20 Dec How to Choose the Right Locum Tenens Assignment
Whether you’re looking to explore the four corners of the U.S., pay off student loans, or step back from the full-time grind, locum tenens assignments can often be the right career choice.
With excellent pay, varied locations, and opportunities to make a positive difference, it’s no wonder that many docs choose to go locum. Whether it’s your first locum tenens assignment or your 25th, here are some key tips to help ensure you make the right move for your career.
First Things First: Decide On Your Personal Goals
As in any long-term career move, it’s important to decide what your goals are before making any kind of change.
While there are a lot of positives to the locum tenens life, it’s not necessarily for everyone. Before agreeing to a contract, do your research, talk to colleagues who have worked as a locum, and discuss your plans with family or close friends.
Perhaps you’re looking for short-term work to pay a student loan or to test out a hospital for a potential permanent position? You’re feeling stifled and at a dead end at your current place of employment? Or you simply want to step back and work fewer shifts and travel the country? All of the above will help you identify your motivation.
These are good examples for considering making a career switch as a locum. And while the money is good, higher income potential alone should not be the deciding factor if you’re not sure you want to be a travel physician.
Feeling Burned Out?
For many full-time physicians, pursuing a career as a locum tenens is a great way to avoid the job burnout that many permanent practitioners experience. Whether you’re tired of hospital politics or feel like your career is at a standstill, working as a locum can be a needed shot in the arm. Experiencing new faces and places, while continuing to do what you love most—practicing medicine — is a priceless opportunity that many physicians find compelling.
Looking for More Flexibility?
Being a locum physician offers unbeatable freedom and flexibility for you to decide when and where you want to work. For example, many docs choose to take a break between assignments to spend time with family and friends – or take an extended vacation. Many use their time off to relax, while others may use the time to volunteer for a favorite cause. The flexible schedule allows you to pursue your interests and practice medicine when and where you want.
Partner with a Reputable Staffing Firm
With a wide array of available locum tenens opportunities, you don’t have to go it alone in your quest for new career opportunities. Partnering with a professional staffing agency with experience in placing locum docs can offer a wide variety of job opportunities not found in online job listings or by word-of-mouth.
But keep in mind that all staffing agencies aren’t the same. Make sure it has the tools to further your professional goals by doing your research. A good place to start is by ensuring it belongs to the National Association of Locum Tenens Organizations – the standard-bearer for ethical business practices.
Contact Annashae Today
At Annashae we’re dedicated to the placement of highly-skilled clinical practitioners in short- and long-term positions. As a nationwide medical staffing and consulting firm, we provide a range of services that enable our candidates to quickly find the career opportunity that fits their needs. For information on how you can further your clinical career, contact us today.