Though a locum tenens job is temporary, you should prepare for this type of position just as you would for a full-time job. It’s important to make a strong first impression on your manager to get things started on the right foot and earn a referral for future assignments. When it comes to locum tenens work, you will have many “first days” on the job in which you will have to meet new colleagues and become acclimated to your workplace.
As you seek to make a positive first impression your first day, here are some helpful tips to keep in mind:
Research the facility. You should never go into a new locum tenens job without being relatively informed about the facility in which you’ll be working. Before your first day, be sure to visit the facility’s website and read through any preliminary information provided to you. This will help you get a sense of what to expect from the company’s culture. Additionally, researching will allow you to formulate some intelligent questions you can ask on your first day. This will not only impress your manager, but help you hit the ground running right away without having to learn everything from scratch.
Build rapport with the staff. One of the easiest ways to make a solid first impression is by having friendly comradery with the medical staff in your department. Even though you’ll only be working with these individuals for a short-term period, you will likely need their help and assistance at some point on the job. Going out of your way to introduce yourself will help you build relationships with nurses, technicians and administrative personnel, among others, which will make for a better working experience with the staff and even provide for some valuable learning and mentorship opportunities.
Engage in active listening. When starting any new job, it’s normal to feel nervous and ask several questions. However, it’s best to take some deep breaths and focus on your listening – rather than saying the first thing that comes to mind. Exhibiting active listening skills will allow you to take in instructions by your manager and ask the right questions about the information presented to you. It will also show your manager you have a willingness to learn and thrive in your new work environment.
Remember, the first impression you make can set the tone for your entire assignment. By following the tips above, you can ensure you’ll make a rock-star impression on the first day of all your locum tenens jobs.
Do you need help preparing for your next locum tenens job?
Get in touch with MPLT Healthcare (formerly MedPartners Locum Tenens) and let our team of recruiters put you on track to success!
