Locum tenens roles help hospitals reduce overhead costs and give providers more freedom and control over their work-life balance. But when you are trying to find a job at a facility, what sort of questions should you ask? Knowing what to ask in a locum tenens interview will help you screen out the wrong assignments and target the highest-quality travel doctor jobs.

Finding the right fit is more critical than ever as the healthcare industry faces unprecedented pressure. Studies show that there is a massive growing shortage of medical providers in the United States, and in the next decade, the problem is only going to get worse.

In fact, the Association of American Medical Colleges projects a shortage reaching up to 86,000 physicians by 2036. Because of this, too many patients are not receiving the care they need, and permanent medical providers are feeling severely burned out. Over 43% of doctors report daily symptoms of exhaustion.

To cope with this strain, hospitals and clinics rely heavily on temporary physician staffing to bridge these gaps. Right now, 56,000 physicians work as locum tenens providers across the country, caring for millions of Americans each year.

As a temporary provider stepping into these high-demand environments, you need to know exactly what you are walking into. Here are seven essential locum tenens interview questions a provider should ask during an interview.

1) What is the reason for the current job opening?

You may not want to start the interview with this question, but it is crucial to ask. Your daily work situation and future in the facility will differ tremendously depending on why they need coverage. It matters if the staff shortage is the result of a permanent vacancy, a sudden financial restructuring or if individual doctors are simply on short-term medical leave.

2) Have you used locum tenens medical providers before, and why have you decided to use temporary staff now?

Ask this question to feel out the facility’s attitude toward temporary clinicians so you know how to modify your approach. One of the top locum tenens physician interview tips is to use this response to gauge how much orientation you might need.

If the interviewer has not used locum tenens providers before, you can take this as an opportunity to explain the importance of temporary workers like yourself, setting a good example for you and others who may interview in the future. If they have used this service before, then they already know the logistical details about your type of work, and you should focus more on your clinical qualifications.

3) Does this locum tenens medical provider role have the potential for extension?

Asking about the timeline and potential for contract extensions helps you plan your schedule, whether you want a short-term stint or are open to staying longer.

If your goal is to travel frequently, knowing the hard end date helps you line up your next travel doctor jobs seamlessly. On the other hand, if you enjoy the facility, knowing up front if they offer extensions gives you the option to keep working without the hassle of onboarding somewhere new. Either way, asking this question shows the interviewer that you manage your assignments professionally and predictably.

4) What makes your healthcare facility unique for patient care?

Locum tenens workers must be adaptable to a wide range of clinical environments, and every medical facility is different. You are going to want to know before you show up for your first shift what sort of medicine the clinic or hospital prioritizes, how the place operates and how you can apply your unique talents to help the organization improve.

Inquire about what they are known for, what they hope to make better and what metrics they track so that you have a greater knowledge of the job you are applying for. This also lets the interviewer know you have a vested interest in the proper functioning of the workplace.

5) Can you describe the culture of your facility?

Locum tenens medical providers have the opportunity to explore the country from coast to coast, working with diverse people and learning about various cultures. This sort of job is excellent for clinicians who want to experience a mix of distinct environments.

Ask your interviewer about the staff dynamics and regional patient demographics in the place you’re hoping to work.

6) What types of medical technology and EMR systems do you use?

Another thing to remember is that not all medical facilities use the same healthcare technologies. Everything from electronic medical record (EMR) software to diagnostic scanning equipment can differ from place to place.

Ask for a general overview of the sort of tools, platforms and machines that the workplace uses so you can prepare for any required system onboarding.

7) What are the goals of your facility moving forward?

Finally, one of the most important questions to ask is about the administration’s long-term vision. Do they want to increase patient volume? Do they want to give each patient more face-to-face time with their doctors? Whatever the interviewer wants, identify it and then explain how your unique skill set and specialties will help them get there.

Finding the right locum tenens position

Locum tenens medical providers often note that they don’t feel like just another cog in a corporate machine. As a temporary doctor, you are especially appreciated for your immediate, specialized help. Locum tenens providers have much more freedom than permanent doctors, and they have rewarding opportunities to help patients wherever patient care is lacking.

While the benefits to both medical facilities and locum tenens providers are numerous, it can sometimes prove challenging for the right doctors to reach the places they are most needed. Learning how to prepare for a locum tenens interview and coming armed with your own list of questions will ensure a seamless match for your next assignment.

If you are seeking a locum tenens assignment, TinkBird Healthcare Staffing connects providers nationwide with job opportunities tailored to their specific needs. Explore our national network and find your ideal assignment. Visit our TinkBird Job Board or connect with a recruiter today.