As the healthcare industry continues to evolve, so does the use of locum tenens providers. Studies show that 70 percent of healthcare practices use locum tenens. Furthermore, 82 percent of facilities use locum tenens roles to “fill an opening until a permanent candidate” can be found.

If your facility uses temporary advanced practitioners, make sure you’re following the proven steps for successful locum tenens onboarding.

Why use locum tenens providers?

Locum tenens positions attract skilled professionals, helping healthcare facilities combat staffing shortages while meeting patient expectations. For healthcare practices or hospitals looking to up-level their medical staff, locum tenens providers can be the perfect solution.

To help you properly onboard, this guide outlines how to foster success for your locum tenens providers.

Prepare onboarding materials

Once you’ve contracted for a locum tenens provider for your facility, preparations should start immediately. If your practice requires orientation or uses specific onboarding materials, entry badges or uniforms, be sure to order and prepare these items and resources weeks before the new provider arrives. Locum tenens positions are short-term, so the onboarding process needs to happen quickly.

Create an orientation packet

Next, assemble a welcome packet for onboarding locum tenens providers. The welcome folder or orientation packet should include:

• Facility/building maps
• Orientation, training and first-day schedule
• Company policies
• Login information for computer and various technology platforms
• Key staff member names and numbers
• Temporary ID or badge
• Parking instructions
• Prescription pads, business cards and other printed materials
• Cafeteria hours
• Patient lists and medical records

These resources and other relevant information will simplify locum tenens onboarding and answer many of the provider’s questions.

Notify IT of the new locum tenens

Since locum tenens providers are only at your practice for a short time, it is best to set up login information, ID cards and other technical details ahead of time. At least five to seven days before the temporary provider arrives, notify your IT specialists to set up computer access for the locum tenens physician.

Once the setup is complete, be sure to include IT information in the orientation packet. If any issues arise while the part-time physician is trying to log in, make sure IT’s contact information is on hand and that the IT department makes time to help your facility’s new addition. 

Plan orientation and first day on the job

Because locum tenens are usually thrown into work on their first or second day, they know how to prove their value quickly. But there are essential steps you can take in the first few days to ensure their success.

Schedule orientation for one full day to help your temporary provider understand expectations and get familiar with your staff and procedures. At orientation, provide the welcome packet, answer questions, give a facility tour, introduce team members, set up technology and explain their role.

When planning a locum tenens’ first week, make sure their first day seeing patients is not too overwhelming.

Provide a mentor

No matter how used to new jobs a locum tenens provider is, starting at a new medical facility can be nerve-wracking. To ensure smooth onboarding, make the first week as seamless as possible. This is where a mentor can be invaluable.

Select an experienced team member to act as a buddy or mentor during the first week. Choose the mentor before the new provider arrives, and make sure he or she feels comfortable taking on this responsibility. This “buddy” will help your temporary worker get familiar with the building and workplace, meet other staff members and answer any questions.

Host a welcome lunch

Locum tenens providers often work in new cities or towns. To help them acclimate, invite them out of the office for lunch or dinner. Eating a meal together can help you learn more about the new physician or physician assistant, and making it a team lunch helps build camaraderie.

When planning this outing, consider any dietary restrictions to ensure the event is inclusive and stress-free.

Check in throughout the assignment

You want your medical practice to be a welcoming work environment for the entire locums assignment, not just the first day. After the locum tenens onboarding is complete, schedule a check-in at the end of the first work week and periodically thereafter.

Doing so will allow you to adjust the workload and clarify aspects of the job or practice procedures that might not be clear. Be sure to arrange another check-in toward the end of the work stay to get feedback about your locum tenens program.

Consider extended or return assignments

Due to the high demand for medical services, locum tenens schedules fill up quickly. Your temporary provider may already have their next assignment locked in. This is especially true if they are popular with patients and have extensive experience.

However, if you enjoyed working with your temporary provider, hiring them back for another locum tenens assignment is possible. Ask them about their interest in extending their stay or returning for a future assignment. You can schedule their return through your locum tenens agency.

We can help with your locum tenens onboarding

Healthcare and staffing trends continue to evolve, and locum tenens providers can help you meet patient demand. Our medical staffing agency can help set up your locum tenens provider for success.

To find the right locum tenens provider for your facility, contact us today to speak with a TinkBird Healthcare Staffing representative.