Travel Nurse Packing List 2026: Essential Items for Every Assignment

After 30+ assignments, I’ve refined my packing list down to the essentials. The goal is bringing enough to be comfortable without hauling your entire life across the country. Here’s what actually matters.

The Golden Rule of Travel Nurse Packing

Pack light. You can buy almost anything you need when you arrive. Over-packing leads to:

• Higher moving costs
• Stress at every transition
• Clutter in small living spaces
• Things you never use taking up space

My rule: If you haven’t used it in your last 3 assignments, leave it behind.

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Documents & Credentials (CARRY ON - NEVER CHECK)

This folder goes in your carry-on or personal bag. Never put these in checked luggage.

Essential Documents

• Driver’s license
• Nursing license(s) — physical cards
• Social Security card
• Passport (optional but useful for ID backup)
• BLS/ACLS/PALS cards
• Specialty certifications
• Copy of signed contract
• Assignment confirmation with address, contacts
• Insurance cards (health, auto)
• Emergency contact list

Digital Backup

• Scanned copies of all documents in cloud storage
• Photos of licenses on phone
• Agency contact info saved in phone
• Hospital HR/manager contact info

Pro tip: Create a “Travel Nurse Folder” in Google Drive or Dropbox. Upload everything. You’ll thank yourself when you need to send documents at 10 PM.

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Work Essentials

Scrubs & Uniforms

• 5-7 sets of scrubs (check color requirements first!)
• Scrub jacket or warm layer
• Compression socks (3-5 pairs)
• Comfortable, broken-in nursing shoes
• Badge holder/reel
• Hair ties and clips (if needed)

Pro tip: Don’t buy new scrubs until you know the facility’s color policy. Some hospitals have strict requirements. Pack neutral colors (navy, black, gray) if unsure.

Clinical Tools

• Stethoscope
• Penlight
• Bandage scissors
• Hemostats
• Watch with second hand (or digital stopwatch)
• Nursing pens (click type, multiple colors)
• Small notebook
• Calculator (or phone app)

Personal Items for Work

• Lunch bag/cooler
• Water bottle (32+ oz)
• Snacks (protein bars, nuts)
• Phone charger (for car and unit)
• Small toiletry bag (deodorant, mints, lotion)
• Advil/Tylenol
• Extra socks (for those 14-hour shifts)

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Clothing

Everyday Basics (2 Weeks’ Worth)

• 7-10 t-shirts or casual tops
• 3-4 pairs of pants/jeans
• 7 pairs of underwear
• 5-7 pairs of socks
• 2-3 bras (if applicable)
• Pajamas (2 sets)
• Loungewear for days off

Outerwear (Depends on Location)

• Light jacket
• Heavy coat (if heading somewhere cold)
• Rain jacket
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Sandals or flip-flops

Just in Case

• 1 nice outfit (interviews, events)
• Workout clothes (if you exercise)
• Swimsuit (you never know!)

Packing tip: Roll clothes instead of folding. Use packing cubes to stay organized and compress items.

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Electronics & Tech

Must-Have

• Laptop or tablet
• Smartphone
• Phone charger + extra cable
• Laptop charger
• Portable phone charger (power bank)
• Earbuds or headphones

Nice-to-Have

• Streaming device (Roku, Fire Stick, Apple TV)
• Portable Bluetooth speaker
• E-reader (Kindle)
• Small camera (or just use phone)
• HDMI cable (for connecting laptop to TV)

Adapters & Cables

• Multi-USB charging station
• Extension cord
• Car phone mount

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Toiletries & Personal Care

Pack in Checked Bag or Buy on Arrival

• Shampoo & conditioner
• Body wash
• Toothbrush & toothpaste
• Deodorant
• Skincare products
• Razor & shaving supplies
• Hairbrush/comb
• Hair dryer (unless housing provides)
• Makeup (minimal—you can buy more)
• Contact lenses/solution + glasses
• Medications (bring full supply!)

First Aid Kit

• Band-aids
• Antibiotic ointment
• Pain relievers (Advil, Tylenol)
• Allergy meds (Benadryl, Zyrtec)
• Pepto-Bismol
• Thermometer
• Cold medicine

Important: Bring enough prescription medications to last until you can transfer prescriptions or see a doctor.

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Housing Items

Bring

• Favorite pillow
• Comfortable sheets (furnished places often have scratchy ones)
• Small throw blanket
• Bath towels (2-3, you never know what quality furnished provides)
• Shower curtain liner (cheap insurance)

Buy on Arrival or Ship

• Basic kitchen kit if needed (pot, pan, knife, cutting board)
• Coffee maker or French press
• Basic cleaning supplies
• Hangers
• Small trash bags

Consider Leaving Behind

• Full bedding sets (bulky)
• Kitchen appliances (furnished places usually have)
• Lots of decor (you’re not settling in forever)
• Books (use e-reader or library)

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What NOT to Pack

Skip these—too bulky, available everywhere, or unnecessary:

• Full furniture (obviously)
• Excess kitchen items
• More than 2 weeks of clothes
• Multiple pairs of shoes beyond essentials
• Seasonal items you won’t use
• Sentimental items (risk of loss)
• Work supplies you won’t use (facility provides)
• Paper books (heavy—use e-reader)
• Full-size toiletries (buy there)

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Packing by Transport Method

Driving

Advantage: Bring more, no weight limits

Pack your car with:

• All the above
• Comfort items (better pillow, more clothes)
• Kitchen items
• Sports/hobby equipment
• Pet supplies (if traveling with pets)

Use trunk organizers and clear bins so you can find things easily.

Flying

Advantage: Faster, no road fatigue

Carry-on must contain:

• All documents
• Medications
• Laptop/electronics
• Change of clothes
• Toiletries (TSA-compliant)

Checked bag(s):

• Clothes
• Shoes
• Non-essential items

Ship separately:

• Bulky items (bedding, kitchen stuff)
• Heavy items
• Anything that won’t fit in 2 checked bags

Pro tip: Amazon Prime can ship essentials to your new place before you arrive. Order bedding, toiletries, and kitchen basics to arrive the day you do.

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Assignment Types: Packing Adjustments

13-Week Standard

• Standard packing list above
• Don’t over-pack; buy what you need

8-Week Short Assignment

• Pack lighter
• Stick to absolute essentials
• Skip comfort items you can live without

26-Week Extension

• Might justify bringing more
• Consider shipping a box of comfort items
• You have time to accumulate locally

Crisis/Rapid Response

• Pack the essentials in one bag
• You can always buy more
• Speed matters more than having everything

Seasonal Considerations

Summer assignment:

• Light, breathable fabrics
• Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen)
• Swimsuit
• Skip heavy outerwear

Winter assignment:

• Warm coat, layers
• Boots (waterproof if snowy area)
• Warm pajamas
• Skip summer-specific items

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Packing Checklist: Quick Reference

Carry-On (Never Check)

• All documents and credentials
• Medications
• Laptop & chargers
• Phone & charger
• One change of clothes
• Toiletries (TSA compliant)
• Snacks

Checked Bag / Car

• Work scrubs and shoes
• Clinical tools
• 2 weeks of clothes
• Toiletries
• Favorite pillow
• Sheets
• Electronics
• First aid kit

Ship or Buy There

• Kitchen items
• Heavy bedding
• Cleaning supplies
• Decor
• Anything bulky

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Final Tips

1. Make a master list — Create a spreadsheet you can check off for every assignment

2. Pack the night before — Rushing leads to forgetting essentials

3. Weigh your bags — Airlines charge for overweight luggage

4. Take photos — Photograph your packed items for insurance purposes

5. Keep a travel kit ready — Toiletries, chargers, and essentials that stay packed between assignments

6. Minimize “just in case” items — If you haven’t used it in 3 assignments, you don’t need it

7. Embrace minimalism — Less stuff = less stress = better travel nursing experience

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Related Resources

• First Time Travel Nurse Checklist — Complete preparation guide
• Travel Nurse Housing Tips — Finding the right housing
• Assignment Cost Calculator — Calculate your assignment expenses