Travel nurses are nurses who travel to a variety of geographic locations for short term nursing assignments in a medical facility. These nurses will fill in for full time nurses on leave or during peak work times in such places as a hospital, doctor's office, or other medical facility. The salary is quite high with assignments usually lasting about 13 weeks.

The job interview for a travel nurse is a bit different than when interviewing for a traditional nursing position. Interviews are done over the phone instead of in person. Normally a human resources manager will review your resume and decide if you will make a good temporary addition to the medical team. If the manager wants to interview you, he or she will contact the travel nursing company where you are a member. Once an interview has been arranged, you will be contacted about the time that you will receive the interview phone call. It is important to adequately prepare for the phone job interview.

The following are a number of tips to help a travel nurse have a successful job interview:

1. Because of high competition, make sure you have your interview as soon as possible so you can gain a competitive edge over other candidates interviewing for the position.

2. Before the job interview, research the medical facility. You can do this by going online and checking out the company's website. Make any notes about key features of the facility. Prepare any questions you might have about the company.

3. Prepare for questions that the interviewer may ask. You can practice with a fellow travel nurse or with a friend. Travel nurses are in high demand so make sure you are professional when you speak. Make sure you can speak clearly and without being distracted. Although you will be on the phone, smile as that will affect the tone of your vice. Make sure you don't have any uncomfortable pauses and don't use phrases such as ‘umm.' You should speak smoothly with a relaxed tone.

4. Make sure you ask relevant questions about the job and facility. Keep pertinent materials about the facility beside you for reference.

5. During the interview, highlight that you are a team player, can adapt to a new environment, can handle stress, and are flexible. These are qualifications that employers are looking for in a travel nurse. Keep a bottle of water with you in case of a dry or scratchy throat.

6. Follow up with the travel nursing agency to let them know how the interview went. As well, make sure you know what the next step is in the travel nurse job process.

When preparing for a travel nurse job interview, you need to be self-confident and aware of all of your essential skills and education that shows that you will make a valuable temporary employee. Taking the time to adequately prepare for the interview will significantly increase the chances of securing the travel nurse job.