As the health care industry continues to grow in the United States, so does the Locum Tenens industry. For those that may be unfamiliar, a locum tenens professional is a someone who works in place of the regular physician, nurse, or other designated position at a clinic, hospital, or practice. This role is not reserved only for MDs. RNs, PAs, and CRNAs are also in high demand when it comes to locum tenens staffing. Whether you are a provider looking to fill a position, or an individual healthcare professional looking to work somewhere else or find some extra work, this ever-growing industry will provide everything you need and more.
What is Causing This Demand?
This increased demand can be contributed to a variety of factors. There is already an existing shortage of medical professionals in the United States, with physicians and registered nurses making up a good portion of that number. Due in part to the increased demand on healthcare providers by the retiring Baby Boomer generation. With people living longer, healthcare demands increase, leading to the healthcare industry requiring more out of their current workers. High turnover rate due to burnout is a major contributor to this shortage as well, healthcare providers are reporting some of the highest turnover rates in recent decades with no signs of slowing down. Many contribute this to increased patient load, long hours, poor work-home balance, and lack of control in their own practice.2 As professionals leave their practice, gaps that are left in medical teams need to be filled. 1
Who Benefits from This Demand?
Fortunately, the demand for locum tenens professional offers a wide variety of opportunities for many different groups. Newcomers to the medical field fresh out of college and residency stand to gain the most from this high demand. By acting as a place holder in any clinic, hospital, or practice, these newly minted professionals can gain much needed experience in order to propel themselves into a more long-term situation. For medical professionals who might want to take a step back from practicing, yet still be involved here and there, locum tenens is a great path to choose. This allows for more flexibility in working hours, less responsibilities when it comes to the everyday tasks that a full-time worker would have to deal with, and more downtime to recuperate from potentially challenging or draining days.4
How Can These Vacancies be Found?
Thankfully, as an already busy medical professional, you won’t have to go far to find openings that need to be filled in the industry. As I stated, shortages in the healthcare industry have led to large demand for these types of positions. A great place to start is online. Websites such as Locumcare are full of these types of job listings.3 If for some reason you have issues finding open positions on these types of platforms, contacting peers within the medical community about opportunities for locum tenens work is another great way to find yourself in a new position quickly.
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