Are you interested in a locum tenens assignment, but are you overwhelmed by the number of locum staffing agencies to choose from? More often than not, hospitals and medical practices are in a hurry to hire locum tenens physicians to fill gaps in care. This means they are forking out big bucks to find qualified professionals. Healthcare organizations may work with multiple recruiters and staffing agencies who are paid to qualify leads and fill job openings. This means they’re all looking for someone with your skills and experience. Plus, they are probably competing for you to pick them. Here are eight tips to help you find the best locum tenens agency for you!
Eight Tips for Finding the Best Locum Tenens Agency for You
1. Check the Agency’s Credibility
How do you find out if a locum tenens placement agency is reputable? Start by checking to see if they’re a member of the National Association of Locum Tenens Organization (NALTO). NALTO helps set industry standards and ethical guidelines for locum recruiters while offering educational services and networking forums for locum tenens and recruiters alike.
You should also check out the staffing agency’s website, ask for references from locum tenens who already worked with the company, and contact several other agencies to compare work practices. Though it seems like extra work and research, doing this simple task will ensure that you are choosing the best locum tenens agency for your needs.
2. Look for Efficiency
When searching for an agency, make sure to look for one that is working efficiently for their clients. If the company is working slowly on getting paperwork together, they probably won’t act quickly while presenting you to clients and practices either. The best locum tenens agency for you should be quick when it comes to getting the necessary paperwork together and making arrangements for your assignments.
3. Ask Questions About Assignment Details
The hiring agency will provide you with a detailed report of your role and responsibilities, hours, work environment, work schedule, on-call schedule, etc. Make sure you have all the information you need and develop a solid understanding of the assignment and contractual details. Negotiate terms suited to your needs to guarantee a healthy work-life balance. When you’re going through this process, pay attention to the sincerity coming from the agency staff. If they seem to avoid certain questions or are unsure of answers, this is a red flag when choosing a locum tenens agency.
4. Be Clear About What You Need and Want
Along with asking questions about specific assignment details, you should also be clear with the agency about what you need and want. By understanding exactly what you are looking for, it will help you align with agencies that offer these things. Not only will you be able to align with these companies, but by disclosing what you are looking for, it will give the company a chance to find and offer you these positions. If the agency does not attempt to find jobs that align with what you are looking for, then they may not be considering you as an important candidate and may not be the best locum tenens agency for you.
5. Understand All the Company Has to Offer
Some locum tenens staffing agencies offer to pay certain expenses for their candidates. These expenses may include travel, car rentals, and/or a daily stipend to feed yourself while on duty. Ask the locum recruiters which expenses are covered and/or reimbursed. In addition to expense benefits, many staffing companies also offer locum tenens housing stipends. When choosing a healthcare staffing agency, make sure you not only compare pay but also additional benefits. Just because some offer higher rates than others, that doesn’t necessarily mean it is the best deal. Make sure you’re considering the entire contract before making a decision.
6. Make Sure They Offer Malpractice Insurance
It is very important that you have medical malpractice insurance. Most organizations provide a ‘claims-made’ policy that covers a physician for all incidents that occur and are reported during the active period of the policy. Many malpractice claims are made well after the incident and would not be covered under the claims-made policy unless the staffing agency purchases an extended reporting endorsement or ‘tail’ coverage. Be sure to get a copy of the policy to read and understand all the details of the agency’s coverage.
7. The Client Should Pay NOT the Candidate
Locum tenens agencies are there to help you find assignments. This means that you shouldn’t be paying them to find you jobs. The agency should be getting paid by the office or hospital that is looking for candidates, not the candidates themselves. If an agency is asking you to pay for their services, then it is time to look somewhere else. These types of agencies are most likely not the best locum tenens agency for your needs.
8. Know That the Recruiter Should Be Your Best Advocate
The best staffing agencies are the ones you can trust. You’ll know the right locum tenens recruiter when they go above and beyond expectations to land you the perfect assignment. It is also important that they touch base with you along the way to make sure that things are going smoothly. If you are talking with a recruiter and they are slow to get back to you, you probably want to look elsewhere. It’s important that they are readily available when you need them. Also, keep in mind that communication is a two-way street. Often times, you’ll end up picking your agency based on your relationship with a recruiter.
Put These Tips to the Test
Understanding how these tips can help you find the best locum tenens job for you is just the beginning. Now, it is up to you to put them to the test and go out and find the agency that satisfies your wants and needs. Happy hunting!
What are some additional tips for choosing the best locum tenens agency? Share with us in the comments below!
