Top Questions to Ask in Your Next Interview
Surprises can be fun and exciting! But not when they pop up unexpectedly during a travel assignment. Traveling opens many doors to fun and exciting trips that benefit you personally and professionally. With the opportunity to experience diverse working environments and network with professional leaders across the country, it won't be long before your resume is filled with assignments that make you a valuable candidate in the eyes of any future employer.
Some medical travelers leave full-time employment to take up travel assignments to enjoy career growth, flexibility, and a steady income in an environment where travel professionals are in high demand. You can easily avoid any unnecessary surprises after you've arrived at your new assignment by discovering what you need to know during your interview with your hiring manager. Here are a few key questions you should have answered before accepting a new travel assignment.
1. Do you currently have any travelers on staff?
This may be especially important if you are early in your travel career. Traveling professionals often are quickly welcomed by other travelers and form their communities. It is nice to know there will be others who aren't rushing home to family and established friends but are more likely to socialize after work or go on adventures on days off. This becomes essential for networking. It's not only the specific job that will boost your career but the opportunity to meet others that could take it a step further.
2. What is the orientation process for a traveler?
Travelers are expected to fit in seamlessly on their new assignments without extensive training, but they all receive some orientation. Some facilities offer one day and others up to a week. It's also important to know the orientation schedule - is it on day shift or evenings? Is there an orientation during the night shift? Will there be a short-term mentor to answer questions? Many hospitals and medical facilities work under similar processes, but orientation allows travelers to learn how and where to seek out answers.
3. What is the floating policy?
In most cases, travelers will be expected to float to other units. The facility policy on where you may be expected to float can help alleviate any concern. For instance, how the float rotation works, how soon after arrival you'll be expected to float, and if you'll only float to units where you have experience - such as an ICU nurse working on a step-down unit.
4. How does scheduling work?
Some facilities set six-week schedules, and others put out two-week schedules. This helps set expectations for your days on and off each week so you can make plans for local trips. If a traveler is canceled for a shift, can they pick up another shift? Are travelers allowed to pick up extra shifts, or is overtime an expectation?
5. Is there a uniform requirement?
Every facility is different, so it's essential to have this information before traveling. You may only have a few options, so you'll want to know the facility's specific requirements for scrubs before you're left scrambling in a new city the day before your first day on the job.
6. Where do travelers stay?
Some facilities offer housing leads, and others leave it up to the traveler or the agency. The housing may not be finalized until one week to 10 days before your assignment start date, so while specifics may be a difficult question to answer, you may learn how far travelers typically have to commute to work.
7. What are the parking and meal options?
It's helpful to know if there is covered parking available, how much is charged, and how early you need to arrive to get a space. Some facilities offer one cafeteria and have several surrounding restaurants to meet your dietary needs, while other campuses may have several options onsite. This consideration may be important to you, depending upon your nutritional needs.
GetMed Recruiters Can Help You Get the Most From Your Interview
It is essential to use the interview process to get the information you need to decide if you want to accept the travel assignment. Our recruiters can help you make the most of your interview. Call GetMed Staffing recruiters today and discover the benefits of working with people who are experts at what they do.