The Short Answer

Prepare for your travel nurse interview with these common questions and expert answers. Learn what hiring managers look for and how to stand out.

Read the full breakdown below for detailed analysis, examples, and actionable steps.

Travel nurse interviews are different from staff nurse interviews. Managers want to know you can hit the ground running, adapt quickly, and handle yourself professionally from day one. Here’s how to prepare and stand out.

What Makes Travel Nurse Interviews Different

They’re Often Shorter

  • 15-30 minutes (vs. 30-60 for staff positions)
  • Managers are busy and need to fill spots quickly
  • Focus on confirming your skills match the unit’s needs

They’re Often Phone/Video Only

  • Many managers never meet you in person before you start
  • Video presence and phone skills matter
  • Technical issues can derail your interview

They Focus on Adaptability

  • Can you handle a new EMR?
  • How do you manage unfamiliar policies?
  • Will you fit in quickly with the existing team?

They’re Evaluating Risk

  • Will you complete the contract?
  • Can you work independently?
  • Are you drama-free?

The Top 20 Travel Nurse Interview Questions

Clinical Competency Questions

1. Tell me about your experience in [specialty].

What they want: Confirmation you have the skills they need.

Great answer:

“I’ve been a med-surg nurse for 5 years, with the last 3 focused on telemetry. I’m comfortable with cardiac monitoring, post-procedure care, and have experience with high-acuity patients. Most recently, I worked at a 400-bed Level II trauma center where we typically had 5-6 patients with diverse diagnoses.”

Key points:

  • Quantify your experience (years, patient ratios, bed counts)
  • Mention relevant specialties and skills
  • Connect to their unit’s likely needs
2. What patient populations have you worked with?

What they want: Assurance you can handle their patient mix.

Great answer:

“I’ve worked with a diverse population—post-surgical patients, cardiac step-down, DKA, CHF exacerbations, and some oncology overflow. At my last assignment, we also received direct admissions from the ED, so I’m comfortable with acute stabilization.”

3. Describe your experience with [specific skill/equipment].

Common asks: IV starts, central lines, chest tubes, vents, specific EMRs, specialized equipment.

Great answer:

“I’m very comfortable with chest tube management—insertion assistance, maintenance, troubleshooting, and removal. In my last role, I managed 2-3 patients with chest tubes daily and assisted with about 50 insertions. I’m also familiar with both Atrium and Pleur-Evac systems.”

4. How do you handle high-acuity situations?

What they want: Evidence of critical thinking and calm under pressure.

Great answer:

“I stay calm and prioritize. Recently, I had a patient rapidly deteriorate—went from stable to altered with dropping BP. I called the rapid response while starting interventions, delegated tasks to my colleagues, and stayed with the patient to monitor changes. He ended up being transferred to ICU for sepsis. Staying organized and communicating clearly made the difference.”

Adaptability Questions

5. How do you adjust to a new unit quickly?

What they want: Assurance you won’t need excessive hand-holding.

Great answer:

“I focus on the essentials first: where’s the code cart, how do I call the doctor, what’s the escalation process? I identify a few go-to people for questions. I review policies proactively during downtime. And I’m not shy about asking questions—I’d rather ask and get it right than assume and cause a problem.”

6. Tell me about a time you had to adapt to a new EMR quickly.

What they want: Comfort that you can learn their system.

Great answer:

“In my last contract, they used Meditech—I’d only worked with Epic and Cerner before. I asked for extra time during orientation to click through common workflows, found a super-user on the unit who helped me with tips, and within a week I was comfortable. By week two, I was helping orient another traveler.”

7. How do you handle unfamiliar policies or procedures?

Great answer:

“I always check the policy before doing anything I’m unsure about. Every hospital is slightly different. If I can’t find the policy, I ask the charge nurse or a senior staff member. I never assume my previous hospital’s way is the right way here.”

8. What do you do when you’re assigned to float to an unfamiliar unit?

What they want: Flexibility and willingness to help where needed.

Great answer:

“I clarify expectations upfront—what’s my patient assignment, who’s my resource, what equipment is specific to this unit? I focus on what transfers from my home unit and ask for help on anything unfamiliar. Floating is part of the job, and I approach it as a learning opportunity.”

Professionalism Questions

9. Why do you travel nurse?

What they want: Genuine motivation, not red flags.

Good reasons:

  • Flexibility and adventure
  • Professional growth and diverse experience
  • Financial goals
  • Seeing different healthcare systems

Avoid:

  • “I couldn’t get along with my last manager”
  • “Staff nursing is boring”
  • “I don’t like commitment”

Great answer:

“I love experiencing different healthcare systems and learning new approaches to patient care. Travel nursing lets me grow professionally while having the flexibility to live in new places. It’s also helped me become a much more adaptable, independent nurse.”

10. How do you build relationships with staff quickly?

Great answer:

“I come in with respect and humility. I’m here to help, not to tell them how things were done at my last hospital. I learn names quickly, offer help when I have time, and stay positive even when things are hectic. Most staff appreciate travelers who pull their weight and aren’t high-maintenance.”

11. How would your last manager describe you?

What they want: Self-awareness and confirmation you’re low-drama.

Great answer:

“My last manager would say I’m reliable and self-sufficient. She appreciated that I showed up on time, rarely called off, and handled my patients independently. She’d probably also say I’m approachable and good with families—I received several patient compliments during my contract.”

12. Describe a conflict with a coworker and how you handled it.

What they want: Evidence of professional conflict resolution.

Great answer:

“At my last assignment, a staff nurse was frustrated about travelers’ higher pay and made some comments. Instead of getting defensive, I acknowledged her feelings—it is frustrating to see pay disparities. I focused on doing my job well and being helpful. Eventually, she saw I was there to support the unit, and we worked together just fine.”

Reliability Questions

13. Have you ever ended a contract early?

What they want: Assurance you’ll finish.

If no:

“No, I’ve completed every contract I’ve signed. Reliability is important to me—the unit is counting on me.”

If yes (legitimate reason):

“Once, due to a family emergency. I gave as much notice as possible and worked with my agency to find a replacement. It wasn’t a decision I made lightly.”

14. What would make you consider ending a contract early?

Great answer:

“I’d have to feel my license was at risk due to unsafe conditions that weren’t being addressed. Otherwise, I’m committed to finishing what I sign up for. I know the unit is counting on me.”

15. How do you handle call-offs and low census?

Great answer:

“I understand it’s part of the job. I try to be flexible—if they need me to come in later or pick up a different shift, I’m usually willing. I also budget assuming some hours might be cancelled.”

Practical Questions

16. When can you start?

Be specific:

“I can start on [date]. I need [X days] to wrap up my current situation and travel.”

17. What shift do you prefer?

Be honest but flexible:

“I prefer nights, but I’m flexible and can work days if that’s what the unit needs.”

18. Are you comfortable with our patient ratio?

Be honest:

“A 5:1 ratio is within my comfort zone. Can you tell me about the typical acuity and support staff available?“

19. Do you have any questions for me?

Always have questions:

  • “What does orientation look like for travelers?”
  • “What’s the typical patient population on this unit?”
  • “Is there anything specific you want travelers to know before starting?”
  • “What makes travelers successful on your unit?“
20. Why do you want to work at this facility?

Research and customize:

“I’ve heard great things about your team culture, and the Level I trauma exposure is exactly what I’m looking for professionally. The location also works well for me this season.”

Red Flags to Avoid

What NOT to Say

❌ “My last facility was terrible” ❌ “I know a better way to do this” ❌ “I don’t really like working nights, but…” ❌ “I might need to leave early for [personal reason]” ❌ “How quickly can I call off?” ❌ “I had some issues with my last manager”

Behaviors to Avoid

❌ Being late or having technical issues ❌ Sounding distracted or uninterested ❌ Badmouthing previous employers ❌ Being unclear about your skills ❌ Seeming inflexible or high-maintenance

Interview Preparation Checklist

Before the Interview

  • Research the facility (size, trauma level, specialties)
  • Review the job description again
  • Prepare your experience summary
  • Have specific examples ready
  • Prepare 3-5 questions to ask
  • Test your phone/video setup
  • Find a quiet, professional location
  • Have your resume available

During the Interview

  • Speak clearly and confidently
  • Give specific examples with outcomes
  • Show enthusiasm for the opportunity
  • Ask thoughtful questions
  • Take notes
  • Thank them for their time

After the Interview

  • Send a brief thank-you email
  • Follow up with your recruiter
  • Reflect on what went well/could improve

Sample Thank-You Email

Subject: Thank you - [Your Name] RN Interview

Hi [Manager Name],

Thank you for taking the time to speak with me today about the [Unit] position at [Facility]. I enjoyed learning more about your unit and team.

I’m confident that my experience in [specialty] and ability to adapt quickly would make me a strong addition to your team. I’m excited about the opportunity to contribute to [something specific they mentioned].

Please let me know if you need any additional information. I look forward to hearing from you.

Best regards, [Your Name], RN [Your Phone]

The Bottom Line

Travel nurse interviews are about demonstrating:

  1. Clinical competence — You can do the job
  2. Adaptability — You can hit the ground running
  3. Professionalism — You’re low-drama and reliable
  4. Commitment — You’ll finish the contract

Prepare specific examples, stay positive about past experiences, and show genuine interest in their unit. You’ve got this.

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