How To Find Your Dream Travel Nurse Job: 5 Must-Ask Questions
As a travel nurse, you've probably heard this question countless times: "Is this hospital traveler-friendly?" While it's a common question, it's also pretty vague and typically leads to a sea of opinions that can send you even further down the “google rabbit hole” of confusion. So, if you’re tired of getting misleading information and you want to minimize the chances of ending up at a terrible assignment, here’s what to do first…
Stop asking "is this facility traveler-friendly" and start asking for the facts that matter.
Now, hear me out—I get it. Asking other nurses, "What do you think about this hospital?" or "How was your experience there?" feels like the natural move, especially if you’re new to traveling. But trust me, I've been down that road and it only leads to more confusion. If you're following me on the ‘gram, you already know that I made waaaaay too many rookie mistakes at the beginning of my career which is why I’m here to provide you with the insight I wish I knew before I started. With over a decade of experience, completing more than 20 travel nurse contracts across the US and helping thousands of nurses within the Six Figure Travel Nurse Community — you can definitely rely on my for some solid, realistic advice about travel nursing.
5 questions to ask before your next assignment
One of the biggest perks that comes with being a travel nurse is that on any given day, we have the power to choose from THOUSANDS of job opportunities across the nation. Are you taking full advantage of those opportunities by comparing jobs and choosing the best option for you? Or do you just go with whatever assignment your recruiter says is “traveler friendly”? #dontbebamboozled
QUESTION 1: is the hospital a private or teaching facility?
The type of hospital you choose can really impact your work environment so it’s crucial to know the difference, compare, and choose the best fit for you. Teaching hospitals typically offer exposure to a wider range of patients and procedures, providing a collaborative learning experience. Picture yourself working alongside attending physicians, participating in patient rounds, and collaborating with resident teams throughout your shift. This dynamic environment provides a wealth of opportunities to refine your skills, gain exposure to cutting-edge practices, and expand your knowledge base. On the other hand, private hospitals may focus on specialized care and provide a more focused clinical environment. From my experience, private hospitals tend to have more physicians who have private practices with streamlined processes which leads to a more efficient workflow. If you’re seeking the best of both worlds, some facilities offer a unique blend of private doctors and resident programs. This hybrid environment provides the chance to experience the diverse patient population and learning opportunities of a teaching hospital while also gaining exposure to specialized care and the nuances of private practice.
Question 2: What is the patient population and acuity level?
Looking up the level trauma center will help you understand the type of patients you'll be caring for and the severity of their conditions.
Level I trauma centers are the highest level, equipped to handle the most critical cases.
Level II centers provide comprehensive trauma care for most injuries, but may refer some complex cases to higher-level centers.
Level III and IV centers are smaller facilities that may still handle trauma cases but may not have all the resources of higher-level centers.
When comparing hospsitals, consider your professional experience, the trauma level of your current facility, and the level of acuity you're comfortable handling. As a new travel nurse, consider assignments at hospitals with lower trauma levels to gain experience and confidence in handling a variety of patient care needs. For more experienced nurses, seeking assignments at higher-level trauma centers can expand your expertise and provide opportunities to manage complex cases. Not sure how much experience is enough experience? I talk about how much experienced is needed and what to expect on your first assignment here.
Question 3: What is the Nurse:Patient ratio?
If you want to avoid burnout, asking about the nurse to patient ratio is the most important questions to ask when looking for a potential assignment. A lower nurse to patient ratio can indicate better staffing and potentially less workload, leading to a more manageable and less stressful work environment. However, it's important to consider the overall patient acuity level and the hospital's staffing practices. A lower ratio in a high-acuity setting may still result in a demanding workload, while a higher ratio in a low-acuity setting may allow for more manageable patient care. “What is the max nurse:patient ratio” is a great question to ask during your interview. Once you get the answer, you can evaluate the nurse to patient ratio by considering your own preferences, skillset, and experience level.
Question 4: Is there support staff available?
This is a question that travelers often don’t think to ask but asking about support staff isn't just a formality. It's a strategic move. Having adequate support staff, like CNAs, technicians, and respiratory therapists, will make or break your entire experience during your assignment. Understanding how muhc support you’ll have as a nurse gives you the real picture of what you're walking into – the workload, the team dynamics, everything!
Question 5: Why are travelers needed?
Understanding why the hospital is bringing in travel nurses gives you a better look into their staffing situation and turnover rates. If they're always looking for travel nurses (with jobs popping up year-round), it usually means they're dealing with ongoing staffing shortages, which can make work a bit chaotic. Here's a follow-up question: "How many travelers decided to extend their contract?" If not many are deciding to stay longer, it's a sign of a high turnover rate, suggesting it might not be the best work environment. On the other side, if they mainly use travel nurses for short-term needs like increased census, maternity leaves, or giving their regular staff some time off, that's typically a positive sign.
At the end of the day, there’s no way to predict how an assignment will be but asking the right questions can help you make an informed decision before moving forward. I hope these quick tips give you the jump-start you need to dive into your travel nurse career and thrive. If you want to start travel nursing, but you're not sure where to start, download your free Travel Nurse Cheat Sheet to set yourself up for success!