6 Key Points in Nailing Your Travel Nurse Interview

Are you interested in working as a travel nurse? Nailing your travel nurse interview is the key to your success! But how can you do that? What are the critical points in answering an interview for this position?

How to Prepare for your Travel Nurse Interview

Your travel nurse journey begins when you pass your travel nurse interview. Here are helpful ways to do that:

1. Conduct your research about the healthcare facility.

The first thing you must do is research the company, health care facility, or clinic interested in working as a travel nurse. For a potential employer to be interested in you, you must also show them that you share the same sentiment.

Reading about the facility before the interview helps you know the kind of nursing services they offer. It will also give you an idea of what they are known for (ex., if they specialize in treating cancer patients, care for the elderly, etc.) and if your skills match what they are looking for. It is also essential for nailing your travel nurse interview on your first try.

2. Get a grip on what travel nursing is.

As a nurse, your primary concern is to take care of patients. However, as a travel nurse, your contract is a bit different. Your first travel nurse job may vary from the usual staff nurse duties. Having a broad understanding of what this job is about can help you nail that interview.

For your first interview, you must show your ability to organize and prioritize tasks even with few instructions. Your ability to adjust to different settings and willingness to float is essential to let your future company know.

3. Ask your travel nursing agency for help.

Use your travel nurse agency if you want to pass the interview on your first try. A good travel nursing agency will help you go through the process of your initial onboarding [1]. They can walk you through what you need to know and how you can answer the health care company or facility correctly.

Your recruiter is familiar with the clients, personalities, and even the staff. They can fill you in with that, so it is easier for you to answer questions. It is also your recruiter’s job to act as your career coach. They can help you create a better resume and even schedule mock interviews. This way, you are fully prepared for the travel nursing interview.

4. Create an ideal interview setup.

Understand that there will be times when the interview for your travel nursing job will not be face-to-face. Of course, there will be instances when you will be asked to come for an interview. But most of the time, it could be via video chat, phone, or video apps like Skype, Zoom, and Google Meet.

Whether you are asked to come for a face-to-face interview or video call, you must wear clothes suitable for the interview. Wearing appropriate attire for this interview is a must. The right clothes help, of course. Keep in mind that you are a professional, so you also have to dress to impress. It will also show how confident you are.

If, by chance, you are asked to do a video call for an interview, make sure to check your setup. Ensuring that your mic is working correctly and the audio is good. The lighting must also be enough to light up your face, the internet connection must be uninterrupted, and your camera is working correctly are essential in helping you land that job.

5. Be ready to answer their questions.

During the interview, make sure to take the time before answering the question. Ask your travel nursing agency if they can give you an idea of the questions that companies usually ask potential nurses. Since they know the clients better, agencies can provide you with some tips on what is expected during the interview. Here are some common yet essential questions that potential clients will ask you:

Why do you want to be a travel nurse? – this is the part where you can “sell” yourself about your interest in becoming a travel nurse. Show your excitement and eagerness in this field and why you chose this path, and they might consider you for the job.

What are your strengths and weaknesses as a travel nurse or a nurse in general? – if you decide to answer this question with a weakness, make sure to follow it with your strengths. Be sure to emphasize this strength and tell them how this has helped you in your career as a nurse.

How are you in your current nursing position? – reflect on your current work status, your education, and your credentials. Tell them if you have any plans for additional education or certifications in the future.

Can you share or describe an experience where you have handled a difficult patient? – in this question, share any experience that you may have when it comes to handling unruly patients. Did you have a good experience? If yes, explain how it went and what you learned from that experience.

6. Don’t be afraid to ask your questions as well.

An interview is not a one-way street between you and your potential employers [2]. It would be best if you also asked questions to show them that you are genuine in your interest in working as a travel nurse.

It is always good to be ready with your questions once you set foot in the interview room. Your questions will help you determine if this is indeed a suitable travel nursing contract to pursue or not.

What are the most common questions you can ask your potential employer? Here’s what we have gathered:

What is your policy or policies regarding floating?
Do you use any type(s) of charting?
What kind of onboarding or orientation would be available to me?
How long does onboard briefing take?
Can you describe the culture of the unit/management?
What shifts are available, and what are your scheduling methods?
Is a call available? If yes, is it required?
What are your overtime policies?
Do you frequently offer extensions for contract assignments?
Why are you bringing in travel nurses?
Why do you continue to bring in travel nurses?
What are the nurse-to-patient ratios?
Do you require a patient ratio?

You can also add your questions to our list. If you don’t have any in mind yet, this would be a great way to engage with the potential employer.

Your Takeaway

Being a travel nurse is ideal for nurses who want to avoid hospital politics and enjoy working and exploring in different locations. If this sounds like you, it would be best to contact a travel nurse agency for an assignment.

Before you sign a contract, an interview is conducted to see if you fit the position. Coming in ready and confident for the job is a must. Hopefully, our post gave you an idea of what to expect during the interview. So, break a leg and nail that job interview! Good luck!

Looking for more nursing and travel nursing information? Check out these helpful links!