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Tips for Self-care Through Locum Tenens
Did you know that, since 1949, May has been designated Mental Health Awareness Month? While burnout rates among clinicians remain at historic highs, there’s a growing emphasis on physicians and advanced practice providers prioritizing their mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being while attending to busy healthcare careers. What does that look like to you? Self-care initiatives come in many forms and address various elements that contribute to a person’s general well-being. Below is a list of eight common coping mechanisms to which we’ve added the benefits of locum tenens. See how each strategy can be easily applied to and enhanced by the career alternative.
- Practice gratitude
Locum tenens professionals can experience this phenomenon by appreciating what assignments offer, and what they don’t entail. Numerous surveys show that physicians are happier in their careers when the majority of their focus is directed toward treating people instead of non-clinical tasks. Locum tenens jobs grant providers larger latitude to spend time on patient care, making an impact on people and their families. Locums professionals also express gratitude for the schedule flexibility that creates pockets of time to devote attention to family and friends without having to also fit in work commitments.
- Embrace change
Practicing in a variety of settings and locations for locum tenens contracts is the epitome of embracing change. A key benefit is you don’t have to do it on your own. All Star Healthcare Solutions stands with you throughout the entire journey to assist as needed, all part of our “Red Carpet” Service of going above and beyond.
- Adopt a growth mindset
Accepting locum tenens assignments in a variety of clinical settings and communities, serving unique patient populations, means you’ve chosen to welcome new experiences on a regular basis. From observing other providers to training on equipment to collecting interesting tidbits about your temporary hometown, locums presents situations that help you grow professionally and personally.
- Stay present in the moment
A locum tenens practice is particularly conducive to this self-care tip. For example, while on duty, you’re able to deliver quality care minus managing a slew of administrative responsibilities. Off duty, you are likely to have more “me time” wherein you can shut out distractions and indulge in activities that help revitalize your mind and spirit.
- Nurture curiosity
While on assignment, use downtime to explore topics on your reading list, sign up for online classes, or take up new hobbies (see our blog, “6 Hobbies to Consider While on Locum Tenens Assignments”).
- Foster positive relationships
Turns out locum tenens is a welcoming avenue toward forging and reaffirming connections. We often hear about the friendships physicians and advanced practice providers make on assignments and how they endure long afterwards. More than that, individuals can build schedules around family needs and commitments. Or use assignments to travel closer to loved ones, such as choosing contracts near adult children or extended family members.
- Engage in physical activity
It’s always a good idea to release endorphins through physical activity as a method to manage daily stressors. Living in another town for a locums job can be an inspiration to get moving more. Take advantage of the natural surroundings or a community’s sports and recreation venues to engage in fun pastimes. Use the occasion to try something new, like line dancing, pickleball, or snorkeling, or whatever else piques your interest to get out and about.
- Visualize goals
Feel like it’s time to take the next step in your career, but not entirely sure what that is or where it will land you? That’s the perfect time to try locum tenens. Temporary assignments enable you to test out possibilities. You get to know the facility, staff, patients, and community on an intimate level without signing on for long-term employment. The career alternative empowers you with real-time assessments of a workplace and city so you can make well-informed career and personal choices. Plus, your All Star consultant serves as a knowledgeable coach, matching assignments to your career criteria. What’s more, our Direct Hire Division can kick off a job search for a staff role if that’s your goal. As a full-service staffing agency, consultants in both of our divisions collaborate and coordinate to assist providers in meeting short- and long-term goals.
Whatever self-care strategies you decide work best for you, chances are there’s a way locum tenens can optimize the benefits. All Star Healthcare Solutions is here to help. Start your locum tenens journey today. Call us at 800-928-0229, or contact us online.
