Now, more than ever before, healthcare facilities are turning to locum tenens to compensate for staffing shortages. But why would a clinician want to go through the never-wracking hassle of starting a new job at a new facility multiple times a year? Come along with us as we explore seven benefits of locum tenens work that have clinicians leaving their traditional, full-time jobs in droves.
Earn More Money
One of the biggest benefits of locum tenens work is the opportunity to earn more money. While pay rates vary from facility to facility, locum tenens generally earn a higher hourly rate than their full-time counterparts. This is primarily due to the temporary nature of the work and the high demand for vacancy coverage. Furthermore, locum tenens are taxed as independent contractors or a corporation. Many of their work-related expenses can be written off. All these factors combined equate to more money in the bank for the locum tenens clinician.
Whether you’re looking to pay off your school loans, save for a big purchase or plan for retirement, locum tenens work is a great way to aggressively build your bank account.
Set Your Own Schedule
Healthcare providers that work traditional jobs are tied to a facility’s schedule and only have an allotted number of vacation/sick days that they can use each year. Locum tenens, on the other hand, can create a work schedule that is conducive to their lifestyle and goals. They can decide when they want to take an assignment and they can negotiate the number of days/hours worked each week/month. In other words, locum tenens don’t daydream about achieving work/life balance because they already have it.
Whether you want to be home for the holidays, backpack through Europe for a month or just take some time to rest and relax, locum tenens work is great way to achieve the elusive work/life balance.
Travel the Country
One of the best-known benefits of locum tenens work is the opportunity to take your career on the road and experience different parts of the country. In fact, it is not uncommon for locum tenens to turn their work assignments into working vacations for themselves and their families. Many locum tenens report that their favorite part of contract work is the opportunity to explore the off-the-beaten-path attractions that are usually overlooked on traditional vacations. It’s a great way to create memories that will last a lifetime.
Whether you’re looking to ski the Rocky Mountains, sunbathe on a white sandy beach or feast at a New England clam bake, locum tenens work gets you to the destinations on your bucket list.
Try Before You Buy
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, between now and 2029, employment in healthcare occupations is projected to grow 15% (roughly 2.4M new jobs). Clinicians that are interested in working full-time in one of these new positions can “try before they buy” with a locum tenens assignment. Locum tenens can use their time as a contract worker to determine if the new organization, its culture and its people are the right fit for them. How many other career paths offer this unique advantage?
Whether you’ve just completed your training or are a seasoned professional, locum tenens work can give you the confidence that your next career move is the right one.
Fewer Administrative Duties
One of the lesser known benefits of locum tenens work is fewer administrative responsibilities. Since locum tenens assignments are temporary, the clinicians that fill these positions are not tasked with the same administrative duties as full-time employees. For instance, locum tenens rarely have to deal with the hassles of coding/billing, are not assigned teaching responsibilities and do not play a role in hiring/firing staff. This means they get to devote more time to patient care.
Whether you’re tired of the bureaucratic headache that comes with your full-time job or just want to rediscover your passion for the profession, locum tenens work is the right choice for you.
Expand Your Skill Set & Build Your CV
Locum tenens assignments are a great way to expand skill sets and build robust CVs. Through their contract work assignments, locum tenens gain invaluable experience working with diverse patient populations and are constantly being exposed to the newest best practices. They have the opportunity to learn different electronic health record (EHR) systems and various models of equipment. Locum tenens are constantly expanding their professional network and acquiring insider information that can help them open their own practice.
Whether you’ve been in your current position for more years than you’d like to count or are just starting out, locum tenens work can give you the work experience that employers seek out.
Beat Healthcare Worker Burnout
It’s no secret that healthcare worker burnout is an increasing problem within the medical industry. That’s why one of the best benefits of locum tenens work is the chance to choose how often and in what environment to work. Most often, a change of pace or scenery is all that is needed to leave a clinician feeling recharged and recommitted to their profession.
Whether you’re looking to make a permanent change or just want to explore your career options, locum tenens work can help you rediscover your passion for the healthcare profession.
If you’re interested in making the benefits of locum tenens work yours, fill out our contact form and one of our recruiters will be in touch shortly.
Explore additional resources from Premier Physician Services LLC:
5 Benefits of a Locum Tenens Agency
7 Tips for Working with a Physician Recruiter
Navigating the Time Between Locum Tenens Contracts
Protecting Your Mental Health: 7 Tips for Navigating Stress and Uncertainty
Top 5 Highest Paying States for Doctors