Reasons Physicians Work Locum Tenens
Why Do Physicians Work Locum Tenens?
Why do physicians work locum tenens? There are a multitude of different reasons physicians work locums. Ranging from just making extra money to escaping the boredom of retirement.
No matter where you are in your career, locum tenens employment can be a strong asset every step of the way. Whether you’re a new graduate or are ready to consider partial retirement, locum tenens work may be just what fills the bill.
Below are just a few reasons our locums physicians have told us they choose locum tenens.
I Want to Build My Experience Base
An impressive CV is critical in getting the health care job you want. However, no one starts out in any field having vast and varied experience. Locum tenens work is a great way to gain solid experience in a variety of clinical settings and build a job history that will get the attention of the right prospective employers.
You can gain experience in a variety of practice settings from hospitals, to clinics and private practices. Explore the options available for practice and enjoy a flexible work/life balance while building your CV.
I Want to Visit Different Communities
Locum tenens employment is a wonderful way to broaden your horizons. Maybe you have lived all your life in the Midwest, but curious about life on the East or West Coast? Temporary assignments in other states can help you focus not only your career-related goals, but those related to the community in which you’d like to put down roots.
Working locums allows you the ability to choose to work only in locations that interest you. These locations can range from quiet, rural, under-served areas or busy, large city practices.
I’d Like to Maximize My Earning Potential
Depending on your current goals, locum tenens employment may be the perfect way to augment your existing full-time job. Many full-time positions only require 12 shifts a month, so you may find that a short-term, part-time position helps you meet financial goals without conflicting with your permanent employment.
Some physicians use locums as a way to manage and pay off student loan debt, build savings, or supplement their existing income.
I’d Like to Take a Test Drive, Please
You’re thinking about the possibility of joining an established practice in your town. You know both partners, and they seem simpatico… but what would it really be like to work with them? What about income? Will your assumptions exceed reality?
Or suppose you’ve thought about joining the staff of a large hospital three states away. Is the environment there positive and upbeat? Will the schedules and patient load be what you expect? Will the move be worth it? Do you prefer the high-volume, high-intensity setting of a big-city trauma care unit, or the more laid-back pace of a small community hospital’s ER?
Test-driving a job situation through locum tenens employment is the perfect way to tell if it’s right for you before making a permanent commitment. If expectations do fall short, you’re able to move on at the end of a specified term with no awkwardness or hard feelings. Locum tenens placement helps you shop around for that ideal situation in terms of working relationships, income levels, schedules, patient loads, etc.
I’m Just Not Ready to Retire
Years of building and managing a practice form a habit that’s hard to give up. Even though the day may come when you’re ready to enjoy some of the rest and relaxation you’ve put off for years, you may find that work in your profession still holds your interest and provides great satisfaction.
Locum tenens employment is a perfect way to retain that sense of fulfillment, for as many (or as few) shifts per month as you choose.
I’d Like to Have a Better Work/Life Balance
Some physicians choose locums as a way to better manage their work/life balance. For instance, maybe you’re a new mother or father and want to continue working, yet still have time at home with your family. Locums allows you to work as much (or as little) as you want so you have time for your family and personal life.
Perhaps you like to travel and want to be able to go on long trips and explore the world. Locums provides the opportunity to save money and allow for the time off to enjoy traveling.
Think Locums Could be a Good Fit for You?
Contact us to have an exploratory, no obligation conversation about you, your experience and what you’re looking for.