As patient demand continues to rise and clinical teams face ongoing staffing shortages, locum tenens physicians and advanced practitioners are stepping in to help sustain care delivery. Whether addressing short-term gaps in coverage or supporting longer-term strategic staffing goals, locum tenens help maintain access to care and reduce pressure on clinical teams while long-term coverage solutions are secured.
Yet, despite the growing reliance on locum tenens, many misconceptions about locum work remain common. That is why we are debunking seven myths about locum tenens and highlighting the many benefits of working locum tenens.
Myth #1: Locum Tenens Practice is Predominantly Geared Toward Semi-Retired Doctors.
Truth: Regardless of where you are in your career, locum tenens work is always an option worth considering.
Just completed your residency or fellowship? Locum jobs offer valuable clinical exposure and the chance to build your confidence. Mid-career and looking to enhance specific techniques? Locum assignments provide opportunities to advance your skills in fresh environments. Nearing retirement and seeking to maintain clinical activity? Locum tenens work allows you to stay clinically active on your terms, with greater control over your schedule and workload. Regardless of where you are in your career, beginning your locum tenens journey can be fulfilling and rewarding.
Myth #2: Locum Tenens Jobs are Only for Those Interested in Travel.
Truth: Locum tenens jobs are available close to home or miles away.
Locum tenens jobs are offered nationwide, providing you with the flexibility to work from 10 miles from home to 3,000 miles away. This level of career control allows you to choose when and where you work. Whether you want to stay close to home and serve your local community or explore new cities or rural areas in need of care, locum tenens jobs can align with any of your preferences.
Myth #3: Locum Tenens Work Does Not Provide a Consistent Source of Stability or Income.
Truth: Locum tenens work offers a reliable and stable income stream, especially in light of the nation's growing physician shortages.
Growing clinical staffing challenges, particularly among physicians, have led to an ongoing need for locum tenens coverage. This means that there is a reliable stream of locum tenens opportunities, varying in duration. If you prefer not to change your location or work setting frequently, long-term locum tenens assignments allow you to remain in one setting for several months or longer while maintaining consistent earnings. However, if you prefer variety, short-term opportunities are widely available and can be scheduled back-to-back to provide the same level of income stability. In addition to that consistency, locum tenens compensation is often higher than that of permanent roles. This is due to the temporary nature of the role and heightened demand for coverage. As a result, a locum tenens career offers both professional stability and financial reliability.
Myth #4: Locum Tenens Work will Negatively Impact My CV or Credentials.
Truth: Locum tenens work can strengthen your CV and credentials!
Locum tenens jobs offer exposure to diverse clinical settings, providing you with the opportunity to learn new techniques, adapt to different workflows, and advance as a medical professional. Continuously broadening your expertise and skills through locum work can help you stand out, and facility managers and recruiters will be eager to hire you when they recognize the valuable contributions you can bring to their healthcare teams.
Myth #5: I Can't Work Locum Jobs if I Have a Permanent Position or Own a Practice.
Truth: Locum tenens work is flexible and temporary, which means you can take on assignments while maintaining a permanent position or managing your own medical practice.
Due to the temporary and flexible nature of locum tenens work, you can work assignments that fit around your existing schedule. By doing so, you can earn additional income, expand your clinical experience, and explore different practice settings without leaving your current role. It also supports patient care in facilities that are experiencing staffing shortages, making your contribution both personally and professionally rewarding.
Myth #6: Permanent Providers Don't Want Locum Tenens There.
Truth: Permanent staff appreciate the support locum tenens physicians and advanced practitioners bring to their teams.
As a locum tenens physician or advanced practitioner, you play a vital role in helping healthcare facilities manage coverage gaps during staff vacations, medical leave, or periods of heightened patient volumes. This means that, oftentimes, you're invaluable in helping not only to ensure access to care but also in alleviating burnout among permanent staff. Rather than being unwanted, as a locum, you are considered an integral part of the team, and the permanent staff is grateful to have you there.
Myth #7: Locum Tenens Physicians are Unable to Build Rapport With Their Patients.
Truth: Locum tenens physicians and advanced practitioners have the advantage of avoiding hospital politics and administrative burdens, allowing them to prioritize patient care.
When on a locum assignment, you're not weighed down by as many bureaucratic tasks as those in permanent positions, which means you can dedicate more time and attention to patient care. Moreover, not all assignments are for short periods; some locums take recurring assignments at the same locations, offering the opportunity to form lasting, meaningful relationships with patients.
Partnering with a Locum Tenens Agency to Support Your Success.
Now that we have cleared up some of the most common myths about locum tenens work, you may be thinking more seriously about exploring it for yourself. Partnering with the right locum tenens agency, like Medicus, can make the transition easier and far more rewarding.
At Medicus, we take the time to understand your goals and match you with locum tenens opportunities that align with your clinical interests, schedule, and preferences. Our team supports you through every step of the process, from licensing and credentialing to travel planning and assignment logistics, so you can focus on providing care. Additionally, our unique My Medicus Loyalty Program enhances your partnership with personalized benefits, travel perks, and exclusive events, making your decision to collaborate with us even more rewarding.
Start your locum career with confidence and experience the Medicus difference. Fill out the form below to connect with a Medicus Healthcare Solutions recruiter today!
