The COVID-19 pandemic took a significant toll on healthcare providers. As a result, many physicians and advanced practitioners are now on a quest for greater flexibility, work-life balance and meaning in their work — and increasingly, are turning to locum tenens positions.
Becker's Healthcare recently spoke with Nikole Tillery, vice president of sales at Jackson + Coker, about the benefits of locum tenens work and how selecting the right agency is key for improving providers' mental and financial well-being.
The benefits and opportunities in locums work are evergreen
Locums positions give physicians and advanced practitioners options that aren't possible in a traditional, permanent practice setting. Locums assignments offer healthcare professionals the opportunity to travel, earn extra income, try out different practice settings, gain a wider skillset and enjoy greater flexibility without the burden of administrative duties.
"Locums positions give providers all kinds of freedom," Tillery said. "We have physicians and advanced practitioners that are coming straight from residency, as well as individuals who are close to retiring but who still want to practice medicine to keep their skills current and augment their income."
There is a wide variety of locums assignments to choose from. Vacation coverage work may be as short as a few shifts, while other assignments can be long-term placements. Opportunities exist in many different communities and various types of care settings. Physicians and advanced practitioners can select which type of locums assignment best fits their lives and schedules.
Throughout the healthcare sector, locum tenens work can also help address pervasive mental health issues. The American Medical Association recently reported physician burnout rates spiked to 63% by the end of 2021.
"Burnout and depression among physicians and advanced practitioners are driven by four factors — feeling a lack of respect in the workplace, too many bureaucratic tasks, a lack of autonomy and too many work hours," Tillery said. "Locums positions are a solution for many of these issues."
A positive locums experience starts with self-knowledge
Before diving into locum tenens work, physicians and advanced practitioners are encouraged to identify exactly what they hope to get out of a locums assignment.
Tillery cited a recent article, in which a physician addressed five key questions that providers should ask themselves before transitioning into a locums assignment. These questions are:
- Do I want to practice locally, or do I wish to travel?
- In what type of facility or department do I want to work?
- Am I okay with the requirements of working in different states?
- What type of work am I looking for?
- Will I be able to adapt to new surroundings?
Taking time upfront to answer these questions can also help recruiting consultants find opportunities that will be a good fit.
Physicians and advanced practitioners should also be aware of legislative changes that would inhibit locums tenens providers from remaining 1099 contractors, which is how locums providers are currently classified.
"The National Organization of Locum Tenens Organizations, or NALTO, has introduced legislation to codify locum tenens providers as 1099 contractors, but the bill still needs to be passed and more support is needed," Ms. Tillery said. "People can ask members of Congress to support H.R. 5208, which is the Health Care Provider Shortage Minimization Act of 2023."
Physicians and advanced providers may also want to visit the advocacy area of the NALTO website. This provides much more information on how to get involved or just learn more about the issue.
Partnering with the right locums agency is critically important
Physicians and advanced practitioners aren't tied exclusively to one locum tenens agency. However, not all agencies are created equally, and jumping from one agency to another can create unwanted anxiety. It's important to research which company has the provider's best interests in mind and is committed to building a positive relationship.
Best practices include looking for an agency that pays weekly and on time, as well as covers malpractice insurance costs. A locums agency must also have a team of skilled professionals that can find assignments with as little stress for the provider as possible. At a minimum, a locums agency will have a travel department, licensing department and customer service liaison.
"Jackson + Coker ensures that our physicians and advanced practitioners receive a tailored and elevated experience," Tillery said. "We see the physicians and advanced practitioners as people, not just as a number."
Associates at Jackson + Coker lead with authenticity, compassion and curiosity. Above all else, they focus on building trusted and authentic relationships with partners. Team members get to know physicians and advanced practitioners on a personal level, learning why people went to medical school and what their professional and personal passions are.
"We do things differently at Jackson + Coker," Tillery said. "Our focus on provider well-being is something that sets us apart in the industry. Our mission is to connect providers and communities to transform lives. How can we do that effectively if we don't first take time to check in on the well-being of providers and show them that we care?"