Whether you’re brand new or a seasoned traveler, it’s easy to overlook the small things. Always carry a physical copy of your license, keep a dedicated email for job alerts, and request feedback at the end of each assignment to improve your skills. Consider booking temporary housing with flexible cancellation in case assignments change last-minute.
Take, for example, a travel nurse named Melissa, who accepted an assignment in a remote area of Colorado. She packed light but forgot to bring a printed copy of her nursing license—and when the hospital’s network went down, verifying her credentials became a hassle. Since then, she always carries paper backups of all key documents.
Another nurse, James, swears by keeping a separate email just for recruiter messages. He once missed out on a high-paying rapid response role because the job alert was buried under dozens of unrelated emails. That experience taught him to keep his job hunt communications organized.
Being prepared for the unexpected is what sets great travel nurses apart from the rest. Success in this career comes down to organization, communication, and adaptability—traits that become more valuable with every assignment.
