The healthcare world is changing. People don’t aspire to become doctors like they used to. Worker shortages remain a concern in the industry even as the demand for skilled medical professionals is increasing. For this reason, many organizations today turn to locum tenens when they have open positions.
Locum tenens step in to take the place of a medical professional for a short period. They might fill a gap when an employee leaves a practice or it could be the worker is taking a leave of absence and the practice needs someone to fill their role until they return. Many surgeons are choosing to serve as locum tenens today. Doing so allows them to explore new environments, gain valuable experience, and find the right balance between work and life. What benefits come with looking into locum tenens assignments for surgeons?
Flexibility and Work-Life Balance
Surgeons are often called on to work long hours and their home lives suffer. When they turn to locum tenens work, they have flexibility when it comes to their schedule. They aren’t working for a single practice and can travel the country, finding work as they go. Many physicians love this because they can choose positions that align with their personal and professional preferences and bypass those that don’t. They create a life they love and remain in the profession they trained hard to enter.
Diverse Clinical Experiences
A surgeon can work in a variety of healthcare facilities when they choose a life as a locum tenens. One day they may serve in a large medical center and the next they are helping people in a rural community hospital with a small staff. The diverse clinical environments and patient populations. allow them to expand their skill sets, learn more about patient care, and keep up with the latest advancements in medicine.
Enhanced Earning Potential
A locum tenens surgeon can command a higher rate when serving in a temporary position. They bring inherent value to the healthcare facilities they visit. They can leverage this value to increase their pay
Reduced Administrative Burdens
One reason many doctors burn out is because they entered the profession to help people and find they spend a significant amount of their time handling administrative tasks. The surgeon focuses on patient care, leaving these administrative tasks to those who run the facility where they are working.
Transition into Retirement
Many surgeons choose to take on locum tenens positions when they are nearing retirement. These positions provide a nice transition from a full-time job to unlimited free time. The surgeon can maintain their professional skills as they ease into retirement.
Furthermore, as retirement approaches, surgeons may explore locum tenens roles, enjoying a gradual shift from full-time work to retirement. During this transition, they might find retirement communities and seek opportunities to contribute their expertise.
What Surgeons Need to Know Before Taking Locum Tenens Positions
Before looking for locum tenens positions, surgeons need to determine whether this path is right for their needs based on their personal and professional goals. In addition, the needs of the healthcare facilities must be considered.
Finding Locum Tenens Positions
Many surgeons choose to partner with a reputable locum tenens agency. The agency will walk the surgeon through the nuances of the industry and assist with the credentialing and onboarding process. Most importantly, the agency helps the surgeon find appropriate assignments. They may also be of help when the surgeon encounters challenges, such as adapting to new work environments.
Surgeons looking for a change of pace should consider a locum tenens position. Many benefits come with these positions, so it is an option that should never be overlooked. Those who choose to pursue these opportunities find them to be very rewarding.