If you’ve been applying for travel nursing positions and just landed an interview, congratulations! It’s an exciting step, and you’ll want to be prepared. While you’ll want to think about the questions the facility might ask you, it’s also a great idea to have a few questions of your own prepared. Remember, this is a two-way street; you’re getting to know them just as much as they’re getting to know you!
Travel nursing interviews are an opportunity for you to ask important questions and see if the assignment will be a good fit for you. Being prepared with the right questions can help you feel confident before signing a contract and can help you avoid any surprises when you start.
To make things easier for you, I’ve put together a helpful list of questions you may want to consider asking during your next interview. You can also download this document and save it for future use.
Unit details:
- What is the typical nurse-to-patient ratio?
- What is the maximum nurse-to-patient ratio allowed?
- What type of patients do you have on the unit?
- Do you have any other travelers on the unit?
Assignment details:
- Confirm your start date.
- Confirm your shift.
- Do shifts rotate between days and nights? If so, how often?
- What will the first day look like?
- When will I receive my first-day instructions?
- Are there opportunities to work overtime?
What kind of orientation is offered to travelers?
- What is the length of orientation, and what does it include?
- Is there any testing I should be prepared for?
How does scheduling work?
- Is block scheduling allowed?
- How many weekends/holidays will I be required to work?
- How far in advance is the schedule made available?
- Will I be expected to be on call? If so, how frequently?
Will I be required to float to other units?
- If so, how often?
- What units will I be expected to float to?
Can you tell me more about the facility?
- What charting system is used?
- Will I receive any specific training on the charting system/documentation? (Tip: If you don’t get an orientation, search online for videos to familiarize yourself with the system)
- Is there a required uniform/scrub color?
- Will I have to pay for parking?
What kind of support is available for staff?
- What resources are available on the unit to support nurses?
- Do you typically have ancillary staff?
- What tasks are delegated to them/what kind of assistance can I expect on a day-to-day basis?
- What is the team culture like in the unit?
Tips for your interview:
- Know your resume and be ready to discuss your training, certifications, and specific skills relevant to the job.
- Prepare responses to common interview questions. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) when giving examples.
- Talk about how you’ve worked as part of a team or managed difficult patients or situations. Your interview is an opportunity to demonstrate that you are an ideal, qualified candidate!
- Practice answering questions out loud to sound confident and clear during the call. Your tone of voice will make a big impression – it’s not always what you say, but how you say it!
- Smile! Smiling can help you sound friendly and engaged, even over the phone.
- Show flexibility and professionalism. Be open to varying schedules and unit needs, but state any critical requirements respectfully.
- Be ready to take notes. Have a notebook and pen handy to jot down important details, such as shift times, orientation processes, or expectations.
- Stand or sit upright to help maintain energy and focus throughout the interview.