Locum tenens jobs provide a unique opportunity for healthcare professionals to travel the country, take home more money, and gain new skills while making a positive impact in communities dealing with a shortage of providers. But while temporary locum tenens jobs can be months long, not every locum tenens assignment requires such a time investment. In fact, short-term jobs, such as one that last only a few days or weeks, can be a great option for providers who are looking to make extra money on the side or bridge the gap between longer assignments. Read the following blog to see why locum physicians, physician assistants (PAs), nurse practitioners (NPs), and dentists are choosing short-term locum tenens jobs.
Learn New Skills in New Settings
Do you recall that feeling when you move to a new place, open the door to your vacation rental, or start a new job where everything feels like the sky is the limit? Starting something new in an unfamiliar environment often opens our minds and allows us to see our environments more positively. This feeling can translate into short-term locum jobs because you’re able to meet a new team and group of patients. With this change, you’ll find that your position is mutually beneficial, as others will want to learn from you just as you learn from them.
Your new setting will ultimately provide fresh experiences, which a permanent role can’t provide. For example, you may learn new methods, work with the latest technology, and provide care in a specialized environment. Given this experience, you can be more competitive for future locum assignments and have a higher negotiation leverage for pay. However, short-term jobs are not for everyone. Having the mindset that your assignment is temporary and provides a chance to gain valuable experience quickly will set you up for success.
Pay off Student Debt
Often a sore subject for many, medical school loans are a major stressor in providers’ lives. But what if we talked about a solution to eliminate the financial burden? Locum physicians with a large sum of medical school loans can benefit greatly from short-term jobs. Even if a locums physician takes up an assignment once a week, the income received can significantly reduce the amount of interest owed.
According to the Education Data Initiative, the average total cost for medical school is $238,420. However, given the added interest on borrowing, it may take up to 20 years for doctors to pay off their loans. Ultimately, medical school loans are draining your account, but the income from short-term jobs could reduce your repayment time.
As for locum dentists, physician assistants (PAs), and nurse practitioners (NPs), student debt can range. Considering a wide range of factors, there is not enough available data on NP and PA student debt to provide an exact figure. As for dentists, the American Dental Education Association (ADEA) estimates the cost of education is approximately $293,900.
The high figures make it clear that you may have little room to move to reach your financial goals. By taking on a short-term job, you can potentially earn higher rates of pay than what a permanent position would offer. This is due to your negotiation leverage, as many facilities are eager to collaborate with you given the shortage of healthcare providers.
Make Consistent Income After Leaving a Permanent Job
No matter if you were laid off or quit voluntarily, short-term locum tenens work can help you maintain or even enhance your quality of life. As a short-term locum, you’ll be making money that could help you tremendously as you navigate permanent unemployment.
When searching for a short-term position with Barton, you’ll be connected with a recruiter who can match you with several potential assignments that fall in line with your specific preferences. At the same time, you’ll be in touch with credentialing experts who can get you verified and ready to work within a few weeks, depending on your information. This means that in absence of your permanent position, you can ideally become a locum provider in a short period of time.
In addition to having a recruiter help you find short-term work, we encourage you to review our open jobs board to see the options yourself.
Reduce Your Administrative Tasks
Considering the nature of short term assignments, providers often don’t get in the weeds of administrative work. Their main focus is to deliver care efficiently, providing the facility with much-needed relief. Due to the length of short-term jobs, training for backend work isn’t practical or cost-effective. This means you can say goodbye to the long, draining calls to insurance companies or the tasks involving staff management.
Take Control of Your Schedule
When choosing a short term assignment, you’re selecting shifts that are in high demand for coverage. Therefore, a facility will be more likely to accommodate your availability. This ultimately provides you with the flexibility to choose when to offer your services.
Typically, a facility will request some level of stability, but may ask for additional help as needed. As many of our locum providers have stated, facilities are just happy to have you there. If they can make it work, they will go at great lengths to accommodate you.
