First Week on Assignment: Allied Health Checklist
Starting a new allied health travel assignment is both exciting and overwhelming. Whether you’re a respiratory therapist, ultrasound tech, radiologic technologist, speech-language pathologist, or another allied traveler in therapy, imaging, or laboratory sciences, your first week sets the tone for your entire contract.
Having a clear checklist helps you feel confident, organized, and ready to deliver exceptional patient care from day one.
Tips for a successful first Week
Your first week is about getting grounded, both professionally and personally. These simple steps help you make a strong first impression:
Arrive early: Learn your route, parking setup, and facility entry process before your first shift.
Introduce yourself: Build rapport with your manager, colleagues, and support staff. Collaboration is key in allied health.
Clarify workflows: Every facility has unique charting systems and documentation standards. Confirm which electronic record (EHR) system your facility uses and ensure your login access is set up during orientation. Ask early about protocols and points of contact.
Stay organized: Track your shifts, onboarding tasks, and credentialing requirements digitally or in a planner.
Prioritize rest: New environments can be mentally and physically demanding. Keep your energy up with proper rest, nutrition, and hydration. Fatigue increases the risk of errors and injury, especially in hospital settings.
Lean on your support team: Nomad Navigators are here to help troubleshoot paperwork, payroll, and benefits questions whenever you need guidance, without pressure.
💡 Pro Tip: Ask your manager which performance metrics matter most for your discipline, whether that’s turnaround time, treatment outcomes, patient volume, or documentation accuracy. Aligning early builds trust and confidence.
What to pack for your allied health assignment
Packing efficiently reduces stress and helps you stay ready for success, both on the floor and at home.
Work essentials
Scrubs and comfortable closed-toe, non-slip shoes suitable for long shifts and clinical safety requirements
Facility badge holder, pens, notepad, and small flashlight
Protective equipment such as eyewear or a personal radiation badge, if not provided by the facility. Gloves and standard PPE will be supplied on site
Discipline-specific tools such as a stethoscope, reflex hammer, therapy bands, or a small penlight or vein finder
Confirm what equipment the facility provides before traveling to avoid duplication
Personal items
Toiletries, medications, and a spill-proof reusable water bottle that complies with hospital infection control policies.
Carry prescription medications in original labeled containers per TSA and state pharmacy laws
Compact first aid kit and laundry supplies
Chargers, power bank, and backup alarm clock
Home comforts
Bedding and pillows
Basic cookware and coffee setup
A few décor pieces or photos to make your temporary housing feel like home
Sleep essentials such as white noise machine, fan, sleep mask, or earplugs to ensure quality rest, whether you work day or night shifts
💡 Pro Tip: Use a packing app like PackPointto create reusable lists tailored to your specialty and travel preferences.
Don’t forget the necessary paperwork
Missing documentation can delay your orientation. Keep both printed and digital versions of:
Driver’s license and allied health certification or license
Facility orientation checklist and department competency forms
Immunization and TB screening records, along with any required flu or COVID-19 vaccinations and documentation
Health insurance and direct deposit information
Emergency contacts and next of kin
💡 Pro Tip: Store digital copies securely in Google Drive or Dropbox, or another encrypted app for easy access.
Traveling with equipment or tools
If your specialty requires personal or portable tools such as diagnostic software, therapy supplies, or specialized stethoscopes, plan ahead.
Review airline or car rental policies for transporting medical or technical equipment
Label items with your name and contact number
Bring chargers, adapters, and protective cases
Keep delicate or high-value instruments with you, not in checked luggage
If transporting diagnostic or electronic devices that could contain patient data, ensure they are password-protected and compliant with privacy regulations
Road tripping to your next allied health assignment
Many allied health professionals prefer to drive to their contracts. Before you hit the road, do the following:
Schedule a car maintenance check for oil, brakes, and tires, and verify you’re not due for any dealer-required service that could affect your warranty while you’re away
Pack an emergency kit with jumper cables, flashlight, first-aid supplies, and water
Download offline maps in case your GPS fails
Create a road-trip playlist, download podcasts or audiobooks for the drive
Bring snacks and a cooler for longer stretches
Confirm your auto insurance and roadside assistance (free via AAA) are active for your trip, and keep printed copies of your assignment details in case you lose connectivity
💡 Pro Tip: If driving cross-country, schedule rest stops and overnight stays in advance, especially when traveling with pets.
Settle in and keep moving forward
Your first week shapes your entire experience. Be proactive, ask questions, and keep an open mind. Remember, success isn’t just about clinical skill; it’s about teamwork, adaptability, communication, and compassion.
Ask for feedback from your supervisor during or after your first week to make sure you’re meeting facility expectations and integrating smoothly.
Nomad is here to support you every step of the way, from your first day on assignment to your next opportunity. Stay organized, take care of yourself, and remember to celebrate the small wins along the way.
You are doing work that matters.
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