By Debra Wood, RN, contributor Oct 23, 2018
Locum
psychiatry jobs have been growing in popularity in recent years, as they offer
psychiatrists and psychiatric nurse practitioners opportunities to practice in
different settings and in various geographical areas.
But what
is it really like to practice locum tenens psychiatry?
“I love
the travel, and it’s easy for me,” said psychiatrist Sonja McShan, MD, who
adopted the locum lifestyle after completing her residency in 2006. “They take
care of housing and transportation. You can try different cities, different
states.”
Dr.
McShan, who works with Staff Care, has practiced in Iowa, Texas, Maryland and
Illinois.
“They
have opportunities everywhere,” she said.
SEARCH
our current database of locum psychiatry jobs.
5
Common Questions about Locum Tenens Psychiatry
1.
What is the current demand for locum psychiatrists?
“There is
tremendous demand for psychiatry services,” said Michelle
Chambers, senior manager of recruiting for the behavioral health
division of Staff Care, an AMN Healthcare company. “The reason for such
high demand is there are not as many psychiatrists coming out of residency
programs, coupled with an increased need for access to mental health services
across the country. I’ve been recruiting psychiatrists for over 18
years, and the current demand is higher than ever.”
The need
is for board-certified psychiatrists to work with a variety of populations:
adult inpatient, outpatient, child and adolescent, geriatric, addiction and
forensic settings.
More than
44 million people in the United States suffer from mental health disorders,
according to the National Institute of Mental Health. Yet only half of them
receive treatment.
2.
Where are locum psychiatry jobs located?
Locum psychiatry jobs are
broadly available across the United States, according to Chambers.
“We see the full gamut of
practice settings: hospitals, outpatient clinics, veteran facilities, Indian
Health Services, correctional sites, private practices. Where there is a need,
we will source psychiatrists accordingly,” she said.
3.
What are locum assignments like?
The
average assignment runs three months, but can range from just a couple of weeks
up to six months or more. Locum tenens psychiatry jobs may cover a permanent
physician’s vacation, cover a maternity leave, or give permanent providers
an opportunity for time off to avoid burnout.
Dr.
McShan has worked in some positions for years. It depends on how well she likes
the position and the client’s needs. She practiced in a state hospital for six
years, with three as the medical director, all while maintaining a locum tenens
status.
“If I
like the site, I will stay,” Dr. McShan said.
Locum
psychiatry jobs can be full-time or part-time. Sometimes, physicians will work
a locum position for years, either going on site to a nearby clinic or seeing
patients through telehealth from their primary office.
One
psychiatrist Chambers works with provides telepsychiatry visits at three
different sites from his private practice. He might give the remote sites
anywhere from four to 16 hours per week. A nurse or other support person at the
remote site helps with the logistics. Telepsychiatry improves patient access to
services.
“I think
we will see more clinics going this route, rather than providers
actually going to the site,” Chambers said.
LEARN
MORE about locum telehealth staffing.
4.
What are the benefits for locum psychiatrists?
“The
biggest benefit is the flexibility locum tenens offers,” Chambers said. “They
can work as much or as little as they want. They can explore different settings.”
Staff
Care covers locum tenens psychiatrists’ travel and housing expenses
and can assist with obtaining licenses.
“Our
experienced consultants help them to navigate the maze of opportunities out
there,” Chambers said.
Physicians
working locum tenens psychiatry are considered independent contractors. Dr.
McShan recommends locum tenens hire an accountant to help with taxes. Locum
physicians do not receive health or dental benefits, but Staff Care provides
malpractice insurance, in addition to the travel reimbursements.
RELATED: 6 Benefits of Locum Tenens Work
5. Who
does locum tenens appeal to?
A variety
of physicians, including psychiatrists, opt for locum tenens work to earn
additional money, try out different settings, or to travel.
Psychiatrists
just out of residency can explore different settings as they launch their
career, while psychiatrists near retirement may want to work part-time or just
in the winter in Florida or another Southern state, or in the summer in a
Northern state like Minnesota. Locum assignments can also be a great
transitional step between permanent positions.
Chambers
works to match psychiatrists to the settings and time frame they want to work.
If the physician finds a place he or she would like to work for the long-term,
that’s possible.
“Most of
our clients are recruiting for a permanent psychiatrist,” Chambers said. “The
doctor doing locums can ‘test drive’ a position before embarking on a permanent
situation, and the client can do the same. The doctor can get a good sense of
what is going on in the hospital before signing on the dotted line.”
Advice
for locum physicians
“Go into
it with an open mind,” Dr. McShan suggested. “This allows for flexibility.”
Chambers
recommends that physicians considering locum tenens psychiatry jobs partner
with a recruiting consultant, who can guide them through the processes and be
an advocate.
“Locums
is a great way for a psychiatrist to go,” Chambers said. “There are plenty of
opportunities out there. You can make a full living doing locum tenens work. It
offers flexibility, and you can see the world. I think it is a wonderful
option.”
STAFF CARE places psychiatrists and other
physicians and advanced practitioners in locum jobs around the country. Our
recruiters are ready to help you take the first step!
FIND LOCUM PSYCHIATRY JOBS