Being a locum tenens provider can give physicians numerous benefits. It allows them to tailor their work schedules to their needs to an extent and can bring about a better work-life balance. It can also give them opportunities to travel if that’s what they want or stay close to home if they prefer. Locum tenens work can give doctors the option of choosing which communities they cater to and potentially even help them determine which career path best suits them. Those are only a few of the advantages of being a locum tenens provider.
Of course, reaping the full rewards of the locum tenens lifestyle requires taking the right approach to this type of work. It’s important to prepare yourself ahead of time and ask the right questions when choosing assignments. With help from CHG Healthcare, you can make the most of the opportunities that await you. Keeping the following tips in mind along the way will also help you to succeed.
Decide Which Assignments You Want
One of the most important steps you can take is to think carefully about the types of assignments you want. Do you want to stay in one place for a while, or would you rather move from one short-term assignment to another? Do you want to work in a urban setting or a rural environment? Maybe you’d like to work in underserved communities. Beyond those considerations, you’ll need to decide whether you want to work in large hospitals or small practices. Do you prefer short or long shifts?
There’s an ever-growing demand for locum tenens and an increasingly diverse range of assignments available. Chances are you’ll be able to find at least a few that meet your expectations. If you’d like to try out different types of assignments and work environments, that’s an option as well.
Stay Flexible
Another essential measure is to stay flexible. Even if you choose the same types of assignments time after time, your work environment is going to change. After all, no two medical facilities operate exactly the same way. They have different processes, protocols, and systems in place, and their patients’ needs can vary greatly. You’ll need to be willing and able to adapt to those changes as you move from one assignment to another. It may be a bit of a struggle, but it’ll also help you to broaden your horizons and expand your skills and experience.
Be a Team Player
Being a team player is also crucial for locum tenens providers. You’ll be moving from one facility to another and interacting with different teams along the way. You’ll need to be able to transition smoothly and successfully integrate yourself into those teams. That means you’ll need to communicate effectively, practice active listening, and make every effort to adapt to the way they operate. It’ll help you to build strong working relationships with your colleagues and collaborate with them more effectively.
Keep Your Resume and CV Up to Date
Finally, be sure to keep your resume and CV up to date. Keeping up with those details may not be easy, especially if you quickly move from one short-term assignment to another. Still, it’s a task that shouldn’t be overlooked. Each assignment you complete adds to your work history, skills, and experience. Future employers will take that into account when they’re considering your qualifications. Gaps in your work history could be frowned upon, and potential employers won’t know they’re only there because you failed to update those documents.
Making the Most of Locum Tenens Work
A growing number of physicians are choosing locum tenens work over the conventional alternatives, and they have no regrets. Being a locum tenens provider gives you a range of new opportunities, skills, and experience. Keep the tips mentioned here in mind to help you make the most of the locum tenens lifestyle and all the potential benefits that come with it.