When you arrive on the scene of a locum tenens assignment, everything is new: The facility, your colleagues, and the community. Acclimating to a different workplace, getting to know people, and exploring a new city are part of the attraction of the locum tenens lifestyle.
There are various approaches to learning about an adopted community. Certainly, you can get in the car and drive around. If you view something interesting or intriguing, pull over to see what’s what. Or you could make a plan to investigate something new on your free days.
Another approach to getting to know a town is to ask around. Inquire with coworkers about what they like about their neighborhoods or where they prefer to dine.
Then again, thanks to a growing trend among vacationers and frequent travelers to “live like a local,” there’s an increasing array of apps connecting visitors with residents for a truly localized experience. Here’s a quick guide to get you started on fitting in at your next locum tenens assignment.
Before you start
There are plenty of travel and tourism sites touting the highlights of virtually any location, but sometimes reading about someone’s personal experience provides more insight.
GoGoBot.com. Read up on posters’ personal perspectives on just about anything in town, from activities to dining to virtually everything else you can imagine. Cater a search around your primary interests, such as budgets, locales, food, etc.
Bonding over food
Sharing a dinner is one of the most surefire ways to break the ice with strangers. After all, everyone is seated at the same table. Not surprisingly, there are a plethora of meal-sharing apps popping up.
MealSharing.com. With more than 450 cities in its database, this service has skyrocketed in popularity. Hosts are not professional chefs. Rather, they’re home cooks who are willing to whip up tasty meals for all who show up. Before making reservations, preview the menu and get a glimpse into who will be the hosts for the evening.
Feastly. This app puts you in touch with residents who are passionate about cooking and local ingredients. It features meals prepared by amateur food fanatics plus notices about pop-up restaurants presented by regional chefs. These are opportunities to taste a one-night-only menu.
BookaLokal.com. Here’s another program that connects people over food. Sign up for dinner at a resident’s home if you’re craving family get-together experiences. Or attend a low-key gathering at an unexpected venue, such as a vineyard or retro supper club.
Activity locators
There’s more to life as a locum tenens professional than work, eat, and sleep, especially if you’re on a long-term assignment. It’s important to fulfill your other interests, such as physical activity and socializing.
Gravy.com. Are you a night owl? Perhaps you enjoy nature walks, or maybe the arts are your passion. Whether you enjoy hitting the dance floor or “paint nights” at informal neighborhood hangouts, the Gravy app can help you find area events based on your mood. The program allows you to set parameters and chat with others online so you can get to know a few people before meeting out on the town.
A little research and planning
Reporting for shifts and working alongside the permanent staff will help to familiarize yourself with the clinical and personnel aspects of a locum tenens experience. Getting to know the city and its attributes may require a little research and planning during your downtime. But the more you immerse yourself in your temporary surroundings, the more it’ll feel like you’re fitting in like a local.
