10 Questions Your Travel Nurse Recruiter Will Ask

That first call with your recruiter is definitely an important one. It’s a time to get answers to your questions about travel nurse jobs and figure out if the recruiter and the agency will be a good partner for you.

Here are 10 questions you should be prepared to answer in your initial call.

What is your specialty, and how long have you worked as a nurse?

You’ll answer basic information about your specialty, license, certifications and experience. Note: All travel nurses must have at least one year of clinical nursing experience before taking an assignment.

What is your shift preference and start date?

Though you may end up working a different shift than you planned, your recruiter will need to know your preference (and your willingness to be flexible) so she can find a job that fits your needs. Your start date may change later if something comes up, but have an approximate time you’d like to start travel nursing in mind.

What is your location preference?

Your recruiter may ask for your top three locations so he can find you a job in that state (or close to it). If you’re not sure which state you most want to work in, talk about your climate preferences, favorite hobbies or places you love to visit so he can make suggestions based on your interests. For example, if you really enjoy rock climbing and hate snowy winters, your recruiter might suggest you take a job in the West, maybe in Arizona or southern Utah.

Why does travel nursing interest you?

People decide to start traveling for all different reasons, including a change of pace, need for warmer weather or opportunity to gain experience. Your recruiter wants to understand why you’re interested in travel nursing so she can find the best opportunities for you.

Do you prefer a large or small hospital?

Travel nursing assignments are available in large hospitals, trauma centers, teaching hospitals and small community hospitals. Let your recruiter know which kind of hospital you are most comfortable working in so he can match you to the appropriate facilities.

What is your current salary?

Your recruiter will ask you about current and expected pay in your initial call. Have this conversation at the beginning so you and your recruiter can set realistic expectations.

What are your top priorities in a travel assignment?

Now that your recruiter knows why you want to start traveling, he will also ask what’s most important to you. Weight location, pay, schedule or shift in terms of priority. If you’re not willing to compromise on pay or schedule, for example, be sure your recruiter knows that so he can better narrow the job search.

Will you be living in company-provided housing or choosing the stipend?

You may not know the answer to this question yet, but this is a good time to discuss your options with the recruiter. If you’ve never been to the state where you’d like to take a job before or are traveling alone, sticking with company-provided housing may be your best option.

Will other people or pets be traveling with you?

This is especially important if the company is providing your housing, but it also helps your recruiter get to know you and find accommodations that work for everyone.

Have you submitted your profile already to any hospitals?

Recruiters always ask this question because they want to make sure they are not researching and presenting jobs that you are already submitted to. This also helps you avoid having your profile submitted by more than one agency.

For more tips on preparing for your call, check out Five Ways to Make a Travel Nurse Recruiter Happy.