2024 Survey of Locum Tenens Physicians and Advanced Practitioners
IN THEIR OWN WORDS The survey asked physicians and APPs to indicate what they would like their fellow healthcare professionals and the public to know about locum tenens. Over 300 written comments were received. Below is a representative sample.
• We are just as dedicated to our patients as the permanent staff; we simply choose not to engage in hospital politics. • You can achieve a satisfying work-life balance, though the price you pay is temporary separation from your family. • You can find exactly what frequency you want to work, where you want to work and the salary you want to work for. • You can try on numerous practices without long-term obligation and frustration until you find an excellent match. Much less of your career is wasted suffering through unpleasant practice environments. Also, as a locum, I get to concentrate much more on taking care of patients and much less on management and politics. • Flexibility is very important to providers who are mothers and wives and care givers on the side! • Be mindful that you are there as an interim provider to bridge the gap temporarily and not to get involved with administrative/provider issues. Remain neutral and always remain professional. • The pay is great! Good way to learn new software and new clinical skills. Great way to figure out if certain settings are well suited.
• I currently work for an organization that I was previously with. I had left in 2020 due to a rather significant reduction in compensation during the pandemic, I went to work for a different organization, but only lasted 2 years, I retired early and my prior employer reached out to me and inquired if would be interested in returning to my prior position on a part time basis. I was a able to negotiate a very good compensation package with part time benefits, and was able to rejoin staff and colleagues that I had previously worked with. I initially agreed to work for 6 months but have been there for 13 months and counting. • Traveling and living at motels/hotels can get old really quickly. • It is rather unfortunate and somewhat ironic that at my age and the 40+ years that I have been practicing medicine, I am finally being justly compensated for all the long hours that I have spent in providing quality medical care to patients regardless of their socioeconomic status and regardless of the various medical locations. • It’s a great opportunity when you need some time to find a permanent job! • No continuity of medical care for patients you see in clinic is a frustrating experience. I like to see my patients on a long term basis to see improvement or lack of it. • Working as a Locum Tenens provider is a great alternative to permanent practice given appropriate conditions. Like anywhere else, it is very dependent upon the details, personalities, resources, and support at a given facility.
• Good work if you like different managements systems and can just float with them.
• Great way to expand clinical skills.
• A very good way to have a good work and non-work life balance. I enjoy clinical practice immensely. I do not enjoy running a medical office!
© AMN Healthcare 2024
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