Locum tenens is a way to provide temporary staffing solutions for hospitals and other medical facilities. Today, increasing numbers of general surgeons are opting to go through locum tenens to find work because of the multitude of benefits, and many hospitals are increasingly opting for locum tenens workers when they have a position that needs to be filled.
Why General Surgeons are Choosing Locum Tenens
Today’s professionals don’t want the same workplace as in the past. They’re looking for more, and often this can be found through locum tenens. Some of the reasons surgeons turn to locum tenens for general surgery placements include the following.
- Better Work-Life Balance – Surgeons don’t want to work too many hours and not have enough time for themselves. Instead, they’ll use locum tenens to have more flexibility and a better work-life balance.
- More Professional Autonomy – When surgeons work through locum tenens, they don’t have to worry about the administrative side of their job as much and can focus more on the clinical side.
- Financial Incentives – Better pay is available when working locum tenens instead of a permanent position, including travel reimbursements and paid housing in many cases.
- Diverse Settings – Surgeons don’t have to stay in the same area. They can travel the country and work anywhere in the US, allowing them to see many new places.
Why Hospitals Use Locum Tenens for Staffing
Hospitals are increasingly turning to locum tenens to help with their staffing concerns. Some of the reasons why they may use general surgeons through locum tenens are to help with the following.
- Staff Shortages – More issues with staffing have led healthcare facilities to look at locum tenens to fill empty positions and make sure they are fully staffed at all times.
- Recruitment Gaps – When it’s necessary to hire a new surgeon, it can take time, but locum tenens can ensure the position is filled until a permanent replacement is found.
- Burnout Relief – Having temporary replacements for workers can allow staff to take breaks when needed, helping to reduce burnout and other causes of staffing shortages.
Tackling Challenges for Locum Tenens
While there are benefits of locum tenens for surgeons and healthcare facilities, it’s important to understand the challenges. Some of the challenges that need to be considered include the following.
- Delays With Credentialing – It can take some time for surgeons to get the certifications they need, which can delay their ability to start different positions.
- Inconsistent Workflows – Workflows will differ from one hospital to the next, so surgeons must be able to be flexible and willing to learn new workflows.
- Temporary Positions – While temporary jobs can be a benefit, they can be a downside, too, as surgeons won’t have time to build relationships with coworkers and clients.
The Future of General Surgery
A better understanding of burnout and its causes, the potential for technological innovations, and an increase in surgeons looking for more flexibility in their schedules, locum tenens work is expected to increase. This can lead to more positions available, more benefits for general surgeons, and more options when they want to try something different.
General surgeons are increasingly looking towards a better work-life balance, mental health benefits of flexible work options, and the ability to choose their own path. That’s why many of them are starting to use locum tenens to find temporary positions and to keep their schedule flexible to meet their needs. General surgeons and hospitals interested in short-term staffing options should check out a locum tenens agency now.
