Surgeons suffering from burnout, looking for a change of pace, or just ready to take on more may want to consider taking on locum tenens assignments. This allows them to work at different facilities, to try out different specialties, to travel, and a lot more. Assignments can range from a few days to a few months, and once the assignment is done, it’s possible to move on to something different.
Work With a Specialized Consultant
The first step is to work with a specialized consultant who will help the person find general surgery locum tenens assignments or specialized ones. The consultant will work closely with the surgeon to find out their preferences, their skills, and more to find assignments that might be a great fit. They’ll then provide more information about the assignments to the surgeon to help them decide what to do first.
Choose Assignments and Apply
The surgeon will be able to choose any position they’re interested in and apply for it. There is a wide range of assignments, ranging from something general to specializations. Surgeons ready to try out something new might want to look into specialization to see what’s a good fit for them. Surgeons looking for extra work or to try out different cities or facilities may opt for more general assignments.
Get More Information About the Job
Once the surgeon is selected for the assignment, they will begin the onboarding process. Though this can vary from facility to facility, the surgeon should expect to spend some time learning about the facility, the job they’ll be doing, and the people they’ll be working with. This is the time to ask plenty of questions about what to expect, how long the assignment will last, and more. From there, they’ll be ready to get to work.
Work on the Assignment
The surgeon will work on the assignment for the required amount of time. They may be on an assignment for a few days to help cover someone who is out sick, a week or two to cover someone on vacation, or a few months to cover for someone on maternity leave. The reason for the assignment and the length of time will vary from one assignment to the next. The amount of time should be explained before the surgeon accepts the assignment, but they may choose to stay longer if the facility needs to expand the assignment.
Move on to the Next One
Once the assignment has finished, it’s time to move on to the next one. The surgeon can choose from the available assignments again, allowing them to cater their work to their own needs. If they’d like to get the benefits of travel or would like to see new places, they might opt to take an assignment that’s further away from home. They can choose anyone that works well for them and for which they’d be a good fit. If you’re ready for a change, looking for a way to do more with your job, or ready to travel while working, locum tenens assignments may be a great option. There is a huge need for surgeons, so there are plenty of assignments to choose from and it can be easier to meet your personal goals. Talk to a consultant today to learn more about what to expect with locum tenens.
