Pursuing locum tenens work with Medicus allows physicians and advanced practice providers (APPs) to build a career that's flexible and rewarding. Whether you're considering locum tenens for the first time or looking to deepen your current experience, the insights shared by practicing locum tenens physicians and APPs can be invaluable. To help you excel in your locum tenens career, we asked a few Medicus locums for their best advice.
Test the Waters Before Making the Leap
Dr. O, a locum tenens anesthesiologist, shares a practical tip for those contemplating a shift from a traditional W2 job to 1099 locum tenens work. “While you're working your W2 job, try doing some locum assignments to see if you actually like it. See if you like the flexibility, like the pay. Then, if that's something you like, it is easier to move from W2 to 1099.” This gradual approach allows you to experience the benefits of locum tenens, such as enhanced control over your schedule and potentially higher earnings, without fully committing until you're confident that a locum tenens career is the right fit for you.
Embrace New Experiences
Dr. J, an OB/GYN locum tenens, encourages fellow physicians and APPs to explore locum tenens work to diversify their professional experiences. “Just try it and see what you like; I think it can really help physicians to change up practice styles or to be able to treat a variety of patients; it will really open up your mind to the various aspects of patient care. I think everyone should at least try it!” Through exposure to various practice settings and patient populations, locum tenens work offers a unique opportunity to develop new skills while broadening your perspective on patient care.
Ask Questions & Listen First
As a locum tenens physician or APP, you will be working in a wide variety of clinical settings. Sharon, a critical care locum tenens PA, explains that being a good listener and asking questions are key to adapting to new environments. “When I go into a new place, I try and listen first, instead of coming in and saying, 'This is how I do things, this is how it's going to be.' It goes much more smoothly if I take the time to ask questions and listen first.” She emphasizes that asking questions like “How do you guys do things here?” and “How can I help you in this situation?” can pave the way for a smooth integration into a new locum tenens assignment.
Be a Team Player
Dr. Knight, a locum tenens radiologist, emphasizes the importance of collaboration and adaptability when entering new environments. "I am trying to fit into a culture while also elevating it," he shared. "So, I try to listen to staff's concerns, advocate for staff when possible, and take some direction from them because they know the system better than I do. I help to improve certain workflow issues when needed, and overall make it easy and pleasant for others to work with me." Recognizing yourself as a team player and approaching each assignment with a positive attitude can significantly enhance your job satisfaction as a locum.
The Importance of a Reputable Locum Tenens Agency
Finding a locum tenens job that aligns with your personal and professional goals can be made easier with support from a reputable locum tenens agency. When you partner with Medicus, our relationship with you is at the center of everything we do. Our comprehensive assistance with licensing, credentialing, travel, and more ensures that your locum career with us is seamless and successful. In addition, our MyMedicus Loyalty Program offers personalized benefits, travel perks, and rewards tailored to your partnership with Medicus.
One of our critical care locum PAs highlighted how Medicus stands above the rest:
"I have worked with six or seven different locum agencies over the past ten years, and Medicus stands above the rest. For one, my recruiter has great communication, transparency, consistency, and following through, getting things done. That's been the most important thing to me because I feel like he takes my career seriously and really is an advocate for me. Secondly, Medicus's travel side is fantastic; it never gives me a hard time, my travel is never a problem, and it is very easy and stress-free to deal with travel. Also, particular people in credentialing have also been very helpful. Those are the biggest things for me that make Medicus stand out. The Loyalty Program is also a really nice little perk that came up last year, and I've very much enjoyed that; it really is that extra one degree that sets them above the rest. It's been a fantastic experience!" - Sharon, Locum Tenens Critical Care PA
Interested in beginning a locum tenens career with Medicus? Complete the short form below to connect with a Medicus recruiter.
