NEWS
Expansive Job Opportunities: Navigating Locum Tenens
Following the global pandemic, the workplace has taken on a new look. Countless individuals were introduced to alternative employment models and don’t want to return to how things were before the pandemic. They came to appreciate the flexibility and diverse experiences these employment models offered.
Locum tenens work is an excellent example of an alternative employment model that many healthcare workers are choosing to embrace. This model continues to gain traction today as healthcare worker shortages remain a problem. Individuals can accept temporary assignments in clinical settings, help patients as they have been trained, and still have flexibility with their jobs. Weatherby Healthcare helps them find these positions.
Increased Demand
Over the past few years, locum tenens demand has surged. As a result, men and women taking on these positions find they can be choosy when it comes to the assignments they take. They can explore a new part of the country, try a new clinical setting, or visit an old friend. It’s all a matter of what is open when they are looking for work.
Increased Flexibility
One reason many people choose to serve as locum tenens is they love the flexibility of this work. They pick their schedule and where they work. Some positions may help them move forward with their professional goals. Other temporary assignments may be related to personal goals they have. They can achieve a better work-life balance, explore something of interest to them, or pursue a passion. While doing so, they are exposed to diverse healthcare systems and patient populations, which will benefit them in their careers.
How Long is Each Assignment?
A locum tenens doesn’t want to be trapped in an assignment that is not a good fit for them. Assignments vary in length, with some lasting a few days or others lasting months. They also differ in terms of their location. Some assignments are in major cities and others are in rural parts of the country. A locum tenens might work in a hospital, clinic, or private practice. No two assignments are the same. Many locum tenens love this, as they never have time to get bored. There is always a new challenge awaiting them.
Enhanced Compensation
A healthcare worker might take locum tenens assignments to benefit from the enhanced compensation that comes with these job opportunities. Healthcare facilities often offer competitive hourly rates or daily stipends to attract qualified providers. A healthcare professional can supplement their income or explore higher-paying specialties with the help of these assignments. They may use the funds to pay off student debt, purchase a home, travel the world, or do whatever their hearts desire. Additionally, many locum tenens agencies cover travel expenses, housing, and other benefits, further enhancing the financial incentives.
The Challenges Seen with Locum Tenens Work
Locum tenens work isn’t ideal. There are some challenges healthcare workers must know of before looking into these positions. It falls on the worker to manage their professional development, although an agency they partner with might assist with this. The worker must maintain their licensure and certifications across multiple states and transition between assignments. To do so, they must know how to manage time effectively, communicate with others, and adapt to diverse work conditions.
Healthcare workers have more job options than ever before. They need to take full advantage of these opportunities, which might include taking on locum tenens assignments. When doing so, they chart their course, expand their skill sets, and ultimately enhance the quality of care they deliver to their patients.
Kenneth is a proud native of sydney, born and raised there. However, he pursued his education abroad and studied in Australia. Kenneth has worked as a journalist for almost a decade, making valuable contributions to prominent publications such as Yahoo News and The Verge. Currently, he serves as a journalist for The Hear Up, where he focuses on covering climate and science news. You can reach Kenneth at [email protected].
