Travel Nurse Hospital Interview - Cup of Nurses

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!