By Zane Josie
Healthcare practitioners can work as locum tenens providers, which means temporary staff. It’s not just newbies that take this job opportunity to gain experience while looking for full-time work; experienced providers or those who have been in the industry for years consider this option, too. According to statistics, more than half of locum physicians started this work setup in the middle of their careers, while some started after retirement. So, whether you are a new healthcare provider or a seasoned one, here are some of the reasons to consider locum tenens.
Enjoy the flexibility it offers
As a locum, you get to decide which job to take, which means you approve of the schedule, rate, and location. It’s something that you may not enjoy if you are tied with a full-time job in a healthcare facility, as you follow the schedule given to you and the place where you will be assigned. If you want to test the waters first, you can try a few hours of locum work on top of your full-time job and decide later if it’s something you want to pursue.
Better work-life balance
As mentioned, you can only accept jobs that fit your schedule, which leads to better work-life balance. The usual process of becoming a locum tenens provider begins by applying to locum tenens companies. These companies work both for the service providers and healthcare facilities or employers. They act as a bridge to match the two, so they could help you find the facilities in need of your service. By committing to work for a specific schedule, you don’t have to sacrifice your personal life, like spending time with your loved ones or pursuing your hobbies or other interests.
Get higher income
If you think that locum tenens jobs are not as lucrative as a full-time job, that is not the case. The pay for this job is often above the average salary in the industry. Some locum tenens providers even earn higher than their peers who work full-time. So you might get the chance to find a high-paying locum tenens job that would pay the bills and more.
Prevent politics in the workplace
Workplace politics happen in any industry, including the healthcare field. You can avoid this by being a locum tenens provider. Since you are working as a freelancer, you will not be under the company’s policy meant for their full-time employees. So, you don’t have to be dragged into any issue concerning that. Plus, if you find that the workplace is toxic or you are unhappy with your role, you only have to endure it until that period expires.
Get the opportunity to travel
The healthcare facilities looking for locum tenens are all over the country. Hence, you can pick locations that interest you. Besides work, it’s also an opportunity to travel and explore new places.
If you are looking for new work opportunities, consider locum tenens jobs to enjoy all the above benefits. Plus, most healthcare recruitment companies cover the travel and accommodation expenses when you accept an assignment, so you don’t have to worry about that.
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