So, you’ve landed your first locum tenens assignment. Congrats! Now comes the planning part. As your first assignment approaches, you may be feeling overwhelmed with everything you must do to get ready for not only your new assignment but your new city and living arrangements. Preparing for a locum tenens job can certainly be stressful, especially the first time around. Here are some tips to keep in mind as you get ready for your first assignment.
Get organized. Take some time to make arrangements and organize your paperwork before you leave on your assignment so you will be able to arrive to your new destination feeling fresh and ready. Organizing all your paperwork ahead of time, including papers pertaining to travel arrangements, lodging, your new assignment, and other personal matters (such as banking or medical care), will reduce your stress as you acclimate in your new surroundings. Getting all your paperwork situated ahead of time will also ensure you have everything you need for your trip – and give you time to check with your recruiter if you don’t!
Maintain healthy habits. As your assignment gets closer, it may be tempting to spend some late nights out with the friends and family members you won’t be seeing for a few months when you’re away. However, it’s essential you maintain healthy living habits during this time, as there’s nothing more detrimental to your success than traveling and starting a new job sick. Between traveling and getting acclimated with your new healthcare facility, you’ll need as much energy as possible to adjust and make a positive impression on your new manager.
Create a travel itinerary. Without a written itinerary, traveling to your new assignment can cause enormous stress and anxiety once you hit the road. It’s important you have every aspect of your travel planned out ahead of time to ensure things go smoothly. This includes understanding all travel logistics, such as rental car arrangements; your staffing firm’s reimbursement process; parking permits; and any other travel-related items and team.
Following these tips will set you up for a successful assignment while alleviating any fear or anxiety related to the transition. The more you plan ahead, the easier it will be for you to adjust!
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