3 Characteristics to Look for in a Strong Locum Tenens Candidate and 3 Interview Questions to Ask

General.

As the healthcare industry continues to grow and diversify, so does the need for highly skilled and qualified medical providers. Locum tenens clinicians are an invaluable asset and the ideal solution to staffing needs. Hiring locum tenens physicians and advanced practice providers helps you to manage large patient loads, promote continuity of care, and provide cost savings compared to traditional staffing models. 

One of the primary advantages of hiring a locum tenens clinician is that they bring experience and expertise from other settings that can be applied to your facility. They can quickly adjust and adapt their practice style based on the environment and patient population they’re working with. Because these clinicians have diverse work histories, they may have ideas or insights to help your facility improve patient outcomes and reduce costs. 

Although locum tenens clinicians have a plethora of impressive skills and qualifications, certain key characteristics are especially beneficial. Being adaptable, dedicated, and flexible are extremely desirable traits in a locum tenens candidate. Therefore, when interviewing, it’s critical to not only assess candidates’ qualifications as medical professionals but also to ask questions that reveal their character traits and work ethic.  

Continue reading as we discuss the three desirable characteristics of a strong locum tenens candidate and the essential interview questions you should always ask to ensure you’re making the right hire.  

Adaptability 

The world of healthcare is constantly changing, and, like all health professionals, locum tenens clinicians must proactively respond to the ever-evolving environment. What sets locum tenens physicians and APPs apart is their ability to rapidly adjust and adapt to new situations as they transition between facilities and patient populations.  

By definition, a locum tenens physician or APP is a temporary healthcare provider who covers another clinician’s absence. With this role comes a heightened need for adaptability, as they must efficiently learn each new facility’s policies, procedures, and nuances. To be successful, they must promptly understand their role’s expectations and know how best to care for their patients without compromising quality or safety standards. 

A great way to assess a candidate’s adaptability is to ask them: 

• Can you talk about your most recent transition between assignments? 
• What challenges did you face in your last assignment, and how did you overcome them? 
• What strategies did you use to ensure you provided the best care possible? 

Dedication and commitment 

High-quality patient care is the cornerstone of any successful healthcare facility and an integral part of the locum tenens role. Therefore, a locum tenens physician or APP must be highly committed to providing compassionate, patient-centered care throughout their assignment. Additionally, they must be willing to go the extra mile when needed and work hard to maintain continuity of care.  

At its core, dedication is about being disciplined and persistent when faced with difficult tasks. Dedicated locum tenens clinicians not only have the knowledge and skill set necessary to deliver quality care but also a passion and enthusiasm for their work which drives them forward despite any obstacles. They devote their energy to learning new techniques and continually updating their clinical knowledge so they can offer optimal treatment options to patients. Furthermore, they strive to stay ahead of industry trends by participating in continuing education programs and staying abreast of advances in medical technology.  

Their commitment also extends beyond patient care as dedicated locum tenens clinicians take responsibility for their professional development and accountabilities while maintaining an ethical practice that follows all applicable laws and regulations. 

The best way to assess a candidate’s dedication and commitment is to ask them: 

• What do you believe it takes to provide exceptional patient care?  
• Are you comfortable taking on extra tasks and working extra hours when needed? 

• What do you do to stay current with healthcare trends and advances? 

Flexibility 

The healthcare system has changed drastically over recent years due to advances in medical technology, increasing patient needs, and changes in insurance coverage. As a result, physicians and APPs are being asked to do more with less time. Healthcare facilities often face unpredictable staffing changes and may require locum tenens clinicians to be available at short notice or take on assignments that last only a few days. Those with the flexibility to move quickly and without hesitation are highly sought after by healthcare providers.  

Flexible candidates can quickly transition between assignments and make themselves available for new opportunities. They also possess an open mind and the willingness to learn new skills, take on unfamiliar challenges, and be creative when necessary. Additionally, they must be able to adjust their schedule to accommodate the needs of the facility and their patients without compromising the quality of care. 

The best way to assess a candidate’s flexibility is to ask them: 

• How would you handle an unexpected change in your work schedule? 
• How quickly can you adapt, and what steps do you take to ensure a smooth transition?  
• Can you give an example of a time when you had to change priorities quickly and pivot?