Locum Tenens: Why Physicians Want These Jobs

Covid-19 has brought a lot of changes to the workforce. People are permanently moving from office settings to work-from-home. Essential medical staff are moving from permanent positions to travel and locum tenens positions.

Are you a physician who is looking to make the same move? Locum tenens positions are for physicians who want to travel, earn more money, and have more freedom.

What Is Locum Tenens?

A locum tenens is a physician who works a temporary position in a practice that is not their own.

The position may be in the physician’s hometown or a state across the country. They may be working in a small clinical setting, or they may be working in a larger hospital. Locum tenens positions are more common in remote areas where there are not enough employees to fill the roles needed.

The positions are temporary and may last for as little as a few weeks to several months.

Physicians usually must go through a third party to secure a locum tenens position. Some hospitals and clinics will work directly with physicians, but this doesn’t happen often.

Usually, a practice will go through a locums company which pairs them with a physician and provides the physician with malpractice insurance. Locums companies keep files of physicians and their state licenses. Physicians must sign an agreement with the locum’s company before accepting any assignment.

Why Do Physicians Want These Jobs?

In an era where many people are seeking more freedom, it makes sense that physicians are seeking locum tenens positions. Several perks come along with the job:

Freedom

According to Medpage Today, locum tenens offer more freedom and flexibility when you’ll work. You can choose between full-time and part-time positions. You can choose whether you work weekends or if you want to work a few weeks a year. You can even keep your regular full-time job while working a locum tenens gig on the side.

Have a Better Work-Life Balance

Since you have more freedom to make your schedule, you can have a better work-life balance. Onrec says physicians often work a locum tenens position and then take off a few weeks for vacation or to spend time with family. You can avoid being on call and select what time of day you’d like to work.

You Can Learn About A New Field

As you grow as a physician, you may want to branch out into different fields. It can be scary leaving your consistent job to jump into a new one if you don’t know if you’ll even like it. Physician’s Weekly says locum tenens are great for testing the field without committing to anything long-term. Work the temporary position, and if you don’t like it, you simply get to leave after a few months.

Make Extra Money

According to the American Association for Physician Leadership, locum tenens physicians often receive better pay for their temporary positions than at their regular jobs. You can pick up locum tenens jobs to help pay bills, save for your kid’s college tuition, fund medical missions, or save for a vacation.

Allows Travel

Being a physician is incredibly demanding and doesn’t always allow for travel time. The American Association for Physician Leaders says physicians who desire to travel and explore the country enjoy locum tenens positions.

Focus On Your Patients

Most physicians get into their careers because they want to care for people. Most people don’t realize how much paperwork and meetings play a part in medicine. Medpage Today says locum tenens don’t have to worry about the business side of medicine and can place more focus on their patients.

Avoid Workplace Politics

Workplace politics is an issue in any industry, but it can be hard to focus on your patients when coworkers are trying to drag you into an argument. Onrec says locum tenens physicians rarely build strong relationships with coworkers since they aren’t in positions for very long. So you can avoid workplace politics and focus on your work.

Looking for a Locum Tenens Position?

A locum tenens physician fills a temporary position at a clinic or hospital. They often stay for weeks or months before moving to the next position.

Locum tenens positions are for those who prefer freedom and control over their lives. These positions allow you to choose your schedule. They allow you to travel, have a better work-life balance, and test out a new field without committing. These positions also allow you to earn more money while focusing on your patients.

If you are a doctor or physician seeking a locum tenens job, please contact Momentum Healthcare Staffing. Momentum matches you to your perfect position based on your personal and professional requirements! Keep our medical job board bookmarked, or search now, as we constantly post new Locums Tenens positions.