How to Get Picked to Return to a Facility or Practice for Locums Jobs

7 Qualities Locum Tenens Clinicians Should Seek in a Recruiter

A Newsletter for Physicians, NPs, PAs, and CRNAs Interested in or Currently Practicing Locum Tenens

Q4 | 2018

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Table of Contents

Features

Resources

Tips for Residents, YoungDoctors on Managing Loan Debt

Events CalendarConferences, career fairs, webinars, and more

Exceptional OpportunitiesSearch physician, NP, PA, and CRNA locum jobs in real time

Ask MedicusAnswers to clinicians’ questions

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How to Get Picked to Return to a Facility or Practice for Locums Jobs

7 Qualities Locum TenensClinicians Should Seek in a Recruiter

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Tips for Residents, Young Doctorson Managing Loan Debt

Debt is a significant problem that many graduates face, particularly residents. According to StudentDebtRelief.us, in

2016, the average medical school debt was roughly $190,000, with approximately 25 percent of grads shouldering debts greater than $200,000. Of course, these figures do not include credit card debt, a mortgage, and/or other loans that residents and new doctors may carry.

To help young medical professionals better manage their financial obligations, we spoke with Michael Kalscheur, CFP, partner and senior financial consultant with Castle Wealth Advisors, LLC. Most of his experience regarding loan debt pertains to new physicians—specifically residents and providers who have been out of medical school for less than 10 years. Here, we highlight measures Kalscheur recommends for paying off loans, developing “fiscally fit” habits, and avoiding overwhelming debt from the onset.

Create a budgetNo matter what you earn as a young clinician, it can be easy to spend above your means. Therefore, the first thing you should do is take a realistic look at how much money you take home versus your expenses—such as student, car, and home loans; household expenses; savings; and other debt—and establish a practical budget.

While you do not necessarily have to follow this best practice every month, it is imperative to review your existing budget anytime you consider borrowing money. A good rule of thumb: If you cannot look at your budget and honestly say, “Yes, I can take on this new debt without touching my savings,” you should not assume another loan.

Keep flexibilityin your budgetIf you spend every dollar you earn, getting ahead will be difficult. Therefore, you should ensure you have a money cushion and consider living just below your means. Read on for just a few ways you could pay down your loan debt more quickly and prepare for unforeseen extras:

Buy a home you can afford with a 30-year mortgage but treat it as if it were a 15-year mortgage or pay a little extra toward the principal every month.“Skinny down.” If you can afford $3,000 a month for a mortgage, purchase a house or apartment that will cost you between $2,000 and $3,000 monthly, and make additional payments to satisfy the loan early.Use extra money to pay off your student loans first. After roughly five to seven years, your medical school debt should be paid off, and you can use the extra money to pay down a mortgage even faster.If you get a large pay raise, put that additional income into your cushion of cash. Equally important: Do not spend it before you have earned it.

Understand paying off debt is (and should be) a lofty goalOver the years, Kalscheur has seen the devastating effects that debt can have on residents and new physicians. It is one of the reasons he is so passionate about helping young clinicians understand the great importance of making a commitment to become debt-free.

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“I often reference Dave Ramsey,” he says. “A multimillionaire who seemed to have it all, he went bankrupt because he didn’t control his debt and got overleveraged. Being prudent and without debt are far more enviable than overextending yourself and trying to pay off what you cannot afford. I look at someone who is out of debt and think, ‘That’s a smart person. He knows what he’s doing.’”

Don’t try to keepup with the JonesesWhile it can be difficult to say no when banks and other lending institutions are willing to loan you money for extravagant purchases, get comfortable living within your earnings right out of residency. What’s more, never borrow just because you can or make financial decisions based on staying in step with some of your colleagues, older clinicians, and/or seasoned healthcare executives.

For instance, although some hospital presidents or physicians who have practiced for decades may climb behind the wheel of a Porsche or Lexus, it is more sensible for you to purchase or lease a reasonably priced economy car. Taking out a loan for a luxury vehicle fresh out of training and not yet earning the income needed to appropriately

cover that expense would be a poor choice. One day, you will be able to enjoy many of life’s finer things, like an expensive vehicle, without hardship, so be patient. It will take time and that’s okay.

Moonlight/pickup extra shiftsSeek opportunities to make extra money. Accepting locum tenens jobs while you have a permanent position and/or picking up extra shifts at your healthcare organization, when possible, are two excellent ways to supplement your income. If you were to moonlight as an independent contractor when your schedule permits or pick up a single shift every couple of weeks, before you know it, you could be depositing tens of thousands of dollars into your savings account, even after taxes.

Be debt-freeYou will be amazed at how quickly you can pay off your loan debt by following the above recommendations. While it won’t happen overnight, it won’t be a two-decade process and in a relatively short amount of time, you can be debt-free.

Call Medicus Healthcare Solutions at 855.301.0563 to explore locum tenens opportunities with an experienced recruiter, and read our blog for tips, the latest news and trends, and other helpful information.

You—and the vital services you provide—are in great demand. As a result, staffing companies and facilities compete for your attention in hopes you will accept an opportunity with them.

Finding the right fit may seem overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be.

Whether you’re looking for your first assignment or the perfect permanent position, here’s what you can expect when you partner with Medicus Healthcare Solutions:

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Quality assignmentsLocation, setting optionsPersonalized attentionAccuracy and honestyExpanded opportunitiesAttractive compensation

Range of specialtiesConfidentialityMalpractice insuranceLoyalty programComplimentary CME

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Exceptional OpportunitiesLooking for a locum tenens job? Medicus Healthcare Solutions provides excellent opportunities for physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and CRNAs in various specialties at hospitals, medical practices, and other healthcare organizations throughout the country. Visit our Job Search page today!

Anesthesiology

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How to Get Picked to Return to a Facility or Practice for Locums Jobs

When you work locum tenens, you have the opportunity to travel to a variety of places—sometimes across

the country and other times across town—to practice alongside new colleagues and care for diverse patient populations. Not surprisingly, you are bound to develop a genuine fondness for some locations and would welcome an invitation to go back. Fortunately, there are things you can do to increase the possibility of a return engagement. Read on to learn about six of them.

Be personable. It may seem like a no-brainer—and something you would do regardless of future opportunities—but being friendly, authentic, and interested in your peers and other staff will go a long way toward making you a top pick for subsequent locum tenens jobs. Introduce yourself to the medical team when you arrive and make a concerted effort to remember each person’s name.

Be timely. To be viewed as dependable and dedicated, always report on time for your shift. Moreover, if you arrive a little earlier than the schedule calls for, you will earn a reputation of being reliable and conscientious—two qualities that are highly revered and sought after by hospital administrators and practice managers alike.

Be flexible. Whether you are on assignment for 10 days or 10 weeks, demonstrate that you are not only willing but also easily able to adapt to everything, from established policies and preferences to the electronic health record (EHR) system. While you may know other ways to accomplish

tasks—and might even find them to be superior to those being used—remember, first and foremost, you are there to assist and fill a staffing gap. However, when an administrator asks for your expertise and perspective, you can offer suggestions based on both your permanent and locum tenens experiences.

Be thorough. It stands to reason that different facilities have different processes when it comes to documentation. Make sure you have an in-depth understanding of how information is recorded and maintained. Although you will receive instructions as to what is required, it is essential to capture data completely and accurately, and sign your charting.

Be a team player. Always regard permanent staff and other locum tenens professionals with respect; be open to their approaches and experiences. Be a good listener and considerate of others’ ideas and their roles in the delivery of quality care. Moreover, whenever you can, go above and beyond what is expected.

If, for instance, you would be able to easily switch shifts to help one of your colleagues, confirm that it is acceptable to make the adjustment and consider doing it.

Be thoughtful. Express your gratitude to everyone who has made you feel welcome. Send thank-you notes or emails. Think about doing something special—like bringing in a seasonal treat, fruit basket, or flower arrangement—on the final day of your contract to show your appreciation to colleagues and support staff. What’s more, let your recruiter and facility or practice decision makers know how much

you enjoyed the assignment and that you are interested in being considered for upcoming locum tenens engagements.

Whether you would enjoy revisiting a given medical group annually or regularly accepting locum tenens jobs at a certain hospital or clinic, applying the above suggestions can help you make a lasting impression that will give you a coveted spot on facility and practice managers’ candidate wish lists.

To begin exploring opportunities and learn about the benefits of repeat or extended assignments, speak with a Medicus Healthcare Solutions recruiter today by calling 855.301.0563.

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NOVEMBER 2018Ask MedicusIf you have any questions about working locum tenens, we would like to help! The Medicus team can provide the answers as well as valuable insights for physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and CRNAs interested in or currently practicing locum tenens.

For the sake of privacy, your name will not be included in our response. Instead, we will use your initials, credentials (e.g., MD, DO, etc.), and specialty, if provided. Please mail your questions to askmedicus@medicushcs.com. Answers to practical questions will be provided in a subsequent newsletter.

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7 Qualities Locum Tenens Clinicians Should Seek in a Recruiter

In addition to being a staffing company representative, your recruiter should be a trusted partner, staunch advocate, personal

advisor, and more. Having the right person in your corner can help you get to where you want to go and produce opportunities that exceed your wildest dreams. To find someone who will represent you well, look for a recruiter who is:

Transparent. Keep surprises at bay by working with a staffing firm professional who is open, communicative, and accountable. When a recruiter is helping you explore your options, he or she should be able to clearly define the expectations—from what is required for credentialing to the schedule and contract duration for locum tenens jobs.

Knowledgeable. In addition to collaborating with someone who has a strong understanding of healthcare and the locum tenens staffing industry, be sure the recruiter you work with specifically represents clinicians in your specialty.

Inquisitive. A savvy recruiter asks a lot of questions. He or she should be interested in digging deep to help you get the assignments you want and are qualified—and able—to accept.

A good listener. The recruiter you choose to join forces with should be invested in learning about and understanding the issues and objectives important to you. Ensuring he or she knows what you hope to achieve through the “locum lifestyle” means you will have a much greater likelihood of getting what you want.

Accessible. Look for a recruiter who can be reached at different times of the day and night. Even if you need to speak at what some might consider a less-than-opportune time, you want to be assured you can get a hold of your recruiter if a pressing situation or emergency arises.

A relationship builder. A conscientious, caring recruiter is focused on fostering connections that result in genuine, long-term relationships. He or she should care about you as a person, as well as your professional goals, and be interested in strengthening a bond over time that is built on mutual trust and respect.

Responsive. Ensure you partner with a staffing agency representative who is sensitive to your needs and inquiries. The recruiter you elect to work with should follow up with you, follow through on requests, and always aim to provide you with exceptional service.

The provider-recruiter connection is likely the most important relationship you will establish as a locum tenens healthcare professional. To begin exploring practice opportunities with a Medicus Healthcare Solutions recruiter, call 855.301.0563 today.

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