Perhaps the pastimes you enjoy are climate sensitive and you have been limited to pursuing them sporadically, weather permitting.
Or, maybe, you relish the notion of never shoveling snow or spending every autumn in New England. How can you see the sights,
experience different practice settings, and customize assignments cyclically to fit your personal predilections?
GETTING WHAT YOU WANT
Do your homework. Contact a number of locum tenens staffing companies to find out about shortages in different areas throughout the country.
What communities are expected to experience the most demand for physicians' services in the next few months? What health conditions
and patient population trends can be seen geographically? How many agencies focus their efforts on placing physicians in your
specialty? Does the need for your skills set seem greater in particular regions or at specific times of the year? How does
the cost of living of an area fit into your plans? What about personal preferences with regard to climate, entertainment or
community activities, and scheduling? If you are not traveling alone, how will others' preferences affect your decision? Once
you have an idea about the locations from which you can choose, it will be easier to map out a seasonal itinerary.
Be flexible, remain receptive to suggestions, and determine which conditions are open for discussion. Avoid confining choices to one city,
the day shift, or a fixed pay scale. For instance, if you want to be in Orlando, Florida, for the winter, your hourly wage
may be slightly less than the going rate for an assignment in a northern metropolis. The trade off: You will have the opportunity
to enjoy clement weather, a wider array of outdoor activities, and Disney World during the holidays. Plan ahead. Generally, recruiters want to know about the areas that you are pondering roughly 4 to 6 weeks in advance of commencing your
next assignment in a state where you are currently licensed. But, if you already know that you would love to be in Boulder,
Colorado, for New Year's Eve, you should tell your representative now. Remember, other factors—such as specialty training
and years of experience—play a part in contract negotiations. The more advanced notice your company has concerning a preferred
destination and timeline, the better chance you have of landing an assignment in the desired vicinity.
Make sure your paperwork is up to date. In several states, the licensure process can take a few months—or longer. Waiting to act until you hear about an available
position could cost you an assignment. By being prepared, you will not have to compromise your timetable due to unforeseen
red tape—especially since some industry experts claim that acquiring licenses in "seasonally-charged" terrain has a tendency
to be time-consuming.
Finalize arrangements for end-of-year contracts in September. Whether you are interested in being placed at a hospital in Phoenix, Arizona, or a group practice in New Haven, Connecticut,
if you wish to be in a given site between November and January, you should hammer out a contract at the close of summer or
beginning of fall. Since many organizations' fiscal years conclude in December, the nearer it gets to the end of the year,
the more challenging it may become to obtain the assignment of your choice.
Maintain communication with your recruiter. He or she is continuously searching for assignment destinations that suit your preferences. Since your needs—not to mention
facilities' requirements—may change in a few months' time, it is important to routinely stay in touch, ensuring that your
representative is aware of your aspirations...and you are kept abreast of the latest industry trends.
FOR ANY SEASON
Developing an agenda that will allow you to make the most of—or sidestep—the distinct qualities of winter, spring, summer,
and fall can continually invigorate your pioneer spirit and enhance your adventures on the road. By speaking with recruiters
and current locum tenens physicians, staying flexible, and carefully plotting your course, you can devise a strategy that
will afford you a wealth of possibilities, no matter the season.
Special thanks to Sheri Carlton, CTS-PRC, director, Delta Locum Tenens, for her assistance with this article.
