Many medical professionals today choose to serve as locum tenens workers. They take temporary positions at existing medical facilities to fill staffing gaps. Doctors aren't alone in filling these positions. Nurses, physician assistants, and more are called on to do the same. While this is of benefit to the facilities in need of workers, what benefits will individuals serving as locum tenens see? Are there any drawbacks for these workers? 

When a person goes to learn more about locum tenens, one of the first things that may draw them in is the opportunity to travel. They can set off on an adventure and be paid to do so. Every state permits individuals to serve as locum tenens, so a person can choose where they wish to travel next and see if there are any open positions. Some professionals choose to travel to several locations so they can decide where they want to settle permanently. Others simply want to see the country and take positions in various states so they can get paid while doing so. 

It's very frustrating when a person wants to take off from their job and can't because their employer says no. Serving as a locum worker allows a person to have flexibility in their scheduling. They can take time off when they want to and pick up an assignment when they have some downtime. A person might do this so they can work on other projects between assignments, or a doctor who recently retired may want to pick up occasional assignments so they can maintain their license and continue to help others in need. 

A medical professional can receive excellent pay serving as a locum tenens provider. The pay is based on the regional market rate for their specialty. Facilities also take into consideration the professional's experience and credentials when determining the pay. However, medical professionals must review each contract carefully and never assume they are all the same. Doing so will ensure they receive fair compensation for the work they will be doing. 

Locum tenens can expand their skill set and learn from others, as they encounter many people when taking on different positions. Every facility is different and staff members vary greatly among facilities. A person may learn a great deal by working in different facilities and share this knowledge when they choose to take a permanent position or go out on their own. Furthermore, medical professionals will encounter a wide range of diagnoses when working in different facilities. This experience with diverse medical needs will be of great help in the future when working with patients. 

Men and women taking on temporary positions within healthcare find no two facilities are alike. They must adapt to the working conditions of each facility. This may involve learning a new system or dealing with a different type of infrastructure. As they will only be working within this facility for a short period, it is their job to make adjustments rather than expecting the facility to adjust to them. 

While it may seem fun at first to move from location to location, a person who does so may find it hard to form long-lasting relationships with others. While they love the autonomy, they may miss the connections with others. Working in short-term positions can get old after a while.

Locum tenens fill a vital gap in healthcare today. Individuals interested in taking on one of these positions find there is much to love about doing so. However, they must acknowledge the drawbacks also to get a clear picture of this lifestyle and what it involves. Only then can they determine if this is the right fit for their needs.