If you’re thinking of hiring locum tenens providers to help fill your staffing needs, you’re not alone. In fact, more than 80 percent of medical facilities use locum tenens providers at this point. They can make a world of difference in the level of care facilities provide for their patients whether they’re filling short-term positions or extended assignments. Locum tenens bridge the gaps left behind by staffing shortages and allow medical facilities to give their permanent staff members much-needed time off to name a few of the benefits they provide.
To take full advantage of those benefits, though, you need to find the right providers to meet your needs. You also need to take the right approach to hiring locum tenens providers. Keep the following tips in mind to help you find the most qualified candidates to fill temporary positions in your facility and ultimately choose the best ones to incorporate into your staff.
Work With a Staffing Agency
One of the most effective steps you can take when hiring locum tenens providers is partnering with a medical staffing agency. These agencies have vast databases of highly qualified candidates who stand ready to step in when needed. Their candidates come from a variety of backgrounds and have diverse experience. At the same time, staffing agencies conduct background checks, cover credentialing, and handle many other essential tasks on your behalf. That, alone, can save your administrative staff a great deal of time and energy.
Determine Your Staffing Needs
Determining your specific staffing needs before searching for locum tenens providers is also crucial. How long will the assignment last? What type of schedule does it entail? What is the patient caseload? What responsibilities come with the position? What are your qualification requirements? Will the locum tenens provider be working in a single department or rotating through multiple departments? Are you interested in temporary-to-permanent arrangements?
Answering those questions and determining exactly what you’re looking for in a locum tenens provider will help your staffing agency find the best prospects for you. On the other end of that spectrum, candidates will be asking those same questions to help them find assignments that align with their needs and expectations. If you don’t give the staffing agency answers to pass along to them, they may pass up your assignment.
Plan Ahead
Another essential measure for hiring locum tenens providers is to plan ahead when you can. For example, if you’re hoping to get an extra physician on staff for flu season, you’ll probably need someone to fill that position in September or October. That means you’ll need to start making preparations in June or July. If your facility is in an area with heavy summer tourism, you may need an extra team member for June through September. As such, consider getting the process started in February or March.
If a staff member informs you that she’ll need to take a maternity leave six months down the road, go ahead and start looking for a locum tenens provider to fill in for her now. Don’t wait until the last minute to post an assignment. Granted, it’s not always possible to plan ahead. If a team member unexpectedly leaves, you won’t have the luxury of advance notice. In a situation like that, having a strong working relationship with a staffing agency can help you avoid delays in filling the position.
Hiring the Right Locum Tenens Providers for Your Medical Facility
Locum tenens providers can bring your medical facility a long list of benefits. Making the most of them requires finding the right candidates to meet your expectations. Using the tips mentioned here can help you quickly and effectively fill your staffing needs. It’ll also aid in ensuring you find locum tenens providers that are a good fit for your facility and vice versa.
