Healthcare Facilities

How to Show Locum Tenens Physicians You Appreciate Them

winter gatheringThe holiday season is typically a time for family and friends. Many doctors choose to visit relatives, host and attend parties, and enjoy family vacations.

Since healthcare providers can’t just close up shop until January, dedicated physicians step up to accept locum tenens jobs and make sure patient care is never compromised.

But being away from home during the holidays can be challenging, even for seasoned locum tenens providers. This is the time of year when a kind word or small gesture can make a big difference. Here are seven ways to remind them you care:

1. Give the gift of local entertainment

It can sometimes be difficult to fill the off-hours in a new town where you don’t know anyone. This is especially true during the holidays, when it may feel like everyone else is surrounding by loved ones. Giving your locum tenens physicians a gift card to, say, a local restaurant or movie theater may be just the incentive they need to step out on the town.

2. Send a handwritten holiday card

In this age of electronic correspondence—Facebook, Instagram, email, text, etc.—receiving a handwritten card is often an unexpected and much-appreciated gesture. Taking a few minutes to write out your appreciation for your providers’ services can have a lasting positive effect.

3. Research community celebrations

Many cities and towns host holiday festivities that are open to the public. If possible, gather some details on upcoming events—including dates, times, venues, and themes—and share them with your temporary providers. They are sure to appreciate the information, as well as your thoughtfulness.

4. Extend an invitation to your house of worship

Churches, synagogues, mosques and other houses of worship are usually happy to welcome newcomers with open arms. And most congregations provide an atmosphere of community that is likely to appeal to someone who is away from home during the holidays. So if you plan to attend a local service or even a holiday gathering there, invite your locum tenens physicians to come along.

5. Add one more to the guest list

If you will be hosting a holiday party, you may want to add any locum tenens physicians who are in town to your guest list. They are sure to appreciate the offer, and socializing outside of work is a wonderful way to get to know someone and begin building a lasting relationship.

6. Offer a small token of appreciation

The holidays are a time for giving, and even a small gesture can make a big impression. Consider purchasing a little something for locum tenens physicians who will not be home to exchange gifts with their loved ones. Even if you don’t know them well enough to choose a personalized gift, a box of cookies or a bottle of wine is usually a safe bet. For more ideas, check out Travel and Leisure’s list of stocking stuffers for travelers.

7. Simply say thank you

The holidays can be a hectic time, so if your locum tenens provider is preparing for departure before you get a chance to purchase a gift, send a card, or extend an invitation, be sure to vocalize your gratitude. Offering a simple and sincere thank you lets the provider know his or her services are being recognized and appreciated. That small act of kindness may be enough to bring a provider back to the facility again and again.

About the author

Lisa Daggett

Lisa Daggett is well-versed on the topic of locum tenens staffing and was a regular contributor to LocumLife, Healthcare Traveler, and Travel Nurse magazines. She served as associate editor of RN Magazine and as an editorial assistant for Business & Health.

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