Whether you’re a locum tenens physician, NP or PA looking to switch things up with a new assignment, or just out of training and ready to give locum tenens a try for the first time, a staffing agency can be a tremendous resource. There are plenty of locum tenens staffing agencies out there—so how do you navigate your options and find a good fit?
Like any big decision, choosing a staffing agency should include some research. You’ll want to have a conversation with any firms that sound particularly interesting and walk away from it feeling confident they can find you quality work assignments.
Here are five questions to include in that conversation to help steer you towards a locum tenens staffing agency that’s right for you:
1. Do you belong to NALTO?
The National Association of Locum Tenens Organizations, better known as NALTO, is an industry standards group developed to ensure locum tenens and healthcare facilities are treated fairly. There are many benefits to working with a staffing agency that belongs to NALTO, as members are required to abide by a strict code of ethics.
As a founding member of NALTO, VISTA Staffing Solutions is a leader in establishing and maintaining industry standards. If you choose an agency that does not belong to NALTO, be aware that they are not held to the same standards.
1. How much experience do you have?
Consider that agencies that haven’t been in business long may not have as many clients or assignments for you to choose from compared to more experienced firms. On another note, the fewer years of experience, the less likely it is that additional benefits are available.
VISTA was founded in 1990 and has become one of the largest and most experienced locum tenens companies in business today. Before signing a contract with a locum tenens staffing agency, be sure to ask colleagues if they’ve heard of them. If they haven’t, or what they’ve heard is negative, you might not be talking to a reputable firm.
3. Do you understand my specialty?
To find a job that’s best suited to your skillset, make sure you choose a staffing agency that has the means to place you with a position that matches your experience and interests. That will involve asking other questions like, what kinds of health care facilities do you work with and where? Some agencies staff only a few specialties, or only have one recruiter managing providers from multiple specialties.
VISTA is well known for the quality of the professionals we place, working with a large, diverse pool of physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants from almost every medical specialty. When you choose VISTA, you can expect carefully screened worksites that match what you’re looking for from your career.
4. What benefits should I expect?
A quality locum tenens staffing agency should be able to get you an assignment that meets your professional expectations and enables you to work in a great location. You should also look for paid professional liability insurance, travel, housing and local transportation.
With VISTA, you can expect all of the above, plus excellent compensation and no placement fees.
5. Will someone be there to help me?
Your recruitment representative should be accessible and able to answer your questions throughout the locum tenens process. This includes help with licensure and credentialing, a necessary step for any new locum tenens assignment. Will they ensure all details are taken care of before your assignment starts?
When you work with VISTA, you can rely on consistent availability. Our travel team provides outstanding support, and there’s always someone to take a call should any travel issues come up.
Leading the Industry
VISTA has more than 27 years of experience helping providers make successful professional transitions—from residency to practice, full-time to part-time, or from one practice to another. Our dedication to providing remarkable service quality has earned us multiple Best of Staffing®Awards, and our providers and clients continue to recommend us for exceptional service.
Want help finding your next locum tenens assignment? Contact VISTA today or visit our job board.
