Step 6 – How to Ace Your Travel Nurse Interview: The Wayward Guide

Nailing the travel nurse interview is a game-changer. Remember, it’s not just about them grilling you; it’s your chance to size up the facility too. You want your travel contract to be a perfect fit, so asking the right questions is key.

Own Your Phone Interview

Travel nurse interviews are usually over the phone. The beauty? You can do it from anywhere—your couch, a coffee shop, even the beach! But here’s the trick: be prepared. Managers might call out of the blue, so always have a plan to find a quiet spot fast. Keep earbuds handy for a quick escape to a quiet place, and have your questions ready on your phone.

Because there are multiple applicants for each position, answer the phone whenever possible. If you can’t talk, explain why and set a specific time for a callback before hanging up.

Know Who You’re Talking To

Every hospital and nurse manager does things a bit differently. Ask about the interviewer’s role and title. If they can’t answer all your questions, ask for an email contact who can.

The Auto Offer Phenomenon

Some hospitals skip interviews altogether and go straight to offering contracts based on your resume. If you get an “auto offer,” it’s okay to accept if it feels right. But if you have questions, ask if you can speak with someone on the unit first. Most nurse managers will be happy to chat.

Questions to Ask During Your Interview

Here’s your checklist to get the scoop during your travel nursing interview:

• What’s the staffing ratio?
• Is floating required? Will you float first?
• Is on-call required? How often?
• Is mandatory overtime a thing? Can you take a different day off if mandated?
• Is overtime available on a volunteer basis?
• Verify your shift. If rotating, what’s the schedule?
• Can you get back-to-back shifts? How far in advance is the schedule? Notice for changes?
• What’s the break/lunch policy? Is there someone to relieve you?
• What assistive staff is available? IV team, Secretary, CNAs?
• What type of charting system is used? Will there be training?

Pro Tip: If you need specific dates off, ask now and make sure it’s in your signed contract.

• What’s the dress code?
• Will you need to act as a charge nurse?
• How is shift-to-shift report handled? Bedside? Recorded? Group?
• Has the unit used travelers before? Have any extended? How many travelers are there now?
• Is an extension possible?
• How often are unit meetings? Is attendance required?
• What’s the orientation process for travelers? Classroom hours? Unit orientation hours? Orientation on each unit?
• Unit-specific info: Patient mix? Average length of stay? Average census?

Pro Tip: Don’t ask about pay during the interview. The nurse manager has little control over it.

The Bottom Line

Travel nurse interviews are usually more relaxed than formal interviews. Think of it as a conversation to get the lowdown on your potential new gig. And remember, the more experience you get, the better you’ll know what questions to ask..

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