Choosing Between Permanent Placement and Locum Tenens
Locum tenens, Latin for “to hold a place,” represents a more nomadic and flexible approach to healthcare practice, in contrast to traditional permanent placements. For healthcare providers, choosing between permanent placement and locum tenens positions can be a difficult decision that heavily affects their professional journey. Each path carries unique advantages and challenges, and the decision-making process requires careful consideration of personal and career goals.
Permanent placement benefits
Opting for permanent placement in a healthcare facility allows for a certain degree of stability and a sense of belonging. Indeed, establishing roots in a community fosters a sense of connection and allows providers to build relationships with patients and colleagues over time 1.
With a certain degree of permanence, positions typically come with job security, providing healthcare providers with the reassurance of consistent income and benefits. Permanent roles also often present opportunities for career growth, promotions, and specialized training—thereby allowing professionals to climb the professional ladder within their chosen institution. For healthcare providers seeking continuity, the permanence of a role offers a platform to build a reputation, develop expertise, and become an integral part of a healthcare team 1.
Compared to permanent placement, locum tenens roles may offer fewer benefits, such as retirement plans, health insurance, and paid time off 2.
Locum tenens benefits
However, permanent placement may offer less flexibility in terms of work hours and schedules compared to locum tenens. In contrast, healthcare providers in locum tenens roles work on a temporary basis, filling in at various healthcare facilities according to facility needs and their own schedule. This offers flexibility, diversity of experiences, and the freedom to explore different practice settings and geographic locations. Relatedly, locum tenens roles often allow healthcare providers to tailor their daily, weekly, and monthly work schedules, facilitating a better work-life balance and accommodating personal preferences 2.
In addition, choosing a permanent position ties healthcare providers to a specific location, which may be a drawback for those who prefer the flexibility to explore various regions or move around based on personal circumstances 3. Locum tenens assignments expose healthcare providers to diverse clinical settings, patient populations, and healthcare systems, fostering adaptability and a broad skill set 3.
Making a decision
A provider’s desired lifestyle, including geographic flexibility, work hours, and the balance between work and personal life, plays a crucial role in the decision-making process. For those who are considering locum tenens work, assessing the financial implications, including compensation, benefits, and potential additional expenses associated with locum tenens travel is essential.
Consideration of long-term career goals is also pivotal. Those aspiring to climb the ranks within a specific institution may need to opt for permanent placement, while those seeking variety and diverse experiences may find locum tenens appealing. Healthcare providers must assess how each option aligns with their goals for professional development, skill enhancement, and exposure to different aspects of healthcare practice.
In conclusion, the choice between permanent placement and locum tenens is a highly personal decision for healthcare providers. Both options offer distinct advantages and challenges, and the decision should align with individual career aspirations, lifestyle preferences, and professional development goals. A thoughtful consideration of these factors ensures that healthcare providers embark on a career path that not only meets their immediate needs but also paves the way for long-term fulfillment and success in their chosen field 4.
References
1. Locum vs Permanent: what are the differences and benefits – ThinkLocum. Available at: https://thinklocum.co.uk/locum-vs-permanent/. (Accessed: 30th January 2024)
2. Locum Jobs vs. Permanent Placement: Know Your Options | AMN Healthcare. Available at: https://www.amnhealthcare.com/blog/physician/locums/locum-jobs-vs-permanent-placement-know-your-options/. (Accessed: 30th January 2024)
3. Physicians’ perspective: How perm and locum jobs compare. Available at: https://locumstory.com/spotlight/how-perm-and-locum-jobs-compare/. (Accessed: 30th January 2024)
4. Locum Tenens vs. Permanent Provider. Available at: https://www.crosscountry.com/blog/locum-tenens-vs-permanent-provider. (Accessed: 30th January 2024)