Provider shortages in healthcare have led to employee burnout and increased turnover. Many individuals in this industry now take on temporary assignments rather than accept a permanent position at a practice or facility. While a few people are familiar with travel nurses, many other professionals in the industry also take on short-term assignments. Why might a person choose to tackle this type of work?
Flexibility
Many people want a locum tenens assignment for a more flexible schedule. Their work-life balance is lacking in many ways, and they believe having more flexibility will allow them to change this. Most people working as locum tenens say they do so because they want a better schedule. They would like time to spend with family and friends while pursuing their outside interests. In addition, they say this flexibility allows them to maintain emotional equilibrium.
Healthcare organizations should take note of this and offer flexibility in scheduling. Many will be surprised to learn that scheduling is more contentious than compensation for new hires. To attract and retain top talent, every healthcare organization must allow workers to have some say in when and where they work. Some individuals prefer to work weekends, while others want this time for family and friends; others want flex time or job-sharing opportunities. Employers should talk with their workers to see what elements of flexible scheduling are most important to them.
Burnout
The healthcare shortage has also led to burnout among those in the industry. Locum tenens assignments can help overcome this burnout. Men and women can work when they want and take time off if needed. In addition, they don’t have to deal with the bureaucracy seen with permanent positions.
Physicians report they now spend almost a quarter of their time on non-clinical paperwork. Inefficient electronic health record systems are part of the problem, and doctors are regularly frustrated by the regulatory and insurance paperwork they must complete. While locum tenens must track patient conditions and note the services they provide, the paperwork they must complete is significantly less than that with doctors in permanent positions. Furthermore, locum tenens can skip departmental meetings, administrative duties, or compliance programs. Their focus remains on patient care, making them more satisfied with their jobs.
Earning Power
Inflation hits every person, including doctors and nurses. Healthcare workers today are finding that their compensation has not kept up with inflation, and they need to find ways to make additional money. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services cut physician compensation in 2023 and 2024, leaving some doctors and nurses to choose locum tenens assignments rather than permanent positions. Locum tenens compensation is often higher than that seen with permanent positions. However, men and women who take on these positions must understand that they will not receive vacation pay, sick leave, medical insurance, and other perks.The benefits outlined above are only a few seen by those who choose to take on locum tenens assignments. A person might seek global adventure and find taking on these assignments allows them to travel the world while having many of their expenses paid. Personal research may be why a person takes in an assignment, or they may wish to volunteer in rural and underserved areas, and locum tenens assignments allow them to do so. Regardless of why a person chooses this path, they know they are helping others every time they go to work.
