Travel Nurse Questions to Ask Hospital
Essential questions for travel nurses to evaluate hospital assignments and ensure they're making informed decisions about their next contract.
1What's the nurse-to-patient ratio on this unit?
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What's the nurse-to-patient ratio on this unit?
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Why this works
Critical for understanding workload and patient safety - helps you assess if the assignment will be manageable and safe for both you and your patients.
2What's the orientation process and how long is it?
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What's the orientation process and how long is it?
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Why this works
Important for understanding how much support you'll receive and whether you'll have adequate time to learn their systems and protocols.
3What's the typical patient acuity level on this unit?
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What's the typical patient acuity level on this unit?
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Why this works
Helps you understand the complexity of care you'll be providing and whether it matches your experience and comfort level.
4How do you handle floating and what units might I be asked to work?
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How do you handle floating and what units might I be asked to work?
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Why this works
Reveals their floating policies and whether you'll be expected to work in areas outside your specialty, which could affect your confidence and patient care.
5What's the call schedule and how often will I be on call?
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What's the call schedule and how often will I be on call?
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Why this works
Essential for work-life balance planning - helps you understand the total time commitment and whether the call schedule is manageable.
6What's the parking situation and is it free for staff?
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What's the parking situation and is it free for staff?
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Why this works
Practical consideration that affects your daily routine and expenses - parking costs can significantly impact your take-home pay.
7How do you handle scheduling requests and time off?
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How do you handle scheduling requests and time off?
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Why this works
Important for understanding their flexibility and whether you'll be able to take time off for personal commitments or family events.
8What's the unit culture like and how do nurses support each other?
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What's the unit culture like and how do nurses support each other?
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Why this works
Reveals the team dynamics and whether you'll have a supportive work environment that promotes collaboration and learning.
9What's the management style and how accessible are the managers?
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What's the management style and how accessible are the managers?
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Why this works
Shows their leadership approach and whether you'll have adequate support and communication with management when issues arise.
10What's the turnover rate for travel nurses on this unit?
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What's the turnover rate for travel nurses on this unit?
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Why this works
Indicates whether the assignment is sustainable and whether other travel nurses have had positive experiences there.
11How do you handle difficult patients or family situations?
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How do you handle difficult patients or family situations?
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Why this works
Shows their approach to challenging situations and whether you'll have adequate support when dealing with difficult patient or family interactions.
12What's the documentation system and how much training is provided?
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What's the documentation system and how much training is provided?
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Why this works
Important for understanding the learning curve and whether you'll have adequate training on their specific documentation requirements.
13How do you handle medication administration and what's the process?
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How do you handle medication administration and what's the process?
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Why this works
Critical for patient safety - helps you understand their medication protocols and whether they have systems in place to prevent errors.
14What's the relationship between day and night shift nurses?
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What's the relationship between day and night shift nurses?
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Why this works
Reveals shift dynamics and whether there's good communication and collaboration between different shifts.
15How do you handle staffing shortages and what's the backup plan?
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How do you handle staffing shortages and what's the backup plan?
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Why this works
Shows their approach to staffing challenges and whether they have adequate resources to handle unexpected situations.
16What's the hospital's approach to continuing education and professional development?
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What's the hospital's approach to continuing education and professional development?
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Why this works
Important for your career growth - shows whether they support ongoing learning and professional development opportunities.
17How do you handle patient transfers and what's the process?
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How do you handle patient transfers and what's the process?
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Why this works
Reveals their patient flow management and whether you'll have adequate support when handling complex patient transfers.
18What's the hospital's approach to quality improvement and patient safety?
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What's the hospital's approach to quality improvement and patient safety?
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Why this works
Shows their commitment to patient care and whether they have systems in place to continuously improve outcomes.
19How do you handle new technology and equipment training?
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How do you handle new technology and equipment training?
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Why this works
Important for understanding their approach to technology adoption and whether you'll receive adequate training on new equipment.
20What's the hospital's reputation in the community and among healthcare workers?
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What's the hospital's reputation in the community and among healthcare workers?
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Why this works
Helps you understand the hospital's standing and whether it's a place where you'll be proud to work and can build your professional reputation.
Evaluating Travel Nurse Assignments
Expert tips and techniques for getting the most out of these questions.
Best Practices
Assess Patient Safety and Workload
Always ask about nurse-to-patient ratios, patient acuity, and staffing levels. These factors directly impact patient safety and your ability to provide quality care. Don't accept assignments that compromise patient safety.
Evaluate Support and Training
Ask about orientation length, training programs, and ongoing support. Travel nursing requires quick adaptation, so you need adequate support to learn their systems and protocols effectively.
Consider Work-Life Balance
Ask about scheduling flexibility, call requirements, and time off policies. Travel nursing should enhance your lifestyle, not compromise it, so ensure the assignment supports your personal needs.
Example Scenarios
High-Acuity Assignment
Ask: 'What's the typical patient acuity and how do you support nurses with complex cases?' This helps you understand if you'll have adequate support for challenging patients.
Floating Policies
Ask: 'What units might I float to and how much notice do you give?' This reveals their floating expectations and whether you'll be prepared for different patient populations.
Team Dynamics
Ask: 'How do the staff nurses treat travel nurses?' This helps you understand if you'll be welcomed and supported by the permanent staff.
Common Pitfalls
Focusing Only on Pay
Don't choose assignments based solely on the highest pay rate. Consider the total package including benefits, housing, and the quality of the work environment.
Ignoring Red Flags
Pay attention to high turnover rates, poor reviews, or reluctance to answer questions. These are often signs of problematic assignments that could impact your career.
Not Asking About Support
Always ask about orientation, training, and ongoing support. Travel nursing requires quick adaptation, and inadequate support can lead to stress and poor patient outcomes.