1. First, I’d either set up a folder on your computer to store all your travel-related documents OR get a hard, plastic portable ‘filing cabinet’ if you don’t have a computer.  You need a ‘central’ location where you can keep everything!
2. Keep track of your licenses (when they expire, what the renewal fees are, required CEU’s, the mailing address they have on file for you, etc.)  Keep the original copy and extra copies handy for faxing, mailing, etc.  Use the calendar in your e-mail account to ‘notify’ you about 60 days before your license is due to expire.  That way you have enough time to make sure you are up to speed on the CEU requirements for renewal.  If you are not as comfortable on the computer, get a date book and use that instead. 
3. Keep track of ALL the paperwork your company may need, and keep it in a handy place.  This includes immunization and health records, resume, references, CEU’s, certifications, etc.  Anytime your Recruiter or the hospital asks for something, it’s all together and you can take care of business quickly!  If you have a scanner (and a computer), you can scan documents and store them on your computer. 
4. Keep a list of e-mail contacts who will need to know your frequent address changes (auto insurance, credit cards, cell phone company, etc).  If you don’t use e-mail very much, keep a list of physical addresses and/or phone numbers to let these folks know you’ve moved to your next exciting travel location!
5. Make it a point to check the websites for state licenses and certifications at least annually for changes and updates to their requirements.  You can link to all state Boards of Nursing on www.MedicalSolutions.com by going to Resources and State Licensure.
6. Most of you probably drove to your assignment and have to remember to ‘tag’ your vehicle annually.  Again, add this to your calendar (either via computer or address book) several months in advance so you don’t forget! 

Those are a few things I organized ahead of time, so I could spend MORE time enjoying my travel nurse assignment.  I’d love to hear YOUR ideas for staying organized on the road….please share! 

Thanks for the article, Jeff!  I thought I was organized, but there were things on that list that I hadn’t even thought of!  I used to keep a plastic filing cabinet with me (even my files got to travel) full of EVERYTHING I could possibly need on the road.  It was small and compact and kept me together.  The contents????  More to come on that next time…gotta run! 

Here’s your daily question: What would YOU (or do you) keep in a filing cabinet on the road? 

Peace Out!

Julie