Be a Travel Nurse and Work in These Top 10 Best Places 

Be a Travel Nurse and Work in These Top 10 Best Places 

by | Mar 4, 2023 | Travel Nursing

Be a Travel Nurse and Work in These Top 10 Best Places 

So, you are a nurse who is looking for something new to do. You love your job set-up in the healthcare facility you currently work in, but your mind wanders. It would help if you had an adventure.

You need to fuel your passion! If this is your current mindset right now, sign up to be a travel nurse and get to choose ten of the best places for this job. 

Where Can Travel Nurses Work?

 

#1. Alaska

With stunning views and a vast space for fishing, Alaska is home to the largest hospital in the city, the Providence Alaska Medical Center. Travel nurses who enjoy activities like camping, fishing, and boating will surely enjoy Alaska.

The growing healthcare industry and great pay are why many travel nurses chose this destination for work [1].

With the city’s unique features and long sunny days, Alaska is ideal for those interested in working here as a nurse and enjoying the outdoors.

Make sure to bring plenty of sunscreens! 

 

#2. California

Cali is home to excellent teaching hospitals, including the UCLA Medical Center, UCSF Medical Center, and others. Not only that, but California also has one of the highest-paying nursing salaries in the country.

If you love the idea of learning and visiting California’s famous landmarks, this is an exciting place to choose!

If you love beaches, California has plenty, and if you are a wine enthusiast, you will surely enjoy the endless array of vineyards there too.

There are plenty of places to explore so you will surely love your time here. 

 

#3. Texas

If you want to work in Texas, Austin is the place to be. Ranked as one of the most popular locations for travel nurses, Austin is a fast-growing city with a high density of healthcare facilities to keep the flow of nurses constant.

Besides the booming healthcare industry, Austin is also a hub for entertainment. If you love food, music, and festivals, Austin is your next best destination.

 

#4. Florida

Another popular destination for travel nurses to work in is Florida – Miami, in particular, is a rather popular state to be in. If you are looking for warm weather and beaches, Florida is an excellent choice. It is a popular location for nurses who enjoy spending time at the beach after long working hours.

If you love exploring popular tourist attractions, Florida is home to Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, and Sea World. They also offer epic nightlife destinations like the Design District, Downtown, and many others.

All in all, it is a well-rounded city with many things to do after your shift.

 

#5. Hawaii

As a travel nurse, you have the opportunity to work in different locations, even with the pandemic travel restrictions that we have now. If you are interested in working far from the usual continental U.S. sights, you can apply for work in Hawaii.

However, this may be steep competition as it takes time to get approval for a work permit. But with patience, you, too, can land an assignment here.

Just be reminded that Hawaii is not exactly the place for travel nurses who want to earn top dollar, but if you are longing for an experience of a lifetime, this is it. 

 

#6. Colorado

Colorado is a compact nursing state which means a license in one state allows you to work assignments in another, just like in Texas.

If you choose urban life, Denver is an excellent choice to work and be a travel nurse. After your work, you can enjoy the breathtaking views the Rocky Mountains have to offer.

If you love skiing, Colorado has plenty of winter sports activities that you will surely love. Not only that, but since Colorado is part of a compact nursing state, you can attain greater work mobility without complications. 

 

#7. New York City

When we talk about New York, we always think of tall skyscrapers and high-rise apartments. But when it comes to healthcare facilities, New York is one of the best.

They are known for medical centers like the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and Mount Sinai Hospital. As a travel nurse, you have the opportunity to work in one of the best cities without a permanent commitment. In addition to that, New York is home to prestigious art galleries, museums, parks, and restaurants. This state is also one of those that offer nurses high salaries – which helps in the expensive nature of the city [2].

 

#8. Arizona

If you are looking for travel nursing opportunities that require low-cost living, then go to Arizona. Tucson City offers travel nursing opportunities that you might like.

Among the best features that this city has to offer include food scenes, music, a predominantly younger demographic of university students, and a good number of retirees.

So, if the desert life suits you, you might as well look into this location for travel nurse assignments.

 

#9. Washington

For coffee lovers who are also traveling nurses, working in Washington is a great choice. Seattle is one of the top cities in this state that offers good pay for nurses.

With the current nursing shortage in this city, it is an excellent opportunity for you to grab and find an assignment. As the coffee capital of the United States, you will surely enjoy this city.

If you love farmer’s markets, you can visit the Pike Place Market, considered the world’s oldest farmer’s market.

They also offer museums for you to check out – the Museum of Pop Culture and Museum of Flight are among the best tourist attractions you can find here. 

 

#10. Chicago

As the United State’s third-largest city, Chicago is home to some of the country’s largest and most prestigious healthcare facilities.

However, with the current pandemic, Chicago also faces nursing shortages, and the demand for nurses has pushed average salaries to $70,000 per year.

If you have plans to be a travel nurse in this state, do it. Not only will you enjoy working here, but you will also love the skyscrapers and their famous spot called Millenium Park. 

 

Pack Your Bags and Go!

If the location you would like to be a travel nurse in is not listed here, don’t worry. Many hospitals still need nurses out there, so you can choose wherever your passion takes you! And if your favorite destination is listed here, grab the chance to work today; good luck!

 

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

Becoming a Travel Nurse: Get to Know Your Dream Job

Becoming a Travel Nurse: Get to Know Your Dream Job

by | Dec 4, 2021 | Travel Nursing

Becoming a Travel Nurse: Get to Know Your Dream Job

Imagine yourself as a nurse, traveling to places and doing what you love. Sound like a dream come true, right? But what if I told you that you could do all of these and more? Becoming a travel nurse is the answer to your question.

And anyone with a license to practice nursing can be one. So what does it take to become a travel nurse? And what is a travel nurse anyway? Here’s what you need to know. 

 

What is a Travel Nurse? 

A travel nurse is a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree holder (BSN) and registered nurse (RN) with a clinical background that works in a temporary nursing role. Since they do a lot of traveling, these nurses get hired by independent companies or agencies rather than a single facility [1]. 

Those who are not RNs but completed a diploma program like Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) and Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) can also qualify to become a travel nurse.

Generally, travel nurses are registered nurses, but LPN and ADN nurses can work in this field, too, depending on the agency that hired them and the staffing needs. 

A typical job for travel nurses can last as long as 26 weeks or a minimum of 8-13 weeks. These may vary depending on where they are going for work or how long their contract is.

Once a travel nurse signs a contract, it is considered a legal document. If you are unsure if you would like to stay in an area with long-term contracts, look for companies that offer short-term jobs if you plan to travel more often. 

Besides being an RN, you must also have certificates in Basic Life Support and Advance Life Support to qualify as a travel nurse. Although this is not a general requirement, having these certificates could help you land the position. 

To be a travel nurse, you must have at least one or two years of clinical work experience in specialty areas like:

  • Neonatal
  • Intensive Care Unit
  • Medical-Surgical
  • Pediatrics
  • Trauma
  • Emergency Room
  • Operating Room
  • Telemetry

Generally, your clinical experience will determine the position you will be qualified for as a travel nurse. Just make sure that you have enough experience to meet the requirements of agencies. 

You can also apply for a Nursing Licensure Compact (NLC) [2]. The NLC is a valid license that allows nurses like you to work in compact states. It means you can work as a travel nurse in states where NLC is valid.

So besides being a registered nurse in your state, the NLC gives you the freedom to work in other states as well. Think of it as a multilicense that you can use while traveling for work. 

The only downside of NLC is that it does not cover all states in America. The Council of States Board in Nursing keeps track of the places where you can use NLC because not all states are under NLC.

Be sure to check the licensing requirements of the state you wish to work in the future.

 

Qualities of a Travel Nurse

Besides earning a degree in nursing and a license, you must also possess these qualities that qualify you for the job. You must have the following:

  • Loves traveling – of course, your job description speaks for itself. You must enjoy going to places and living temporarily in different states or countries. Since your contract requires you to be in various areas for weeks, bear in mind that you will always be on the go. If traveling isn’t your thing, then this is not the job for you.
  • Loves learning new things – as a travel nurse, you have the opportunity to work with different people, be exposed to various facilities, practices, and technologies. And if you are planning to work abroad, exposure to different cultures and their health practices is a bonus too!
  • Enjoys the flexibility of work – as I have mentioned, travel nurses don’t work permanently in one place. You can choose where to work, at what hours, and schedule. You can even pick an agency that pays well.
  • Enjoys the freedom of working in a different setting – travel nurses have the advantage of choosing where to work and how long their employment lasts. Those who love to combine work and leisure will enjoy working as travel nurses. 

The love for traveling, plus these qualities, make you an excellent candidate to become a travel nurse.

 

What are the Roles and Responsibilities of a Travel Nurse?

There’s an attraction to the job when you say, “I’m a travel nurse,” and don’t get me wrong, it is an excellent choice. But before you decide to become one, know what the roles and responsibilities of a travel nurse are first. 

The role of a travel nurse is the same as nurses in a hospital setting. Among the most common duties you will perform includes: 

  • Administering medications and fluids, vaccines, and blood tests
  • Assessing patients and writing reports
  • Traveling to locations, visiting families, and addressing patient concerns
  • Preparing meals for patients, monitoring patient’s progress and overall well-being
  • Working with doctors, nurses, and other healthcare providers to develop care plans for patients
  • Ensures all equipment and medical supplies are organized and sterile at all times
  • Teaching patients and their families about overall wellness and disease prevention
  • Research, health teaching, and patient education

The only difference with travel nurses is that they don’t stay in areas for a long time. They will take on a temporary assignment and will travel again to a different location for work. Therefore, they will also take on different roles depending on the work setup. 

 

How much does a travel nurse earn?

It’s a known fact that nurses are one of the highest-paid professions in the world. But is your income as a travel nurse the same as nurses who work in one facility? 

According to nurse.org, travel nurses can earn as much as $100k per year. It means that a travel nurse gets paid as much as $50 per hour, depending on the agreement they had with their agency.

Not only that, but they also get to stay in company-paid housing accommodation and receive bonuses. 

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the average income of nurses in 2020 is $38.47 per hour. However, since travel nurses move around often, their average pay varies too.

If you wish to earn more, working abroad does offer better salaries to travel nurses. However, the licensing requirements may vary as well.  We recommend that you do your research first if this is the job that you want to do in the future. 

Travel nurses who want to work abroad have the opportunity to choose the country they would like to work. European countries like Denmark, Ireland, Norway, Luxemburg, and the Netherlands are among the countries that pay the highest to travel nurses. 

Expanding your clinical experience as a nurse also helps you get better pay as a travel nurse. Nurses currently working in specialty areas (e.g., OR, ER), who have advanced training and certification, and are more likely to earn better pay in this kind of job.

We do recommend that you keep your skills and training updated to qualify better as a travel nurse. 

 

Travel Nurses and the Covid-19 Pandemic

As the pandemic continues, more and more nurses are needed to help people. Healthcare facilities and agencies are working together to waive the state licensure requirements so more nurses can work in states where Covid-19 hit the most.

If you meet the requirements needed, it’s best to contact a travel nurse recruiter to help you get going. 

 

Is Travel Nursing for You?

Being a travel nurse sounds like an ideal job and is an attractive position for younger, eager, and new nurses. While this is indeed a good opportunity, things are also to consider before embarking on the journey ahead. 

As a travel nurse, you will be in a different setting all the time. You will meet new faces each time you work in a new facility. And because you are working in various facilities, you will be exposed to new health practices each time. 

There’s no sense of permanence when you are a travel nurse. Once your contract ends, you will be off to a new location again. But, if these things don’t bother you at all, being a travel nurse is the perfect job opportunity. 

 

Evaluate Yourself First

Before you take a leap and accept this job, know your priorities first. Know your strengths and weaknesses as a nurse. If the thought of traveling wears you out already, this isn’t for you.

For nurses with families, homes to maintain, or even pets to consider, make sure to weigh the pros and cons of being a travel nurse first. 

A travel nurse is a rewarding profession, not because it pays well. You get to help people and travel. What better job is there?

Of course, there are always risks when traveling, but it’s all part of the job; it’s what you’ve signed up for in the first place. Just think of the sites, people, and experiences you can gather and learn from – these are all worth it!

 

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

 

Travel Nursing: Housing, Travel, and Transportation

Travel Nursing: Housing, Travel, and Transportation

by | Oct 19, 2020 | Travel Nursing

Travel Nursing: Housing, Travel, and Transportation

When you accept your travel nursing contract, you are going to need to establish travel nursing housing, transportation, and travel. If you decide to go with the option of finding your own housing, you are in for a project, but it will increase your income in the long run.

You’re going to need to devote some time to figuring out where you want to live, how you’ll get there, and what you will be doing there. 

Housing

When looking to find a home for your travel nursing assignment, there are many things to consider. 

a. Proximity to the job

 You are going to run into a lot of homes and condos that are available to rent or lease. The first question that arises is how long and far you are willing to drive.

If you wish to stay closer to the facility, you are going to limit yourself on what you can do for fun but that’s completely fine. Sacrifices have to be made.

b. Proximity to activities

If you accepted a travel nursing contract in a location you want to explore, this might be your deciding factor. If you are ok to drive to work for 30min+ this will expand your housing options. Did you accept the contract because you also wanted to have a mini-vacation?

Then you should be ok with driving to work for a greater period of time so that you can take full advantage of your time off, plus living further from your assignment expands your housing search.

Live by the beach if you want to try water activities or stay near a major city to enjoy its museums and nightlife. 

c. The cost

This will be the major factor in your decision on where to house. You need to do a cost-save analysis to make sure that the place you want to stay in also fits your budget.

Your goal as a travel nurse is to not only enjoy it but also make some money. Make sure you are still able to save and enjoy your hobbies. Remember to see if utilities are also covered by tinder the rent or lease agreement. 

Necessities

You also have to think about what are your necessities. What are the things you must have? For example when we took on a travel nursing contract we needed either a pool or a hot tub.

Maybe you want to be near a specific park, stadium,  pier, or beach. 

 

Travel

It’s fairly accurate to say that since you are taking on a travel nursing contract, you are either into traveling or want to make more money. For your travel nursing assignment, getting an idea of what you want to do or visit is always beneficial.

You may only be in that area for the length of the contract, and you may never return. You want to make the best of your travels.

The quickest way to learn about a city is to look it up and find out its most popular places. From there you can meet locals and learn what they enjoy doing in that city. A great resource on what to do during your travels is to talk to your coworkers.

They are going to know where everything is, the best places to get brunch, the trails with the highest points, where to see a waterfall, or even which parks are the best.

What we find helpful is devoting one day a week to an activity. You should also make a schedule for when to do activities as well as a list of activities you want to do.

 

Transportation

Now you need to consider how you’re going to get to the place you will be living at. There are a few options for you. 

a. You can drive your car

This is going to be the least costly method. You need to consider how long your drive will be and the amount of gas. You also need to consider if you want to add all the miles you will be putting in your car if you decide to travel far away.

The other key point is that you will not be able to pack as many things because you won’t have the option of extra luggage during a flight. This is a great choice for someone that packs light and enjoys road trips.

b. Ship your car and fly

This is a good idea when you don’t like being in a car for long periods. This is also going to cost a significant amount more than just driving. Shipping a car can cost over a thousand dollars, depending on the season.

We recommend looking at different transportation companies and comparing their rate. The plane ticket can also be expensive, and we recommend shopping around for a good price.

This is also the more comfortable route. When flying, you’re also going to be able to bring luggage with you but remember that costs too, plus you can pack up your car before it gets shipped. 

c. Fly and get a rental car

This is also a great method if you are traveling with a friend and can last in one car. You can fly to your destination and pick up a rental car which can cost about the same as shipping your car.

You are a little limited on the things you can bring because you won’t be able to stuff your car before it gets shipped. This is the most convenient method, but be sure to shop around for the best rental prices,

 

In Closing

As a traveling nurse, there are a lot of things to consider when it comes to travel nursing housing, travel, and transportation. Travel nursing takes a lot of preparation and planning.

Make sure to devote a lot of time to research and communication so you are satisfied with your decisions.   

 

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

Travel Nursing Contract Negotiation

Travel Nursing Contract Negotiation

by | Oct 19, 2020 | Travel Nursing

Travel Nursing Contract Negotiation

In travel nursing, contract negotiation is important, as it will determine the amount you get paid. Fight for yourself in these contract negotiations. You know your self-worth.

The goal you should have in mind is a win-win situation for both the recruiter and you. 

The Most Important Part of Travel Nursing

Nursing recruiters want to make a good commission, as the travel company has metrics in place to help them maintain their profit margins. But you’ll have some wiggle room.

It depends on the situation. For example, see if they can provide higher compensation for a crisis assignment. 

 

How is your money made in travel nursing? 

So business is transacted between the hospital and the travel agency. All your compensation, benefits, and reimbursements will come from the Bill Rate.

The bill rate is the amount the hospital pays the travel agency based on the hours worked by each contracted nurse.

Pay example

Bill Rate: $100/hr

Nurse pay rate: $50/hr (company profit 50%)

This is generally corporately mandated and covers such things as the company executives, employee salary/benefits, and a defined profit margin that the company specifies.

Let’s break down the components of the travel nursing contract negotiation:  

 

6 Components of Travel Nurse Contract Negotiations

We are rating these from the highest in importance to the lowest. Each plays a role in creating the best contract for you: 

  • Salary
  • Stipends
  • Housing 
  • Overtime
  • Travel Reimbursement
  • Licensing Reimbursement

Salary

Everyone should have a number in mind for this when negotiating, even in sales. This will also affect how much you’ll be taxed. We know Uncle Sam loves our money.

You should care less about reimbursements for travel and a higher hourly rate. You can generally cover extra costs from your weekly net pay and year-end tax benefits.

Ask your recruiter for the lowest base pay possible, as this will be the taxed portion of your pay. 

 

Stipends (Tax-free)

This is the untaxed part of your pay, and it is where the money is made. Stipends are broken down into money for housing and food, known as a “per diem”.

Since you are an employee working for a short time in another location for the company, tax-free benefits are given to you as compensation. 

The IRS has developed an allowable per diem amount for each area of the country. This is the maximum allowable for meals, lodging, and expenses. For more information, visit the GSA. 

 

Housing 

Most of your stipends will be spent on housing. There are two ways to figure out the housing situation regarding travel nursing. The company can provide housing for you, they might take your stipend, or you can receive your stipend and arrange housing on your own.

We prefer to find housing ourselves. If you can manage the extra responsibility, you may be able to make more money at the end of your contract by pocketing that extra housing money. 

Sometimes, this is a huge deciding factor. If you want to be close to the ocean or a particular neighborhood, you might want to consider whether good housing is available in the contract location. 

 

Overtime

How important this is will depend on the lifestyle you choose as a travel nurse. If you just want to work your 36 hours and enjoy exploring your world, overtime won’t matter much.

If you want to return to school and need some extra cash, this is an important negotiating point. From a business standpoint, any hours worked over and above the signed contract are simply a benefit (revenue) for the travel nurse agency.

The standard overtime offered by some companies is time and half of your hourly rate. Try to negotiate a higher overtime rate. If they don’t give in, remind them that working overtime benefits you and the travel company. 

 

Travel Reimbursement

The entire trip to your travel nursing contract will not be covered. If you do receive travel reimbursement, it will be a non-taxable income.

I prefer not to have a travel reimbursement and just negotiate higher pay/stipends, as that will generate more money over the course of 13 weeks(+).

The most common form is typically a flat-rate reimbursement involving travel to and from your contract. This can range anywhere from $250-500. 

 

Licensing Reimbursement

If you applied for a multi-license to travel to multiple locations, your agency would offer to pay those costs. Depending on the state, some costs can be costly. Ask your agency to reimburse you for all costs regarding licensing. 

 

The Decision-Making Process

You must understand your travel nursing contract. Remember, this is only a temporary job, so if you don’t think like things mid-contract, in 13 weeks, you can renegotiate.

Is this contract everything you wanted? Write down a list of pros and cons and make your decision. You might feel immense pressure – but with any big life event, change feels uncomfortable at first. 

Review the written contract carefully, and ask your recruiter for any contracts they might have. If you voiced concerns verbally and agreed to them, ensure they’re outlined in the contract.

Once you sign the contract, there’s no going back. You will be held accountable to the terms of the contract. No matter how small the issue, if it’s something important to you, ensure it’s written into the contract. 

 

A checklist of items to review before signing your travel nursing contract:

  • Contract start and end dates
  • Shift/unit
  • An hourly base rate, holiday pay, overtime rates
  • Guaranteed hours (36,48)
  • Stipends (per diem)
  • Cancellation allowed by the hospital 
  • Penalties for call-offs (sickness)
  • On-call requirements
  • Travel reimbursement
  • Floating policy
  • Requested days off

Once the contract is negotiated and everything looks good, you can sign and begin your travel nursing experience. Best of luck!

 

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

How to Pack for Travel Nursing

How to Pack for Travel Nursing

by | Oct 19, 2020 | Travel Nursing

How to Pack for Travel Nursing

When you’ve finally agreed to and signed your contract, you’re ready to move physically to a different location. There is a misconception about how hard it is to pack for your travel nursing assignment.

Packing for your assignment is not a small task since you’ll be moving the majority of your things with you.  

 

What You Need to Bring 

Sometimes, we tend to bring necessary things when we are traveling, but as a travel nurse, you must learn to pack light and bring only the essentials. Here’s what you need to do:

 

Travel Nurse Packing List

The first thing you need to do after signing your travel nursing contract is to create a list of things you need to pack. Here’s what to consider:

  • Housewares
  • Clothing and shoes
  • Uniforms, work bag, work shoes
  • Paperwork & portfolio
  • Electronics
  • Personal Care & luxury items
  • First Aid & Medical items
  • Entertainment
  • Hobbies/Activities

 

Portfolio

For your travel nursing assignment, you’re going to need to create a portfolio of all your identification. If you don’t do this, it may be difficult to access them from a distance. These items include:

  • Your birth certificate
  • Social Security Card
  • Insurance cards (auto, life, home, etc.)
  • Passport (if applicable)
  • Work Visa (if applicable)
  • Health Information/prescriptions

 

Clothes

When you’re packing for your travel nursing assignment, you will need the majority of your clothes, if not all. Imagine packing for a week-long vacation. Packing up for your travel nursing assignment is four times that amount.

Here’s what to keep in mind before you pack:  

  • What climate are you going into? Make sure you look into the weather forecast for the location of your travel nursing assignment. You need to bring clothes that suit the weather. Chicago’s weather can fluctuate from 68 – 92 degrees during the warm months, and winters can fluctuate from 10 – -40 degrees. You need to know what climate you’re going to be in to have a good travel nursing experience.
  • How many clothes are you going to take? You don’t realize how much clothing you have until you have to pack it all up. Take your luggage with you on the plane or fill up your car with clothes. The best way to pack up your clothes is to use large bins that will fit in your car. 

 

Houseware and Electronics

You can live in a fully furnished place so you won’t need to transport most of your kitchen. If your abode isn’t furnished, take only the housewares you need, along with your favorite and most-used accessories. For example, few places have a crockpot.

Electronics are our most-used accessories. If you have a desktop computer, you’ll need to figure out how it will fit in your car. Laptops are always good because they enable you to work while you travel.

You’ll also need your cellphone, chargers, Alexa, PS4, Xbox, HDMI cable(s), hairdryer, hair iron, and cords.

 

Hobbies & Activities

Packing all your hobbies and activities for travel nursing will require some of your biggest cuts. Travel nursing is great, and you’ll find yourself doing many new things.

You may have to sacrifice your golfing equipment for the tennis rackets, and you might not be able to take your kayak or bike. The good thing is that you might be trying out new activities, especially if you’re moving to a different part of the US.

The amount of stuff you take will depend on the size of your car and how much you can fit in it

 

Personal and Luxury Items

Remember, you’re also packing for yourself! Make sure you take things you really enjoy, such as your favorite purses, dresses, blanket, pillow, etc… But keep in mind that there’s a limit on how much you can transport. 

Once you’ve packed it all up, there’s one more step before you can take on your travel nursing assignment. Go through your list again and ensure you have everything you’ll need.

Remember to evaluate how well you packed when you reached your destination. Create a note of things you forgot and a list of things you rarely used. This way, you’ll be better prepared for your next contract. 

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

 

Travel Nurse Hospital Interview

Travel Nurse Hospital Interview

by | Oct 19, 2020 | Travel Nursing

Travel Nursing Hospital Interview(s) 

After your recruiter finds you a contract, it’s time to wait for a travel nurse hospital interview. Remember, you’re interviewing the facility as much as the facility is interviewing you. Asking the right questions will help you decide whether this contract is right for you.

This is a good opportunity to ask yourself about what you want to see in your unit. Your travel nurse hospital interview will be either directly with the unit manager or as a submission with a pre-recorded interview.

We advise you to speak with the unit manager you’ll be working for. Some hospitals ask you to audio-record your answers, which may feel awkward at first. The good part is that you’ll be able to record your answers in your home. 

 

Travel nurse interview questions you may be asked

  • Can you describe a situation in which you handled a difficult patient?
  • Are you capable of wise and fast decision-making? Please provide an example of this.
  • Have you ever disagreed with a colleague over the management of a patient? How was this resolved?
  • What changes have you contributed to establishing practices to improve patient care?
  • Can you describe frustrations you have personally dealt with as an RN and how you resolved them?
  • How do you manage stressful situations?

 

Travel nurse interview questions to ask

The following questions are provided to help you ask informed questions on the spot. This way, you’ll have a solid idea of what you’re getting into. You usually only get one chance to talk with the hospital before accepting the job.

  • Scheduling – Can I work my shifts back-to-back? How far in advance is the schedule available?
  • What is the staffing ratio?
  • Is floating required? How often do travelers float?
  • Who will be doing my schedule?
  • How often is overtime available?
  • What is the unit culture on day/night shift?
  • Why do you have this position available – a recent turnover?
  • What is the policy for breaks/lunch? Will someone be there to relieve me?
  • What assistive staff is available on the unit? CNA’s, Unit secretaries, transport, etc..
  • What type of charting system is used? 
  • Has the hospital or unit used travelers before? Have any extended? How many travelers are in the facility currently?
  • How frequent are unit meetings? 
  • What is the orientation process for travelers? Unit orientation hours? Will I receive an orientation on each unit I work in? 
  • Which units will I float between when the census is low?

If you have any questions regarding specific dates off, this is the time to ask them. If there is consent to the dates off, ensure the approved time off is clearly documented in your contract.

Before you submit your contract, you’re allowed to see your package. Don’t ask your facility about the travel contract package; this will be negotiated with your recruiter. The hospital has a set bill rate between the facility and the travel agency.  

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