How do travel nurse interviews differ from "normal" ones?

[BeatsPerMinute, BSN, RN]

Hi there,

I hope to become a travel nurse someday once I get the appropriate experience. I follow different forums on other websites to get an idea of what the process and experience is like, and I was wondering how travel nurse interview questions are different from "normal" interviews. My assumption is that questions are more about experience vs "traditional" or "behavioral" interview questions, and that they're conducted over the phone. Anything else really special about them?

Thanks!

[NedRN]

They are special because most are reverse interviews. The manager has already reviewed the traveler profile and wants them. This interview gives travelers the chance to ask questions, and the manager a chance to sell the traveler on taking the assignment. Quite the reverse of standard interviews!

[BeatsPerMinute, BSN, RN]

Oh nice! I would enjoy this sort of interview! Thank you for your reply :)

[wylie-coyote]

That is definitely the scenario i experienced this morning. I finally interviewed for a position in NYC. There were a couple of short interview questions, followed by me asking a ton of questions about the unit / facility, etc.. Straight from the Cali 4:1 to possible 7:1. Anyone have experience with this ratio?

The main thing about interviews in general is that you're comfortable with the person interviewing you and they are comfortable you. I try to be professional, but never let an opportunity go by to crack a joke or make light of a situation when appropriate.

[stella789]

I completely agree with NedRN...interviews are much easier to deal with as a traveler. Although, I must say they aren't ALL like that. I have had a couple that were a little more intense but I believe they were trying to make a decision between myself and someone else.

wylie-coyote-I am used to 1:5-6, occasionally a 7th. With an aide it's not so terrible, still can be rough. But without an aide it can be pretty brutal especially considering the acuity of your patients. Time management skills really come in handy here. Good luck!

[BeatsPerMinute, BSN, RN]

7 patients?! Eesh. When I was a student completing clinicals, the nurses never had more than 4 patients (I'm sure it happened) but I couldn't imagine 7. This is day shift? What specialties do you work in?

[stella789]

Yes, day shift. 7 patients is rare where I am right now but 6 is very common. I'm currently working an ICU contract but I'm really med-surg/tele.

[aamy]

I have had easy, quick interviews, and I have had 30 minute interviews that were more intense. I've had the typical "tell me about a time when...." questions, which I hate because you never know what they are going to ask and I have a hard time recalling things off the top of my head.

[emb92250]

6-7:1 is the norm for Acute Care in the rest of the US. California is pretty posh when it comes to working conditions. A lot of travelers travel to Cali because of this. Step down units are likely to have 4:1, ICUs try for 2:1 but more often than not, in my experience, they get the overflow from stepdown or acute care, and end up with a 3:1 ratio.

[emb92250]

I agree, in most travel interviews, the manager has already looked closely at your resume and believe you would work well in the unit. Therefore, unless you royally screw up an interview question, the job is pretty much in the bag.

My problem is that I have only 2 years of experience, all in the ICU, and some managers will interview someone with more experience first, then hire them, without giving me a chance, when really I am wise beyond my years and may be as good or better than the nurse they hired.