To help you navigate your first assignment with confidence, we spoke with two experts who understand locums from the inside out: a full-time locums physician and an experienced recruiter. Here’s what they want you to know before your first day.
A clinician’s perspective: Dr. Adair deBerry-Carlisle
Dr. Adair deBerry-Carlisle
Dr. Adair deBerry-Carlisle is a double board-certified trauma surgeon specializing in acute care surgery. She’s been a full-time locums surgeon since 2018 and holds 17 active licenses, including the IMLC.
Why she chose the locums path:
“Looking at my long-term commitment to my profession, it became clear to me that the balance between work and personal life would remain disproportionate. Locums gave me the opportunity to adjust that equilibrium between the profession I love and a personal life I can enjoy.”
Dr. DeBerry-Carlisle also highlighted a powerful motivator: burnout
“I love what I do, and I'm thankful every day to be able to do it, but I see red flags coming when it comes to burnout. It stems from the frustration of not being able to do what you love to do, what you were put there to do and what you deem to be your calling. You are fighting the very people who are supposed to set you up for success. That leads to enormous levels of pressure, clinicians being taken advantage of and constant turnover and poor retention.”
Advice for new locums clinicians
Be prepared:
“Before you get there, make sure you are aware of the details. Know and familiarize yourself with the kind of computer system the facility is using, the correct time you should arrive and where to park. When you arrive, make sure you know your point of contact, either meeting them in person or having their information. Confirm you have a working badge, be sure someone is there to meet you and show you the ropes, giving you everything you need. Ask for a list of important contacts and numbers, as well as your incoming and outgoing doctors. Try to iron out as many details as early as you can.”
Picking the right assignment:
“Choose assignments that align with your preferences. Make sure they align with what you do and have a clear idea of your expectations before you get started. For example, if you don’t cover pediatrics or burns, make sure facilities are not expecting those components of coverage. Familiarize yourself with the basics of your contract and ensure those are confirmed before you sign; you can even have an attorney look over it until you’re comfortable with the vocabulary. This includes details surrounding insurance, reimbursement, medical malpractice and a clear lay-out of what is and is not covered.”
Travel:
“Travel expectations can make or break an assignment. Choose an airline, car rental service and hotel chain you’re comfortable with and maintain their loyalty programs, it will help you in the long run. Additionally, I always recommend being aware of the local airports and the distances between the facilities and hotels.”
For your first shift:
“Expect confusion; it’s normal. Be fluid, relax and recognize your bandwidth. It may not be in the time frame that you're used to working, but remember to take a breath and focus on patient care. The details will always sort themselves out. Understand your responsibilities and actions, and remember that the vast majority of people around you show up with all they have to take care of the patients.”
Remember the three As:
“Be affable, available and able. Affable, be nice and pleasant. Available, if you are called on, you need to be there. And able, you need to know what you're doing.”
On working with LocumTenens.com:
“I have contracted with a lot of different locums companies, and LocumTenens.com is by far my preferred organization. They are consistent, available and committed to setting the physician up for success. I know I can reach out to my recruiter, and they will contact me with legitimate information I can trust.”
A recruiter’s perspective: Sidnie Adair, senior account executive
Sidnie Adair
Sidnie Adair has been helping clinicians launch successful locum tenens careers at LocumTenens.com for more than five years. She specializes in gastroenterology, pathology, allergy/immunology and endocrinology.
What to know before your first day
Do your homework:
“Locums should review the assignment details provided by their recruiter—facility profile, patient population, shift schedule and expectations. We have a mobile app that includes all your assignment details, so nothing gets missed. Arrive early with a flexible, professional attitude to set a positive tone for the assignment.”
Start prep early:
“We typically begin preparing several weeks to months in advance. The process includes coordinating with the clinician on paperwork, credentialing, licensing and arranging travel and housing. Regular communication from recruiters and operational teams ensures clinicians have someone with them throughout the process.”
What to expect on-site: Orientation varies:
Clinicians can usually expect onboarding that covers training modules, EMR training and staff introductions. Some facilities offer more structured orientation programs, while others may provide a quick overview with shadowing or a peer-led walkthrough. Some facilities also offer remote, virtual training. We work closely with facilities to ensure they have an onboarding plan in place and communicate those expectations to our physicians ahead of time.
Questions to ask on day one:
Valuable questions to ask include:
- What are the documentation and charting requirements?
- How are admissions and consults handled?
- Who do I contact with questions during my shift?
- Will I have APPs or support staff?
- How is call structured?
Navigating challenges:
“Getting used to new systems and workflows takes time. Clinicians should give themselves extra time during their first week to get acclimated, ask questions and get to know the staff. Most permanent staff understand that locums are stepping into new environments and are willing to assist.”
What makes LocumTenens.com different:
LocumTenens.com is known for its personalized support. Our consistent communication from the dedicated recruiter and credentialing team before, during and after the assignment is our standout feature. Whether it’s sharing firsthand insights from previous providers, coordinating complex travel logistics or simply checking in post-shift, the team’s goal is to ensure clinicians feel supported every step of the way.
Final thoughts:
Starting your locums journey can feel overwhelming, but with the right mindset, preparation and support, it’s one of the most empowering decisions you can make as a clinician. Whether you’re drawn to more flexibility, less burnout or simply looking for something new, working locum tenens gives you control over your career. And LocumTenens.com is here to be your partner every step of the way.
