Is Locum Tenens Right for Me?
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Want to know if accepting a Locum Tenens position is right for you? We can help.
Any change in your life can feel like a big decision. Leaving a practice to work Locum Tenens is not like buying a new pair of shoes or trying a new ice cream flavor. A little impulsiveness can go a long way in picking ice cream, but it can be painful when launching a career change.
To help, we've assembled a few questions you can use as a self-assessment as you consider Locum Tenens.
Self-Assessment Questions for Locum Tenens
Take your time as you answer these questions. You should not only consider your answer, but also the reasons why you select the answer. The reasons and motives behind the answer may tell you more about your future path than the answer itself.
- Do you enjoy short or long-term travel?
Many professionals who work Locum Tenens enjoy travel. Locum Tenens gives you the opportunity to travel to new areas - giving regions and cities a test run. Many are happy to experience a new city, especially as they consider where they want to live in retirement.
- Do you prefer variety more than consistency?
Many Locum Tenens physicians enjoy the variety of work. They like meeting new people, diving into fresh situations, and tackling innovative cases, rather than the consistency of a single office.
- Would you rather work administrative tasks, or provide more patient care?
The focus of Locum Tenens is typically patient care, with a reduced emphasis on the administrative work that comes with other positions in medicine.
- Are you ready to try out new areas in practice, or are you happy where you are?
Locum Tenens is often seen as an opportunity to experience different practice areas. Providers often find they are better suited to a different job.
- Can you work under different policies, or adapt to different procedures?
Every healthcare system is a little different, with different priorities and different styles. You'll need to adapt your style to meet the needs and requirements at each site.
- Are you board certified or board eligible in your specialty, and do you meet the minimum requirements?
Consider if you are even eligible. You may need some additional schooling or certification before you can accept your first Locum Tenens position.
- Do you enjoy office politics, or would you rather work with a variety of people?
A Locum Tenens position isn't the right choice for someone looking to climb the corporate ladder in a single healthcare network or hospital. It does give you the opportunity to meet new co-workers, and take a new facility out for a test run before accepting a permanent position.
- Is work/life balance important to you?
One of the most difficult aspects of the healthcare profession is maintaining work/life balance. It can be difficult to leave the job on time, and not bring work home with you. Locum Tenens is the chance for you to improve the balance in your life.
A Look at Locum Tenens
Many of the physicians and advanced practice professionals that leave a permanent position for Locum Tenens are looking for something new. They want to meet new people, and travel to new places. They are looking for a flexible schedule that lets them have a life beyond work.
If you want to learn more, or see if Locum Tenens is right for you, then contact a recruiter today.
