Exploring Locum Tenens: A Flexible Solution for Healthcare Staffing

Healthcare is evolving. New technologies emerge daily, and the workforce must keep up. Many organizations today benefit from locum tenens as they help fill staffing gaps. What are locum tenens, what benefits come with using these workers, and how do they fill staffing needs?

Understanding Locum Tenens

Locum tenens fill in for healthcare workers when needed. They take short-term positions ranging from a few days to several months. Doctors, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants often fill these roles, but other medical professionals may assume them when needed. Learn more about Locumsmart and the medical professionals provided to see how they benefit healthcare organizations.

Why Work With Locum Tenens?

A person might wonder why healthcare organizations use locum tenens. These individuals offer flexibility. Healthcare organizations can call the professionals in to meet rising patient demand, accommodate a leave of absence, or fill in when multiple staff members are ill and unable to work. Using locum tenens helps ensure continuity of care. The organization can adjust staffing levels as needed without hiring permanent staff who will sit idle during slow periods.

Healthcare organizations find hiring locum tenens a cost-effective solution to staffing shortages. They won't need to hire full-time staff and supply these individuals with benefits and perks. Overhead costs decrease while the organization still has the skilled medical professionals it needs.

Healthcare organizations need to be made up of diverse individuals. Medical professionals from different specialties, cultural backgrounds, and experience levels ensure that all patients receive the highest level of care. Patients have different needs, so the medical staff needs to be diverse to meet these needs.

Staff members are less likely to burn out as they can have breaks when needed. Locum tenens provide support and reduce staff shortages, so permanent staff aren't overworked. They are more satisfied with their jobs and better able to care for patients when they aren't stressed.

High-quality candidates often assume locum tenens roles because they value work-life balance. They may want a break from their normal job or wish to explore different locations and practice settings. Healthcare organizations benefit from bringing in these individuals because they can provide a higher level of care.

Optimizing Staffing

Healthcare organizations optimize staffing with the help of locum tenens. They call in these professionals for short-term absences or to fill gaps during the peak season. Staff members may take leave for medical reasons, and locum tenens can fill these spots until these workers return. Patient care remains continuous, and permanent staff members aren't overworked when these professionals fill empty spots.

Locum tenens may also be used long-term. An organization might wish to expand or offer new services, and locum tenens can help it achieve that goal. The locum tenens give the organization time to find permanent hires.

A locum tenen might also take a position to see if it is a good long-term fit for them. The organization can evaluate the provider while the provider evaluates the organization. Onboarding costs take money away from other areas, so placing a potential hire in a locum tenens position allows for this trial period.

Locum tenens often go into underserved areas to treat patients who otherwise might not have access to healthcare. These assignments are excellent for staff training and development, as the locum tenens can share their knowledge and skills with local providers. They can continue the care after the locum tenens leaves.

Every healthcare organization should consider using locum tenens. There are many benefits to doing so. Finding these professionals may seem challenging, but agencies specialize in this area. Partnering with an agency will allow any organization to find talent quickly and easily.