Jonny Hale

Use Locum Tenens for Vacation Coverage to Reduce Staff Burnout

Summer is right around the corner, and chances are, you’ve already received requests for time off. After all, this season is traditionally reserved for family vacations. Fortunately, the flexibility of locum tenens keenly supports healthcare facilities’ efforts to grant staff time off.

But the advantages of incorporating locum tenens into your seasonal staffing strategies extend beyond authorizing just a few days off. Bringing in temporary coverage is an investment in cultivating long-term staff well-being.

Reducing Burnout
According to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, healthcare provider burnout is defined as an ongoing stress indicated by prolonged emotional exhaustion, a sense of depersonalization, and a lower sense of personal accomplishment. Physicians and advanced practitioners (APs) have been experiencing the effects of burnout for quite some time, but the last few years have amplified the degree of those feelings.

However, time off can reduce that perception. Medscape’s Physician Lifestyle & Happiness Report 2022 found that more than two-thirds of physicians maintain their happiness and mental well-being by either spending time with family and friends and/or pursuing hobbies. Vacations offer opportunities to do both.

What’s more, stepping away from clinical duties encourages providers to de-stress and recharge. Plus, when practitioners invest in self-care, patients benefit. Research indicates that providers who attend to their physical, mental, and emotional needs tend to exhibit more empathy, compassion, and effective care toward others.

Lean on Locum Tenens
Locum tenens empowers facilities to ensure physicians and APs are granted those well-deserved vacations. All Star Healthcare Solutions assists administrators with managing staff requests by presenting highly qualified clinicians who can fill in and ensure continuity of care. Not only does this accommodate vacationers and patients, but adding locum tenens to the mix prevents extra strain on other staff.

Also, locum tenens can be particularly beneficial during popular seasons when people take turns going on vacation. For example, a locum tenens contract can be arranged to cover for multiple consecutive vacations. As one staff member returns to the unit and another takes off, the locum tenens professional remains on the unit, allowing for consistent operations.

Of course, there are any number of scenarios that can arise when juggling staff vacation requests. Regardless of the time of year or circumstances, All Star is always ready to help facilitate.

Contact one of our dedicated consultants today to start booking your locum tenens coverage! Call 800-928-0229, or contact us online.

by Jonny Hale

Celebrating National Doctors’ Day: The Impact of Locum Tenens Physicians

Today, March 30, is designated as National Doctors’ Day, and all of us at All Star Healthcare Solutions wish to express our sincere gratitude for all the physicians caring for patients and their families across the country. Your dedication shines through all year long.

As a physician, you meet a vast sampling of people every day — from patients to peers, from administrators to community members. As a locum tenens professional, you have the opportunity to encounter, converse with, and care for an even broader cadre of people with each temporary position.

Have you ever given thought to the lasting impact you leave on the individuals you meet? As we explore here, your presence can leave a positive impression on many levels.

You impact patients and their families
By accepting locum tenens jobs, you help bring healthcare closer to people.

The National Rural Health Association reports an estimated 77 percent of rural counties have been labeled as medical deserts. By definition, that means the region lacks enough healthcare providers to deliver care to populations locally. The March of Dimes also reports 36 percent of counties have neither a hospital nor birth center with full-time obstetrics care.

As a locum tenens doctor on assignment, you deliver essential services to patients where they live. Not only does your presence improve their access to medical care, but it lessens the burdens and stresses on caregivers. Patients do not have to make arrangements for time off work to travel long distances for appointments, for instance.

“I see all the years of education, training, and certifications required to practice medicine, so thank you for the commitment you make to patients. You truly make an impact on people,” says Melody Peguero, senior licensing specialist.

You impact healthcare facilities and their staffs
Hospitals, clinics, private practice groups, and other healthcare organizations partner with All Star Healthcare Solutions because they have a supplemental staffing need.

Perhaps patient census has jumped, personnel are on leave or vacation, or the facility needs clinicians while recruiting for a new permanent staff member. When you assume a portion of caseloads as a locum tenens provider, patients receive the care they need without employees absorbing the staffing shortfall. Subsequently, this helps lessen the effect of burnout on these individuals, which creates more room for professional satisfaction.

“I have a lot of respect for our doctors because of the time and energy they dedicate to our clients with every assignment,” says Jessica Goldberg, senior consultant.

You impact communities
Regardless if your temporary assignment leads to the country or a large city, your work benefits the community. For example, when sharing your experience with medications, technology, or procedures with permanent staff, that knowledge remains with them after your contract wraps.

Accepting repeat or recurring assignments also makes an enduring impression on community members. Not only do multiple appearances foster familiarity with patients, but they also present opportunities to nurture new friendships. Additionally, longer contracts create the chance to get to know your temporary hometown and become involved if you so choose, thus, making an impact on the community at large.

“I am honored to be able to work with so many physicians who have a willingness to go on assignments and take care of people in various communities,” says Corrina Veverka, internal credentialing specialist.

You impact your own family
The locum tenens career alternative affords physicians both personal and financial rewards.

Choosing when to accept short- or long-term contracts empowers you to exercise more schedule flexibility. You can choose to stay home for periods to spend more quality time with family and friends. You can accept quick assignments that only last a few days. Also, you can bring family along on to enjoy the area with you.

Financially, locum tenens generates a competitive compensation rate. Plus, you practice under the All Star malpractice insurance policy while on assignment.

You impact All Star Healthcare Solutions
All of us at All Star are very grateful for the longstanding, authentic relationships we build with our providers.

“I’m proud I get to help providers in their locum tenens careers, but I’ve also connected with them on a personal level, developing close friendships, which is very special, too,” says Jonathan Baptista, sales manager.

All our teams are committed to delivering our signature “Red Carpet” Service on each step of every locum tenens journey to make your experiences as impactful as possible.

Are you interested in locum tenens opportunities? Speak an All Star Healthcare Solutions consultant today. Call 800-928-0229 or contact us online.

by Jonny Hale

Experiencing the Locums Lifestyle With a Partner Who Works Remotely

Have you ever wanted to ask a spouse, significant other, or close friend or relative to accompany you on locum tenens assignments, but the other person's job required them to report to the office every day? Now that restriction may no longer exist, which makes it the perfect time to bring a travel companion along on locum tenens opportunities.

Where people work today is far more fluid than ever before. The pandemic changed workplace rules, allowing many people to clock in from home or even from temporary homes in different cities. This newfound flexibility allows providers to share their locums lifestyle, and reap the benefits of enjoying the company of a travel companion.

Living together
Thanks to the prevalence of video call apps, text messaging, and social media, it is easier to stay connected with loved ones at home when you travel to a locum tenens position. But there's something refreshing about being greeted in person by someone you know and appreciate after putting in a shift at work. The sentiment plays to the companion's favor, too. After spending a day attending virtual meetings, it can be a welcome break to catch up with a friend or loved one face to face.

Exploring the community together
Testing out restaurant menus, taking in the nightlife, and sightseeing points of interest are great activities to fill free time during a locum tenens contract. However, they may be twice the fun when making memories with a partner or friend. And while the two of you are on the job when you are in town, spending days off together can feel like mini vacations.

Training together
If you and your travel buddy enjoy competing as a duo, such as marathons, triathlons, or accomplishing extreme sports as a team, then locum tenens assignments enable you to continue to train with each other. According to the CDC, people are more likely to be motivated, consistent, and adventurous when working out with a friend. If there is a specific race you both wish to enter, ask your All Star Healthcare Solutions consultant to inquire about opportunities near the date and site of the competition.

Careful considerations
While there are many benefits to inviting another person to share the locums lifestyle with you, especially when they can meet their own career obligations remotely, there are a few logistics to consider before packing up their laptop.

• Office setup

Providers report to a hospital, clinic, or other clinical setting to care for patients, but remote workers set up their temporary office on the nearest table or desk. Not only do they require a comfortable workstation, but a reliable internet connection is absolutely essential when traveling. Check out broadband availability and strength for the locums location at broadbandmap.fcc.gov. Also, a personal hotspot device and subscription can further ensure connectivity and internet security.

• Living accommodations

When taking on locum tenens solo, oftentimes providers are booked into hotel room or small suites. This also may work for when a spouse or significant other comes along, but when friends join you on the road, alternative accommodations may be required. Check with your All Star consultant about housing options that may be more comfortable for you both.

• Time differences

Depending on your partner's work parameters, a West Coast assignment could mean logging on for an East Coast workday before the sun rises due to time zone differences. Acclimating to such details may not matter, but it's a topic worth discussing beforehand.

• Travel time

Even remote workers may have to go to the office occasionally, or return home to attend to other obligations. Of course, such responsibilities fall on the individual, however, it behooves both traveling partners to plan for such developments ahead of time. To increase convenience, for example, request an assignment near airports that offer direct flights to your hometown.

These are just a few details to contemplate when experiencing locum tenens adventures with a spouse, significant other, or friend or relative who works remotely. To make the most of the arrangement for both of you, inform your All Star consultant of your wishes. Our signature “Red Carpet” Service means we are committed to helping create the best experience possible.

To get started on your next locum tenens opportunity, with or without a travel companion, call 800-928-0229 today to speak with one of All Star’s dedicated consultants, or contact us online.

by Jonny Hale

Personalize Your Career Choices with Locum Tenens Opportunities

The portrait of a medical practice is undergoing an interesting makeover. Of course, the educational path for doctors, physician assistants (PAs), nurse practitioners (NPs), and certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) still follows the traditional routes. But what constitutes a typical practice setup for physicians and advanced practice providers today?

Various studies indicate healthcare professionals would like to exert more influence on how to mold their careers. According to the Bain Frontline of Healthcare survey, a more manageable workload, more flexible work arrangements, and more clinically focused job responsibilities rank among the most important criteria to clinicians today. What those wishes look like when implemented varies from person to person. But when the goal is to build a practice to suit your life, the flexible nature of locum tenens becomes a valuable tool. Read on to see how you can personalize your career with locum tenens opportunities.

Personalize Your Career with More Flexible Scheduling
Assignments come in all kinds of configurations, from a few days over a weekend to a more regular schedule over a few weeks or months. You decide which contracts best complement your needs and goals, including scheduling details such as call duty or number of days on/off. What’s more, a locum tenens practice can adjust if your needs and goals change, giving providers more personal authority over their work calendars.

Personalize Your Career with More Time Off
Of course, if you have control over when you choose to work, you also have more say over how much time you spend away from the job. This is especially applicable to physicians, NPs, PAs, and CRNAs who opt to practice locum tenens full time. Stay home for a bit before setting off on your next assignment. Fulfill a few consecutive contracts before refueling with a couple of weeks or longer at home, on a medical mission, or a leisure trip. Discuss your preferred formula with your All Star Healthcare Solutions consultant.

Personalize Your Career with a More Patient-Centric Approach
Multiple studies reiterate the fact that providers feel too much of their time is committed to administrative duties. Given that, it’s no surprise that locum tenens providers find the release from many non-clinical tasks a key benefit of the career alternative. Instead, that time is reallocated to direct care and interacting with patients and their family members.

Personalize Your Career with Clinical Setting Selection
All Star Healthcare Solutions connects physicians and advanced practitioners with facilities of all sizes and types across the country. A locum tenens practice allows you to move from one clinical setting to another of varying size or patient population if you wish. Even when moonlighting with locum tenens, you can seek an environment that differs from your home facility. Share your practice preferences with your recruiter.

Personalize Your Career with Locum Tenens
By combining schedule flexibility, time away from the job, and greater attention to patients in settings that reflect your practice style, locum tenens offers providers a platform on which you can create a more individualized workload based on your personal needs and goals.

Get started on your locum tenens journey by contacting All Star Healthcare Solutions. Call us today at 800-928-0229, or contact us online.

by Jonny Hale

5 Benefits of Bringing a Pet with You on Locum Tenens Assignments

There are various steps you can take to make your “home away from home” more comfortable while on a locum tenens job. You can bring personal items like linens or photos. Video-chatting with loved ones can help you feel connected to what’s happening on the home front. And for pet owners, returning to the adorable, excited face of a family pet after each shift can definitely brighten any environment.

If traveling with your pet sounds appealing, speak with your All Star Healthcare Solutions consultant about pet-friendly accommodations. Restrictions may vary regarding sizes and breeds allowed on premises, and it’s possible a deposit may be required. Animal lovers will find it is likely worth the extra steps!

Indeed, most pet owners don’t have to read the multiple studies affirming the fact that unconditional love and attention freely offered from a family animal is beneficial to one’s demeanor and overall well-being. That said, researchers have concluded that interactions with a beloved animal produce several key outcomes, many of which could enhance the locum tenens experience, too. While you may not need a lot of reasons to bring your family pet along on assignment, here are five essential advantages to consider.

• De-stress and lift your mood
  The research says being around animals can help lower levels of cortisol, the stress hormone.Benefit for locum tenens providers: Coming back to a pet who shows appreciation for your presence naturally initiates the decompressing process and probably puts a smile on your face.

• Increase your physical activity
  The research says walking a dog a couple of times a day, for instance, adds to your general physical health.
  Benefit for locum tenens providers: Bringing a dog along on assignment almost always means a post-shift walk. In addition to getting some aerobic exercise, walks are a great way to switch out of work mode. Plus, it’s an excuse to get some fresh air.

• Encourage mindfulness
  The research says the act of petting or stroking an animal becomes an exercise of mindfulness or being in the moment.
  Benefit for locum tenens providers: Practicing mindfulness has been shown to help individuals positively cope with stress and burnout. Read more about it on our blog, “Mindfulness Practices to Enhance the Locum Tenens Experience.”

• Form companionship
  The research says, regardless of animal breed, one of the main reasons people add a family pet is for companionship.
  Benefit for locum tenens providers: Not only does a pet on assignment offer companionship, but it serves as a reminder of family or becomes a comfortable friend with whom you can spend your off hours.

• Promote socialization
  The research says friendly pets encourage human interactions.
  Benefit for locum tenens providers: It is hard to resist greeting a cute animal out on a walk. Taking a pet out for regular walks helps you get to know the neighborhood or local parks as well as meet like-minded animal lovers. This can help you feel more connected to the community during your locums stay.

If you are an animal-lover but don’t have a pet or don’t wish to bring yours along on locum tenens contracts, you can still reap the rewards of being around various creatures. Visit local zoos, aquariums, and/or wildlife sanctuaries, or volunteer at an animal shelter on days off.

Pet Precautions
Before you pack up the doggie treats or cat toys, here are a few factors to consider regarding traveling with your pet.

• How well does your animal travel?
  If your weeklong or multi-week locums contract is the first long-distance trip for your pet, then it is hard to tell if the change of environment will cause anxiety for the animal. However, if your pet has accompanied you on previous excursions, then maybe it is ready to tackle locum tenens together. Even still, there are many steps to preparing the pet for an airplane or extended car ride. For more details, go to our blog, “Should Your Pet Go on a Locums Assignment with You?”

• Can your pet adjust to a home away from home?
  It’s important to realize the animal will be unattended while you’re on shift. A pet-friendly hotel, apartment, or other alternative accommodations may not be the best environment for a pet prone to barking or chewing items. Look into a local pet walker who can break up the day for your four-legged family member.

To learn more about how locum tenens can fit into your lifestyle, call an All Star Healthcare Solutions consultant at 800-928-0229, or contact us online, today!

by Jonny Hale