Locum tenens positions, in contrast to per diem labor, will often come with a greater number of perks and will finish at a certain date. Even though per diem contracts may last for an infinite amount of time, their typical beneficiaries are companies with a limited number of full-time staff jobs or part-time workers.
The majority of locums contracts will offer the following:
- All-encompassing protection against legal liability throughout the duration of the contract
- A predetermined period of time, hours, and remuneration
- Retention perks such as health insurance and pay increases offered by the hospital or locum agency in order to keep you on staff.
- There are lockout periods, during which you are prohibited from working for the same company again for about 12 months.
1099 or W2?
The majority of the time, locum tenens providers contracts will classify you as an independent contractor and issue you a 1099. Locum tenens providers could not be eligible for the same benefits as a W2 full-time employee, even if the company offers them or has the means to pay for them.
What Advantages Are There to Working as a Locum Tenens?
Travel and lodging expenses are often covered for locum tenens workers, with the exception of those working in remote locations. This implies that you will not be required to pay any fees in order to travel to or reside in the region around your job. It is also not unheard of for employers to repay employees for their mileage.
Locum clinicians usually point to the opportunity to travel as one of the most significant benefits of their position since it enables them to blend their profession with discovery. Because your connection with your local company will come to an end after the contract has been fulfilled, this is also an excellent strategy for avoiding the hassles of administrative work. Clinicians who work on a locum tenens basis will have a steady connection with a staffing organization since the company will continue to provide high-quality opportunities for them.
Which Areas of Expertise Does Locum Tenens Offer?
- Hospitalists tend to be the most prevalent choice for locum tenens work since locum contracts involve early preparation and money.
- Emergency room physicians and trauma surgeons
- CRNAs, Nurse Practitioners, and Registered Nurses
- Doctors that specialize in certain medical fields, such as pediatricians and podiatrists
- Practitioners of primary care for families
- Dentists, psychiatrists, and other professionals who work independently
- Specialists in allied health fields, such as pharmacists and medical assistants with extensive experience
What kind of salary can you expect to make working as a locum tenens physician?
Staff members who work under locum tenens contracts get a higher salary than their colleagues who work under other types of contracts. Experienced DirectShifts recruiters have found that businesses initially give doctors 20% more than they would normally expect to get merely for accepting a locum assignment. This is in comparison to the clinician’s normal salary expectations.
This changes substantially based on the circumstances surrounding your work. For instance, a job that is in great demand, requires little notice, and is located in a distant area can pay twice as much.
Lockout periods for locum tenens workers and buyout provisions
Both the employer and the recruiting agency are responsible for determining lockout durations. During a lockout time, an employer agrees not to engage the locum physician directly for about one year. This is done to ensure the safety of everyone concerned, including the physician whose temporary absence resulted in the creation of a locum contract.
Lockout periods may be avoided by employers provided that they pay a charge to the recruiting agency at the conclusion of the contract. Employers that are willing to consider temp-to-permanent placements may, as an alternative, expressly request that the regulations be included into the contract in a way that makes it easy for this transition to take place.
Is It a Pleasure to Act in the Role of Locum Tenens?
The status of locum is one that is held in high esteem. Locum tenens have the moral fortitude to take on the whole array of obligations that come with being a full-time employee. It might be a change in lifestyle that you choose for, or a transition in your profession. Clinicians (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clinician) who operate on a locum tenens basis still have the opportunity to maintain constant patient contact.
Consider working as a nomadic locum before beginning your hunt for a locum tenens position. It could be the best option for you. Locum tenens workers are expected to be dependable, adaptable, and dedicated to providing high-quality care.
Acquiring a Position in the Locum Tenens Pool
The employment agreements for locum tenens positions are notoriously difficult to negotiate and take place at a breakneck pace. In most cases, traditional employment agencies or cutting-edge platforms are responsible for managing these positions.