Staying Connected: Communication Best Practices for Locum Tenens in Rural Areas
Working as a locum tenens provider in remote or wilderness areas can be incredibly rewarding, offering unique experiences that urban healthcare settings often lack. However, this rewarding path comes with its own set of challenges, particularly when it comes to communication. Maintaining reliable contact can be difficult in regions with limited or inconsistent reception, posing significant obstacles for healthcare professionals on assignment. At Wilderness Medical Staffing, our contracted providers work closely with our Operations Team to coordinate logistics and ensure near-seamless communication throughout their assignments. In this blog, we’ll share our insights and best practices to help locum tenens stay connected and effectively communicate while working in rural settings.
Understanding Local Coverage
When preparing for a locum tenens assignment in a rural area, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with the local coverage and available communication resources. A little research beforehand can go a long way in setting expectations. Coverage can vary significantly between states, and towns or villages within the same state—and even within the same location depending on the time of year.
Choosing the Right Carrier
Your research may reveal that certain carriers provide better coverage in your assignment area, while your regular provider may or may not offer service at all. It’s crucial to choose a carrier that will keep you connected. If your current carrier doesn’t have reliable coverage, consider getting a temporary SIM card from one that does. For example, many of the Alaskan villages we serve rely on GCI as the only dependable service. If you’re heading to Alaska, we recommend looking into GCI phones or SIM cards before your assignment, as you might not have the opportunity to visit a GCI store once you arrive.
Ask Locals
Upon arrival, it’s always a good idea to ask local residents or colleagues about the most reliable network in the area. Locals often have the most up-to-date information on which carriers work best in specific spots, especially in areas where coverage can fluctuate. Their insights can help you make any last-minute adjustments to your communication plan.
Making the Most of Spotty Coverage
Signal Boosters: Perhaps invest in a portable signal booster to enhance mobile reception in weak signal areas. These work by pulling in an existing outside signal, boosting it, and rebroadcasting it into desired areas, either inside or outside.
Wi-Fi Calling: Enable Wi-Fi calling features on your device if available; this can be a lifesaver in areas with poor cellular reception but decent internet access. It also helps with texting, and sending/receiving images, despite being called “Wi-Fi Calling.”
Text Messaging Over Calls: When voice calls are unstable, rely on text messaging or messaging apps like WhatsApp, which require less signal strength. Text messaging may still be difficult with little cellular data, but apps that use Wi-Fi can be reliable around the clinic or hospital.
Utilizing Alternative Communication Methods
Satellite Phones
In extremely remote areas where cellular networks are unreliable or nonexistent, satellite phones can be crucial for maintaining communication, particularly in emergencies. While the need for a satellite phone is typically rare, it’s important to note that in most cases, the client will be fully aware of the communication challenges in their area. When satellite phones are necessary, they will usually provide one for locum tenens providers on staff. This ensures that you can stay connected even in the most isolated locations without having to source your own equipment. However, it’s wise to familiarize yourself with the basic operation of a satellite phone beforehand, as they function differently from standard mobile devices.
Two-Way Radios
For short-distance communication, especially in areas where cell service is spotty, two-way radios offer a reliable alternative. These devices are particularly useful for maintaining contact with local teams, other providers, or coworkers on-site. Like satellite phones, if radios are a necessity for your assignment, the client will typically supply them. They are often used with other communication tools to ensure seamless coordination in areas with limited technological infrastructure.
Email and Messaging Apps
Email and messaging apps become invaluable tools for staying in touch when an internet connection is available, even if cell service is not. These platforms can accommodate a wide range of communication needs, from sending quick updates to sharing more detailed information through voice notes or video calls. By using apps that work well with low-bandwidth connections, such as WhatsApp, you can maintain effective communication even when data speeds are slow. It’s also advisable to set up offline access for important contacts and documents so that you can retrieve them when you regain connectivity. It is best to download any new apps or documents on a reliable Wi-Fi network before you leave for your assignment.
Establishing Communication Protocols
Emergency Contacts
Having a comprehensive list of emergency contacts is essential when working in remote areas. This list should include not only your staffing agency and local contacts but also loved ones back home who should be aware of your whereabouts. Ensure that these contacts are reachable through multiple communication channels, such as phone, email, or messaging apps, to cover all bases. This proactive approach provides peace of mind, knowing that in the event of an emergency—whether it’s a natural disaster, unexpected health issue, or simply a communication blackout—there’s a clear plan in place. Regularly updating these contacts with your location and expected check-in times can further alleviate concerns and help coordinate a timely response if needed.
Offline Maps and Information
Before heading into areas with limited or no coverage, it’s crucial to prepare by downloading necessary maps, contact information, and any other essential documents. Offline access to these resources ensures you remain oriented and informed, even when connectivity is lost. Our Operations Associates often recommend that providers use their maps app to load directions and hit “go” while still in a coverage area, such as the airport. This allows the app to cache the route, enabling turn-by-turn navigation even when you lose cell service. For example, in states like Montana, providers may experience 2-3 hour stretches without service while driving from the airport to healthcare facilities. Having offline maps ensures you can reach your destination without any disruptions, and it’s a small step that can make a big difference in your overall experience.
Handling Communication Blackouts
Planning Ahead: Inform your relevant contacts if you anticipate being out of reach due to a lack of signal.
Local Resources: Know the location of the nearest landline or community center with communication facilities.
Patience and Preparedness: Accept that communication delays might happen and prepare accordingly, ensuring your work and safety are not compromised.
Leveraging New Connectivity Technologies
With advancements in connectivity technologies, there are increasingly effective ways to mitigate the frustrations of being off-grid. One innovative solution that some of our providers have adopted is the use of Starlink, a satellite internet service that offers reliable connectivity even in the most remote locations. Providers who have invested in Starlink packages report that it’s a game-changer, making the investment well worth it for the peace of mind and convenience it offers.
We’ve even had an instance where a provider was able to join a video call with our internal team from a remote assignment, thanks to Starlink. This level of connectivity opens new possibilities—imagine being able to video call your family back home, consult with colleagues, or even attend virtual meetings without interruption, no matter where your assignment takes you. We only mention Starlink based on the positive experiences shared by some of our contracted providers, but there may be other options you could investigate as well.
Additionally, many of the facilities in the areas where we staff are actively working to install more reliable Wi-Fi, further enhancing the connectivity options available to you. By embracing these technologies, you can maintain seamless communication and make your time on assignments more comfortable and connected.
Understanding Technology at Healthcare Facilities 
The technology available at rural and remote healthcare facilities or industrial sites can vary significantly depending on the location. While Wi-Fi is generally available, it may be restricted (at some locations) to professional/on-site use only, with no access for personal use or in housing accommodations. This is why solutions like Starlink might be recommended for providers who require reliable connectivity for personal needs. Typically, this information is covered during the Staffing process when our Account Executives (AEs) work closely with providers to match them with a facility. Providers will have the opportunity to discuss specific technological expectations during interviews with the facility and may also be able to connect with established providers who have experience at that location. Additionally, our providers receive a final email two weeks before their assignment start date that contains any tips or information we’ve gathered about the assignment location, ensuring they are fully prepared for the unique challenges of their specific assignment.
Conclusion
Navigating the communication challenges inherent in rural locum tenens assignments is an ongoing journey, even for the most seasoned locum providers. By leveraging your expertise, remaining adaptable, and integrating advanced tools and strategies, you can maintain strong connections, deliver exceptional care, and truly thrive in these unique environments.
Are you ready to connect with some amazing rural communities and enjoy a fulfilling professional experience? Contact us about our current assignment opportunities and take the next step in your locum tenens journey.
