At AB Staffing, we place medical professionals in hospitals and clinics where they are needed most. Locum tenens are nurse practitioners, physicians, and physician assistants that take temporary contracts in hospitals and clinics that need staff.
We consulted with our recruiters on what questions Locums ask the most about working in the role, and we’ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions for you.
Why is there a demand for working Locum Tenens?
There are areas of the country where medical professionals are needed and do not live and work. Places like Supai, Arizona, or the Navajo Nation are underserved and in need. Couple this with a shortage of medical professionals, and there is a demand for people just like yourselves. There’s also a culture of wanting to work when and where we’d like, and being a locum enables you to use your skills to serve and, at the same time, make your schedule. It’s a win-win for you and your patients.
Whether there is a shortage of physicians, a pandemic, or rural facilities in need, we match our locums to contracts in areas of need. If you’re looking to gain experience, are winding down a career, or looking for a new workplace, you can benefit from this career choice.
What are the most important questions about working Locum Tenens?
Locum Tenens comes from the Latin meaning to hold in place. Our locums are temporary healthcare workers needed in specific geographic areas and specialties.
- What are the perks of working locum tenens? The perks of working locum tenens include earning potential, travel experiences, freedom to explore new areas of the country, networking opportunities, flexible schedule, more time for loved ones, skills development, and opportunity to give back in underserved communities.
- How does locum tenens work? The first step is to choose a travel healthcare agency and work with one recruiter. They have the resources to match you with the right fit for your skills. Before applying, check our job postings. While we ask for your top geographic areas, please understand we can’t always match you to those places for every contract, but we do our best; it also depends on where there is a need. AB Staffing offers in-house credentialing, payroll, and housing teams to answer questions and address concerns in a timely manner. In most cases, you are paid as a 1099 employee, so you are responsible for your own taxes as well as keeping your licensing current.
- What are the high-demand specialties for locum tenens? The most in-demand locums specialties include family practice physicians, emergency medicine physicians, psychiatrists, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. If you’re specialized in any of these areas, there is likely an opportunity for you to explore being a traveler.
- What are lifestyle considerations for locum tenens physicians? As a locum tenens physician, there is flexibility in scheduling, the opportunity to live in a different area and make your own schedule. Contracts may be anywhere from three months to one year. You won’t get paid time off, so consider that when considering working locum tenens. You’re expected to fulfill the contract length meaning it is frowned upon to take time off that wasn’t already agreed to prior to signing the contract. This is a small community of professionals where reputation matters so canceling a contract is not recommended as it can damage chances for future locum tenens work.
- What is it like when working locum tenens? Our locum contractors have varying schedules. You’re working at facilities where you are needed, so taking unplanned time off isn’t typically good for your career development. That means you may sacrifice time with loved ones while working a contract. Conversely, you can take time between contracts and explore on scheduled days off to balance the time you’re dedicating to work.
This lifestyle is worth it in earnings potential because you have the opportunity to make your own schedule. As a travel medical professional, locum tenens work builds your resume faster than shift work and you can build new skills as you travel and work at different facilities.
We’re glad you’re here exploring what it’s like to work as a locum. When you’re ready to explore specific opportunities, we’re here for you! Check out the Job Postings and give us a call. Our Recruiters are here for you throughout your experience.
