10 Things You Won’t Miss when You Work a Locum Tenens Assignment (continued)

As promised, here are 2 more things you won’t miss when you work locums:

7. Self promotion – Twenty years ago, physicians would have considered it unethical to market and promote their practices. Today, the internet has changed all that and physicians must use every angle they can to get the word out to prospective patients.  Locum tenens physicians don’t have to worry about promoting themselves or their practices because when their assignment is complete, they move on to the next one. Most locums do recognize however that they need to provide excellent patient care and be easy to work with so that they are either invited back when a vacancy opens up or can land a plum assignment in a new locale.

8. Long hours – Physicians with office or hospital practices rarely work an eight hour day. When you have administrative responsibilities in addition to medical responsibilities, the day is long. If you have a family or want to spend your free time somewhere other than work, the long hours can take their toll. That’s not to say that locums don’t work long hours when needed. They do! But locums tend to be able to set their schedules and work when they want to, and if they want time off, they just schedule their assignments around it.

How to have a successful locum tenens career!

You’ve made an excellent career move but now you’re ready to become that successful professional.   

Locum Tenens Career

Here are 5 simple points you should think about in order to succeed in the industry.

1. Try your best to be flexible and open minded.  You should be willing to try new things; this is essential.  Doctors often have their fixed routine set in place and sometimes it is not easy to adapt to someone else’s routine.  Also, be willing to learn new techniques and accept alternative ways of  reaching the same goals. 
2. Remember, working as a locum tenens is an amazing way to travel and still pad your CV.  However, it    is not a vacation!  Never forget, you are there to work, but the good times won’t be far behind.
3. Depending on your lodging arrangements, consider arriving a day or two early.  This is a really great idea for a smooth transition into a new office, even if it is just for a short contract.  Introduce yourself to other staff members & find out where you’ll be working – maybe request a tour of the entire office.  Make sure you can actually find the office.  Then on your first day, you can arrive early, ready to start work with a strong, positive attitude.  Clients and staff members will appreciate your efficiency. 
4. Treat working as a locum tenens as a learning experience.  Make the most of your time.  Inquire about    the client’s methods and techniques.  Asking smart questions is a great way to learn new things about    the industry.  It also helps to bridge connections between yourself and other associates.   
5. Maintain good relationships between patients and staff.  It is important to be tolerant and professional.  Patients respond well to empathy; it makes their time at your office more comfortable.  Take the time to relate to each and every patient.  Their satisfaction will leave you with a    solid, very rewarding feeling!  

      We remain, as always,

Pathmark Locum Service, Inc 

LOCUMS4YOU