Before crossing your T’s and dotting your I’s on your travel nurse assignment, it’s important that you know the ins and outs and what to expect. There are a lot of agencies and assignments out there, but they aren’t all created equal. That’s why Tiffany, Ventura MedStaff’s Interim Nursing & Allied Health Recruitment Supervisor, believes the right questions upfront can save you from headaches later.
Your recruiter and the facility staff are your partners and key in setting you up for success. The more clarity you get about your assignment at the start, the fewer surprises you’ll encounter along the way.
Here’s what Tiffany says you should ask so you can feel confident saying yes to that next travel nurse assignment.
Questions to Ask Your Recruiter
Your recruiter is your partner in navigating contracts, pay, and logistics. Tiffany said that asking the right questions before you sign makes sure you know exactly what you’re walking into.
1. What’s the full pay package breakdown?
“It’s not just about the top-line number,” Tiffany explained. “You need to know the taxable hourly rate, stipends, overtime rates, holiday pay, and any reimbursements.” Knowing where your money comes from helps you budget wisely. You understand how your pay can be affected week by week and can plan for that in advance.
2. How does time-off work?
“Travelers will want to ask whether time-off needs to be pre-approved and if there are limits on unpaid days,” Tiffany noted. If you’ve got a wedding, holiday, or special event coming up, this can make a huge difference.
3. What are the guaranteed hours?
“Does your contract offer guaranteed hours, and if so, what are they? This is information you’ll want to have.” Tiffany emphasized.
4. What happens if my contract is canceled?
It’s rare, but it does happen. “You should always understand notice periods and cancellation clauses,” Tiffany advised. Your recruiter should be able to walk you through the next steps should anything like that happen.
5. What benefits are included?
Benefits are a big part of your overall compensation when working as a travel nurse. “Health insurance, travel reimbursement, and license reimbursement can vary greatly between agencies,” Tiffany explained. It’s important you know which benefits are most important to you and fit your lifestyle.
6. What’s your communication style and availability?
Even the best assignments can come with challenges. “Knowing a recruiter’s communication style helps set expectations for support if problems arise.” Tiffany clarified. Knowing this information ahead of time will make sure you feel supported in a way that works best for you, especially when something urgent comes up.
Tiffany also pointed out a few questions travelers often forget to ask. For example: How will you be paid if you’re called off? Is there an extension possibility? And does your recruiter already work with this facility? “These may seem small,” Tiffany said, “but they can make a big difference in how supported you feel during your travel nurse assignment.”
Questions to Ask During the Facility Interview
Even the best contract can feel overwhelming if the facility itself isn’t a good fit. Tiffany reminded travelers that the interview isn’t just for the hospital to evaluate you, it’s also your chance to evaluate them.
1. What’s the floating policy?
“You don’t want to be surprised by floating to units outside your comfort zone,” Tiffany said. Knowing you might be asked to float ahead of time can help you prepare.
2. What are the nurse-to-patient ratios?
“This is another important question to ask,” Tiffany pointed out. This sets expectations for workload and patient safety.
3. What’s the orientation like for travelers?
Some facilities provide a shadow shift; others have structured training. Tiffany explained, “Knowing this upfront allows you to prepare and advocate for yourself.”
4. How often are travelers at your facility cancelled or low-censused?
This is critical for budgeting and planning. Understanding how often cancellations occur, whether you’ll receive partial pay, and how much notice is typically given helps you plan your finances realistically and avoid unpleasant surprises.
5. What qualities will make a traveler successful here?
“Asking this question gives you insight into the unit’s culture and expectations,” Tiffany explained. It can reveal whether they value flexibility, strong communication, or independence, and helps you determine if those qualities align with your own strengths.
6. What support staff are available?
“Knowing if you’ll have CNAs, charge nurses, or rapid response teams matters for safety,” Tiffany emphasized. Plus, without adequate support, tasks can pile up quickly and lead to burnout. This question makes it clear what kind of day-to-day environment you’ll be stepping into.
And just like with recruiters, there are often-overlooked questions worth asking at the facility. Tiffany suggested clarifying what electronic medical record (EMR) system the facility uses and how communication works on the unit. The way they answer can give you a feel for things like workload, how the team communicates, and whether it feels like the right fit for you as a nurse.
Travel With Ventura MedStaff
Tiffany’s advice boils down to this: don’t be afraid to ask questions. “Your career, your paycheck, and your well-being depend on the details you clarify before you accept an assignment,” Tiffany said.
With the right questions, you’ll not only protect yourself, but you’ll set yourself up for a successful, rewarding travel experience. Find a recruiter today to get started on your own traveler journey.
