Hospital Interview Q&A - from any experienced travelers?

Posts: 1 · Joined: 03 Dec 2008 Posts: 1

I'm a CVS-MS ICU critical care nurse traveling for the first time. Wondering if any of the experienced travelers can provide feedback regarding the hospital interviews prior to assignment offerings/acceptance. For instance, what questions you feel are most important? What might you consider that would exclude an assignment or hospital? Any other issues I should explore during these interviews? --DREW

Posts: 32 · Joined: 23 Jun 2008 Posts: 32 Location: Seattle, WA

Make sure you know exactly what shift and hours you will be working. Some travel companies don't find out the specifics for you regarding shifts, and then you show up for your job and wonder why the hell you're working 7 nights in a row, etc. So GET SPECIFICS. Also, I always ask about the length of any "orientation" to the unit. Will you be provided a locker? Do you need to wear your own scrubs in for work? Does the hospital provide scrubs? Do you dress out when you get there (some hospitals don't let you wear scrubs into the building.)? Is the hospital a Union or Non-union? Do nurses get their scheduled breaks? Are there techs available on all shifts?

Posts: 2 · Joined: 04 Dec 2008 Posts: 2 Location: Apache Junction Az

Interview Guidelines

To assist you in your interview process with the facility, please review the following areas which may be covered during your interview with the supervisor / hiring manager. Remember, the facility has a copy of your work history, skills checklists, and applicable credentials, but you must sell yourself to this facility convincing them that you are the best traveler for the position.

Facility Name__________________________Location _________________________
Interviewers____________________________Telelphone________________________

UNIT
1. Number of beds______________Types of Patients_____________________________________

2. Nurse / Patient ratio on days______________Evenings_________Nights ___________________

3. Special equipment that is used ____________________________________________________

4. Type of charting / documentation ___________________________________________________

5. Special procedure / medication system that is used _____________________________________

6. Uniform required? ___ Yes ___ No Provided by: ___ Traveler ___ Facility

7. Number of unlicensed staff available ________________________________________________

8. Patient Care Model _________ Primary Nursing __________Team Nursing_________________

9. Have travelers been utilized previously in your unit? ___ Yes ___ No

10. How often? ____________________________________________________________________

SCHEDULE
1. Available date to start work ______________ Length of assignment _______________________

2. Shift to be worked ________________ Straight shift _______ Rotating shift _________________

3. How will it rotate? _______________________________________________________________

4. Split shift (on 12 hour shift, will I float elsewhere for 4 hours?)____________________________

5. Are weekend shifts required? ___ Yes ___ No How Often?______________________________

6. Will nurse be in a “charge position” at any time? ___ Yes ___ No

7. Is overtime available or mandatory? ___ Yes ___ No

8. Policy on working holidays ________________________________________________________

9. Policy on requested time off or schedule changes _______________________________________

10. Please explain Call Duty, if required _________________________________________________

FLOAT
1. Will floating be required? ___ Yes ___ No How often?__________________________________

2. Will travelers float first or in rotation with permanent staff? _______________________________

3. Will travelers be floated in similar unit? ___ Yes ___ No Which ones?______________________

4. Could I float to more than one unit per day? ___ Yes ___ No

5. What is the length of the orientation for units floated to? _________________________________

FIRST DAY INFORMATION
1. Length and specifics of orientation (hospital vs. unit specific) ______________________________

2. Who will be my preceptor / resource person? ___________________________________________

3. What tests will be required? _________________________________________________________

4. Is there a study guide available? ___ Yes ___ No

5. Where do I report? _____________________ What time do I report? ________________________

6. Whom do I ask for? ____________ Should I wear a uniform the first day? ___ Yes ___ No

7. Is free parking available? ___ Yes ___ No If not, cost ____________________________________

Posts: 2 · Joined: 04 Dec 2008 Posts: 2 Location: Apache Junction Az

hope these guidelines help, they were given to me by my favorite travel agency.