Many medical professionals, particularly those at the beginning or end of their careers, can find locum tenens jobs rewarding (nurse practitioners, PAs, MDs, dentists, CRNAs). According to The National Association of Locum Tenens Organizations, 90% of U.S. healthcare institutions utilize locum tenens physicians, and more than 50,000 clinicians take locum tenens assignments each year. However, locum tenens may not always be the best option for the provider. Before making the leap to locum tenens work, each medical practitioner should carefully assess the pros and cons.
Pro: Flexibility
The most noticeable advantage of being a locum tenens service provider is the increased flexibility it gives. This enables locum tenens doctors, and other medical professionals can temporarily fill in at institutions around the country. Due to the broad dissemination of COVID-19, some states have relaxed restrictions on medical practitioners operating in their state. Contractors with the necessary credentials can take on more work more quickly in times of disaster. A doctor may accept locum tenens jobs to check out several practices before settling on one full-time. It’s feasible that caregivers will have more time to spend with their families or take holidays, reducing the possibility of burnout.
Con: Traveling too much
Working as a locum tenens has the advantage of allowing you to travel the world, but it also has some significant downsides. Taking a job out of town may require you to be away from your family and friends for several weeks or months. Childcare providers and those caring for sick relatives may be particularly stressed. While some carers might be allowed to bring loved ones with them, this is not always the case. If you frequently accept employment in other cities, you may spend a significant amount of time commuting to and from such cities, as well as waiting at airports. It’s a lot of effort for what may be a short-term position, which may turn off some potential applicants.
Pro: Potential for Better Pay
According to NALTO, the remuneration for a locum tenens provider is determined by the amount of demand for their services. If you work in an industry where there is currently a lack of experts, you may be able to negotiate a wage that is even higher than the average. Locum tenens providers, on the other hand, might expect to earn a greater hourly or daily wage than permanent personnel at the same facility. The employment firm may even reimburse the locum tenens provider’s accommodation expenses in some situations.
Con: Finding Benefits for yourself
Locum tenens providers are not considered regular workers and must manage their own benefits, such as health insurance or any other form of benefits and security a stable job can provide. Since it’s doubtful that your firm will contribute anything toward your premiums, you’ll have to pay your own every month. Start saving for your own retirement as well. You will have more freedom than with an employer-sponsored plan if you do your homework and locate the best choices for your specific needs, not to mention the tax benefits that you might enjoy in the long run. Locum tenens providers are not eligible for typical benefits packages since they are considered independent contractors rather than employees.
