Top 11 Questions That I Ask The Hiring Manager When Starting A Travel Nurse Assignment

Below is a list of questions you may want to ask the hiring manager, during an interview for a travel assignment. The hiring manager will most likely touch on everything on the list, and all you would have to do is fill in the blanks. Your healthcare agency may have answers, as well as a Facebook group.

SN: It is good practice to research the hospital, and create a FACTS list for self-knowledge, which can also be impressive to the hiring manager. You may not always speak directly to a hiring manager, but may receive auto-offers.

Failing to prepare is preparing to fail. – Benjamin Franklin

1. What are the unit scrub colors?

Be prepared to buy multiple pairs of scrubs, but do not go too crazy and purchase too many. So far, most children’s hospitals do not have specific scrub colors for RNs, in general. All scrub types and colors are pretty much acceptable. In some hospitals, it is acceptable to wear a solid color, short or long sleeved t-shirt with your scrub bottoms.

2. How many orientation shifts are provided?

Typically, in a thirteen week contract, the unit will provide two to three orientation shifts. You would be lucky to get an orientation on the units that you could be floated to, but it is unlikely.

3. What is the typical nurse-to-patient ratio?

Asking the nurse-to-patient ratio will give you insight on how a typical assignment within that unit will be. Also, ask if there will be any assistance from a Nurse Tech/CNA/PCA, in the event of a full load.

4. Do travelers take admissions or on-call shifts?

It is rare to have an on-call shift, but it is a good question to ask. I do not like admissions; therefore, I always ask if the unit requires travelers to admit, and if so, what resources are available.

5. What is the unit’s patient population?

It is good to know the patient population of the unit, in order to provide quality care for them. For example, the unit may have a patient population that mainly consists of G-Tube and tracheotomy babies, in which providing care for these patients could be inside or outside of your comfort zone.

6. How many beds are on the unit?

Finding out the number of beds on the unit gives you an idea of how large the unit will be. Once on the unit, the bed count gives you an idea of how many patients there will be and if you will likely float to another unit, due to low census.

7. What are the floating requirements?

It is wise to ask about floating requirements to be certain that you are skilled enough to provide quality care on other units. Make sure to ask which unit(s) you may be required to float to and how often (it is not uncommon to float a lot). More than likely, travelers will be chosen first to float.

8. What charting system does the unit use?

EPIC seems to be the best charting system to use, right?! However, there are some hospitals that still use the stone-aged charting systems that take longer to input data. Be prepared to take assessment tests during each travel assignment to examine your familiarity with hospital charting systems.

9. How does scheduling work on the unit?

Each unit has its own scheduling requirements, e.g., working every other weekend. Sometimes your schedules are created for you by a scheduler, or you may be required to self-schedule during the required period of time.

10. What are the parking arrangements?

Sometimes parking is free, if not the healthcare agency may reimburse the parking fees. Also, ask if there is nearby public transportation to the hospital, e.g., the Metrorail.

11. Could you verify the start date and my requested time off?

Make sure the hiring manager has the same start date that is listed on the job posting. Verify that the hiring manager is aware of your requested time off, and that it is in the contract, as well. Make sure to always have your contract handy to to confirm set dates.

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