Locum Tenens as a career choice
Locum tenens refers to a temporary physician positions. When a healthcare facility faces staffing shortages, employers hire locum physicians on a short-term basis. The basic objective is to fill in the regular physician’s position for few days or months and maintain optimal patient care.
Physicians at all stages of their careers, from mid-career to semi-retired healthcare professionals have engaged in the locum tenens practice. And there’s plenty of good reason for that. Locum tenens physicians can work temporarily in their own or another practice.
Although working as a locum tenens physician can be worthwhile, it isn’t the right career option for everyone. Ask yourself these questions to determine whether you should consider it:
- Are you looking for a variety of work? Then locum tenens is the right career choice for you. Locum tenens physicians complete a certain number of assignments – typically one to three every year – in diverse healthcare environments.
- Do you want a cure for burnout without quitting your job? Being a full-time physician is an exhausting job. Many doctors experience burnout due to their grueling schedules. Rather than a change in career, they can sign up for a temporary position in a new setting. The change in environment is sometimes what they need to avoid stress. They can even work as locum tenens physician in new state.
- Do you want to test your new job? By working as a locum tenens physician for some time, you can determine if a certain position is right for you before signing the permanent employment contract. It’s also an excellent way to enhance your skill set and learn new procedures used in diverse healthcare settings.
- Do you want to spend more time with family? Locum tenens jobs offer great flexibility and freedom. Physicians choose when they want to work. As a result, this gives them time to spend with their families. Moreover, as locum tenens physicians don’t have to deal with staffing or department issues, they have more time for themselves and their loves ones. They can also pursue other hobbies.
- Do you want more money on the side? For earning a little bit of extra money, you can work on temporary assignments as a locum tenens physician. Based on the number of hours worked and their specialty, it’s possible for full-time locum tenens physicians to earn over $1,000 a day. Meanwhile, some physicians prefer to work over the weekends to make some extra money on the side.
- Are you looking to give back to society? Healthcare facilities need locum tenens physicians in rural or underserved areas. These areas have limited or no access to quality healthcare services. If you want to give back to the community, you can sign up for a temporary assignment in a rural area.
For the latest locum tenens jobs in your state, contact us. We provide an array of physician placement services across the country.
