What items are job necessities for a travel nurse?

The day-to-day responsibilities of a travel nurse require a variety of tools. Seasoned nurses develop their own preferences through their years on the job. To remain current with your sisters in scrubs, consider checking out the tools of the trade fellow nurses may be using and determine if they could help you increase efficiency on the job.

Here are five items a travel nurse may find indispensable:

1. Scrubs. It’s a no-brainer that nurses wear scrubs. However, what kind of scrubs do you need? Choose scrubs that are made from a long-lasting material and can easily be cleaned. In addition, try to find scrubs that fit correctly. The pants should have elastic at the back to ensure they stay on without needing to be pulled up throughout the day. Meanwhile, the scrub top may require a t-shirt underneath to hide unwanted cleavage. Even in scrubs, decorum is necessary. 

2. Stethoscope. A travel RN should not settle for a cheap stethoscope. This symbolic tool of the trade is used to determine everything from heart murmurs to congested lungs. As a diagnostic tool, purchasing a quality stethoscope is an investment in your career and your patients' life.

3. Shoes. Skip those slip-on, easy-to-clean rubber contraptions that became popular the mid-2000s. These offer little support for your joints, back and feet. After a 12-hour shift, proper support can help you walk easier at the end of the day. Choose sneakers rated for durability and ankle and knee joint support to get the best results. Your body will thank you in the long run.

4. Tape and scissors. How often are you looking to hold something together such as a mold, cloth or bandage? Carrying medical tape in your back pocket will enable you to get your job done without scrounging around and calling for assistance. Likewise, a small pair of scissors can allow you to cut away old bandages, an unruly piece of clothing on a patient or anything else that comes up.

5. Smartphone. A medical smartphone application with information on symptoms, treatments, medication recommendations and dosage instructions can save time and allow a travel nurse make a call. Everything from complicated drug interactions to simple calculations can help you treat your patients efficiently and effectively.