Travel nurse interviews can feel daunting. But don’t worry. With the right preparation, you can enter that interview room poised, polished, and ready to impress. Here’s your ultimate guide to acing your travel nurse interview.
Table of Contents
Preparing For Your Travel Nurse Interview
1. Know Your Worth
Before diving into specific questions, take a moment to appreciate how great you are. You’re a flexible, adaptable, and highly skilled nurse with the wanderlust to match. Show off your achievements – how many patients have you cared for? What special certifications do you hold? Highlighting these will boost your confidence and showcase your value.
2. Research is Key
Don’t be a blank slate! Research the facility, unit, and specific position you’re interviewing for. Understand their patient population, treatment specialties, and any unique protocols. This shows the person that is interviewing you that you care about the positions you’re applying for, and have a genuine interest in what they have to offer.
3. Practice Makes Perfect
Anticipate common travel nurse interview questions and prepare STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) responses. This will help showcase your problem-solving skills and show off your experience in previous roles. Practice your answers out loud to refine your delivery and build confidence. Travel nurse interviews can feel intimidating, but by rehearsing some of your answers to common questions, you can feel more confident while you’re in the hot seat.
4. Go Beyond the Resume
Sure, your resume is important, but go the extra mile. Prepare a list of skills and certifications that showcase your achievements and positive patient feedback. This can help your interviewer see some of the unique experiences you’ve already encountered showing them that you have the experience they need to succeed.
See also: Tips For Writing a Stellar Nursing Resume
5. Know How You Will Be Interviewed
First impressions matter, and since the pandemic, the way we interview people has changed. Some facilities may just do an over-the-phone interview, while others may opt for a Zoom meeting. Make sure you know how you will be interviewed so that you aren’t taken by surprise right before your travel nurse interview.
Bonus Tip: If your interview is in-person, or if you’ll appear on camera make sure you dress to impress that way you stand out from the crowd.
Tips For Interview Day
Now that you know how to prepare for your travel nurse interview. Let’s take a look at the things you can do to stand out on the day of your interview.
1. Arrive Early
Punctuality is professionalism. Aim to arrive 15 minutes early to settle in and avoid last-minute jitters. This not only gives you a great first impression but it also allows you to get comfortable in your environment before you sit down to meet with your interviewer.
2. Smile and Shine
Body language speaks volumes. Maintain eye contact, a positive posture, and a genuine smile. These nonverbal cues radiate confidence and approachability.
3. Listen Actively
Pay close attention to the interviewer’s questions and respond thoughtfully. Ask clarifying questions if needed to ensure you fully understand their expectations. Try not to over-explain anything, this can confuse your interviewer and make it harder for them to remember the answers to your questions. Keeping everything you say clear and concise is a great way to show off your communication skills.
4. Highlight Your Travel Nurse Soft Skills
Emphasize your flexibility, adaptability, and willingness to learn. Share your excitement about exploring new environments and contributing to diverse healthcare teams.
5. Ask Insightful Questions
This shows your initiative and genuine interest in the position and facility. Prepare thoughtful questions about the unit culture, onboarding process, and opportunities for professional growth.
Here are some great examples of questions you can ask:
- What are your nurse-to-patient ratios?
- What charting system do you use?
- What are your uniform requirements?
- What is the surrounding area like?
- When do you expect to decide on who you hire?
6. Express Gratitude
Thank the interviewer for their time and reiterate your enthusiasm for the opportunity. A sincere “thank you” leaves a positive final impression.
Follow up
Once your interview is completed, it is a good idea to follow up with your interviewer. Send them a quick email thanking them for their time again, and ask if they have any additional questions for you, or if there is anything you can help clarify. Following up helps you stand out, and shows that you care about the position you interviewed for.
With these tips in mind, you should be fully prepared to ace your next travel nurse interview. So get out there and start applying! Don’t forget to check out our tips for finding the perfect travel nurse contracts!
