There are many advantages to working with a staffing agency specialized in the locum tenens industry, whether you are a healthcare professional or a healthcare facility representative. A small but growing industry, grossing around $1.2B in the U.S. during 2012 according to Staffing Industry Analyst , locum tenens staffing companies hold themselves to high standards in service and vetting.
As one of the firms in the industry, MPLT Healthcare (formerly MedPartners Locum Tenens) has extensive experience in physician and mid-level healthcare recruitment. Our credentialing team works to ensure you are provided with exceptional service in verifying your credentials and an overall positive business experience. As a member of the National Association of Locum Tenens Organizations (NALTO), rest assured MPLT Healthcare follows industry standards and practices while going the extra mile for our partners.
If you are seeking locum tenens assignments as a practitioner, it is critical you choose a partner that aligns with your needs. Below are a few things to consider before making a commitment.
What Are Your Goals
Before even starting your research on agencies available, evaluate your business and/or professional goals. As a locum tenens professional are you trying to gain experience in new areas? Travel to different regions or critical-need facilities? Are you trying to work less while still earning a living and maintaining your licensing? Who will be joining you on this journey?
Having the answers to these questions will create a foundation to launch your search for the perfect fit.
Research Your Options
Once you have set your goals, start by researching staffing agencies on the internet. Look at each of their websites. Is the quality of content they provide explaining their firm and processes in a professional and transparent manner? Do they provide useful, relevant information for your industry?
Also, look for positive and negative reviews from former clients or candidates. With the age of social media, finding reliable information is easier than ever for consumers.
Assess Each Firm
Once you have narrowed down your list to a few top choices, dig deeper into each. Find out how large the company is, where it’s located, and how long it has been operating. Also ensure the company fills positions in your specialty and preferred locations.
From a financial standpoint, is the company stable? What are the contract terms offered? Can you apply for permanent roles when they become available, and what insurance is provided?
Assess Your Recruiter
Now it’s time to contact the top firms armed with information. This usually means you will be talking to a recruiter or account manager. Listen to their value proposition and decide if they are truly interested in making the right match between talent and needs, or are they just trying to hit their goals for the month. Good recruiters and account managers increase the likelihood of matching good candidates with great working environments, so make sure you find the best.
Credentialing and Licensing
Credentialing and licensing is never a fun topic, whether you are a professional or a facility. Navigating the laws and regulations associated with checking, obtaining, and maintaining proper credentials, state by state, is work best left to the experts. Make sure the recruiting team has this expertise or at least has an immediate contact to someone who does.
Compensation and Benefits
As a healthcare practitioner, the bottom line is supporting your lifestyle while enjoying your work. As a healthcare practitioner you have bills, overhead, and likely debt from schooling that all needs to be covered. So, it is critical to thoroughly review what the firm covers like travel, insurance, benefits, etc. Check to see if the staffing firm brings you on as a w-2 with benefits, scheduled pay dates, time off, travel reimbursements, licensing, education, and insurance coverage.
Reputable, quality providers of locum tenens job placement services will happily guide you through each of these steps and answer your questions openly. You will also likely find their contract and documentation practices to be standardized, with helpful on-boarding programs in place.
Great staffing firms make great experiences. Start taking advantage of the benefits locum tenens has to offer, contact a recruiter at MPLT Healthcare (formerly MedPartners Locum Tenens) today!
