Whether
you're newly out of your residency or at any other stage of your journey as a
practicing physician, you may soon find yourself working with a locum tenens
recruiter to find a part-time or full-time locum assignment.
The benefits of working with an
established locum tenens agency are many. In addition to providing a broad variety
of physician and advanced practitioner jobs across the United States, leading agencies
like Staff Care offer industry expertise and service that you can depend on—through
every stage of the process.
Their candidate services are also provided
at no cost to you.
Yet, the most important aspect of
this working arrangement will be developing a relationship with your locum
recruiter. Experienced locums report that having a supportive, knowledgeable
recruiter is essential to their success. They also acknowledge that practitioners
must do their part to communicate well and partner with their recruiter in
order to achieve their goals.
FIND locum tenens jobs in your
specialty.
6
Keys to Working with Locum Recruiters
The following list highlights six
key factors for physicians and advanced practitioners who want to build a
mutually beneficial partnership with their locum recruiter.
1.
Openness. A good locum tenens recruiter
isn't just concerned with your job prospects, but also with what makes you
happy as a person. He or she understands that your success in the role is
strongly influenced by the personal satisfaction you take with each assignment
— so be open and honest when considering the prospects put before you. Plus,
the more you share about your personal and professional goals, the better
equipped your recruiter will be to find your ideal assignments.
2.
Flexibility. Locum tenens assignments can
allow you to see virtually every corner of the United States, and experience
healthcare in different settings. So don’t be too narrow with your wish lists,
or unwilling to listen to a different kind of opportunity. Being open to new
experiences will open up more job possibilities and serve as a gateway to your
professional and personal development.
3.
Responsiveness. It’s important to keep the
lines of communication active. If your locum recruiter leaves you a message, a
prompt response will help ensure you don't miss any new opportunities, delay your
start date, or otherwise prolong the placement process.
4.
Selectivity. Working with multiple locum
tenens agencies may seem like an effective way to maximize your exposure, but
it can be counterproductive if you spread yourself too thin. Your relationship
with a locum recruiter is a two-way street, so be aware of your communication
responsibilities to each.
5.
Recordkeeping. Providing your recruiter with
updated paperwork and licenses, and tracking all of your expenses while on
assignment, will help keep things running smoothly. Take advantage of any
options for submitting paperwork online. For instance, the My Staff Care portal is designed to streamline the required documentation and keep
you on track, both before and during your locum assignments.
6.
Thoroughness. Read each contract thoroughly
before accepting a new opportunity. Your locum recruiter should make sure
you're equipped with malpractice insurance and travel expense coverage for your
assignment, but read through each section and ask questions about anything you
don't understand. Recruiters can answer most of your questions, but they should
not be providing legal or tax advice.
Developing a strong relationship with your locum
tenens recruiter can help ensure you'll find the best career opportunities, and
be more likely to enjoy a trouble-free assignment.
Related:
10
Questions to Ask Before Accepting a Locum Tenens Assignment
10
Things I Wish I Had Known as a New Locum Tenens Provider
FAQs: The Most
Frequently Asked Questions About Locum Tenens
STAFF CARE’s locum tenens recruiters represent the
elite in the business, and they are standing by to answer your questions or help
you get started.
CONTACT A STAFF CARE RECRUITER