Healthcare Traveler - January 2009 - (Page 54)

It’s in the Bag Take only what fits Doris “Dee” Elliott became a healthcare traveler because I have always loved to experience new places, but I couldn’t always afford to travel. My mobile career gives me the opportunity to visit all of the places that I want to see, and it enables me the opportunity to take my granddaughter with me to destinations she might not otherwise have the chance to visit. After some trial and error with packing during my first year as a traveling nurse, I finally determined what I need to take with me is what will fit into the back of my van. First, I load what I need to do my job. Then, I load my personal items. My motto is, “If it doesn’t fit in the van, then I don’t need it.” Here is a list of the 10 items that I must take with me. My Toshiba Laptop. I use my computer to keep in touch with my recruiter and my family, and to download directions to all of the new places and sightseeing attractions I want to explore. I also use it to keep current on my continuing education. Brother MFC-665CW All-in-One. MUS T- PACK I T E MS I of my temporary apartments. It helps protect the carpet and gives the rental furniture more of a homestyle feeling. An 8x10 collage of family pictures. Without taking up too much space in my suitcase, it allows me to have a picture of everyone I love, and it always fits nicely on a dresser so that it’s the first thing I see when I wake up. Motorola Camera/Video/Web Phone with home and car chargers. I have found My blue, Indian-print lap blanket. It keeps me warm on cold, rainy nights, plus it reminds me of the dear friend who gave it to me. My cat, Kirbo. I’ve owned my grey-andwhite long hair since the day he was born. Now 9 years old, he is a character. My significant other, Mike. He takes care Compact and lightweight, the device enables me to print hardcopies of my contracts, and scan and send them to my staffing agency. I also can submit my timesheets from home. From my different assignment locales, I can download and print the pictures that I take. Five sets of uniforms. I mix them with different jackets to make me feel like I have a large work wardrobe. My black and white area rug. I place it on the floor in my living room at each 54 Healthcare Traveler January 2009 that I get reliable service just about everywhere I go with Verizon. Believe me, I have had to contact my recruiter from some of the strangest places, and it works. My phone also enables my kids and my granddaughter to get in touch with me no matter where I travel. My two stuffed Eeyores. I bought of the things I can’t attend to while I’m working. When my granddaughter travels with us, he takes care of her, too. Together for over 11 years, I would say he is the most important “must take with me” item on my list. HT Doris “Dee” Elliott, RN, is a telemetry/ stepdown nurse traveler with Across America Med Staffing. What’s in your bag? Healthcare Traveler would like to hear about the personal and practical items you take on assignment. Contact Patricia Lederman, group editor, at plederman@advanstar.com or 800-948-8728. www.healthcaretraveler.com each adorable toy on two separate birthday trips to Disneyland with my best friend for 25 years, whom I met in nursing school. http://www.healthcaretraveler.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Healthcare Traveler - January 2009

Healthcare Traveler - January 2009 Editor’s Desk Contents By the Numbers Paws for Thought Field Notes In a Flash Med Ec-cerpts Dream Destinations Nursing from the Heart Drug Update Professional Update Clinical Tips On Assignment Cityscape Name It Advertiser’s Index Contest Rules When In… It’s in the Bag Dot.com Tax Facts Big Deals Starter’s Kit Going the Distance Allied Corner Classifieds Tales from the Road

Healthcare Traveler - January 2009

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