I recently spoke with an individual who is wholeheartedly living their best life. It was the most liberating conversation I have had in quite some time. He is traveling consistently for both work and pleasure, experiencing the joy of service and fulfillment in his work, and still maintains a healthy life balance to pursue his hobbies and best self. Passion exhumed from him the more we discussed his lifestyle.
His secret? He is a Physician Assistant working Locum Tenens.
For those healthcare providers who are seeking their next great opportunity, Locum Tenens, or Locums, can open a new world of possibilities. Your consultant/recruiter is there to help. Ask them questions, take the time to explore your options, and don’t write off an opportunity immediately without taking the time to consider the benefits. In case you are unsure of the benefits, here are 7 reasons to open your horizons to Locum Tenens:
1. TRAVEL
The majority of bucket lists include travel destinations. The big dilemma? Few can take the time off work to allow for a summer backpacking trip or taking an extended vacation to visit loved ones. The beauty of Locums is you control your schedule. Want to work 3 months and then take 3 months off? No problem.
Locum assignments can offer unique locations and who doesn’t love being paid to travel? Ever consider spending some time exploring the beauty of Juneau, Alaska? Or what about trying a change of pace in a warmer climate for the winter? Travel and housing expenses are covered on these assignments, saving you money for exploring the arts, music, and outdoors your temporary home has to offer.
2. COMPENSATION
Locum positions provide higher rates than permanent positions and cover travel, housing, and malpractice insurance. You can save the added income for whatever length of vacation you choose to take in between assignments. Or, keep working year-round earning a higher income than any permanent position can provide.
3. BEWARE OF BURNOUT
No matter the stage of your career, we have all experienced burnout in one way or another. The best remedy? Try something new. Locums can provide a break from the monotony of years under the same management with the same day-to-day.
4. GIVE BACK
Many healthcare providers choose the medical field because they want to give back. Locums provide the opportunity to do just that in a variety of communities across the nation. Who doesn’t want to work in a place where they feel truly needed? Not to mention, why not take a break for a medical service trip to Central America like the whole-hearted living provider previously mentioned?
5. IMPROVE SKILL-SETS
Have your eyes set on your dream job, but don’t have the experience they are looking for? Spending some time as a Locum provider honing in on these skills will make you stand out in the sea of applicants and expose you to a variety of experience, practice settings, and management styles.
6. AVOID EMPLOYMENT GAPS ON YOUR CV
Most applications require explanations for employment gaps longer than two months. If you are looking for your next permanent gig, working a Locums assignment to avoid an employment gap will keep your skills sharp in the eye of the client. Not to mention, you will have a great networking opportunity while on assignment. It also provides a cushion of time to do your own due diligence in the search, avoiding the temptation to just take the first offer.
7. TEST DRIVE BEFORE COMMITTING
The closest I have ever gotten to test driving a position before signing an offer was a working interview. Even then, we can ask all the right questions and still walk in blind. What happens if the position we hoped to love, turns out to be a lemon? Locum positions often become available because they are seeking to find a permanent provider. Many facilities will make permanent offers to their Locums providers if it is a good fit for both parties. At that point, you can feel confident in your decision knowing full well what to expect.
If this sparks your interest and you are a Physician Assistant, Nurse Practitioner, or CRNA, look no further and direct message me. I look forward to helping you create the lifestyle you’ve always visualized a reality.
