Nowadays, it is not uncommon for many medical professionals, both newcomers and veterans, to choose the career path of locum tenens. And for good reason, they not only generally enjoy the benefits of the job, but also have access to a wide range of health facilities in which to work, such as doctors offices, clinics, and hospitals.
In this article, we will break down some of the most notable benefits associated with choosing a career in locum tenens.
1. Variety of Work Environments
A major advantage of working as a locum in different medical practices is the access to a wide range of health service environments, and a variety of patient care scenarios. After all, it is not uncommon for health professionals to be exposed to the multitude of medical services available to them in the medical field while working in locum tenens.
2. Job Satisfaction
This ability to adapt to changes in the work environment offers them the opportunity to learn more and, in return, the opportunity to develop a more rewarding and satisfying career in the healthcare industry.
3. Financial Rewards
Locums can earn above average pay for high-demand, short-term deployments. This way they can work for good money without the pressure of having to work endless mediocre shifts like their colleagues in other professions.
If they need to earn more, pay off medical school debt, or finance a new business, choosing to work in locum tenens can help them earn more. Today, specialist locum tenens recruiters like mascmedical.com are hiring doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to meet the rising demand for highly skilled workers across the healthcare industry.
These staffing gaps are ideal opportunities for many doctors to work part-time and supplement their income by earning a little more money.
4. More Employment Opportunities
Those who choose to work in locum tenens to develop their professional path have a greater chance of finding work. Doctors working as locum tenens generally find it a fulfilling and rewarding experience.
When you get to work, you not only have the opportunity to deal with a large number of cases, but also the opportunity to meet new people and contacts. This can be advantageous for your career with an increasing number of doctors and nurses in local hospitals and medical centers.
Advice For Anyone Contemplating Locum Tenens
Perhaps some of these tips could help anyone exploring locum tenens as a career option:
For many doctors and healthcare staff, locum tenens work is a whole new field they have never navigated before. Some might feel like they have won the lottery, being paid a better-than-average hourly rate and enjoying their newfound freedom. Others might find the unpredictability and constant changing professional landscape somewhat disconcerting.
You need to be aware of how you feel and how you react in such circumstances. There’s no point in pursuing more locum tenens work if you feel it’s not a good fit for you. So be honest with yourself from the start!
Before accepting a position, research the level of coordination required to obtain licenses, credentials, etc. depending on the institution you will work in. Your locum tenens agency should be able to help you with this too.
Learn how to make friends with Human Resources secretaries or Office Managers, learning how to integrate into different work environments quickly is a highly valued skill you can develop. They will appreciate your effort!
When you sign documents, ask for a copy. Keep them as evidence, just in case! If you are ever faced with a medical dispute, be prepared to provide detailed documentation.
If you have a history of medical claims, you should be prepared with information and an explanation.
Talk with representatives of reputable locum tenens agencies to select a few to partner within the search for suitable positions.
See if you can get your locum tenens agency to deal with travel tickets, accommodation, and any professional/legal requirements, etc. Not having to worry about such things is a huge bonus.
When you have a few days off in a new city or state, visit the sights and enjoy some downtime. Make the most of being in a different place.
Make sure you have professional negligence insurance. If it’s not provided by the employer or your agency, there are independent providers that offer it.
Remember that everything is negotiable, except patient safety and your integrity.
Finally…
The field of medicine can sometimes be more than a little overwhelming, and stress is usual, according to doctors and nurses.
But if you want to gain more experience in a wide variety of healthcare environments and achieve your financial and professional goals at the same time, in a way that usually involves less stress, then it is worth considering either a career or a short spell working in locum tenens.
For all the benefits locum tenens offers healthcare professionals, it is not surprising that more and more doctors, nurses, and other healthcare workers are turning to a profession that was once only considered by older doctors easing into retirement.
Is locum tenens what you’ve been looking for? You may never find out unless you give it a try. If you find yourself at a career crossroads or have been the victim of cutbacks your previous healthcare provider, it might be just what you need.
Either as a temporary stopgap or a new direction in your professional healthcare career, you can explore locum tenens work and all the benefits it can offer. If you decide it’s a good fit for you, you can plan to develop your career in this growing professional field in the longer term.
What’s the first step? Find out by contacting a locum tenens recruiter in your local area to discuss the opportunities available. Be honest about what you want, and need.
You might just be at the beginning of a fascinating new chapter of your professional career as a doctor, nurse, or another healthcare worker.
