Every locum tenens provider knows that after a commitment letter is signed, there are many steps that must be taken before starting that first shift.
One of the most important steps is travel—you should have a clear understanding of your arrangements so you can start on time.
Will you fly? Will you drive? Where will you be staying? Will you receive a travel stipend or will the locum tenens agency cover travel expenses?
In this blog, we will answer common locum tenens travel questions and offer tips to make your travel experience smoother.
Do locum tenens agencies pay for travel expenses?
While it depends on the facility or site and the contract, locum tenens agencies commonly cover travel expenses such as flights, a rental car, and a hotel for traveling providers.
These details should be addressed by your recruiter and your commitment letter before you sign.
Is locum tenens right for you? Read our comprehensive guide.
Do some locum tenens travel assignments offer a travel stipend?
Yes, depending on how the assignment is negotiated with the client, a travel stipend may be paid to the provider by the locums agency.
With a travel stipend, you book your own travel accommodations for your assignment. If this is something that you prefer, please speak to your recruiter about your options.
How do locum tenens agencies book travel arrangements for providers?
While we cannot speak for other agencies, our in-house travel team follows a specific protocol. Once you sign a commitment letter with us, our travel team will contact you within 14 to 30 days prior to your assignment (of course this window may be much smaller if your assignment start date is sooner).
You will receive a welcome letter asking for your travel preferences and summarizing your flight, hotel, and rental car options. Additionally, it includes our travel team’s contact information and (for after-hours support) Christopherson Travel’s contact information.
After your travel preferences are discussed, you will receive a travel itinerary that includes pertinent information such as reservation numbers.
Our team will regularly update you if reservations change and will remain on standby to answer any questions.
What locum tenens travel expenses are not covered by a staffing agency?
While the major expenses are typically paid for (flights, hotel, rental car), there are smaller expenses that are not.
Here are a few examples of accommodations not covered:
- Business/first class airline tickets or upgrades
- Hotel fees for additional companions or pets
- Upgraded rental cars not approved by the client or facility
Can I bring my pet on a locum tenens assignment?
While we work with many locum providers who travel with pets, if you wish to do so, you must pay all associated fees.
If our team is booking your hotel, we are more than happy to find accommodations that accept your pet.
Travel tips for locum tenens providers
Early in your locum tenens career, it is normal to worry about how you will make your first shift on time. However, our team makes the process as simple as possible so you can focus on enjoying your assignment.
Keep the following tips in mind when you book your next assignment:
- Give yourself enough time for travel
- Know where your assignment is located
- If your flight is cancelled or delayed, don’t panic
- Communication is key
1. Give yourself enough time for travel
It is common practice to arrive at the airport at least two hours before your flight. If your assignment takes you across the country, it may not be realistic to quickly travel from one assignment to the next in the same day.
Additionally, if your assignment is somewhat local, make sure you fully understand your commute. If it is more than an hour’s drive away, you may want to book closer accommodations.
2. Know where your assignment is located
One of the simplest but most effective things you can do to prepare for an upcoming assignment is to understand the geographic area you will be staying in. This will help keep your travel expectations realistic.
If you will be working in a rural area, it will take more time to get to and from the airport and to your lodging and other amenities. If it is in an area known for harsh winters, your facility may be willing to upgrade your rental car to an SUV so you can safely travel to and from your assignment.
By taking the time to understand this upfront, you can avoid potential surprises during travel.
3. If your flight is delayed or cancelled, don’t panic
Once you are checked in for your flight, our travel team can no longer make changes to your flight reservation. If your flight is delayed or cancelled, the best solution is to speak with an airline representative.
The airline will rebook your flight for you. If this occurs, it is important to inform our travel team so we can ensure other accommodations are updated accordingly.
4. Communication is key
As mentioned previously, if you experience any travel delays, please keep our travel team informed. For example, flight delays can disrupt rental car appointments and hotel check-in times. Our team can help update your accommodations, so you experience no further disruption.
Meet our travel team
With over a decade of travel industry experience, our travel team consists of two travel coordinators, Chris Ravnholt and Ariel Hudak. Each team member consistently goes above and beyond for our traveling locum providers by providing top-notch customer service.
When travel disruptions occur, our team can manage a full desk of providers—new and existing. For the convenience of our locum providers, IMN has partnered with Christopherson Travel to offer comprehensive after-hours support.
Learn more about each member of our travel team.
Chris Ravnholt
Beginning as an independent agent, Chris has been working in the travel industry for 14 years. They have been a travel coordinator with IMN since 2021. Chris enjoys the relationship-building aspect of their role.
Ariel Hudak
In 2022, Ariel joined the travel team with 10 years of experience in the travel industry. As a travel coordinator, she enjoys her work because “no day is the same; there is a lot of creative problem-solving that we get to do.”
Conclusion
If you are a locum tenens provider looking to travel, it is important to understand your travel arrangements well in advance so that you can start your assignment on time. In this blog, we covered some of the most common questions we receive regarding locum travel, including what accommodations are paid for and how travel stipends work.
The bottom line is that by communicating with your recruiter and travel team, you can stay ahead of common pitfalls and have a much smoother travel experience.
If you have additional questions about our locum tenens travel assignments, please get in touch with our team!
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute formal legal, financial, or professional advice. While we strive to ensure accuracy, regulations and policy details vary by state and facility. Independence Anesthesia is not liable for any actions taken or decisions made based on the content of this blog.