First Locum Tenens Assignment in COVID-19: What You Need To Do

Locum tenens career is growing in popularity when the pandemic arises. It is a solution to the growing physician shortage for different countries. Permanent or retired physicians are changing their careers and pursuing a different path that would give them more opportunities. As they started a new career, they must prepare for their first assignment, and be ready at all times.

There are important things you need to do before your first assignment. You might think that it is just a typical job like what you do from your previous post, but the locum tenens position offers a different environment that you have never experienced. You will be exposed to a diverse career that will help you gain more experiences and enhance your skills. You will also have a different schedule and different locations that, at first, might be difficult to adjust.

But, do not worry, let’s discuss the things you need to do to be ready at your first locum tenens assignment. 

Study Your First Locum Tenens Assignment Details

It is important that you know the details of your work. Make sure you know the name or location of the healthcare or hospital that you will be working with. You must come prepared at your first assignment at least ready for the things they will ask you. If they ask for necessary supplies and face and body coverings, you must bring it to you to be protected from the virus. 

Remember the details in your first assignments, because your senior heads might also be asking for your important documents, such as forms filled out when you were recruited from the agency, your resume, or any papers they need. 

If they see you are prepared for your work, they might ask you to stay longer in their facility because of your excellent performance. 

Review and Check Addresses and Locations

We do not want to get lost in our first assignment, right? Before leaving home, remember to know the exact addresses and locations you will be staying in and working. As a locum tenens, you expect that you are changing from different locations every time. You will be traveling to different cities and states and even go to a different country. 

Always verify your addresses in your assignment details, so you are safe from traveling across different places. Keep in mind that traveling in your private car is safer when choosing to go to public transportation. 

Moreover, check the date and time of when your assignment will start as this is vital for your job. When you are ready to go, there is no problem with finalizing all your details, and as you do not want to come, not prepared for your first day.

Get Enough Sleep

When you are settled at your place, get enough sleep as you might be working for long hours. Before your locum tenens assignment started, prepare yourself for a new environment with new people and different protocols. Do not expect that different hospitals or healthcare have the same system, policies, and protocols from the place you were working before.  

That is why enough sleep is important before you start working. You will be facing new situations that you need a lot of energy on your first assignment.

If You Are Confused, Ask Questions

A new career can be confusing and challenging, especially when working on this pandemic on your first day. There will be a lot of questions running in your mind that you want answers to. Work closely with people who can help you, by this; you can ask them questions that you need to know. 

 Do not hesitate to ask them questions like:

• What are my duties as a locum tenens in your facility?
• What will be my schedule everyday?
• Who can I talk to when I need questions for my job?
• How will I get paid?
• Will I be working on infected COVID patients?

There are more questions in your mind, but difficult to ask. Do not hesitate when you want to approach your colleagues, because some of them are experiencing the same situation as you, at least you have people you can talk to. 

There will be different emotions you will feel on your first locum tenens assignment, but following those listed above can help you get through your first day. Keep on reminding yourself that you can do it, and you will soon enjoy your locum tenens position. As you will be working your first assignment in a pandemic, do not forget to follow the protocols, wear protective masks and clothes, and stay focus. 

If you want a different career and want to help people save lives during this crisis, send your CV or visit the website of locumtenens.org today!