6 Things Your Nurse Manager Wants You to Know

Six Things a Nursing Supervisor Wants Travelers to Know

1. You’re important to them. They need you and value your skills. You may feel the appreciation more strongly from some people than others, but rest assured, it’s there.
2. They want you to like their hospital. They may not expect you to become best friends forever with everyone on the unit, but they want your experience to be positive. They’re proud of the team they’ve built, and they want you to feel like part of it. They hope you like their hometown and would consider coming back.
3. They are busy. But not too busy for a procedural check in. You should be able to work independently, but making assumptions about how things are done in a facility that is new to you is not always the best tactic. If you don’t know, ask.
4. They need travelers who are great communicators. You don’t have the verbal shorthand that long-time colleagues have, so you have to know how to deliver information thoroughly, succinctly, and without ambiguity. Flip side, if you’re not getting the information you need, find a knowledgeable supervisor and ask in the most neutral way you can for the feedback you need. It’s all about delivering the best patient care you can.
5. They value RNs who are reliable and follow through on what they say they will do. This can be as basic as showing up for your shift on time, in the proper gear and ready to go. Or as advanced as sharing information about a practice or system that you mastered in a previous position.
6. They appreciate a positive attitude. It’s nursing, so not every day is going to be rainbows and fluffy bunnies, BUT if you can find the humor where it is, try not to let ‘em see you sweat, and go that extra mile, you will be a traveler they want to hire again and again.

Every hospital administrator is eager to find travelers they want to hire back. A stellar traveler -- who is a great fit -- is like a golden unicorn. You can be that unicorn!

What Managers Look for During a Travel Nurse Interview

• They are watching for signs that you can go with the flow and pick things up quickly
  • Considering an assignment in a major metro hospital? When you’re interviewing, the nurse manager will want to see traits that demonstrate an ability to work in a fast-paced team environment.
  • Is the assignment in a smaller community hospital? Be prepared with a few instances that show your ability to step outside your ‘wheelhouse’ into other practice areas.
• Indications that you are confident, and honest. You may be asked to tell your interviewer about a mistake you made, how you resolved it, and what you learned from it. Be ready with your answer.
• Managers are always seeking staff who are enthusiastic about nursing and learning new things. Highlight any advanced certifications or continuing education courses, especially if they are related to the position you’re interviewing for. Do a little research on the assignment location and the hospital. Ask a question that shows you’re interested.