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Is Locum Tenens Right for Me?

Working locum tenens offers clinicians the option of accepting short- and/or long-term contracts at healthcare facilities throughout the country or closer to home. It is an appealing alternative for many physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and CRNAs because of the incredible flexibility it affords providers at every stage of their medical career.

Partnering with a full-service staffing company, like All Star Healthcare Solutions, can result in even greater flexibility as you can explore direct hire opportunities “under the same roof,” if/when you choose to find a regular staff position. And you can revisit doing one or the other – or both – any time you decide!

However, if you have never done locums, you probably wonder if it would complement your professional and personal goals. These Q&As could help you decide:

• Are you seeking more control over your schedule?
  Perhaps a better question is, “Would you like to take off from work for longer than a few days here and there, and not be limited by earned vacation days?” Locum tenens providers have more control over their own schedule. You can decide when to accept temporary or long-term assignments. If you wish to be uncommitted for a while, that is your choice. If you wish to work one contract after the next, that is also your option.

  What’s more, you would have input on preferred assignment length—a few days, the occasional week, a couple of months at a time or longer, or even close to a year. This flexibility will allow you to use locums to your advantage regardless of whether you accept assignments on a full- or part-time basis or moonlight in conjunction with a regular practice.

• Do you wish to lessen your administrative duties and focus on patient care?
  Locum tenens providers do not deal with the same degree of administrative duties as clinicians in permanent positions. You would not need to be involved in planning committees, conduct staff oversight, or carry out other managerial responsibilities. Nor would you get caught up in hospital politics. Rather, you could focus on patient care. Many locum tenens professionals find the increased interaction with patients, family members, and colleagues refreshing and a way to avoid burnout.

• Can I use locum tenens to test out different clinical and community settings?
  Yes! Whether you are recently out of residency seeking a place to settle down, looking to relocate, or in search of the ideal retirement locale, locum tenens jobs present an opportunity to explore. Choose assignments at different types and sizes of facilities. Live in a variety of communities, from rural to urban. Conduct a real-time, firsthand assessment of potential employers, coworkers, and living environments without being subjected to multi-year contracts. If one place does not meet your criteria, you could move on to the next when your contract ends.

• Can I afford to work locum tenens?
  Locum tenens physicians and advanced practitioners commonly receive a greater pay rate than many staff clinicians. There are other financial benefits, too, such as the cost of medical malpractice insurance.

• Will my credentials and experience match the needs of the contracting facility?
  All Star is committed to ensuring locum tenens providers succeed so patients benefit from their skills, knowledge, and expertise. It is part of our signature “Red Carpet” Service. Our dedicated, knowledgeable consultants—along with our experienced credentialing and licensing specialists—work together with you to build a clinical profile, so you would be presented with positions for which you are well qualified.

To learn more about the benefits of accepting locum tenens opportunities and how we can help you achieve your goals, call All Star today at 800-928-0229 to speak with one of our dedicated consultants.