What is one purpose of reviewing an applicant's professional references?

Reviewing an applicant's professional references serves the important purpose of gathering insights about the applicant's past clinical performance. This process allows credentialing specialists to obtain qualitative information regarding the applicant's competencies, work ethic, and interpersonal skills from colleagues, supervisors, or other professional contacts who can provide an informed perspective on the applicant's previous work. Understanding how the applicant has performed in clinical settings is critical for assessing their suitability for the position and ensuring that they meet the required standards for patient care and safety.

Evaluating professional references not only gives a sense of the applicant's technical abilities but also sheds light on their ability to work as part of a team, communicate effectively, and maintain professionalism in various scenarios. This data is essential to making informed decisions about hiring and ensuring that the healthcare provider aligns with the organization's values and standards of care.