Clinical Essentials
Work Gear
Scrubs (5-7 sets — check facility dress code)
Comfortable clinical shoes (2 pairs to rotate)
Stethoscope (acute care, some SNFs)
Gait belt (some facilities don't have enough)
Watch with second hand for vitals
Pen light (acute care)
Documents (Digital + Physical)
Always Have Accessible
License copies (every active state)
BLS card
Immunization records
ID and Social Security card
Contract copy
Insurance cards
Tax home documentation
Tip: Keep digital copies of everything in a cloud folder (Google Drive, Dropbox). When compliance teams need documents quickly, you can share instantly without digging through physical files.
Personal Essentials
Living Basics
Bedding set (sheets, pillow, blanket — furnished rentals often have mediocre bedding)
Towels (2 sets)
Kitchen basics (chef's knife, cutting board, pan, pot — furnished kitchens are hit-or-miss)
Coffee maker or pour-over (if you're particular)
Medications (90-day supply if possible)
Laptop and chargers
Small toolkit (for minor apartment fixes)
What TSA Says Before You Fly
If you fly to an assignment, two federal rules apply at the airport. In TSA's own words:
- Carry-on liquids: “You are allowed to bring a quart-sized bag of liquids, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes in your carry-on bag and through the checkpoint. These are limited to travel-sized containers that are 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less per item.” (TSA, Liquids, Aerosols, and Gels Rule, read 2026-10-06)
- REAL ID: “Starting May 2025, U.S. travelers must be REAL ID compliant to board domestic flights and access certain federal facilities.” (TSA, REAL ID, read 2026-10-06)
The Golden Rule: Pack Less Than You Think
First-time travelers always overpack. You're living somewhere for 13 weeks, not moving permanently. Furnished rentals come with basics — you don't need to bring your entire kitchen.
The test: If it doesn't fit in your car comfortably (or one large suitcase if flying), you're bringing too much. You can buy cheap essentials at your destination and donate them when you leave.
After your first contract, you'll know exactly what you need. Most experienced travelers have it down to one carload or two suitcases.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much liquid can I pack in my carry-on when I fly to a travel therapy assignment?
TSA: “You are allowed to bring a quart-sized bag of liquids, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes in your carry-on bag and through the checkpoint. These are limited to travel-sized containers that are 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less per item.” Source: TSA, Liquids, Aerosols, and Gels Rule, read 2026-10-06.
Do I need a REAL ID to fly to a travel therapy assignment?
TSA: “Starting May 2025, U.S. travelers must be REAL ID compliant to board domestic flights and access certain federal facilities.” Source: TSA, REAL ID, read 2026-10-06.
Getting Ready to Travel?
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