Key Points
- Inquire about hotel security before booking.
- Do not wear costly accessories that might make you a target.
- Request that your room number be written down instead of spoken aloud.
It's easy to let one's guard down while on assignment. As we are predisposed with navigation around a new location and practicing
medicine in a new environment, we can overlook the basic rules of safety.
One of the natural allures of practicing locum tenens medicine involves the opportunity to travel to new and interesting destinations.
While this is an appealing aspect, the provider must remember that safety is important when traveling to new, unknown locations.
I hope this brief introduction to safety while traveling or on location during an assignment will be of benefit to all those
practitioners who travel to deliver quality healthcare to patients at home and abroad.
FINDING A HOTEL
In most cases, we have the most protection when making arrangements through a staffing company or local hospital. Many times,
the company or hospital has already placed locum tenens professionals in these locations and can provide safe lodging. If
you have to select a location on assignment, it's a good idea to make calls to hotels you are considering and inquire about
security at each location. For instance, does the hotel or long-term stay facility have security on-site? Is the entry to the room through an interior
hallway as opposed to an external door? Are entrances other than the main lobby locked or under controlled access at night?
Are the premises under security camera surveillance at night? With these safety mechanisms in place, an intruder would be
less tempted to exploit such a location.
AAA can provide valuable hotel information based on customer feedback and site visits. The association also can assist with
travel arrangements and hotel ratings when necessary. Online peer reviews of hotels can be of assistance when making a decision
on lodging, too.
CHECKING IN
On location, safety is of utmost importance in the hotel. Avoid wearing expensive jewelry and wristwatches, as these are markers
that would-be thieves use in selecting potential victims. Remember that thieves' goal is securing valuables that can bring
cash value. Thus, avoiding any suggestion of ownership of these items will make the traveler a less valuable target.
When checking in, ask the staff not to disclose the room number aloud. Research into hotel room invasions has found that many
thieves stake out the check-in desk to assess the best targets for theft.
Thieves situated near the check-in desk want to know the number of people staying in the room, the amount and type of luggage,
and the room number. If the staff member orally announces the room number, ask for an alternate room. It is the policy of
most hotels to provide the room number in writing and not aloud at check-in.
When offered multiple keys at check-in, always take all keys offered. This will prevent another person from presenting to
the front desk and requesting a replacement key to your room.
