By Isabella Thomas
Providers who are in need of extra staff can get the help they need through locum tenens. This provides short-term assignments for healthcare workers, which might be just what's needed for a facility to handle a shortage or to find extra help when they need it. For providers, it's important to make sure the locum tenens job is handled properly so everything goes as smoothly as possible.
Work WIth an Agency
It is a good idea to work with an agency for locum tenens management, as the agency will do a lot of the hard work finding potential candidates. The agency also has help available for facilities so they can find the right person for the job, track the jobs they have available, and more. All of this help can be crucial for facilities that have multiple positions to fill or that are new to working with locum tenens.
Create an Effective Onboarding Process
It is crucial to make sure there is an effective onboarding process. The onboarding process should be tailored to locum tenens work and should have all of the information the person will need when they begin the assignment. Make sure this includes how to access the building or certain areas, where they will be working in the building, introductions to those who they will be working with, and more.
Check the CV Before Accepting Someone
Take the time to read through the person's CV before accepting them for the assignment. Even though the agency will try to find the best match for the position, it is still a good idea to check out the person's work history and other information before hiring them. Take a look at their recent positions, where they worked previously, any gaps in employment, and other information that may be pertinent. Ask questions if anything is unusual or if there is anything that is unclear.
Check the Person's Licenses and Certifications
It is a good idea to check out the person's licenses and certifications to make sure they're a good fit for the job. While they should have everything required for the position, they may also have additional licenses or certifications that could prove useful while they work with the facility. If it is challenging to find someone with the right certifications, it may be possible to find someone who is otherwise qualified and help them get the right certifications before beginning work.
Evaluate All Interactions
When interacting with the person prior to hiring them for the locum tenens position, be sure to evaluate all interactions. Make sure they are responsive, they can respond to any questions, and that they are able to fully answer any questions that might be asked. Don't forget to give them the opportunity to ask questions about the position and see what is important to them when they begin working. The questions they ask can give a lot of insight into who they are.
If you're in need of extra staff to handle a shortage, whether it's a short-term issue or something a little longer, locum tenens can be the answer. Take the time to find the right agency to work with, as they'll make it much easier to find short-term workers, make sure everything is ready before the assignment begins, and help if needed during the assignment.