A surgeon who has decided to take on locum tenens assignments may have a large variety to choose from. This is great, as it does give them the flexibility they need and allows them to find something that fits their needs, but it can make it harder to find the perfect assignment. When looking at assignments, there are a number of things the surgeon should consider before applying.
Check for Specialities or General Surgeon Needs
It is important to check to see if the assignment is for a general surgeon or a specialist. There are a range of job listings for general surgery, which may be a great fit for a newer surgeon who wants to try out different options to see what they like the best. If a surgeon already has a specialization, they can look for those assignments as well as more general assignments to find one that will meet their needs.
View the Location of the Assignment
The surgeon will want to view the location of the assignment to see if they’ll need to travel for work. If they’re interested in trying out new cities and places to live, they may want to look for locations further away. If they want to stay nearby, though, they’ll want to sort job listings so they’re looking at only the ones that are close to them.
Check Out the Requirements for Surgeons
Before applying for an assignment, the surgeon will want to make sure they check the requirements. They will need to already have everything in the requirements before applying. If the assignment is for a specialized field, it is important for the surgeon to have the proper certifications and experience. Surgeons who do not have additional certifications or who are working on getting them might do better with general assignments to start.
See How Long the Assignment Will Last
Don’t forget to check how long the assignment will last, as this can make a difference for some surgeons. They may be looking for shorter assignments to enable them to learn about different specialties or new places to live, or they might be looking for something a little longer to allow them the opportunity to really get to know a new city. No matter the goal, paying attention to the assignment length can make a difference in whether they want to apply.
Look at the Benefits to See What’s Offered
It is a good idea for the surgeon to look into the different benefits that may be offered by the facility. These can include travel assistance, housing assistance, coverage for malpractice insurance, and more. The surgeon may want to look for listings that include specific types of benefits, like travel assistance, if they are ready to see new places and start traveling for work. If they don’t have any requirements, the benefits may mean one job opportunity is better than another.
If you’re getting ready to start doing locum tenens work, make sure you take a look at the job listings to learn how to read them and find ones that would be a great fit. This way, you can have an easier time finding assignments that will be a perfect fit for you and that will give you the opportunities you’re looking for going forward.