What is Locus Tenens?

Many people don’t know what locum tenens do. If they don’t visit a healthcare practice regularly, they may not even realize they are seeing a locum tenens. Locus Tenens are standby individuals who fill gaps in healthcare organizations when a staff member leaves or is unavailable.

Locum tenens have a start and end date with each assignment they take. Depending on the facility’s needs, the assignment may last a few weeks or months. Individuals taking on these assignments love the flexibility and control they have over which jobs they take.

Locus Tenens are standby individuals who fill gaps in healthcare organizations when a staff member leaves or is unavailable. 

How Does This Process Work?

Locum tenens typically partner with one or more agencies, such as Weatherby Healthcare, to get assignments. They meet with a representative from the agency and discuss their preferences, the types of assignments they are willing to take, which facilities and practices they are comfortable working in, and which areas they are eager to work.

Some locum tenens prefer to stay within a geographical region, while others are willing to travel worldwide. The agency must have this information to match the individual with job assignments. The agency will also want information about the locum tenen’s work history, qualifications, and licensing.

Once both parties feel the agency will be a good fit, a recruiter walks the candidate through the application and staffing process. The candidate needs an updated resume and CV to present to staffing managers looking for temporary workers to fill open positions. The staffing manager and locum tenens may then connect to determine whether the arrangement will fit. Locum tenens might meet with several staffing managers before selecting an assignment.

When the applicant chooses a position, the recruiter helps them complete the remaining steps in the process. This individual handles any paperwork, housing, transportation arrangements, licensing and credentialing requirements, and the purchase of malpractice insurance. They ensure everything is in place when the locum tenens arrive at their assignment.

This individual works at the healthcare facility much as they would a permanent job. The major difference between this work and a permanent position is how the facility handles pay. The locum tenens is paid as an independent contractor.

Locum tenens can ease the process by learning about the facility and their duties before the first day. They should prepare a list of questions to ask and familiarize themselves with the facility. Men and women who put time and effort into each position they take may find they are offered a permanent job or an extension of their contract. If they are, the recruiter can help them take the next steps.

Also read: Healthcare Recruitment Strategies for Effective Acquisition

The Drawbacks of Locum Tenens Work

Locum tenens assignments aren’t permanent positions. As mentioned, these men and women work as independent contractors, so they don’t get sick days, vacation days, or paid time off. Pay is higher than with permanent positions, so locum tenens should set aside money for any time off they may take.

In addition, locum tenens must recognize that, depending on the contracts offered, they could be away from home for extended periods. The recruiter and agency must know what each person is comfortable with to help make suitable matches. Without this information, all parties will often be unhappy because the arrangement isn’t a good fit.

Locum tenens work is ideal for many men and women today. However, some people find they want permanent positions and the job stability that comes with these positions. Every person needs to determine what they are comfortable with. While making this determination, a medical professional may want to take on one or two locum tenens jobs to get a feel for the work and whether it suits their needs.

The post A Deep Dive into Locum Tenens: What it is and How it Works appeared first on The Total Entrepreneurs.

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