Locum tenens offers an excellent opportunity to physicians who want to supplement their income, explore new settings, or consider alternative career paths. However, only about one-third of physicians have worked locum tenens at some point in their careers. Read on to find out about this unique opportunity.
What Is Locum Tenens?
Locum tenens is a little like substitute teaching for physicians. The term is Latin, and it means “to hold the place of.” In other words, locum tenens doctors provide temporary physician coverage.
This unique idea was first conceived in the 1970s. It began as a means of providing physicians to medically underserved areas in the western US. Now, physicians can work locum tenens across the United States, taking advantage of the flexibility and opportunities it provides.
Who Works Locum Tenens?
Locum tenens physicians can be at any point in their careers.
New graduates just out of residency often use it as a means of trying out different facilities or geographic locations, refining clinical skills, and paying off student loans. Locum tenens gives them the opportunity to experiment with different employment options before signing long-term contracts.
Physicians in the middle of their careers often work locum tenens to supplement their income. The reality is that while doctors get paid better than people in some professions, life circumstances can still intervene and throw the household budget into disarray. Taking on locum tenens work can help physicians make the extra money they need to get by.
Even physicians who are later in their career paths can work locum tenens. At this stage, it allows doctors to preserve their identities within the medical industry during partial retirement. Physicians can stop working so much, but they’re still doctors.
The Benefits of Working Locum Tenens
Healthcare providers who choose to work locum tenens do so for a variety of reasons. Some just want to supplement their income during a difficult phase of life. Others are looking to enhance their skills by working in different environments. Locum tenens work can also offer a better work-life balance, as it’s typically part-time, and it provides physicians with the opportunity to travel to new places, making it a great option for adventurous individuals.
How to Find Locum Tenens Work
Providers have two options when it comes to finding locum tenens work. They can seek out positions on their own or work with a medical staffing agency that offers locum tenens positions. Most doctors take the latter approach.
There are many benefits to seeking locum tenens work through an agency. Doctors don’t have to worry about finding work or making arrangements. The agency ensures that everything is set up before the first shift. A good staffing agency will offer ample job opportunities with plenty of flexibility, and the recruiters will understand locum tenens job candidates’ needs.
What to Expect
Once physicians connect with a staffing agency and find positions they are interested in, the agency will assist with credentialing and licensing. Locum tenens staffing agencies also arrange travel and housing, with most locum tenens physicians receiving complimentary housing. On-site, physicians provide the same kinds of care they would in permanent roles and get paid weekly.
Find the Right Job Today
Ready to start exploring options? The first step is simple. Get in touch with a medical staffing agency that offers locum tenens work for physicians. The recruiter will explain your next steps.
