A locums contract could be your best career move if you’re a healthcare professional who wants more flexibility. Our data shows that 97% of physicians and advanced practice providers say freedom and flexibility are the best parts of their locum tenens careers. The work also comes with less bureaucracy and paperwork – something 86% of providers love because they can focus on patient care.

Let me explain what a locums contract really is. This temporary staffing setup gives you more than just control over your schedule. The numbers tell an interesting story – 80% of APPs switched to locum tenens contracts because they felt burned out. The model has proven itself as a lasting career choice, with 63% of providers now working locum positions full-time.

You might want to know about locums recruiting, contract details, or what these agreements mean. This piece walks you through everything nurses and APPs need to know to switch from regular staff roles to locum tenens positions. The change could work well for you – 47% of providers say they’re happier in locum work than in permanent positions.

Understanding Locum Tenens for Nurses and APPs

The healthcare world has changed by a lot. Locum tenens work has become a popular choice among nurses and advanced practice providers. The locum tenens industry grew an impressive 17% in 2023 to USD 7.50 billion ^[1]. Experts predict this number will reach USD 8.80 billion by 2025 ^[1].

What is locum tenens?

“Locum tenens” is Latin for “holding one’s place” ^[2]. It refers to healthcare professionals who temporarily fill positions at medical facilities. Many people know about travel nursing, but locum tenens assignments are different. These assignments can last anywhere from a day to a year, unlike the typical 13-week travel nurse contracts ^[3]. Healthcare facilities use these arrangements to cover staff shortages, vacation time, or busy patient periods. The locum tenens model started with physicians but now includes nurses, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and other advanced practice providers.

Why more nurses and APPs are making the switch

Locum tenens positions keep attracting more healthcare professionals. About 97% of physicians and APPs say freedom and flexibility make their careers rewarding ^[4]. Also, 86% like having less paperwork and bureaucracy ^[4]. This lets them focus on what matters most – patient care.

Money plays a big role too. Locum tenens nurses and APPs earn much more than their permanent counterparts ^[3]. One survey shows nurse practitioners working locum tenens made $93.00 per hour – that’s 64% more than permanent positions ^[2].

The benefits go beyond money. About 72% of providers enjoy the travel opportunities ^[4] that come with locum assignments. Job satisfaction runs high too – 47% say they’re happier than in permanent positions ^[4]. Only 12% find it less satisfying ^[4].

Common myths about locum work

People still have some wrong ideas about locum tenens work:

1. “It’s only for semi-retired practitioners” – Healthcare professionals at every career stage choose locum tenens. Even new graduates fresh from residency pick it to gain varied clinical experience ^[5].
2. “Locum schedules are unpredictable” – The truth is providers choose when, where, and what kind of assignments they want ^[6].
3. “It negatively impacts credentials” – Actually, diverse experience makes CVs stronger and candidates more appealing to future employers ^[6].

Healthcare facilities see the value in locum tenens services. Over 85% now use these providers across all 50 states ^[2].

Types of Assignments and Schedules

Locum tenens offers more than just flexible work timing. These positions cover various assignment types and scheduling options that match different professional needs.

Short-term vs. long-term assignments

Locum tenens contracts come in many durations. Short-term assignments last anywhere from one day to several weeks ^[7] and pay higher hourly rates because of their flexibility ^[8]. Long-term contracts run for several months to a year or longer ^[7]. Most providers choose two-month assignments ^[7]. Each type has its benefits. Short-term work brings variety and better pay, while longer assignments let providers build stronger connections with facilities and locations ^[9].

Day, night, and weekend shifts

Healthcare providers can pick their preferred shift types. Available options range from standard Monday-Friday schedules (8am-5pm) to 10-12 hour day shifts or night coverage (7pm-7am) ^[10]. Many facilities give extra pay for overtime, call duties, and weekend work ^[11]. This flexibility lets providers create work patterns that match their lifestyle needs.

7 on, 7 off and rotating schedules

Block scheduling remains a top choice among healthcare providers. More than half of hospitalists work seven-on/seven-off rotations ^[12]. Other popular patterns include 14-on/14-off and 4-to-5-on/4-to-5-off schedules ^[12]. Career stage often influences these choices. New graduates usually prefer longer stretches with 12-14 hour days. Experienced practitioners tend to choose shorter stretches to balance work and life better ^[12].

Call coverage and hybrid models

Some locum contracts focus only on call coverage ^[13], while others mix clinical duties with on-call responsibilities ^[10]. Providers with full-time jobs can take part-time locum work if their contracts allow it ^[14]. The core meaning of locum work centers on provider freedom. You choose how much you want to work and can say no to any assignment ^[14]. This freedom helps create schedules that align with your career goals and personal life.

Preparing for the Transition

Moving to locum tenens work needs careful planning, especially with licensing and credentialing. A good grasp of these processes will help you make a smooth move from permanent staff roles to rewarding locum opportunities.

Licensing and credentialing timelines

The credentialing process usually takes 28-30 days to get approval ^[15]. Your first step involves completing an application with details about your education, work history, licenses, and references. Some agencies can speed up credentialing to just 1-2 weeks for urgent placements ^[3]. Physicians who want to work in multiple states should think about applying through the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact (IMLC). This program offers a quicker path to getting licenses ^[16].

What to expect from locums recruiting

Good recruiters support you throughout your transition. They handle paperwork, work with facilities, and negotiate contracts for you ^[17]. Your recruiter books your travel arrangements – flights, car rentals, and lodging – about 30 days before your assignment starts ^[18]. The success of your recruiter relationship depends on clear communication. Let them know how you prefer to be contacted (email, phone, or text) to avoid delays ^[15].

Tips for working with multiple agencies

Working with several agencies requires a system to track where your CV goes ^[19]. Always tell recruiters if another agency has already presented you for a position. This honesty helps build strong relationships with your recruiting partners ^[19]. Multiple agencies can open more opportunities. Pre-credentialing with each one saves time when urgent assignments come up.

How to prepare your documents in advance

A well-laid-out digital system for your essential documents makes everything easier:

• Keep scanned copies in cloud storage (Dropbox, Google Drive) for quick access ^[16]
• Label files with expiration dates to track them easily ^[20]
• Include your licenses, DEA registration, board certifications, immunization records, and life-saving certifications (BLS, ACLS) ^[21]

Getting licenses in multiple states can maximize your assignment options. Many agencies will cover the costs of additional state licenses ^[19]. This makes the investment much more affordable for providers making the switch.

Understanding Locum Tenens Contracts

Medical professionals need to understand the contracts that govern locum tenens work assignments.

What is a locums contract?

A locums contract has two main documents. The master agreement sets up the relationship between healthcare facilities and staffing agencies. This agreement spells out what each party needs to do but doesn’t commit anyone to spending money. Healthcare facilities can work with several agencies at once. The confirmation letter spells out the exact details of each job – when you work, where you work, and how much you’ll earn.

What should be included in locums contract?

Every solid locums contract needs these elements:

• Malpractice insurance coverage (typically USD 1,000,000 per claim and USD 3,000,000 total)
• Payment terms and timeframes (usually 15-90 days)
• Cancelation policies (standard 30-day notice)
• Housing and travel arrangements
• Name-clearing processes
• Non-compete terms (usually 24 months)
• Termination clauses
• Indemnification policies

Locum contract meaning and key terms

Reading contracts becomes easier once you know the key terms. Name clearing checks if other agencies have already presented providers. Procuring cause determines which agency can represent a provider. Non-compete terms stop facilities from hiring providers directly without paying fees. Indemnification protects against liability since locum providers work independently.

1099 status and tax responsibilities

Locum tenens providers work as independent contractors and get 1099 forms instead of W-2s. You’ll need to pay self-employment taxes that cover both employer and employee portions of Social Security and Medicare (15.3% total). The good news is you can deduct half this amount on your tax return. You must pay estimated taxes every quarter to avoid penalties. Working in multiple states means you might need to file tax returns in each one.

Negotiating pay and benefits

Pay rates top the list of items you can negotiate in your contract. You can also discuss payment terms, contract buyout conditions, name clearing timeframes, and expense limits. Your specialty, assignment length, shift type, and location affect your rates. Knowing the market rates for your specialty gives you an edge in negotiations. Some things stay fixed though – cancelation terms, malpractice coverage amounts, and your status as an independent contractor.

Conclusion

Final Thoughts on Your Locum Tenens Trip

Nurses and advanced practice providers who switch from staff jobs to locum tenens work find many great benefits. This piece shows why more healthcare pros pick this path when they want better work-life balance.

The biggest perks are freedom and flexibility. You spend less time on paperwork and more time with patients. The pay is better too – rates are higher by a lot compared to regular positions. You get to pick where and when you work, which makes the job more rewarding.

Getting ready for the switch takes some planning. You’ll want your paperwork in order, know the credentialing process, and build good relationships with recruiters. Tax rules and contract details are crucial to understand so you don’t run into problems later.

Locum tenens isn’t just a quick fix – it’s a solid career choice. Healthcare facilities all over the country just need these services more and more. This path works great if you’re burned out, want fresh clinical experiences, or just want more control over your work life.

Your personal and professional priorities should guide your choice. Many healthcare providers love this career path, but it’s not for everyone. Think over everything we’ve covered to see if locum tenens lines up with what you want from your career.

Disclaimer: The viewpoint expressed in this article is the opinion of the author and is not necessarily the viewpoint of the owners or employees at Healthcare Staffing Innovations, LLC.

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