How can you be sure a travel nurse assignment is the right
fit? Interview the hiring manager. If you're working with a placement
agency, the facility already has your work history and credentials. A phone
interview is your chance to gather detailed information about the unit,
patient
care model, and scheduling.
Before you pack up and move, whether to a neighboring state
or across the country, take the time to ask a few smart questions. Then,
if
you want the job, ask for it!
Unit How many beds are in the unit?
What types of patients do you treat?
What is the nurse/patient ratio on days? Evenings? Nights?
Are any special procedures, equipment, or medication systems used?
What type of charting is used?
Will I be required to wear a uniform? If scrubs, what color?
How many unlicensed staff are available?
What's the facility's patient-care model?
Do you often use travelers in your unit?
Schedule What's the length of the assignment?
What shift will I be working? Will it rotate?
Are weekend shifts required? How often?
Will I be in a charge position at any time?
Is overtime available or mandatory?
What's the policy on working holidays, time off, and schedule changes?
Floating Will floating be required? How often?
Do travelers float first or in rotation with permanent staff?
Will I be floated to similar units or throughout the hospital?
Might I be floated to more than one unit in a shift?
How long is orientation for each unit to which I'm floated?
First Day How long are hospital and/or unit orientations?
Who will be my preceptor?
What tests are required? Is a study guide available?
Where and to whom will I report?
Is parking available?
Peggy Van Fleet
"I knew I needed to be a nurse,
but I wasn't prepared to commit long-term somewhere."
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