Locum tenens providers fill both short- and long-term positions in healthcare facilities. High turnover rates and staffing shortages have increased the demand for locum providers in recent years. A 2022 study found that 88% of facilities used locum tenens physicians, nurse practitioners and/or physician assistants at some point during the previous 12 months, to resolve staffing shortages.
Yet despite the prevalence of locum work and the benefits it offers providers, some myths continue to persist. Let’s examine five popular myths about locum tenens work.
- Locum work is too unstable.
One of the main advantages of locum/PRN work is that you can have a more flexible schedule. You have the freedom and autonomy to choose where, when, and how you want to work — for example, taking on several short-term assignments with breaks in between. If you are looking to improve your work-life balance, a locum tenens position can be an attractive option.
- You can’t combine locum and full-time work.
Many providers do locum tenens work in addition to their full-time positions. The flexibility of locum/PRN work allows you to take on recurring or short-term assignments. If you want to earn extra income by working weekend or holiday shifts, for instance, a locum assignment can easily fit into your regular schedule.
- You have to travel for locum work.
Locum/PRN assignments are available almost everywhere, whether you decide to visit different places around the country or stay close to home. Many providers choose to pick up regular locum shifts or short-term assignments within a short commute.
- Locum assignments will look bad on your CV.
Locum work can give you valuable and varied experience that demonstrates your versatility and enhances your CV. If you take on assignments in diverse environments – a rural hospital and a busy ambulatory surgery center, for instance — you will learn new clinical and interpersonal skills and work with different teams and patient populations to continue building your competitive advantage as a candidate.
- Locum positions are less important than permanent.
Locum tenens/PRN providers are valuable team members, and there is no credence to the myth that they are less valuable than permanent, full-time employees. Taking on locum/PRN work is a choice — and often an appealing one — for a variety of reasons, including flexibility, potentially higher pay, and varied work experiences.
Interested in learning more about locum tenens opportunities? Contact Radar Healthcare Providers for more information.
