When it comes to getting ready for your first locum tenens placement, preparing ahead of time is crucial for your success – as well as your mental and physical well-being! As a newbie to the locum tenens world, sometimes getting all your ducks in a row can feel overwhelming and scary. However, giving yourself enough time in the planning process will allow you to feel comfortable and confident in your new adventure. As you embark on your locum tenens journey, here’s some insight into three questions you may be asking yourself:
3 Frequently Asked Questions About Locum Tenens
How can I maintain my regular routine during my assignment?
Even though you’ll be living in a new city, it’s important to get yourself into a regular routine so you can achieve a healthy work-life balance. For example, if you exercise every morning, it’s best to research different gyms and fitness centers in the area in which you’ll be living. You’ll also want to identify the closest grocery and shopping centers, so you know where you can get your essentials once you arrive. Doing some preliminary research before you leave for your assignment will help you understand what to expect, saving you time and smoothing the way as you acclimate to your new surroundings.
How should I go about making travel arrangements?
Almost any locum tenens assignment (unless you’re doing one in your hometown) requires some degree of travel planning and logistics, most of which will be coordinated by your locum tenens agency. Whether you’re flying or driving to your new destination, it’s essential to make all your travel arrangements well in advance of your assignment. This involves working closely with your recruiter to finalize your start day and ensure you’re giving yourself enough travel time. Additionally, because your agency will likely be reimbursing you for certain travel costs, you must save your travel-related receipts, such as plane tickets or a record of your mileage and gas expenses. Be sure to find out form your recruiter which things you need to track so you can be prepared.
What steps should I take to prepare for the unexpected?
While it’s never fun to think about, part of planning for a locum tenens job is being prepared for emergencies that may arise. This involves having an emergency contact back home who can be reached if needed, as well as making sure you have travel cash or credit card on hand in case of unexpected expenses. Also, if you are traveling by car, it’s critical to make sure you have the proper maintenance done on your vehicle before you hit the road, including any necessary repairs, a brake check, and new tires if you’ll be driving a far distance. Make sure you have your agency’s important contacts on hand as well, such as your recruiter’s information and the travel contact if it’s a separate person – better to be prepared, just in case.
Don’t forget that you can lean on your recruiter during this process as well. Your team is in your corner, ready to help you through your assignment from start to finish, so be sure to reach out if you have questions as you get started. Once you get used to the locum tenens preparation process, planning for future assignments will be a breeze.
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