And four more news items for physicians and other healthcare providers to peruse this week

When physicians in training move from an arduous but sheltered residency program to making decisions about their future, they may not be prepared to make the best decisions. Because many new physicians end up leaving their first jobs within the first five years, locum tenens has become an increasingly desirable option for physicians beginning to practice. Even if you have a full-time permanent position, there are several reasons to consider part-time locum tenens practice.

While summer does not officially end until September 22, it is not too soon for decision makers at urgent care centers, medical practices, and other facilities to start preparing for appropriate coverage to handle fall and winter health issues.

As physicians, nurse practitioners (NPs), physician assistants (PAs), and CRNAs who routinely accept locum tenens jobs at diverse healthcare settings know firsthand, management systems and delivery of care can change from one assignment to the next. Nevertheless, experienced locum tenens providers understand that they must be flexible and prepared to work within each organization’s existing infrastructure to meet its particular needs and successfully promote continuity of care.

And four more news items for hospital leaders, practice managers, and other healthcare executives to peruse this week

If you are considering taking a permanent position with a hospital, medical practice, or other healthcare organization, you will need to complete an employee agreement. Before making a long-term professional commitment, you should have a basic understanding of such agreements. The basic components—and important areas—to consider when entering into an employment agreement are discussed below.

There are a number of reasons why new physicians should consider locum tenens jobs right out of residency, from chances to experience different practice environments prior to putting down roots to opportunities to further professional expertise.

The first National Locum Tenens Week is fast approaching! Announced by the National Association of Locum Tenens Organizations (NALTO) in May, it takes place the week of August 14. Its objective is to formally observe the contributions of physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and other medical professionals who work locum tenens at hospitals, practices, and other healthcare organizations throughout the United States.

Unlike Cinderella’s experience with Prince Charming and the glass slipper, finding the perfect fit with a locum tenens recruiter has little to do with luck and magic. Rather, establishing the things most important to you—such as working with someone expressly dedicated to your specialty and assignments with no weekend call—and doing a little homework are the key elements that will lead you to a recruiter who can match your expectations and present you with excellent locum tenens opportunities.

The practice of locum tenens physicians filling temporary vacancies at medical organizations is growing in reputation and desirability for both medical organizations and physicians. If you are a resident physician who is beginning the job search, comparing the pros and cons of permanent positions with locum tenens work is a worthwhile exercise.