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Finding a More Satisfying Work/Life Relationship with Locum Tenens
How would you describe the relationship between your professional and personal commitments? Do you have a gratifying balance? Research into healthcare provider burnout suggests that a lack of work/life balance, along with prolonged periods of workplace stress and heavy workloads, can contribute to feelings of emotional exhaustion and lack of achievement.
Determining what defines a positive work/life relationship, however, varies from person to person and from one career stage to another. In other words, there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Rather, finding a balance that works for your life is a fluid and personal pursuit.
Use the following suggestions to help define what a rewarding relationship between work and life could mean for you right now, and how to use locum tenens opportunities as a tool to reach that goal.
1. Set Professional Parameters
This objective can be interpreted and applied in a variety of methods, such as establishing your own schedule. With locum tenens, physicians and advanced practitioners assert more authority over their work calendars. Do you prefer shorter assignments, only a few days at a time? That’s an option. Want contracts that run more long term, a couple of weeks or months? That’s an option, too. Discuss your schedule wishes with your All Star Healthcare Solutions consultant so they can identify and present locum tenens jobs that match with your preferences.
Another parameter to consider is practice setting. All Star Healthcare Solutions partners with clinics, hospitals, private medical practices, and other healthcare organizations of all sizes across the country. If you want to work in a facility that operates at a slower pace, tell your recruiter. If you want your next locums experience to be at a busy trauma center, tell your recruiter. We want to learn about your expectations and how we can help you reach them.
2. Manage Your Time
According to Medscape, physicians, on average, clock more than 40 hours per week, and it’s not just on clinical duties. Administrative tasks can extend daily work commitments. Locum tenens introduces a more patient-centric approach. When assigned to a facility for a temporary contract, you are less likely to be pulled into committees, meetings, or other non-clinical duties. Rather, your time can be devoted to making an impact on patients, their families, and your new co-workers.
3. Minimize Stress by Maximizing Self-Care
For some individuals, feeling burned out on the job can seep into non-professional areas, too. Indulging in healthy hobbies and pastimes has shown to be an effective prescription to treat burnout. However, everyday circumstances can sometimes put a squeeze on “me time.” Locum tenens assignments generate pockets of time off the clock that are more available for self-care. Not only will you have fewer administrative tasks in a shift, but off-shift hours are more free to engage in activities that help you de-stress.
4. Welcome Opportunities
All Star Healthcare Solutions matches physicians and advanced practice providers to locum tenens assignments in facilities of all types in communities of various sizes across the country, which results in a plethora of locums possibilities. That said, the more flexible you are with specifics, such as location or facility size, the more opportunities your consultant can present. Being open to assignment options allows you to seek more versatility and authority in your career choices that lead to a more satisfying work/life relationship.
If you’re looking to establish a new relationship with your work life, All Star Healthcare Solutions is ready to help. Call us today at 800-928-0229, or contact us online.
