- Be accessible. The locum tenens market moves at a quick pace. In the time it takes to return a phone call or email, the assignment that you may have really wanted could be filled by someone else.
- Make sure you have a complete collection of all your credentialing materials. It is often best to keep everything in one spot so you know where to find it. See our article on locum tenens credentialing tips.
- Keep accurate records of payments received and expenses incurred as a locum tenens. Generally speaking, as a locum tenens you are a 1099 independent contractor. This means that nothing is withheld from your pay check for taxes and other purposes – keeping track of income and expenses throughout the year can make tax time a breeze.
- Stay on top of all state licenses and certifications at the appropriate times. Renewing a license or certification is time consuming and never something you want to have to do at the last minute. And remember, Barton can help you with this. We can pay new and renewal state license fees for you and also help you with licensure paperwork and logistics. Learn more about our locum tenens credentialing team.
- It is best to keep all your paperwork with you while on assignment. Oftentimes, you are lining up your next assignment while on your current locum tenens assignment. The next facility or practice you are going to will probably not have time to wait for you to return home and get your paperwork. It is very easy to scan and save your credentialing documents to a USB drive or to save them all to an internet site, such as Google Docs.
- Keep up-to-date on current technology – everything from EMR proficiency to experience with cutting edge procedures will make you more marketable to facilities and practices.
- You should have a clear and accurate calendar detailing all of your locums assignments – including where you were in the past and where you are going in the future. This will help to eliminate any confusion about availability and work history. Barton Associates has an excellent credentialing team that can help you with this process.
- Maintaining an accurate list of where your CV has been submitted is also key. You do not want two companies to submit your CV to the same client for the same job.
- Make the most of your travels. You should take advantage of frequent flyer and hotel loyalty programs and points clubs. Your locum tenens related travel can easily result in free trips!
- It is important to do your homework when choosing a recruiter. Does the locum tenens agency:
> Offer competitive compensation? > Have an experienced recruiting team committed to your success as a locum? > Have short and long term jobs available nationwide in a wide-variety of practice areas? > Offer to pay new state license fees for you and help with licensure related paperwork? > Provide ‘A’ rated medical malpractice insurance? > Provide comprehensive support before, during, and after your assignment? When you work with Barton Associates, the answer is yes to all of the above.
