The Impact of Locum Tenens on Healthcare

Perceptions regarding locum tenens work have evolved and changed over time. While it may not have been referred to as such in the past, the tradition behind healthcare experts standing in for their contemporaries is a practice that has existed for many years. At certain junctures, they've been viewed as unemployable, unskilled, or unfocused. However, many consider them now as heroes because they're willing to travel to fill in gaps and take on short-term assignments.

With years of experience interacting, interviewing, and vetting with locum tenens companies, the reality is that many practitioners have proven to be just as skilled and motivated as those in more traditional medical career paths. Some could even argue that the lifestyle enables them to be more effective in fulfilling their roles within the healthcare community.

Benefits of locum tenens

There are many reasons why both inexperienced and seasoned medical workers alike prefer the locum tenens lifestyle. After all, beyond their advantages to filling in staffing shortages for hospitals and other healthcare facilities, it also benefits them. With that said, here are some of the reasons why many are eager to work in locums.

• Scheduling flexibility. One of the greatest benefits of becoming a locum tenens practitioner is having a greater degree of control over your working schedule. It enables medical experts to pursue opportunities that are best suited for them. For example, if they prefer to work on a specific number of days a week, they can do it. They can also choose to take recurring positions at nearby facilities if they want.
• Better compensation. While compensation will vary, locum tenens workers generally earn better rates than full-time medical practitioners. Due to the higher financial rewards that it offers, doctors fresh out of their residencies can pay off their student debts faster. It also aids seasoned professionals to fund their private practices easier.
• Opportunities to travel. Another well-known advantage of working in locums is the opportunities it presents for traveling. Since gaps in hospital staffing exist all over the country, many physicians take the assignments as an opportunity to experience new places and working environments. In doing so, they’re able to change things up and make their practice more interesting.
• Fewer administrative hassles. Because of its nature as a temporary position, being a locum worker can help you avoid the billing, teaching, and other administrative responsibilities that would typically accompany the job. Therefore, you’ll be able to focus more on your core competencies and area of expertise.

Locum tenens reality

When all's said and done, the reality of having locum tenens workers is positive. Apart from enabling healthcare facilities to function by filling in for shortages, they're also able to give patients the attention and care they deserve since they don't have to deal with administrative duties. The lifestyle also offers medical professionals an ideal arrangement that enables them to travel, have more control over their schedules, expand their respective networks, and make a difference.