You’ve decided to give locum tenens assignments a try, but you’re overwhelmed by the number of agencies to choose from. Should I go with a small firm or a large one that staffs many types of healthcare providers? Do I want to work only in certain regions or have the option to take assignments across the country?
The following questions can help you determine which locum tenens staffing agency will best fit your needs:
1. Are you a member of NALTO, and do you follow its guidelines?
The National Association of Locum Tenens Organizations (NALTO) requires its members to abide by several ethical standards, including representing job opportunities accurately, requesting a provider’s permission before submitting his or her CV to a client, and honoring all contractual agreements. If you choose an agency that is not a member of NALTO, be aware that the employees are not held to its ethics.
2. How long have you been in business?
Agencies that have been in business a year or less typically won’t have as many clients or available assignments and may not be able to offer you important benefits such as malpractice insurance, paid travel and housing, and health insurance. Consider the number of years the company has been around and ask colleagues what they’ve heard about it before signing a contract.
3. How long have you been working with a specific facility?
Again, young agencies may have only worked with a certain hospital or clinic for a few months, which could make taking a locum tenens assignment there a risk. Where possible, protect yourself by working with well-known facilities that have long relationships with the agency.
4. Do you represent and understand my specialty?
Some companies staff only a few specialties or are so small that one recruiter manages providers from multiple specialties. To get a job that’s most satisfying and best suited to your skill set, make sure you choose a staffing company that not only places professionals in your specialty but understands it. A recruiter can get you a position that pays well, meets your expectations and allows you to work in a great location if he or she knows what you’re looking for and what other providers in your specialty have enjoyed.
5. Is malpractice insurance covered?
Make sure your agency protects you while on assignment with malpractice insurance coverage. Discuss whether the policy is comprehensive, if charges are associated, and if it covers any incident that may occur while you work for them, even after the assignment ends.
6. Do you offer contract negotiation?
Ask whether the company provides help understanding locum tenens contracts and negotiating or amending the terms before taking an assignment. You should feel satisfied that you know what you’ve agreed to before traveling to a new place.
7. Are travel and housing covered?
The cost of flights to your locum tenens destinations and an apartment while you’re on assignment can quickly add up, so ask if your staffing agency covers travel and housing (and ensures you’re living in a safe place) or provides a stipend if you find your own place to stay.
8. Will I have one consultant working with me?
Looking for locum tenens assignments can quickly become frustrating and time-consuming if you must speak to a different consultant or recruiter each time you call your staffing company, explaining your work history, credentials and requirements in a job over and over again. Make sure that you’ll have a dedicated recruiter to handle all aspects of your assignments so the process goes smoother–and you can enjoy a personal relationship and results tailored to your needs.
9. When can I reach my consultant?
Weatherby Healthcare‘s consultants are available five days a week through their office numbers and on nights and weekends through their mobile phones to immediately address providers’ concerns when they arise. Make sure that your agency allows you to get in touch with your recruiter frequently or employs an emergency number you can call if you can’t reach him or her.
10. Which states would I be able to work in?
While the number of assignments in different states varies from day to day, some staffing companies only offer assignments in certain regions or states, depending on how large they are and the number of facilities they work with. If you have your heart set on a specific city, make sure that your agency staffs providers there.
11. Do you have quality and risk management teams?
In the event of a malpractice suit, you should feel good knowing that your locum tenens staffing company has your back and will provide legal help if you need it. Agencies with quality management teams also ensure that you work with reputable facilities.
12. Will someone help me with the licensing and hospital privileging processes?
Reputable staffing agencies have teams dedicated to helping you obtain state licenses and hospital privileges before you take your locum tenens assignments. These teams have relationships with state boards and facilities throughout the country and can help you navigate the process much more quickly.
13. When will I be paid?
It may be last on the list, but it’s incredibly important to know how and when you’ll be paid (e.g., direct deposit or bimonthly checks) for your locum tenens assignments. If you feel uncomfortable with the frequency in which the agency is paying you or an outdated method of payment, you may need to look for a different company.
Asking these questions can help you find an agency that has your best interests in mind and, in turn, form relationships with recruiters who’ll find you that perfect job.
