What is locum tenens?
Locum tenens is a Latin phrase that means "to
hold the place of, to substitute for." In layman's terms, it
means a temporary physician. In the early 1970s, a federal grant
was awarded to the University of Utah for the purpose of providing physician staffing
services to rural health clinics in medically under served areas of the western
United States. The program proved so successful that many hospital
administrators and physicians began calling for locum tenens physician staffing assistance.
Today thousands of physicians contract with recruiting
agencies that provide physician staffing services for healthcare facilities.
The twenty-plus-year industry continues to grow as more and more physicians
choose this way of practicing medicine.
Why do locum tenens?
Physicians choose locum tenens for several reasons.
The option to try out a variety of different practice styles and
geographic locations before making a permanent commitment is a compelling
choice. A high percentage of residents are unhappy with their first
practice setting, often because the style of practice is not what
was expected or the administrative physician staffing agendas of the institution were
not clearly defined.
Why do physicians choose locum tenens work?
In a recent industry survey of more than 500 physicians, almost half (48%) said the chance to have a flexible schedule was a key reason for working short-term physician staffing assignments. Other key reasons included:
Travel opportunities (38%)
Earn extra income (35%)
Clinical experience (34%)
With locum tenens there is no pressure to decide on
anything until you are ready. Locum Tenens gives you the time to
decide if all your critical needs and desires such as geography,
income potential, practice style, administrative agendas, and community
profile line up with your long-term goals.
Physicians in mid-career transition use locum tenens
to try out different areas and bridge the gap on income while searching
for the right physician staffing position. Seasoned physicians enjoy the option of
scaling back but not retiring from medicine full time. If you could
choose where, when and how why wouldn't you?
Why do healthcare clients use locum tenens physician staffing?
Hospitals, groups and clinics, from rural solo practices
to large metro healthcare systems need help in physician staffing for a variety
of reasons. When a physician is on vacation or a sabbatical, filling
in for a permanent vacancy. To supplement seasonal physician staffing needs during peak
seasons, it is cost effective to supplement the permanent staff
with locum tenens physicians rather than staffing at the maximum
levels at all times.
How much money will I make doing locum tenens?
It depends on your medical specialty and the job description.
Most locum tenens companies pay the physician as an independent
contractor on a per diem basis. Some contracts are based on an hourly
scale, overtime and on-call time are paid at time and a half after
a 40-hour workweek. Here's some examples of pay scales
by specialty:
 |
SPECIALTY |
INCOME
(per 8-hour day) |
 |
| |
|
$720 to $880 |
|
| |
|
$400 to $450 |
|
| |
|
$400 to $450 |
|
| |
|
$400 to $430 |
|
| |
|
$600 to $800 |
|
| |
|
$520 to $760 |
|
| |
|
$650 to $750 |
|
| |
|
$800 to $900 |
|
| |
|
$1,300 to $1,400 |
|
| |
|
$1,000 to $1,500 |
|
| |
|
$500 to $600 |
|
| |
|
$1,200 to $1,500 |
|
| |
|
$600 to $750 |
|
 |
|
|
 |
If you decide to work with LocumTenens.com, keep
in mind that we cover your medical malpractice insurance, travel
and housing expenses.
Is there work available in every state?
Yes. Check out the locum tenens physician job
search function
There are thousands of locum tenens physician staffing contracts available
on any given day. For personalized attention, call us and you'll
receive professional assistance in finding the right job.
What if I have NY medical license but want to work
in Florida?
Unless it is federal facility you cannot work in another
state without an active state medical license. Most recruiting agencies
will assist you in obtaining medical licenses in other states.
How do I get started?
View locum tenens physician jobs by specialty here Its that simple! For
personalized attention with a representative, please contact LocumTenens.com
at 800-930-0748.
Healthcare Facilities, find out how LocumTenens.com can help you with your physician staffing needs?
Physicians, register now. It's quick, easy and it's free!
Healthcare Facilities, register now to post jobs and find candidates
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