The practice of doctors working additional shifts in private clinics or hospitals in their region is referred to as “moonlighting.” Locum tenens doctors are suited for these assignments due to their adaptability and readiness to take on new tasks. Due to the flexible schedule of locum tenens, such physicians are frequently the ideal candidates for these shifts; nevertheless, many full-time doctors also work moonlighting jobs.
Locum tenens physicians are medical experts who work on an as-needed basis at a specific healthcare facility. Hospitals and clinics frequently hire locum tenens physicians and PAs for one-month to six-month contracts to fill short-term medical staffing needs. Let’s explore the difference between moonlighting and locum tenens below.
Significant differences between Moonlighting and Locum Tenens
Locum tenens employment in the medical area is full-time temporary positions held by physicians, nurses, and other medical professionals. Moonlighting jobs include covering for locum tenens or other medical professionals. Locum tenens jobs are usually for a definite amount of time, whereas in moonlighting, the person might have awkward hours for their shift.
Medical physicians, osteopaths, nurse practitioners, registered nurses, and pharmacists can all find “locums’ positions” at various sizes of healthcare institutions. Because they are replacing a regular employee, locum tenens maintain a consistent work schedule. This agreement covers extended absences, such as maternity leave, which might last several months.
Both jobs are easy to get if you’re willing to relocate. Your area of expertise and your employer’s policies determine the availability of locum or moonlighting work at your desired institution. Moonlighting work is far more common than locum tenens work. According to a 2015 investment firm Harris Williams analysis, moonlighting nurse employment accounts for around $3 billion annually, while total locum staffing accounts for $2.7 billion annually. Both of them appear to have a promising future.
The type of locum tenens or moonlighting employment suitable for you will be determined by your own needs and preferences. According to a recent study, locum tenens employees like the combination of security and variety that frequent job changes bring. For locum tenens employees, insurance is frequently handled by the company or recruiting agency. Although most employers will cover it, moonlighting employees may be liable for their malpractice insurance. Both types of contracts provide you the freedom to change jobs often.
Benefits of Moonlighting for Locum Tenens
According to popular belief, a medical professional’s compensation is highly high, more often than not. However, there are times when extra work hours are necessary to pay off student loans and cover essential living expenditures. Many businesses, such as hospitals, struggle to keep enough people on staff, making Moonlighting as locum tenens an appealing choice.
People may develop valuable skills while earning additional money by taking on moonlighting assignments. Locum tenens can use their skill set in various healthcare settings by taking moonlighting shifts. Such shifts will also help a locum tenens network within the industry and learn new skills.
Cons of Moonlighting for Locum Tenens
As locum tenens working moonlighting, you must always be on the hunt for one. Managing shifts between moonlighting and locum tenens can affect you mentally and physically. If your contracts are often short, you may spend up to half of your time there between assignments seeking new employment.
Transitions to new clinics, EMRs, and coworkers necessitate housing changes. Hotels and other temporary housing options may need help to offer the privacy and spaciousness of a home. A job fas locum tenens can be challenging as it is for some people, but due to the not-so-flexible hours working for a moonlighting job can be harder to manage at times.
