Wondering how you’ll fit in as part of the team when you’re on a locum tenens assignment? Learn top tips to ensure you’re the best locum team member.

<p>Wondering how you’ll fit in as part of the team when you’re on locum tenens assignment? While it’s a bit different than joining a care team as a <a href="https://www.crosscountry.com/blog/permanent-or-locum-doctor-which-is-best-for-you?" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> permanent physician or advanced practice provider,</a> there are similarities and clear steps you can take to <a href="https://www.crosscountry.com/blog/locum-tenens-here-how-not-to-feel-like-an-outsider" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">meld with the team</a> successfully. Here are our top tips for ensuring you’re the best possible team member you can be as a locum.</p><h3>1. Show that you adapt easily and learn quickly.</h3><p>To meld seamlessly with the team, you’ll want to absorb as much information as you can as quickly as you can. Definitely ask for instructions and clarification but invest energy and focus on hitting the ground running with little guidance. This will help streamline operations and make you an invaluable member of the existing care team.</p><h3>2. Be confident about your role as a locum tenens.</h3><p>If you’re used to being a permanent team member, you may have reservations about being on locum tenens assignment. Don’t! The existing team and facility need you. You were hired to fill a gap in care. You’ll be an asset to the team. In addition to learning from them, you’ll bring your skills to the table. Psych yourself up to walk in and carry yourself with confidence.</p><h3>3. Get to know your colleagues.</h3><p>Whether you’ll be there for only a few days or months, building relationships with the team is worthwhile. Ask them about their lives, their clinical interests, and hobbies. Find out how they feel about living in their community. Invite them to meet up for a meal or a local sightseeing adventure. Don’t forget to connect with them digitally for future reference via Doximity, LinkedIn, or email.</p><h3>4. Face the day with energy and enthusiasm.</h3><p>The locum lifestyle allows you to enjoy practicing medicine with less stress than a permanent position. Since you’re not facing the same burdens and pressures and because you have breaks between assignments and flexible hours, you can bring more passion and vigor to your practice. Be a light for others on the team. Bring renewed energy and provide the support they need to lift their spirits.</p><h3>5. Be prompt, responsive, and organized.</h3><p>Can you imagine how a team would feel if a new locums comes in late, doesn’t reply to calls or emails, or appears confused and unprepared? Don’t be that locums! Show up early. Always respond to messages and requests immediately. Be available to patients, colleagues, support staff, and administrators. Research the facility, department, subspecialty, and providers in advance so you are well-informed and organized.</p><h3>6. When appropriate, ask for feedback and suggestions.</h3><p>You may benefit from feedback about what you could improve or tips for working in the particular practice environment. Ask! For example, if you’ve worked in small, slower-paced facilities but are new to a large, fast-paced hospital, you might ask the team for their tips and best practices for success.</p><h3>7. Be meticulous with your handoffs and patient care.</h3><p>Be sure to get all critical details during handoffs on patient history, status, treatment and procedures. Do the same when handing off patients to the next provider. Keep thorough records. Ensure patients and the rest of the team know that you intend to provide the same level of care as their permanent provider.</p><h3>8. Develop long-term relationships as a repeat locums provider.</h3><p>Some facilities have opportunities for repeat assignments. It’s a wonderful way for you to truly merge with a team. That way, you’ll enjoy the benefits of being a locums and get to know the team on a deeper level. Ask your recruiter if they have any facilities that need repeat locum tenens providers.</p><h3>9. Save any “snags” for your agency.</h3><p>If you should encounter any issues with travel, housing, parking, personnel, onboarding, or other assignment logistics, avoid burdening your team with the details. Instead, talk directly with your locum tenens agency. Experienced, trusted locums agencies have teams who are dedicated to making your experience as successful as possible. Your representative should know just how to clear issues up quickly!</p><p>As you gain experience as a locum tenens provider, you’ll gather your own tips along the way for how you can be an ideal team member. Being a valuable member of care teams can make you a sought-after locum tenens provider. Above all, remember that you’re fulfilling a critical need and making life easier for the permanent care team. Enjoy the adventure!</p><h3>Ready to embark on your next locum tenens assignment?</h3><p><a href="https://www.crosscountry.com/locums" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Browse Cross Country Locums jobs now.</a></p>

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