7 Things Every ER Physician Should Know About Locum Tenens
- August 9, 2023
- Posted by: Covelo Direct
- Categories: Emergency Medicine, Staffing Insights
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that 131 million people visit an emergency room each year, which averages out to 41 out of every 100 people in the US.
So, there’s a strong chance that you or someone you know has visited an emergency room within the past year. And if you’ve ever visited an emergency room, you know how important it is to have the best possible care — it’s what you have come to expect. Emergency Departments (EDs) are fast-paced environments that require a demanding level of dedication and expertise from providers, dealing with patients on what very well may be one of the worst days of their lives.
Emergency medicine physicians also have little control over their surroundings and the staff with whom they work, which piles the stress even higher on their plate. The challenging nature of ED work can lead to burnout and fatigue. For providers, locum tenens assignments present an excellent opportunity for doctors to find relief, enhance their careers, and contribute to facilities in need.
In this article, we’ll explore 7 things that each ER doctor should know about locum tenens opportunities, and how it can positively impact both their professional and personal lives.
1. Locums provide relief for overworked ED physicians
Locum tenens offers a lifeline for overworked ER doctors. Emergency medicine physicians topped this year’s list of specialists with the highest level of burnout. By providing temporary staffing solutions, locum tenens enables overworked physicians to take a much-needed break and enjoy a healthier work-life balance.
Taking time off to recharge is crucial to a doctor’s survival. That time off that locum tenens providers gives can help rejuvenate the doctor’s well-being, which leads to better patient care when they return to work.
2. Locum tenens work offers rewarding opportunities
Emergency medicine is in high demand, and locum tenens providers are needed to bridge staffing gaps. By embracing locum tenens opportunities, ER doctors can explore diverse healthcare settings, work in different regions nationwide, and handle a wide range of medical cases. This professional diversity enhances their skillset and presents rewarding experiences.
3. Locums aid EDs where the need is greatest
As the demand is growing for emergency medicine, healthcare facilities face challenges in maintaining consistent staffing levels.
Locum tenens providers step in to fill these staffing gaps. Staffing agencies can quickly connect qualified physicians to facilities across the nation where the need is the greatest. Locums help ensure EDs can continue to deliver efficient and quality care to patients in critical conditions.
4. Providers find connections and broaden professional networks
Engaging in locum tenens assignments allows ER doctors to build a vast network of professional connections. By working in various healthcare facilities, physicians get the opportunity to collaborate with different medical teams, learn from their peers, and share any best practices. These connections can prove invaluable in advancing their medical careers.
5. Find tailored assignments that earn more money
Doctors can find assignments on their own or work with a reputable locum tenens physician staffing agencies to find an assignment tailored to their career goals. They also have the opportunity to earn a comfortable living. Emergency medicine physicians can earn as much as $300 an hour on a locums assignment. Staffing agencies can help provide personalized matches based on the physician’s expertise, preferences, and availability.
6. Locum tenens physicians get to do well by doing good
By embracing locum tenens opportunities, ER doctors play a vital role in maintaining the quality of patient care across the healthcare system. Their temporary presence in understaffed facilities can make a significant impact on patient outcomes, so they have the opportunity to improve their careers while improving the quality of care in the underserved communities they work in.
7. Maintaining control and finding flexibility
One of the significant advantages of locum tenens is the level of control and flexibility it offers ER doctors over their schedules. Physicians can choose when and where they want to work, allowing them to align their professional commitments with personal preferences and obligations.
A Valuable Resource
Locum tenens emergency medicine physicians are a valuable resource for any hospital staff, providing relief for overworked ER doctors, addressing the demand for emergency medicine providers, and supporting emergency departments in delivering efficient patient care.
As the healthcare industry evolves, EDs and emergency medicine providers should embrace the possibility of locum tenens as a solution to workforce challenges the healthcare industry faces. Locums can contribute to a healthier and more sustainable future for emergency medicine.
A Trusted Partner in Locum Tenens Staffing
Locum tenens is a win-win for both physicians and the facilities that employ them.Still, physicians need to be confident they chose the right locum tenens agency, and facilities all want a reliable agency that’s a trusted partner, offering concierge-level service and finding physicians for facilities that align with their expertise and preferences.
Covelo Direct has 15 years of experience in healthcare staffing and more than 40 years of combined locum tenens experience, our expert team will deliver a top-tier provider with a personalized approach that ensures a seamless fit into your healthcare system. Locum tenens is a win-win for both physicians and the facilities that employ them.