LocumLife - August 2008 - (Page 16)

upon arrival and strive to put together a proper match of professionals’ skills to facilities’ needs. GH: We try to avoid any surprises by arranging telephone interviews between locum tenens professionals and the persons for whom they are covering. This is the time for you to ask questions about practice style, patient demographics, The key is to adapt call responsibility, and other pertinent factors. The key is to not change the to the existing existing style, but to adapt to it. practice style and Once settled in, you may want to take out keep what is in the staff like to lunch or dinner. A small gesture that can go a long way to place functioning making everyone feel comfortable. smoothly. KS: The availability of resources and supplies likely will be different from —Gail Harvey opportunity to opportunity. But never take chances or get lax. Think of yourself as a safety engineer and provide seamless care alongside the permanent staff. RS: With each new opportunity, I make it a point to learn everyone’s name. People really like that, and it helps me to assimilate faster. At one place, we have a monthly social gathering at a restaurant so staff can mix out of the professional setting. It is important to get to know your coworkers, but realize you are not going to bond with everyone. Also, you have to be available to give and receive consultations, and by that I mean receive criticism, in a professional manner. I function better when I am in a good mood, so I look for a way to make each opportunity as pleasant as possible. My wife, Anna, who often travels with me, and I turn it into an adventure. We join the local church and get involved with civic activities so we do not feel like strangers. It is a great experience to meet people in different parts of the country. And, with locum tenens, it is nice to know that I have the option of not returning if I decide it is time to move on. How can these providers establish relationships and trust with patients in the short-term? CS: Establishing rapport and building trust typically come down to genuinely caring about the needs of the patients. This can be demonstrated by listening to people and confidently communicating their care plans. KS: I was in sales for 10 years and I learned how to read people pretty well. I assume different approaches for different people; some patients appreciate a matter-of-fact style, some I can joke with, and others need me to hold their hands. I use what I feel is appropriate for that individual. Above all, make your patients happy. That is the best way to ingratiate yourself with the staff because you are showing them that you know what you are doing. RS: With general radiology, you have limited patient contact. But if you do mammograms, then you typically counsel patients. In that case, take time to create some rapport, particularly with those who are in the process of becoming cancer candidates. How can locum tenens professionals prevent stress and burnout while on location? KS: I like to bring my bicycle and golf clubs with me so I can go for a ride or hit some balls. Even still, this year I started to feel a bit burned out, so now I make sure to take a couple of weeks off once in a while, and I am cutting down on the amount of 24-hour call that I accept. RS: I take frequent timeouts at home between contracts. One of the advantages of locum tenens is that you get to plan your own schedule, which means you have to plan for your time off just as carefully as you do for your shift requirements. I find 3- to 6-month (or longer) contracts more rewarding, as I have a greater sense of normalcy and can explore my surroundings on location, too. GH: If it is a long-term contract, you usually can work with your staffing agency to arrange for some time off during the opportunity. We even help pick up some of the travel costs for physicians to visit their families. CS: Another way to alleviate stress is to bring others—family or pets—on location. If you are considering this option, be upfront with who will be accompanying you. At times, it is possible to negotiate for the client to pick up some expenses, especially for long-term opportunities. The challenge with traveling with pets centers around finding adequate housing arrangements. Most firms, though, try to find housing to meet any special needs. Even www.LocumLife.com Words to the wise 1. Do not try to change a facility’s or private practice’s protocols to suit your individual needs. 2. Be flexible and present a friendly and caring persona. 3. Keep track of which locum tenens staffing companies present your CV to avoid violating contractual agreements. 4. Maintain contact with family and friends. 5. Seek out personal releases to avoid burnout. 16 LocumLife AUGUST 2008 http://www.LocumLife.com

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LocumLife - August 2008

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