By Melissa Wirkus Hagstrom, contributor Nov 16, 2020
The holidays are here! Normally, this time of year brings
celebrations, shopping and time with family and friends—but this year it will
look a little different. Perhaps a lot different.
The COVID-19 pandemic will certainly impact the way that we
celebrate the 2020 holiday season. Yet it also presents an opportunity for
clinicians to work locum tenens assignments that can make
a difference, caring for patient populations who may need their help the most.
Locum tenens holiday work offers many advantages, with part-time
and full-time opportunities for physicians and advanced practice providers. In
fact, holiday locum assignments could set the stage for new adventures and practice
settings in the year ahead.
FIND locum tenens assignments across the U.S.
4 reasons to
consider locum tenens holiday work in 2020
1. Earn great pay
Most locum tenens assignments offer physicians and advanced
practitioners the chance to earn more compensation than they
would in a permanent practice setting. According to the latest data from Staff
Care, locum tenens’ pay can range from several hundred dollars per day to over
$2,000 per day. While pay rates will vary based on location, specialty and a
facility’s need, locum clinicians can expect to be paid well for what they do.
"A primary care physician working as a locum tenens
full-time can easily generate $180,000- $200,000 a year in income, and with
overtime shifts they can earn considerably more," according to Jeff
Decker, president of Staff Care.
By partnering with a locum tenens recruiter, you can find assignments that meet
your compensation requirements. In addition to great pay, locum tenens holiday
work also brings a host of other benefits, such as free housing, travel
expenses, medical malpractice coverage and state licensure assistance. Because
locum tenens providers are independent contractors, these types of perks make
the work that much more convenient, and can save a provider significant time
and money.
2. Help those in need
Chances are you became a physician or advanced practitioner to
use your skills and knowledge to help others, and locum tenens holiday work can
magnify your contributions. This holiday season in particular promises to be
more challenging for those in healthcare, as the country continues to battle
the coronavirus along with seasonal flu and other ailments. As a locum tenens
working over the holidays, you can help hospitals fill critical gaps in
coverage.
According to the latest data from the
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), weekly hospitalization rates
from COVID-19 between the end of September and the end of October have
continued to increase. Due to more inpatient and outpatient cases, facilities
across the country are expecting a greater demand for locum tenens providers
this holiday season.
3. Combine work and vacation
Whether you are looking to spend the holidays in a big city,
small town or even a rural setting, chances are there will be a locum tenens
assignment for you. The beauty of locum tenens holiday work is that you can
choose when and where you work. If you want to spend some time skiing or
enjoying winter activities, consider a locum assignment that is within driving distance
of a ski resort. If you prefer to spend time with friends and family this
holiday season, look for an assignment in a city close to your loved ones.
Staff Care’s locum tenens job search
tool allows you to find assignments using a variety of criteria such
as location, specialty and duration. You can also stay abreast of new opportunities
by signing up for job alerts, which offer instant
notification when locum jobs fitting your criteria become available. But the
best way to stay current and get notifications—even before they are posted
online—is to connect with a Staff Care recruiter, who can be
looking at opportunities on your behalf and prepare you to begin an assignment
in your preferred location.
4. Enjoy schedule flexibility
In many cases, locum tenens providers have negotiating power
when it comes to an assignment. If you have certain limits or requirements when
it comes to your schedule, you’ll want to voice them before you sign a
contract. Start by discussing your needs with your recruiter so he or she can
connect you with a locum tenens holiday assignment that will give you the
flexibility and income stream you desire. Some facilities will even offer
incentive pay for providing much needed coverage on a major holiday.
Just remember: the more flexible you are, the more likely you
are to find a locum opportunity, whether over the holidays or during other
times of year.
STAFF CARE is now
staffing for 2020 locum tenens holiday assignments and early 2021 assignments
throughout the U.S.
Find Locum Jobs