Active Lifestyle
Starting your first travel nursing assignment is an exciting milestone in your nursing career. It’s a chance to explore new places, gain valuable healthcare experience, and build connections across different hospitals and facilities. But like any new adventure, stepping into the unknown can feel overwhelming.
To help you hit the ground running, we’ve rounded up five essential travel nursing tips that will set you up for success. From packing smart to adapting to a new facility, these tips will ensure you feel confident, prepared, and ready to make the most of every assignment.
Preparing for Your First Travel Nursing Assignment
Stepping into your first travel nursing assignment is both exciting and nerve-wracking. A smooth transition starts with thorough preparation, ensuring you're ready for the challenges and opportunities ahead. Here’s how to set yourself up for success before your first day on your nursing job.
Research Your Destination
Every assignment location comes with its own set of expectations, from hospital protocols to state-specific nursing requirements. Before you arrive, take some time to research your facility, local healthcare laws, and the living environment.
Check the climate so you know what to pack—a winter assignment in the Northeast is very different from a summer stint in California.
Learn about the local culture and available services so you can adjust quickly.
Join online forums or travel nurse communities to get insights from other travel nurses who have worked in your new location.1
Pack Smart
Packing efficiently is key to a smooth transition. Keep your luggage light, but bring everything you need to stay comfortable and prepared. Here is a travel nursing packing list of the top essentials.
Must-have items:
- Medical certifications and essential documents2
- Comfortable scrubs like men’s scrubs and women’s scrubs for long shifts
- A digital copy of your travel nursing contract for easy reference
- Personal comfort items—favorite snacks, a travel pillow, or a good book can make a new place feel like home
Shop Nursing Scrubs
Understand Your Contract
One of the biggest mistakes new travel nurses make is not fully reviewing their travel nursing contract before signing. Every detail matters, from housing stipends to overtime pay and cancellation policies.
- Clarify your work expectations. Know your required shifts, floating policies, and overtime rules.
- Understand your benefits. Does your agency cover health insurance, reimburse licensure costs, or offer completion bonuses?
- Confirm housing arrangements. If your agency provides housing, double-check the location and amenities. In the case that you’re arranging your own, factor in commute time to your facility.
Settling Into a New Environment
Your first few days in a new hospital can feel like a whirlwind. Use this time to familiarize yourself with your facility, get to know your team, and set yourself up for a smooth transition.
- Ask questions. Every facility has unique policies, and the sooner you learn them, the more confident you’ll feel.
- Build relationships. Introduce yourself to fellow staff, from nurses to support services. A friendly rapport can make any assignment feel more welcoming.
- Explore your surroundings. Find a grocery store, gym, and local hangouts to make your new location feel like home. Plus, finding a local gym will help you stay healthy as a nurse in a new city!
Pro Tip: A good pair of scrubs and a comfy men’s or women’s scrub jacket can make all the difference during a long shift. Infinity Scrubs’ breathable, flexible designs help provide comfort throughout your assignment so you can focus on what matters most—your patients.
Professional & Lifestyle Tips for Travel Nurses
Excelling as a travel nurse requires strong organization, adaptability, and a commitment to self-care. It also requires embracing new experiences and professional growth. Here are some of the travel nursing tips that you should consider:
#1 Stay Organized
With multiple assignments, paperwork can pile up fast. Keep everything from your credentials to work schedules in a digital planner. A well-organized system saves time and helps you stay on top of important deadlines.3
#2 Embrace Flexibility
Not every assignment will go exactly as planned. You might need to float between units, adjust to different staffing structures, or quickly learn new hospital procedures. Adaptability is a must-have skill for travel nurses, so embrace each challenge as an opportunity for growth.
#3 Invest in Quality Workwear
Durable, stylish, and functional scrubs are a game-changer for travel nurses. Whether you’re working in a fast-paced emergency department or a chronic care facility, the right scrubs, jackets, and compression socks help you stay comfortable and professional.
#4 Prioritize Self-Care
With unpredictable schedules and demanding shifts, it’s easy for nurses to put their own health on the back burner. But taking care of yourself ensures you can provide the best care for your patients.
- Use meditation apps to manage stress.
- Incorporate fitness routines that fit your schedule—walks, yoga, or short workouts in your living space are all great workouts for nurses.
- Nurse meal prep is one of the best ways to ensure you have access to nutritious meals.
#5 Stay Connected & Capture Memories
Being away from family and friends can be tough, but staying connected is easier than ever. Video calls, social media, and even handwritten letters can help you maintain your relationships.
Don’t forget to document your travel nursing journey! Whether it’s through journaling or photography, capturing memories of your adventure will make every assignment even more rewarding.
Thriving as a Travel Nurse
Your first travel nursing assignment is the beginning of an exciting journey. It’s a chance to build your skills, explore new places, and gain experiences that shape your career. By staying organized, investing in high-quality scrubs, and embracing every new opportunity, you’ll set yourself up for success in the world of travel nursing.
Ready to start your next assignment in comfort and style? Check out Infinity scrubs to find the best workwear for your on-the-go lifestyle.
Sources:
1 Health Carousel Nursing & Allied Health. How to Connect with Other Travel Nurses at Your Location. https://www.hctravelnursing.com/blog/how-to-connect-with-other-travel-nurses-at-your-location. Accessed on February 21, 2025
2 Leaderstat. Travel nursing documents checklist. https://www.leaderstat.com/travel-nursing-compliance-documentation-checklist#personal_identification. Accessed on February 21, 2025
3 Trusted Talent. How To Stay Organized as a Travel Nurse: 8 Tried & True Tips To Keep You Productive on the Road. https://www.trustedtalent.com/how-to-stay-organized-as-a-travel-nurse/. Accessed on February 21, 2025