Many healthcare providers find locum tenens work appealing, as it gives them new perspectives, allows them to face new challenges in providing healthcare, and prevents burnout. As a result, they become more flexible and choose their own schedule.
How does locum tenens work?
In locum tenens, doctors accept temporary positions in other facilities to cover a gap or fill for other physicians. The job can last for several days, weeks, months, or even years. Positions are available in many parts of the U.S. as long as the doctors are willing to travel and have the right credentials. Some locum tenens agencies offer international locum tenens positions. If you are considering a locum tenens job and looking for an excellent agency, click here.
Benefits of locum tenens jobs
Locum tenens jobs are not only for physicians. There are many positions available for different healthcare providers. Working locum tenens are typically rewarding and valuable. It provides prime advantages, such as exposure to different medical settings, flexibility, reduced administrative duties, freedom to travel, and better financial benefits. Let us discuss each one in detail.
- Financial benefits. You will usually get a higher hourly rate than what you will receive from full-time employment in a hospital or clinic. However, you will be taxed as an independent contractor, but you can write off several of your expenses. A locum tenens job can help pay off medical school debts for those just starting. In addition, it could provide extra income to healthcare providers in their mid-career and allow people who want to maintain their skills while working slower.
- Freedom to travel. Accepting a locum tenens job allows you to visit different locations, meet new people, experience new practice settings, and learn about new cultures.
- Reduced administrative duties. Most physicians have to perform administrative duties that occupy most of their time. They need to enter notes into electronic health records, deliver test results, and manage issues with insurance. These tasks often consume time that they would rather devote to treating patients. When working locum, the provider does not need to teach their juniors and deal with staffing, coding, or billing. Instead, the locum physicians can concentrate on working and treating their patients.
- Flexibility. Physicians who work locum enjoy the flexibility the job provides. Since they control their schedule, they can choose where, when, and how much work they want to do. Thus, they can have the work-life balance they want to achieve. Moreover, a locum tenens job can prevent job burnout. Locum tenens physicians can also learn new skill sets and healthcare techniques and understand other cultural practices. A locum tenens job can give physicians their much-needed break.
- Learn new practice settings. A physician who works permanently in a medical facility has a limited view of other practice settings. When working in locum tenens jobs, the physician can be exposed to different facilities and practice settings. They will meet new patients, often multiethnic. They can work in communities where access to healthcare services is limited. Most locum tenens agencies report that locum tenens clinicians boost patient satisfaction.
Working in locum tenens jobs will give you new opportunities to expand your career, knowledge, and network. Depending on your choice, you will gain several benefits, particularly if you choose a reputable agency.