If you’ve heard that practicing locum tenens is synonymous with being a traveling doctor, don’t let that scare you off. The chance to travel is seen by some as an advantage of the locum's lifestyle, but that doesn’t mean it’s a requirement!
With the current demand for physicians across the country, you can find locum tenens job opportunities just about anywhere—including close to home. So whether you want to stay near family, have pets to take care of, or just enjoy where you live and want to stay put, locum tenens are still an option.
3 Reasons to Pursue Local Locum Tenens
Besides the ability to stay close to loved ones and avoid the hassle of travel, there are a handful of other reasons to consider local locum tenens.
1. Take Advantage of Eleventh-Hour Shortages
Since you don’t have to travel, you may find that locum tenens puts you in a position to be able to help local facilities that need to fill spots quickly. When someone is sick or has an emergency, locum tenens clinicians can scoop up last-minute shifts. You win an unplanned opportunity to earn money, and the facilities will be grateful for your help.
2. Make Extra Income
Locum tenens doesn’t mean travel and it also doesn’t have to mean full-time work. You can pick up assignments locally to supplement your week, when you could use a little extra income or whenever it fits your schedule. One option is to use locum tenens to make your vacation pay double, taking on an assignment during paid vacation from a full-time job.
3. Test-Drive Different Settings and Facilities
Locum tenens can allow you to explore local career options and get exposure to different patient populations and practice settings. Perhaps you want to see what it would be like to work for the hospital in the town over. By taking on a locum tenens assignment, you have the chance to find out what you like and switch things up without committing to a big change.
Find What You Want, Where You Want It
A career in locum tenens can open doors wherever you want to be—and that includes right where you are. One benefit of working through an experienced staffing agency like VISTA is having a resource to talk to about what you’re looking for in a job. Be open about what constitutes your ideal assignment. You may not find the perfect match in your own backyard right away, but when new assignments come up, your recruiter will know to connect you.
Get more of your questions about locum tenens answered—click below to download FAQs of first-time locum tenens clinicians. Or get started by visiting our job board and searching near you.
