Self schedule

[Kmrn11]

This is my first travel assignment, how does scheduling usually work? Do they just schedule you whenever they wAnt or can you choose?

[NedRN]

It depends. If it is important to you, that is a question to ask during the hospital interview no matter what the agency thinks it knows.

[PacoUSA, BSN, RN]

On my last assignment, the NM scheduled me for whatever shift I was needed the most to fill in staffing gaps. I didn't mind much considering I had specified in my contract specific dates I needed off. And the silent bonus was that I hardly ever worked weekends since the perm staff had those well covered under their biweekly weekend scheduling requirements.

[wanderlust99]

Depends on the hospital. Luckily, most of my contracts have done self scheduling. Most places will be fair to you in my experience. But as the traveler, you will be moved to fit the needs. Staff preference always comes first. You need to be flexible, you are there to help. If you want time off or a certain weekend off for something, make sure to put it in your contract.

[HikingNinja, BSN, MSN, DNP, RN, APRN, NP]

Ditto. My current contract I needed a few days off for a special event so had that written into my contract. I let all my recruiters know that any facility that would not allow this time off in writing I would not even consider. My last contract they scheduled me but I was told I could ask for specific days but I didnt. It just wasn't that important to me.

[PNW_NPstudent]

All the places Ive been have been pretty great about scheduling. Like if I was on nights, I would get 3 in a row, or 2 then a couple nights off and then 4.

Day shifts have sometimes had me a little more sporadic, but not in a horrible way. Ive done self scheduling and Ive been assigned. Just depends on the unit.

Definitely have any specific days off written in your contract. Whether its 1 day or a week.