Locum tenens providers are in high demand right now. In fact, this has been the fastest-growing segment of the healthcare staffing industry for quite some time. Several factors are driving this uptick. One is the ongoing and ever-growing shortage of physicians. Another is America’s growing and aging population. That’s leading to an increasing need for medical care and further widening the gap in supply and demand. Additionally, more medical facilities are realizing the flexibility and other benefits that locum tenens providers can bring them.
On the other end of that spectrum, a growing number of physicians are choosing locum tenens work over the traditional paths. Doing so can give them more flexibility in their schedules and opportunities to gain more diverse experience along with many other advantages. If you’d like to enjoy those benefits while also catering to medical facilities that desperately need clinical staffing solutions, becoming a locum tenens provider may be the right path for you.
Choosing the Right Locum Tenens Assignments
Considering the growing number of medical facilities that need to fill temporary positions, you’ll find a vast range of assignments to choose from. To get the most out of the locum tenens experience, though, you’ll need to choose the ones that best meet your needs and expectations. Asking yourself the following questions can help you do just that.
Do You Want Short-Term or Extended Assignments?
One question to ask yourself is whether you want short-term or extended assignments. Short-term assignments can last from a few days to a few weeks. With these assignments, you’ll be covering for physicians who are on vacation, sick leave, or maternity leave. You may also fill in for physicians who are taking part in continuing medical education.
Extended assignments can last anywhere from a few months to a year or longer in some cases. Medical facilities may seek long-term locum tenens providers to cover extended medical leaves or sabbaticals. They may also post long-term positions to cover seasonal upticks in patient volumes. Some facilities request locum tenens for extended assignments when they’re undergoing major staffing transitions or organizational restructuring. Facilities in underserved areas that experience ongoing staffing shortages often look for locum tenens providers who are willing to take on extended assignments as well.
What Type of Schedule Are You Looking for?
Scheduling is another factor to consider. Many physicians work 7-on/7-off schedules. That means they work for 7 days followed by 7 days off. Some facilities look for physicians who can work weekends or a few days a week. That would be a part-time position. There’s also a growing trend toward telehealth providers if you’re interested in and certified for that type of position.
In some cases, locum tenens are expected to provide on-call coverage, which can take on different forms. It may entail being on-site and immediately available to provide care. On the other hand, you may be able to stay at home and answer calls from there. In that case, you’ll need to be available by phone and able to get to the medical facility within a specific timeframe. Many assignments entail mixed schedules.
What Type of Facility Do You Want to Work for?
Another question to ask yourself is what type of facility you want to work for. Would you prefer a hospital, clinic, or urgent care center. Maybe you’d like to provide care in a government or correctional facility. Beyond that, would you prefer to work in a rural, urban, or suburban setting?
Finding the Perfect Assignments for You
Numerous assignments are available for locum tenens providers. You’ll find temporary positions in a variety of settings and with a range of schedules. Think about the types of patients you want to work with, the facilities you want to work in, and the hours you’d like to devote to your job. Those factors can help you find the right assignments to suit your needs and lifestyle.
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