July/August 2025
Ask A Magnet Nurse
Don’t Forget About Your Health When Traveling Abroad
Tammy Collins BSN, RN, TCRN
Clinical Orientation Coordinator, Emergency Department
St. Joseph’s/Candler
Smart Living: As an RN in the Emergency Department as well as a nurse who serves with the federal government’s National Disaster Medical System, you’ve seen what a difference preparedness can make for people traveling far from home. What tips do you have?
Tammy Collins: Yes, preparedness is key. Thankfully, we now have the ability to research our destination online. You can find out a country’s vaccination status and requirements. You can learn their version of 911. There is also a free service that the federal government offers to United States’ citizens called the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program. You can register your trip abroad and receive information about that country, as well as enable the U.S. embassy to contact you in the event of an emergency.
Pack smart—bring your health insurance card and a list of your physician contacts. Another important thing to remember is packing enough of your medication. Even though you’re going somewhere to have fun and take a break from your daily life, you need to keep up with your regular medications. And if possible, bring a few extra days’ worth in case of unexpected travel delays.
SL: How concerned should travelers be about language barriers?
TC: It can be a concern during an emergency but luckily there are plenty of smartphone apps that can instantly translate most languages. Have a translate app downloaded and get comfortable with it before you leave. Ideally, you won’t have any health issues on your trip, but knowing you are prepared for the unexpected can bring you peace of mind.