The 411 on Working Locum Tenens
So you’re thinking about taking a locum tenens opportunity, and undoubtedly
you’ve got some questions. Below are some answers to commonly asked questions
by locum tenens providers:
What in the world does “locum tenens” mean? Locum tenens is a Latin
phrase that means “to hold the place of, to substitute for.” In layman’s terms,
it means a temporary physician. To read more about the history of the locum
tenens industry, click here.
Why should I consider working locum tenens? Physicians choose to accept
locum tenens assignments for many different reasons. Many like the option of
trying out different practice styles and geographic locations before making a
permanent commitment. In fact, statistics show that a high percentage of
residents are unhappy with their first practice setting, often because the
style of practice is not what was expected or the administrative physician
staffing agendas were not clearly defined.
Physicians in mid-career transition often see working locum tenens as an
opportunity to try out different areas and bridge the gap on income while
searching for the right permanent position.
Seasoned physicians enjoy the option of scaling back but not retiring from
medicine completely. A recent industry survey of more than 500 physicians
showed these top 4 reasons for working short-term assignments:
48% - Flexible schedule
38% - Travel opportunities
35% - Earn extra income
34% - Clinical experience
Working locum tenens gives you the freedom to decide if all your critical needs
and desires such as geography, income potential, practice style, administrative
agendas and community profile match up with your long-term goals.
Why do healthcare facilities use locum tenens physician staffing? Again,
there are a variety of reasons that healthcare facilities take advantage of
locum tenens physician staffing. Locum tenens physicians often fill in while
other physicians are on vacation or sabbatical, to supplement seasonal
physician staffing needs during peak seasons, or for permanent vacancies.
Utilizing locum tenens physicians is often very cost effective for facilities
who can supplement their permanent staff rather than staffing at the maximum
levels at all times.
How much money can I make doing locum tenens? Earning potential depends
on your medical specialty and the job description. Most locum tenens companies
pay the physician as an independent contractor on a per diem basis. Some
contracts are based on an hourly scale and overtime and on-call time are paid
at time and a half after a 40-hour workweek. Here’s some examples of pay scales
by specialty:
If you decide to work with LocumTenens.com, keep in mind that we cover your
medical malpractice insurance, travel and housing expenses.
Can I work wherever I want? Sure! LocumTenens.com has opportunities
available nationwide – just check out the locum tenens job search function.
What if I want to work in NY but only have a FL license? Unless it is a
federal facility you cannot work in another state without an active state
medical license. Most recruiting agencies will assist you in obtaining medical
licenses in other states.
Is there anything else I should know to be successful working locum tenens?
Below are three tips for success when working locum tenens:
(1) Understand the nature of LT assignments.
LT assignments come in all shapes and sizes, every possible kind of practice
and assignment lengths vary greatly. Most often, the assignments last from a
few days to a few weeks. In some instances-such as with government
contracts-the length may extend for months or up to a year. In some cases, LT
assignments represent temp-to-perm opportunities.
(2) Be flexible regarding the assignments you are
willing to work.
Locum tenens firms represent a wide variety of employment opportunities, and
not every potential assignment can send you to the Miami Beach or beautiful
Alaska. So the greater your flexibility in types of assignments you’re willing
to except, the more you’ll be able to work and it is likely your recruiter will
start calling you first when prime assignments do become available.
(3) Communicate regularly with your recruiter.
Make sure you stay in touch with your regular LT recruiter and indicate how she
can reach you if you are not accessible through normal communication channels.
You’d hate to miss out on that opportunity in Miami Beach because your
recruiter couldn’t get you on the phone in time!
How do I get started? View locum tenens physician jobs by specialty here – it’s
just that simple! Or, for personalized attention, please contact a
LocumTenens.com representative at 800-930-0748.
|