What to Pack for Your First Locum Assignment
Diving into your first locum tenens adventure can be a bit like tackling a giant puzzle. You've got your flight and rental car to figure out, not to mention finding a cozy spot to stay. And let's not forget navigating the new hospital system, a different EMR and making new friends – it's practically a medical sitcom! Now, let's talk about the real head-scratcher: packing. Trust me, it used to give me mini heart palpitations. Picture this – you're a Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation superhero, dealing with strokes, brain injuries, spinal cord shenanigans, and amputations and you forgot to pack your scrubs. Ouch. So, what's the secret to stress-free packing? A superhero-worthy list of must-haves! If your specialty requires specific tools or gadgets, double-check they're either waiting for you at the facility or stow them in your suitcase superhero cape-style. Nobody wants to play hide-and-seek with vital equipment when you're on a mission to heal. Check out my recommended list below to help get you started.
Locum Packing List:
Hospital Badge
Lab coat
Scrubs
Stethoscope/equipment
Comfy shoes
iPad/charger
Laptop/charger
Headphones/charger
Multiplug charger brick
Phone/charger
ID/Passport
Wireless Mouse
Jump drive
Wifi device - handy when on call!
Meds - advil, melatonin, vitamins, Rx
Notebook
Waterbottle
Journal
Makeup
Earrings
Sweater for airplane
Gym bag/clothes
Toothbrush/charger
Razor
Nail clippers
Mini hair straightener
Sunglasses
Ear plugs
Travel yoga mat
Believe it or not, I am a strict carry-on suitcase girlie. No matter the assignment, I will only bring a carry-on bag plus a backpack! This is my personal preference, but I cannot stand losing a suitcase or having to wait at a carousel after a long day of travel for a checked bag. When I first started doing locum work, I packed multiple different business casual outfits to wear to the hospital or clinic. These days, I buy high-end scrubs that look professional and keep me looking put together without having to sacrifice room in my suitcase. I add a crisp, white, embroidered lab coat and feel just as dignified (and more comfortable) as business casual. Pro tip: if you must bring a checked bag, I recommend putting an air tag in it so you can keep tabs on it if the airline loses it.
