LocumLife - September 2008 - (Page 24)

Getting Oriented Midwest. She comments, “After my upcoming stint in Antarctica, I plan to catch up with family and friends for a year or two, but eventually, I would like to provide locum tenens services in Australia and Ireland. With this lifestyle, I can jump down the rabbit hole like Alice in Wonderland whenever I want.” MUTUAL BENEFITS As Mr. Breaux explains, good “A thorough orientation orientations are full of details. “Programs should have a specific should include details outline and definition of everyregarding referrals, thing the facility requires,” he offers, “even something as basic consults, subspecialty as where providers should take backup, and their timesheets to be signed. In other protocols.” essence, information needs to be simple and clearly stated.” —Dave Brandner Adds Mr. Brandner, “It is also pivotal that a thorough orientation include details regarding referrals, consults, subspecialty backup, and other protocols, especially if the practitioner is providing inpatient services.” Minimizing the number of contacts that locum tenens physicians and non-physician providers can ask for assistance is also important. “It is best if the facility establishes one point of contact,” suggests Mr. Breaux, “so permanent staff always refers the temporary professional to that person if he or she has a question. This will help avoid confusion and stop any potential miscommunication before it happens.” As for what locum tenens practitioners can do, Mr. Brandner recommends adopting an easygoing demeanor. “We may communicate a certain patient volume to you, based on input from the client facility at a particular point in time. However, there can be situations where patient loads might be higher than expected,” he says. “Such variability is why a flexible attitude is so important within this career alternative. Accept the facility’s protocols and realize you are not there to restructure or reinvent the regime. Also, if you feel you have established a good rapport with a practice and want to offer a suggestion, do so respectfully. “Additionally, if you encounter a scenario where the job requirements are different, or more intense than you were led to believe, the best practice is to address that with your recruiter or staffing agency representative, and let them in turn resolve the matter with the healthcare facility. Allow your recruiter or company representative an opportunity to correct, pacify, or rectify your concern before reacting negatively or creating an uncomfortable situation at the location.” Be sure to prepare yourself both logistically and mentally, too. “Schedule your travel arrangements to accommodate delays—in other words, it is a good idea to not always count on catching the last flight of the night! You want to have time to settle in and be prompt for your first day,” advises Mr. Brandner. “While you may feel uneasy initially, especially if you are new to this practice alternative, you should start to feel more at home after a good orientation and 3 to 5 days of providing services. Allowing yourself adequate time beforehand and setting proper expectations up front will help with the adjustment.” As Mr. Breaux notes, you should also be realistic about the nature of this career choice. “You are usually expected to hit the ground running in most situations,” he adds. “After all, you are a locum tenens provider—that is what you do.” To ensure a seamless transition, management at your new contract locale and staffing company representatives will see to it that you are as prepared as possible for your role. “Orientation— whatever it may entail—helps the process go more smoothly for both the provider and the facility,” concludes Mr. Brandner, “which will result in fewer inefficiencies, less friction, more patients being seen, and overall, a mutually beneficial and positive experience for everyone involved.” L L Karen Tull is the associate editor for LocumLife. www.LocumLife.com WORDS TO THE WISE Ask your stafﬁng representative about the practice and why there is a need for coverage. Speak with a practitioner who has previously provided services at the contract facility. Inquire about the case mix, practice style, support staff, call expectations, and general protocols. Research the community online to learn about its history, upcoming events, and other helpful information. Book travel arrangements early enough to allow for delays and settling in before your ﬁrst day. Adopt an attitude of ﬂexibility. Understand that you are not there to restructure or reinvent the regime. Be prepared to hit the ground running. 24 LocumLife SEPTEMBER 2008 http://www.LocumLife.com

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LocumLife - September 2008 Editorial Contents From Nalto Stat! Dynamics The Net Last-Minute Luxury Unplugged Going Wireless on the Road Getting Oriented Advertiser Index Opportunities Direct Destinations On Location Contest Rules Anyone's Guess La Vita Locum

LocumLife - September 2008

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