Locum Story: Long-Term Strategic Partners in Healthcare

14 June 2024

This job of Locum Tenens was initiated as a makeshift policy to meet temporary doctor and staffing shortages.

Slowly, career opportunities emerged as one of the medical professional’s top career choices. In this article, we bring into the discussion table the demand for locums and the expectations of new job seekers in the next few years.

Locum Tenens: How Common Is It?

Locum tenens is, without doubt, a fast-growing segment in the healthcare industry. However, many of the largest facilities and practices in the USA have leveraged the efficacy of locum job placement. They incorporate these positions into their staffing models.

Although the concept of the modern locum tenens dates back to the early 1970s, since there is no turning back, the sector is managing a dream run of growth.

About 7% of physicians in the US have associated themselves with the locum tenens position within the last year.

Moreover, almost 85% of facilities are integrating temporary service providers. In the last decade, the number of locum tenens doctors has sharply increased. The rate of increase is massive( 90%). Hence, you can understand how common it is the concept of employment in the US medical sector.

The Future of Locum Tenens

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, the move towards gig work and contracting has grossly affected the entire healthcare industry. Moreover, spending on locum tenens increased drastically by 28% in the year 2021.

Almost 60% of healthcare funds go towards inducting self-employed practitioners. The Association of American Medical Colleges conjectures that the shortfall of healthcare professionals will approach 140,000 by 2033.

The situation brings with it waves of concerns for the vulnerable aging population and also the medical workforce. The locum tenens positions address the shortfall, as well as providing patients with healthcare requirements.

Why Are Locum Tenens Jobs in Demand?

Recent data exposes some of the most concerning and surprising trends among physicians. They include those who are looking for contract-based positions.

Furthermore, the reports also bring to the forefront the reasons behind healthcare professionals’ preference towards short-term placements.

According to a survey, 60% of the respondents opine that they are looking for new positions. Moreover, nearly 25% of physicians under the age group of 40 opine that they are avoiding long-term or permanent positions due to burnout.

Moreover, after the pandemic, the healthcare sector faced an enduring staffing shortage. Consequently, stakeholders feel pressure from within.

Under such serious circumstances, the locum tenens has emerged as a viable alternative for physicians and other healthcare professionals who want to be engaged in the workforce but on their terms.

Work-life balance

Locum tenens offers a degree of flexibility not found in full-time healthcare positions. Temporary placements allow physicians to experience a range of environments and demographics while setting schedules that work for them.

Everyone knows that the present world of professionalism is grappling with issues like work-life balance and increasing stress. Organizational management, especially in the medical field, is looking to work on coping with immense pressure. Locus tenens provides an advantage. Professionals who aim to attain work-life balance are looking for locums job placement.

Better pay

Competitive pay is another driver of locum tenens growth. Moreover, the temporary healthcare positions may culminate in the form of 50% more payment compared to the comparable full-time placements.

As a result, it allows the healthcare profession to earn more money while working with flexibility. Temporary employees are responsible for health insurance and retirement planning, which can erode some of those profits.

These are a few reasons attributed to the increasing popularity of locum tenens positions in the healthcare industry. With a more equitable work-life balance, better pay, and, most importantly, less stress, it brings multiple benefits. Hence, it becomes easy to say why so many doctors are entering the locum tenens position.

A Hassle-Free Career

One key benefit of the locum tenens job is a hassle-free career. When professionals have this job, there are zero teaching and administrative responsibilities. Furthermore, there are zero coding and billing hassles or, say, staff management issues.

Experts say that the care providers who embrace this approach reap the benefits. Here, the professionals get much better flexibility from the hospitals. As a result, the job becomes much more stressful and hassle-free.

Freedom To Travel

The locum tenens are best known for their freedom of travel. This recruitment approach allows doctors to engage in multiple healthcare bodies, and that too in different places.

If you can visit multiple places and seek new career opportunities, you have flexibility and freedom. This is, without question, one of the prime benefits that healthcare professionals get.

Pre Retirement planning

One of the benefits linked to locum tenens is pre-retirement planning. Some doctors have retired from their full-time jobs but still want to engage in practice.

This approach to service best suits these professionals. These professionals are looking to finish their medical careers with locum work.

Many seasoned medical professionals have retired from full-time engagements. They suggest that they have made the right decision by engaging in part-time jobs at different care units. They say that the flexibility of the work structure provides them with the edge.

Read More: Healthcare Jobs That Will Be Most in Demand 2020–2025

Managing the Debts

Another core benefit of locum tenens is working with new doctors. The respectable earnings from the job help one manage debt while studying in medical school.

Even the National Association of Tenens Organization(NALTO) says that an individual can get two ways to manage their student loans.

They think that the students are using different ways to pay back their along with the flexibility that they are getting from the hospitals. Working in the locum tenens allows them to provide coverage for weekends or months. The opportunities are quite enticing.

Change Will Keep Coming—Are You Ready For It?

Locum Tenens has grown into a nationwide, multibillion-dollar industry used by nearly 90% of America’s healthcare facilities. In every state, thousands of providers accept temporary placements every year, ensuring that people in underserved communities get the medical care they need.

Though locum tenens has a short history compared to that of other industries, it offers a reliable, sustainable staffing solution in areas lacking access to healthcare.

With locum tenens, we can build a healthier, safer society. If you’re considering a career change, accepting a temporary position may be just the push you need.

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Ankita Tripathy

Ankita Tripathy loves to write about food and the Hallyu Wave in particular. During her free time, she enjoys looking at the sky or reading books while sipping a cup of hot coffee. Her favourite niches are food, music, lifestyle, travel, and Korean Pop music and drama.

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Building Your Conceptual Skills A Guide for Career Growth

“The ability to work with abstract ideas & concepts-” or, how Americal social psychologist Robert Katz would describe conceptual skills. In fact, he said it was one of the basic skills which every manager should have! Interestingly when psychologists test an individual’s aptitude of whether they will be a good leader, conceptual skills are one of the top meters of measurement. Now, what are conceptual skills? Is it just some abstract word? Or is there a scientific definition of this soft skill required from their employees by corporations nowadays? Most importantly! Can you hone your conceptual skills as an adult again? Without any further ado let’s discuss the improvement areas required to build a conceptual skill, and the different means by which you can improve it. What are Conceptual Skills? Everyone can decipher something simple and covert, but it takes special skills to understand the deeper meaning behind abstract issues. Most importantly, if these abstract matters pose a challenge and will require impromptu solving. conceptual skill is about leaping beyond the daily mundane activity or being short-sighted. It is about seeing and articulating the bigger picture so that others sense it too. For example, if you are working on a particular Search Engine Optimization strategy for your new website, you cannot ask for quick results. You will require a long-term vision to see what can happen if you continue with the formula for at least a month or two. This skill also requires a fair amount of research and dissection knowledge, seeing beyond the written words and literally deciphering the concept within. People with good conceptual skills are often good at sales, market prediction, consumer/customer psychology, and chess (during their off time). Conceptual skill is not a vague word but rather a compilation of eight examples of conceptual skills that you should always be working on. Analysis (there is a difference between seeing & observing what you see thoroughly). Communication (the ability to articulate in understandable words what you observe). Creativity (the ability to observe something with a unique imagination as opposed to everyone else). Critical Thinking (trying to understand what the view is not showing at first glance). Leadership (the ability to show the same to others and help them on that path). Organization (this is not just organizing tangible items but organizing one's own thoughts & understandings). Planning (Only observation & comprehension is not enough. Enough planning skill is required for proper implementation) Problem Solving (the ability to execute resilience in the face of challenges). Building Steller Conceptual Skills Do not worry, when I saw everything, I needed to do to build conceptually skillfully, I was also overwhelmed. Where to start & where to finish? Most importantly, do I tackle it all at once? Or do I go about it one by one? To begin with, when you are learning a new skill, you only tackle it in a timely manner. If you try to do everything at once, you do nothing properly. So, it is always better to learn one skill at a time. However, these are soft skills. How can I learn them like I am learning from a college lesson? This is also another valid question, do not worry, there are mindful activities, and daily challenges you can pursue to learn these better. How to Learn Conceptual Skills Better Here is a step-by-step guide to begin learning your conceptual skills. Remember, these skills take time to learn! It is not a matter of six months or a year, but a lifetime journey. However, there are means in which you can check your progress. One of the biggest ones would be how your lifestyle & work personality changes from the time you begin learning this skill. Step 1: Know Your Strengths & Weaknesses Never start with an unknown skill; rather, begin with something that you are already aware of. A good way to start is by doing a SWOT analysis of yourself. Begin with marking the things you are good at (among the eight criteria given above), and the ones you need to work on. If you are hypersensitive & can get easily overwhelmed, then begin with perfecting your strengths rather than concentrating on your weaknesses. For example, I am anxious, so I began by polishing my creativity skills, which I was already good at. This gave me the motivation to tackle my weaknesses next. However, if you are a motivated person , begin with targeting your weaknesses. Especially if this is all for interview prep. Step 2: Do Something Everything If you have been on a learning journey for quite some time, you must have heard these words of wisdom - “Consistency is better than striving for perfection.” Therefore, whenever you of building any skill, the first task is to ensure you do something every day. Yes, there will be days when you will need more optimal motivation to sit with your skill-building activity. But, if you're incorporating the activities into your daily routine, you should be able to see changes in time. Step 3: Real Life Execution A learned skill is useless if you cannot execute the same. Unfortunately, no one is going to stand with a placard shouting - “This is your moment.” Whether it is a situation at home or a conflict in the office, you will have to step out of your comfort zone and step into the challenge. No, it won’t be easy, but rather a mindful decision you take every day. Before you feel overwhelmed with the idea of stepping in and solving a situation you are not called for, remember - Everyone feels insecure about their professional skills at some level (no matter the years of experience). You could work in the same industry for decades and still face something new. Learning has no end, so find your opportunities in everyday instances. Conceptual Skills – How to Improve it We have already discussed conceptual skills. Now, let’s understand how to improve these conceptual skills. All You Need is Challenge! Achieving professional success is more than just meeting deadlines or ticking boxes. It's about mastering the right skills & focusing on conceptual management skills that give you an edge. Let’s break down eight essential skills you should focus on—and a weekly challenge of self-intervention for each to help you improve. Analysis The difference between seeing and truly observing lies in depth. Analyzing is all about dissecting what you see and finding hidden patterns. Challenge: Pick one topic or event daily and write a quick summary. Then, dig deeper—what did you notice beyond the obvious? Communication It's not just about speaking or writing; it’s about making your thoughts clear to others. Effective communication bridges the gap between observation and understanding. Challenge: Practice summarizing complex ideas in simple terms. Try explaining a work concept to a friend with no background in your field. Creativity Creativity isn’t just about thinking differently—it’s about connecting the dots in unique ways others might miss. Challenge: Choose a random object daily and brainstorm five unconventional uses. Push your imagination! Critical Thinking Sometimes, what’s not immediately visible holds the key. Critical thinking pushes you to question the obvious and explore hidden layers. Challenge: Read a news article or watch a documentary. Then, list three assumptions it makes and challenge them. Leadership Leadership isn’t just about guiding others; it’s about showing them a clearer path by sharing your unique insights. Challenge: Each week, identify a workplace situation where you can take initiative. For example, you could guide a colleague through a process or host a quick knowledge-sharing session. Organization Beyond tidying up your desk, organizing involves structuring thoughts and ideas efficiently. Challenge: At the end of each day, spend 10 minutes categorizing your tasks, ideas, and notes. Organize them into clear categories for better clarity. Planning Good ideas need solid plans to come to life. Proper planning bridges the gap between ideas and successful execution. Challenge: Pick a small project this week (e.g., organizing a team lunch or personal task). Break it into detailed steps and set mini-deadlines for each. Problem-Solving Life throws curveballs. Resilience in problem-solving helps you bounce back, adapt, and find innovative solutions. Challenge: Take on one issue nagging you at work or in life. Brainstorm multiple solutions, pick the best one, and act on it. Final Note! Incorporating these challenges weekly could transform how you approach your work. The more you practice, the sharper these skills become. Building conceptual skills isn’t a one-time task; it’s a continuous journey. Each skill strengthens your foundation for long-term career growth. By practicing regularly and embracing challenges, you’ll develop a sharper mind, better communication, and a unique approach to problems. Remember, growth isn’t just about working harder—it’s about thinking smarter. Ready to level up? Start your first challenge today! Read Also: Beyond Code: The Soft Skills Every Web Developer Needs For Success 5 Tips To Get Started In Your Teaching Career

Is Health Care A Good Career Path?

Is Health Care A Good Career Path? As you are searching about this question, I believe you are thinking about starting your career. It is always best to explore the available options. It is also crucial to make a decision beforehand so that you can prepare yourself both academically and characteristically. After all, you need to have a particular degree along with other expertise and skills in order to get a job. Especially when you are targeting a particular industry. For example, as you are searching about whether the healthcare industry is a suitable career path or not, you can be ready for that. Here, in this article, along with providing you with the answer to your question, I will also guide you with some related information that you must know when you are thinking about these career options. What Is A Health Care Career? This is indeed a broad term which covers a wide range of occupations, specifically in the medical field. From nurses to doctors to pharmacists to therapies, you will find different types of healthcare careers that are available for you. All you need to do is pick up the most suitable one for yourself. Although each profession has its unique set of responsibilities, they hold the single goal of improving the well-being and health of patients. Read More: Ensuring Quality Healthcare with Correct Diagnoses Requirements Image Source: williamwoods.edu As I have already mentioned, there are several types of healthcare jobs available. Some of the job profiles need a high school diploma; on the other hand, some require a doctorate degree along with many years of medical training. Here, I have curated a list of the professions as per the minimum education level. Educational DegreeAvailable JobsGED or high school diplomaOpticians. Pharmacy technicians. Veterinary assistants and also laboratory animal caretakers. Personal care and home health aides. Post-secondary non-degreesSurgical technicians.Licensed practical and also licensed vocational nurses. Massage therapist. Dental assistants. Phlebotomists. Medical assistants. Paramedics and ENTs. Medical transcriptionists. Health information and medical records specialists. Associate degreeRadiation therapists. Nuclear medicine technologists. Dental hygienists. Registered nurses. Medical cardiovascular technologists and technicians, and sonographers. MRI technologists and radiologists. Respiratory therapists. Veterinary technologists and technicians. Bachelor’s degreeRegistered nurses. Nutritionist and dietician. Clinical laboratory technologists and technicians. Athletic trainers. ‘Recreational therapists. Exercise physiologists. Master’s degreeNurse midwives, nurse anesthetists, and nurse practitioners. Physician assistants. Occupational therapists. Genetic counselors. Speech-language pathologists. Prosthetics and orthotics. Doctorate and other professional degreesDentists. Podiatrists. Pharmacists. Optometrists. Veterans. Physical therapists. Audiologists. Chiropractors. Is Health Care A Good Career Path? Now, you got a basic understanding of what a healthcare job actually is and also the requirements. It is time to answer your questions. “Is health care a good career path?” Honestly, the COVID-19 pandemic has changed a lot of things. Those things are not only our lifestyle but also the way different types of industries function. Just like many other industries, and health care industry is also affected by the effects of the global pandemic. Healthcare professionals are the ones who have worked day and night just to ensure that the patients can recover soon and fewer people get affected by this super infectious disease. While the doctors and nurses were doing overtime, other healthcare professionals were also given the necessary support. From laboratory technicians and other professionals. So, standing in 2022, we definitely can say that health care is not only a good career path but also an important one. So, if you are thinking about building a career here, always remember that you are taking a really responsible and noble opportunity to serve others. But at the same time, you have to ensure that you hold the necessary skills and capabilities. Advantages And Disadvantages Of Healthcare As A Career Path Image Source: encounterworks.com Now, you get the answer to your questions, but in order to have a complete understanding of “Is health care a good career path?” it will be best to have a piece of knowledge about both the positive and negative side of the healthcare industry. Pros: What’s GoodCons: What’s Bad• Ability and opportunity of healing others. • Job security. • Different options to choose from. • Career advancement. • Almost constant stress. • Hectic work schedule. • Physically demanding tasks. What Do Health Care Jobs Pay? For both health care practitioners and technicians, like nurses and doctors, the median annual pay ranges around $75,040, as per the data of May 2021, U.S. BLS or Bureau of Labor Statistics. Here, I would also like to mention that healthcare support workers might earn a lot less. Workers in this specific category, like occupational therapy assistants, home health sides, and medical transcriptionists, make around a median annual salary of $29,880. Here is a list of the highest-paid jobs in the healthcare sector. So, when you want to know, “Is health care a good career path?” you also should know the job profiles that pay the most. Nurse practitioners, nurse midwives, and nurse anesthetists: $123,780. Optometrists: $124,300. Pharmacists: $128,570. Podiatrists: $145,840. Dentists: $163,220. Surgeons and physicians: $208,000. If you get the opportunity to discuss this with a healthcare professional, you will get to know a lot of things. Here is another list of the lowest-paying jobs in the healthcare industry. Psychiatric aides and technicians: $36,230. Nursing assistants and orderlies: $30,290. Medical transcriptionists: $30,100. Laboratory animal caretakers and veterinary assistants: $29,780. Personal care and home health aides: $29,430. Read More: 7 Health Tips For Medical Students How Many Jobs Are Available In Health Care? Image Source: storage.googleapis.com Just like any other industry, the health care industry is also changing continuously. That is why the number of available jobs in this sector also changes. Reports state that in 2020 February, there were around 16.5 million jobs available in this field. Now, let’s have a look at the available options you can choose from. Doctor. Nurse. Optician. Audiologist. Athletic trainer. Dietician or nutritionist. Dental hygienist. Chiropractor. Massage therapy. Genetic counselor. Paramedic or ENT. Nuclear medicine technologist. Medicare reimbursement specialist. Occupational therapist. Veterinarian. Transplant coordinator. Speech-language pathologist. Radiation therapist. But you always have to remember that if you are just entering this industry, you might not get high designated jobs. That means you need to prepare yourself for entry-level jobs. Here is a list of available entry-level jobs. Ultrasound technician. Scheduling assistant. Pharmacy technician. Nursing assistant. Medical biller and coder. Medical assistant. Home health aide. Dialysis technician. Dental assistant. Read More: Healthcare Jobs That Will Be Most in Demand 2020–2025 Good Luck! I believe, after going through this article, you have already decided on “Is health care a good career path?” So, if you want to be a part of this industry, you should start your preparation today. Find out the job profile you want to go with and work hard to get there. And, in case you have any other queries and questions, you can always leave that in the comment section. And I will come up with a solution as soon as possible. Read Also: Is Marine Transportation A Good Career Path? Temporary Health Insurance and Who It Suits Top Non-Physician Career Opportunities in the Healthcare Sector

Land The Job! 51 Good Interview Questions to Ask Your Employer

The interviews are primarily unnerving for the job seekers. However, the situation worsens when the interviewer turns the tables and asks, “Do you have anything to ask me?” The hiring managers often feel amazed that many candidates don’t even use such opportunities. I know that receiving a job offer can be very exciting, especially when you are eagerly waiting for the role. Moreover, many candidates put more focus on impressing the interviewer. This way, they fail to get the necessary information that can help them to ensure that the job role is right for them. In this article, we will discuss the importance of asking questions to an interviewer. We will also discover 51 good interview questions to ask an interviewer to make an informed decision. 51 Good Interview Questions To Ask An Interviewer When you reach the end point of the interview, the interviewers seem to be done with their questions and ask you, “Do you have any questions to ask?” Don’t get startled because the interviewer is trying to open the floor for you. Thus, it is very necessary to plan good interview questions to ask. Read on… Questions About The Specific Job Role When you get the opportunity to ask your interviewer questions, always ensure that you have enough information about the day-to-day tasks for now and in the future. These can help you to make informed decisions before you get the shift shock or the sting of a toxic workplace. 1. What does a day or a week look like when you are in this role? 2. Is there any project that needs to be addressed immediately? 3. What skills and experiences are you seeking in an ideal candidate? 4. How does this job role contribute to the company’s success? 5. What are the big challenges one might face in this role? 6. Can you tell me about the projects I’d be working on? 7. What kind of budget will I be working with? 8. Are the main responsibilities for this role going to change in the next five years? 9. What attributes one might have to have to succeed in this role? 10. Is this any kind of new role, or will I take over the place of an employee who is leaving? Questions About The Team You Are Going To Work With Asking questions about the team you will work with helps you determine the team dynamics. Read how you can fit yourself into that particular team. Thus, you can ask the following questions to understand the team you will work with. Here is the list of good interview questions to ask your interviewer, 1. Who is going to be my reporting manager? 2. How many people are there in a particular team? 3. What is the leadership style of my direct reporting manager? 4. How does the team practice inclusivity and diversity? 5. Is there anyone on the team from whom I can seek guidance? 6. Are there any projects the team is currently working on? 7. Can I meet the team members before I start? The Questions You May Ask About The Company Before you leave the interview space, why don’t we try to learn a bit about the place where you might work? Working in a company doesn’t mean you only have to complete your day-to-day tasks. You are most likely to enjoy your work once you start to find like-minded people around you who are also walking in the same direction. Here are some good interviewer questions to ask your employer… 1. I have read a lot about the company’s foundation. Can you please tell me more about the company’s development? 2. What direction do you think the company is heading in the next five years? 3. Can you tell me about plans and products for the ultimate growth? 4. What are the current goals the company is currently focusing on? 5. What is the most exciting thing about the company’s future? 6. How does the company maintain its value? 7. What does the company value the most? 8. Since the starting day, what changes has the company made to meet the market demand in this ever-changing market? 9. How do the employees shape the company's value? 10. Does the company suffer from a high turnover rate? Questions To Ask About Training As Well As Professional Development The process of professional development is one of the great ways to increase the overall knowledge in your field or the specific role you are working in. Thus, you can ask the following questions to explore how the company manages the employees and their personal development. 1. What kind of training can I expect during onboarding? 2. Does the company provide scope for in-house professional development? 3. Will the company support attendance at industry-related conferences? 4. Does the company provide support to help employees obtain further degrees? 5. Are there any mentors on staff? 6. Does the company offer any kind of incentives for the completion of new skills? 7. Does the company provide sponsorship to help employees continue their education? 8. What training programs are available for the employees? 9. What is the common route of career growth the company offers? 10. Can you please describe the ideal candidate for the role along with their traits, skills, and interests? 11. How frequently does the company conduct a performance review? Best Smart Questions For The Interviewer Apart from asking questions about the company, its employee management, and company culture, you can also ask questions about the interview, such as, 1. What are the next steps of the recruitment process? 2. Is there any kind of parameter that is going to be used for the final decision? 3. Can you provide me feedback if I get rejected? The Necessity To Ask Important Questions To Your Employer When you ask your employer questions, it shows that you want to know more about the company and its operations. Asking an interviewer questions can also help you learn more about the designation or whether you will fit that specific role. On the other hand, if you have questions to ask an interviewer, it can show that you have thought enough about the position, which can help you to decide on your future career. The Questions That You Must Avoid To Ask Your Interviewer Here are a few questions that you should not ask during or at the end of your interview: What is the starting salary range? Does the company provide any kind of health insurance? What are your policies related to paid leave? During the interview, you must avoid asking about the salary or the benefits of the process. It is too early to negotiate, and you still don’t know about the entire territory. So, consider asking about the salary and benefit-related questions once they offer you the position. Read Also: Building Your Conceptual Skills A Guide for Career Growth 7 Proven Tips To Leave A Lasting Impression On Your Interviewer Best LinkedIn Recommendation Example – How to Write a Great LinkedIn Recommendation

Locum Story: Long-Term Strategic Partners in Healthcare

Locum Tenens: How Common Is It?

The Future of Locum Tenens