What to expect at a new locum tenens opportunity.
Locum tenens staff are part-time practitioners that provide medical services to healthcare organizations (hospitals and clinics) that suddenly become short-staffed. Typically, locum tenens doctors work as independent contractors rather than employees.
These positions differ from typical medical jobs in that they require a particular flexibility in the practitioner’s schedule, in order to meet the needs of the locums hospital. Before starting, a practitioner’s schedule needs to be considered, paperwork should be completed promptly, and travel will be scheduled to the assignment destination. Interested practitioners should be prepared to accept new opportunities soon after they become available in order to get a competitive advantage.
Advantages of working locum tenens jobs
To start, a locum tenens physician in the United States can earn a higher income per month worked than a regular job, along with more schedule flexibility. Many locum tenens physicians make the same earnings as a full-time job, working a fraction of the days. Doctors can spend heir extra free time towards a better work-life balance, avoiding burnout, and investing their time and energy in family and a healthy routine. Even family members can come along with you to explore new cities. Working in different hospitals across the country can enhance your work experience, knowledge and skills to help you in your medical career.