Before accepting a travel nurse contract, be sure you understand what is expected of you, what you can expect at the facility, and ways your AB Staffing Recruiter can help you navigate your new role. The travel nurse recruiter is there to be your guide. Along with your housing coordinator, they are there to not only land you the contract that meets your career goals, they are your resource for your best travel nurse experience.
Whether you are a seasoned traveler or new on the scene, a new contract means a new adventure. Maybe you accepted a crisis contract or you’re working at an IHS Facility, wherever your adventure takes you, your travel nurse recruiter is there to help you find the answers to your questions about what not to do as a travel healthcare professional, how to make your new housing feel like home, travel nursing with family, and more. Not sure what to ask? We’ve got ideas!
Ask Your Travel Nurse Recruiter about the Facility
While we try to answer all your questions, there are some our recruiters are better equipped to ask while others you may ask during your interview with the facility. Ask your recruiter questions like:
- What is the size of the facility?
- What are their specialties?
- What type of orientation should I expect?
- How many hours will I work?
- Are hours guaranteed?
- Does the facility extend travel nurse contracts often?
- Are there other AB Staffing travelers at this facility?
- What certifications are needed for an assignment?
Questions to ask your interviewer include:
- How is scheduling done?
- What is the nurse-to-patient ratio?
- What are the day-to-day activities?
- How many travelers work in the facility?
What to Ask about Travel and Housing
Before you begin packing, ask your recruiter about travel to and from the location as well as about housing. Never sign a rental agreement without seeing the housing, even if the best you can do is a virtual tour. You don’t want to be stuck in a place that doesn’t fit your needs.
- What are my housing options?
- How far away is the facility from the nearest town, grocery store, or general store?
- Is there room for family members and/or pets?
- What is your travel reimbursement?
- How long do I have to arrive, get settled, and check in at the new facility?
- What forms of travel will I need to take to get to my assignment?
You want to understand the details, so you prepare and pack the right items. Perhaps a stop at a grocery or big box store for the essentials is needed on the way to your rural location. Maybe pets aren’t allowed in the housing you’ve selected or there aren’t pet caretakers in the area; even if allowed, you want to be sure your pet will be comfortable while you’re on assignment.
What to Ask About the Process
Before you leave for an assignment, be clear about the process with your recruiter.
- How long has your agency been placing nurses in my specialty?
- How long are the travel nurse assignments?
- How often do your nurses extend their contracts?
- How often should I check in with you?
- Can you give me a reference of other travel nurses that have worked with you?
- Does AB Staffing pay for license or certification reimbursement?
- Does AB Staffing offer a 24/7 hotline for any issues I may encounter?
- What benefits are offered (insurance, sick time, PTO, 401k)?
- What is your experience placing my specialty?
Not all travel nurse agencies are the same, so you want to be comfortable with the process and understand where you are going and what to expect.
Ask Your Travel Nurse Recruiter What-if Questions
In today’s changing world, it is more important than ever to understand the what if scenarios. Travel rules and quarantining are changing every day. The risk of illness is greater than it once was, especially for healthcare workers. It’s worth asking your recruiter questions like:
- What happens if I get sick while on assignment?
- What happens if I have a family emergency and cannot finish my assignment?
- How do you deal with housing or travel issues?
- Who should I contact if there are safety or other issues with the assignment?
It is our job to find the right match for you and to make sure you have housing, travel, and safety concerns addressed before your move.
At AB Staffing, your travel nurse recruiter is here for you every step of your journey. From initial contact to completing an assignment and moving on to the next, our team wants to find the right place for you.
Interested in learning more about becoming a travel healthcare professional? Contact AB Staffing today!
