There has been a documented talent shortage in the US healthcare sector, driven by factors such as fewer people entering the profession, staff burnout, long hiring times, and even reduced immigration levels impacting, for example, overall nurse numbers. This has led to a proliferation of locum tenens positions where roles are filled on a temporary basis. The word ‘locum’ originates in Latin, meaning ‘placeholder’. Thus, this expression refers to a person who temporarily fulfils the duties of another. This helps to cover any service gaps for the healthcare provider, enabling them to maintain productivity and continue to deliver patient care while they’re waiting to permanently fill a role. Locum tenens can also provide cover during maternity leave, sabbatical or other extended periods of absence of a permanent member of staff.
Photo by National Cancer Institute on Unsplash
While the benefits for the organization seem obvious, this type of work can actually be an excellent opportunity for the healthcare professional, too. Read on for reasons why this may be the case.
Better compensation
Typically, a healthcare professional would find this type of temporary work through a locum tenens company which specializes in providing short-term contract staff for healthcare institutions. On an hourly basis, experienced locum tenens can earn more than their permanent counterpart, as well as earning additional compensation through overtime, on-call and weekend work.
Because the locum tenens professional is allowed to pick up additional assignments at the same time, they can maximize their income. This can be particularly helpful to those trying to repay their medical school debt. On the other end of the scale, this kind of role can also be of interest to retired medical professionals seeking to supplement their pension.
It is also customary to be compensated for expenses such as travel, tolls and housing, adding further to the overall earnings.
Flexibility of schedule
Because locum tenens roles are in high demand by healthcare providers, with over 85% reporting using locum tenens staff at any one time, the healthcare professional can benefit from a choice of possible positions and, thus, greater flexibility in both location and length of assignment they’re committed to. This can add to their work-life balance, which can be a fundamental element of overall life satisfaction. While some people are happy to accept long hours as part of career progression or because of their own personal approach to work (perhaps perfectionism or high-achieving tendencies), few people appreciate organizational forces being the driving factor behind excessive work demands. This is where locum tenens positions can put the healthcare professional in charge of their own time.
Versatility of experience
Moving from role to role can be an excellent way to broaden clinical experience, thus putting healthcare professionals in a stronger position when they look for permanent work. It also means they can gradually discover the best fit for themselves within their profession’s various specialisms.
When all of the above factors are added together, it’s unsurprising that some surveys report an overall high job satisfaction amongst healthcare professionals working on a locum tenens basis.