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What to Pack on a Locum Tenens Assignment

Documents, Clothing, Entertainment, and More

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Whether you’re a first-time or seasoned locum tenens provider, you may have trouble figuring out what to pack before you embark on your assignment. Think of it as an extended vacation—you don’t need to pack every outfit you own, and you’ll have time for hobbies, so make sure to pack a few personal items. Given that you’re working, you’ll also need relevant documentation. Read on to discover what else you need to pack on a locum tenens assignment.

Documents & Contact Information

You’ll need a variety of documents for your assignment—make sure to bring your boarding pass and a personal ID such as a driver’s license or passport for the flight. You should also bring a photo ID for your first day at work.

Medical licenses and certifications are also essential to bring—you’ll need your state medical license, your DEA license if you have one and any medical certifications you have, such as a BLS or ACLS certification. Even if you already sent this to your employers, they may want to see these documents on your first day or make copies.

You should also have your recruiter’s phone number and contact information on you so that if any issues arise, you can get in touch with them easily so they can advocate for you and fix problems.

Having your vehicle information with you if you are renting a car means that you can get it as soon as possible after you land. Make sure you also have your hotel or rental information with you—and if you’re feeling nervous, check the directions before you fly. If you have time once you land, you can try driving from your rental to the hospital where you’ll work to make sure you know how long it will take to get to your first day at work.

Travel Essentials

When going on a locum tenens assignment, you need to bring some of the same things you usually would when traveling.

Clothes, toiletries, any medications you take, your phone, and chargers are all essential things to bring on an assignment. You can also bring a portable charger if you have long shifts.

Climate-Appropriate Clothing

If you take an assignment in a different state, you might not be prepared for the climate there. It’s important to pack clothing suitable for the weather where you’re going.

If you’re spending the winter in Alaska or Minnesota, pack warm clothes, and bring a heavy coat and boots. If you have an assignment in California or Florida in the summer, bring sunglasses and sunscreen.

Entertainment & Hobby Items

Just because you’re working doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy your hobbies! Bring paint or yarn or some books with you—it’s important to make time to keep doing what you enjoy. Before you leave, check out what attractions there are where you’re going—if it’s by the ocean, bring a swimsuit and if it’s in the mountains, bring hiking boots.

You can also get a guidebook for wherever you’re staying and ask other healthcare providers what there is to do when you get to your assignment.

If you’re a locum tenens in your 40s, 50s or 60s, you might not be used to being on your own. Packing a few personal items can be a great way to prevent homesickness and remind yourself to stay in touch with your friends and family.

Medical Supplies

For your locum assignment, you’ll likely need to bring scrubs and a stethoscope. If your assignment is in a rural area, and you use specialized equipment, if you have it, bring it with you. Some facilities have an abundance of resources while others have a deficit. The facility you’re working at has likely already told you what to bring.

Anything Else You Were Told to Bring

We may have missed some things your facility wants you to bring, so check if they want you to pack anything else. 

Find Your Next Locum Tenens Job with Wellhart

Now you’re all set to hit the ground running on your next locum tenens assignment. Still looking for a job? Check out our job board and apply to our open positions today!

This article was written by Liliana French.

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