The phrase “locum tenens” is Latin for “holding one’s place.” The slang term “locum” is often used when referring to an employee who has been hired in such a position. Many healthcare facilities will use a locum when needing a doctor, physician’s assistant, nurse practitioner, dentist, or other medical professionals as a temporary fill-in. Locum Tenens can be hired through a professional firm. This is the easiest and quickest way to fill a temporary staff vacancy with a reliable, certified medical professional.
Why Choose Locum Tenens?
Choosing to work as a locum allows more professional freedom. Rather than settling down in one area at one job, a locum would be allowed to sign a short or long-term contract. Once the contract is complete, you are free to move where you please. You could also get experience in a variety of clinical settings. Flexibility is also a great motivator. As a locum, you could argue your work hours, days, and salary with the employer.
Locum Tenens is a potential option for those in any phase in their career. Are you a new graduate? Think of all the experience you would obtain in different clinical areas. It could help you decide the best area to form your niche or specialty. One physician shares a number of pros and cons from his experience of locum tenens and states, “I became more well-rounded and adaptable, and I had a chance to ‘try before you buy,’ learning what kind of practice best suited me.”
Do you have several years under your belt but are not yet ready for retirement? This could be an option with more flexible hours. Nearing retirement and looking for few hours and more time for travel? Locum Tenens could be the option for you!
We discussed choosing a locum as an employee. But why would you choose a locum as a client? It is a fast, simple way to fill your provider vacancies without worrying about long-term negotiations, benefits packages, long-term malpractice insurance, or extensive company training. It is also more cost-effective when you are hiring short-term. Locum agencies make the hiring process simple and resolve your problem for needing short-term staff quickly.
Tips for New Locum Tenens
Are you thinking of becoming a Locum or are you new to the temporary career? Many physicians offer up tips for success in the career path. Another physician offers up some key points in an article about Locum Tenens. He says what is included in the contact can “make or break” your experience. Your contract “must clearly address payment terms, coverage of expenses, appropriate lodging, and malpractice insurance.”
He also goes into the benefit of including an “out clause” in the contract. This is an often overlooked detail that should be included to let the company know what experiences you expect to have outside of the workplace. Once the contract is to your liking, get it signed and in writing. The writer of this article mentions you may be pushed to begin your contract prior to receiving it in ink, but he advises against doing so.
How to Become a Locum Tenens
Locate a Locum Tenens agency for dental practices and start by contacting them for an initial consultation. During the consultation, your goals, interests, and work history will be discussed to help find the best job fit for you. Afterward, you will start applying for jobs. Your agency manager will submit information to the hiring party for review.
Once you have chosen your job, you and your locum agency will work on a contract with the hiring business. After a contract is agreed upon, your manager will finalize your credentials and licensing agreements. Then you are ready to start your job! You will keep in touch with your recruiter for any problems you may face during your employment.
How to Hire a Locum Tenens
Hiring a Locum Tenens is a similar procedure, and just as easy when you use an experienced locum agency. First, you will need to identify what position needs to be filled in your business. Maybe you have a provider leaving on maternity leave or taking a temporary leave of absence. Identify when you will need your new hire to start, and for how long you will need him or her.
Next, you will complete the interviews. These may be done over the phone, as potential hires are travelers much of the time. Once you have decided on a hire, let your account manager know and they will coordinate the negotiations and any credentialing. You will then pay your locum agency. The agency is responsible for paying your new hire.
Using an agency for your temporary staffing needs can save you time and allow you to focus on other important aspects of your business. Agencies will screen your potential hires for you. They also handle all payroll and human resource concerns with the locum. Consider reaching out to a professional, reliable company today to easily and quickly fill your provider position with a top-notch professional.
