5 Questions to Ask at Travel Nurse Orientation
Travel nurse orientations set clinicians up for success on their assignments, but travelers can do more to ensure they receive the best introduction to the facility possible. Part of that requires the nurse to ask the right questions during orientation. AMN Healthcare can help make that happen.
“A smooth transition sets them up for a successful assignment,” said Erin F., RN, MSN, FN-CSA, CCRN, an AMN Healthcare clinical experience and quality manager. Erin and the rest of her team support travelers on assignment, in addition to the facility’s available resources to help nurses provide top-quality care.
Why a nursing orientation is vital
Whenever starting a new, permanent nursing job or a travel assignment, orientation will help to ensure an efficient adjustment to a new position. A travel nurse orientation helps the traveler understand facility policies and procedures, how to operate the electronic medical record system, and how to contact key staff such as respiratory therapy, physical therapy, pharmacy, or any other department.
A comprehensive nurse orientation program can improve patient care and safety, because the nurse can act quickly and confidently. It also helps nurses know how to access additional help as needed.
What to expect during a travel nurse orientation
While travel nurses provide a critical role in filling vacancies, they usually do not receive as robust of an orientation as a nurse hired directly for a permanent position by the hospital. Travelers are expected to have sufficient experience in their specialty to know the basic protocols and best practices.
Everyone working in the facility should receive an orientation to the hospital’s policies and procedures; equipment; electronic medical record system; how to respond to an emergency; and where to park, access the orientation, and locate the cafeteria, bathrooms and other essentials. Some orientations may take place virtually. Additionally, AMN Healthcare helps with electronic health record classes which may be conducted online before the nurse arrives on site. Unit orientations usually follow the general nurse orientation.
“Even an experienced RN still needs an orientation to the new facility and how things work,” Erin said.
While permanent nurses often are assigned a mentor, that is not the norm for travel nurses. Travelers will normally have an identified supervisor or other contact to reach out to for questions.
Travel nurses can often get answers to some general questions from their recruiter, or during their initial interview, but most will have additional questions during orientation. Learn more about how to prepare for your orientation and your first day on assignment: Nurse Orientation: 5 Tips to Help You Prepare.
5 essential questions to ask during orientation
To make the most of a travel nurse orientation, the clinician must ask pertinent questions that will help them perform their job to the best of their ability.
- The key questions nurses ask should cover:
- How to find and use important resources and documents, such as the EMR system and medication dispensing systems;
- Scope of practice questions for nurses on the unit, including any limitations put on travel nurses;
- The role of other healthcare professionals and when they should be called to assist;
- The key emergency procedures, including how to call a code, how to reach out to the rapid response team, if available; fire safety; active shooter procedures; and infection prevention policies; Who to contact for assistance and support.
“It’s important to have questions up front, and I encourage that,” said Kelsey R., MSN, RN, CMSRN, a clinical manager on the crisis team at AMN Healthcare. “If you ask the right questions, someone will have an answer for you.”
Clarifying your scope of practice for each contract
Orientation provides an opportunity to understand the RN scope of practice at the assigned facility, the responsibilities and limitations of a travel nurse at this hospital, and how to reach out for help.
Travel nurses should seek assistance from an AMN Healthcare clinical manager if they are being asked to float to a unit in which they are unfamiliar with and do not have the skills, for instance floating to an intensive care unit or surgical services.
Making the most of your nurse orientation
Your travel nurse orientation offers an opportunity to meet new people, including colleagues and leadership. Make an effort to remember people’s names and how to contact them. Pay careful attention to the safety procedures and protocols, and ask your questions when appropriate. This introductory period also presents opportunities to set goals for your assignment and identify opportunities for your professional development.
Apply now to travel with AMN Healthcare
Our staff is dedicated finding your ideal travel nursing assignment and equipping you to be successful. They will also be there to support you—before and after your orientation, and throughout your entire assignment.
“Be an advocate for yourself,” Kelsey advised. “You have to reach out and let us help you.”
