next assignment. If you’ve made it this far, you’ve already gone through the application, interview, offer and acceptance of your next assignment. Now the hard part is over. So, what’s next and what do you need to prepare before heading to your new assignment? We have compiled a few tips to help you check off the important items you will need to make your next trip a success.

Your Paperwork

Many travelers keep a folder that contains all of their important documents. With an organized folder like this, you will always be prepared. Include up-to-date copies of your certifications, immunization records and documentation.

Here are a few more items to keep in your folder:

• Medical documents, vaccine records, etc.
• Resume
• Certifications
• Credentialing documents

Once you officially sign the assignment contract, send your recruiter all of your paperwork. With everything in one place, your travel experience less stressful. Keep in mind, being able to access and send documents in a timely manner is huge – it shows potential employers that you’re dependable and can react quickly.

Packing

Packing is another very important aspect of preparing for your next travel assignment. How you pack will depend on how long your contact is (most are approximately 13 weeks long) and where you go. There are a few staples to all traveling assignments though.

A few important items to bring with you are:

• Bedding – sheets, pillows, blankets, etc.
• Clothes – scrubs, work shoes, non work clothes, keep in mind the location and the weather. You want to pack for where you’re heading and the type of climate there.
• Toiletry items – although most toiletry items should be purchased when you arrive, bring things like a hair dryer and a straightener or any expensive items you don’t want to purchase.
• Kitchen items – coffee pot, blender, crock pot, etc.
• Vacuum – it’s best to bring one so you don’t have to purchase one when you arrive.
• TV – if your agency doesn’t provide one.
• Computer and printer – if you don’t have a printer, you’re new location might have a common area that has one.
• Medications – including contacts, glasses, etc.
• Important documents and files

Download our Traveler Packing Checklist to ensure you don’t forget anything important when you’re headed to your next assignment.

Bills

It’s often overlooked, but if you have rent, a mortgage payment, cell phone bill or any other common expenses, make sure that you either establish prepay or set up automatic payments. You’re going to be busy and remembering these easily forgotten bills should be something you don’t have to worry about. Start your next assignment without worrying whether or not your electricity is going to turn off or your cell phone isn’t going to work at your new location. Take this approach and you will guarantee a clear mind and ensure that everything is getting taken care of back home!

Travel

Finally, you need to decide how you will travel to your next assignment. If you plan to fly, you will want to check on transportation to and from work, which may entail looking up public transportation options.

If you are driving, you need to determine your route first, which is super easy with your cell phone or Google Maps. In a worst case scenario or if you lose service for whatever reason, you should have an atlas with you. There great for peace of mind when heading out on the road.

All of this preparation should lead you up to your departure date. During this time, stay in contact with your recruiter and even the facility you’re headed to. If anything changes, this helps ensure you remain informed.

Traveling Healthcare Professionals are put into new environments about every 13 weeks. Life on the road is definitely a challenging endeavor, but one that is extremely rewarding. By following these tips, you’ll put yourself in a position to have the best experience possible on your next travel assignment! We’ve created a great Traveler Packing Checklist to help you prepare. Download it here.