If you have never heard of Zipcar before I suggest checking it out. It is definitlely a great alternative to the bigger car rental companies that make you sit in line and complete tons of paperwork just to drive a car for a couple of days.

Zipcar is quick and easy to use, you just sign up online and get your “Zipcard.” Then you just reserve the car you want and you will have access to that car for the day. Check it out during your next traveling nurse job and let us know how it works for you.

With this in mind, I’ve decided to republish some tips that Julie Hall, a former travel nurse, had written for this blog about a year and a half ago. They are still relevant and I think they can help anyone who is considering a travel nursing career or for anyone with some travel assignments under their belt looking for some ideas to stay organized.

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. (The State Licensure page that Julie references can be found here. – Bret)
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!

These are some great tips. Do you have any tips that you’d like to share? What works for you?