You have abundant options available if you’re an advanced clinical practitioner looking for new opportunities to work as a locum tenens provider. Thanks to its advantages in schedule flexibility, better rates, and freedom to travel, to name a few, thousands of healthcare providers are now enjoying locum tenens jobs more than ever.
But the question is, how do you pick the ideal agency that can connect you to the desired assignments? It isn’t as complicated as it sounds, and below we’ll discuss some tips that should aid you in syncing your personal needs and career objectives with the firm you decide to work with.
- The client should pay
Staffing firms are supposed to help candidates find locum assignments. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean that you should be paying for the services they render. Instead, the parties needing physicians or nurse practitioners should be paying the recruiter. Thus, if the agency asks you for payment, it’s best to explore other options.
- Remain discerning
When choosing a staffing firm, it’s a rule of thumb always to be discerning. So make sure you do your due diligence before committing to an agency. Take the time to create a shortlist of prospects and get to know those you’re considering. Make sure to inquire how long the companies have been operating and ask for a client list, as it will determine what assignments you can get.
Look into the locum work they have available and assess their professionalism. Your choice will ultimately impact the benefits you can reap, so don’t decide on impulse. It will make a difference in the long run.
- Avoid working with too many companies
While other practitioners tend to work with a few staffing firms, it’s recommended that you stick with one, especially if you’re starting. Doing so won’t just make the process more straightforward and effective, but it’ll prevent confusion. Furthermore, if your resume is widely circulated, it could make you appear too desperate or eager for work.
In addition, many recruitment companies tend to be wary of candidates whose CVs are over-shopped. For this reason, try to work with no more than a couple. You’ll have a better locum tenens experience in this way.
- Be clear on your needs
There’s no denying how advantageous locum tenens work can be. However, it would be best if you were still realistic about your needs. For example, you might be looking for part-time work with pay equal to full-timers in a specific location, but you might need a referral base established in areas that aren’t too competitive. So make sure you’re clear on everything you want to get from working in locums.
Conclusion
Locum tenens work boasts many advantages. However, the benefits will be determined by the chosen recruiter. Therefore, you need to do your homework when picking a staffing firm. However, a small investment of time will give you the returns you want out of locum tenens.
