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3 Ways Rural Facilities Can Use Locum Tenens as a Recruiting Resource
Critical access hospitals, rural health clinics, and sole community hospitals — these are a few of the designations attached to healthcare organizations serving the millions of Americans living in rural and smaller, non-suburban communities scattered across the country. For quite some time, facility administrators and industry analysts have noted how a large portion of these facilities have ongoing challenges with recruiting and retaining physicians and advanced practice providers. Using locum tenens as a recruiting tool in addition to short-term staffing solutions can be an effective measure to mitigate staffing concerns in rural communities.
Keep reading to see how locum tenens can support your facility’s direct-hire recruitment strategies.
- Locums offers “real-time” interviews.
One of the most impactful benefits of locum tenens as a direct-hire tool is forming first-hand evaluations of clinicians. Whether you request a temporary provider for a few days or a few weeks, having them on site offers a window into their practice style and how they interact with patients, family members, caregivers, and staff. It’s an arrangement that delivers an in-depth perspective as to whether or not they will be an asset to your workplace. Plus, you make this assessment without committing to long-term employment contracts.
Bonus: Locum tenens jobs empower providers the same opportunity to evaluate a position and setting in real time.
- Locums enables facilities to assess staffing needs.
While the demand for many medical specialties remains high nationwide, it’s even higher in many rural communities. Locum tenens can be an effective gauge as to whether the need supports bringing in specialists on a permanent basis. For instance, contracting with locums specialists every few weeks or months for recurring assignments may meet current demand for your facility without involving the long and costly recruitment process. Or, the temporary status may reveal that a more long-term plan is warranted, in which case, All Star Heatlhcare Solutions’ Direct Hire Division stands ready to launch a candidate search.
- Locums allows providers to experience life in rural communities.
Recruiting healthcare professionals to your hospital or clinic entails more than just them fitting in on the job. A complementary fit to the community for providers and their family members is essential to retaining staff. However, it’s hard to know if candidates will enjoy life in a rural town until they live it. Locum tenens contracts give them a real-life taste before deciding to relocate, and you can help facilitate that. Encourage your locums providers to invite loved ones to visit during or after assignments.
Tip: A “get to know our hometown” packet helps providers feel welcome to the community.
All Star Healthcare Solutions is your full-service staffing company.
We know facilities everywhere encounter both short- and long-term staffing demands, and as your partner, we’re ready to meet all of them. Our Locums and Direct Hire Divisions work together to satisfy your facility’s unique circumstances.
Call All Star Healthcare Solutions today at 800-928-0229, or contact us online.
