Why More Physicians and APPs are Choosing Locum Tenens
The healthcare landscape is evolving, and with it, the career paths of physicians and advanced practice providers (APPs). Increasingly, many are choosing locum tenens positions over permanent roles. What is causing this career path shift for physicians and APPs? To better answer that question, we asked these providers to shed light on their own unique experiences.
Our recently published report, 2024 Survey of Locum Tenens Physicians and Advanced Practitioners, features insights into the experiences, perspectives, and demographics of physicians and advanced practitioners working locum tenens, and further highlights the main factors driving this career transition.
The Primary Factors Driving Physicians to Locum Tenens
One of the primary reasons physicians and APPs are opting for locum tenens work is to improve their working conditions and address feelings of burnout. The demanding nature of healthcare can take a toll on professionals, leading many to seek alternatives that offer better work-life balance.
Enhanced Flexibility
A compelling 86% of surveyed physicians and APPs cited a better schedule as a most important or moderately important factor influencing their decision to work locum tenens. The flexibility to choose assignments and set their own schedules allows them to achieve a healthier work-life balance, reducing the stress that often comes with rigid, permanent positions.
Flexibility and freedom are highly valued among healthcare professionals. An overwhelming 97% of those surveyed rated “freedom/flexibility” as a most rewarding or moderately rewarding aspect of locum tenens practice. Additionally, 86% appreciated the reduced bureaucracy and paperwork, which can be significant in permanent roles. This reduction in administrative burdens enables them to focus more on patient care and less on clerical tasks.
For those who enjoy traveling, locum tenens offers unique opportunities to work in various locations. While not the top priority for all, 72% of respondents found travel to be a most rewarding or moderately rewarding aspect of their locum tenens experience. This opportunity to explore new places adds an element of adventure to their professional life.
Overall Job Satisfaction
Satisfaction levels among locum tenens providers are notably high. Close to half (47%) of those surveyed found working locum tenens more satisfying than a permanent position. Only 12% felt it was less satisfying, while 30% believed both practice styles were equally fulfilling. These statistics highlight the growing appeal of locum tenens as a viable and often preferable career path in the healthcare sector.
AMN Healthcare: Your Locums Staffing Partner
Choosing the right physician staffing partner is a pivotal decision, no matter your specialty or level of experience. Here are four reasons AMN Healthcare can help transform your career as your trusted physician and APP staffing partner:
- A Personalized Approach to Career Empowerment: We take pride in a personalized recruitment strategy, with dedicated recruiters who will work with you to understand your career priorities and offer expert advice.
- Four Decades of Market Expertise: For nearly 40 years, AMN Healthcare has served the healthcare community, earning the trust of employers and physicians alike. Our partnerships with leading health systems and practices allow us to match you with the opportunities that fit your unique needs.
- Access to Top Opportunities at the Nation’s Leading Facilities: We are equipped to meet your unique needs and elevate your career with virtually limitless job possibilities at the nation’s most esteemed facilities across a full spectrum of settings, specialties, and practice areas.
- Seamless Placement and Credentialing Processes: Our expert support teams guide you through the job search and placement process, putting licensing, credentialing, and the freedom to create a new path to success at your fingertips.
Why Locum Tenens?
Whether right out of training, mid-career, or beyond, this path is increasingly popular among healthcare professionals. Partnering with AMN Healthcare will deliver the flexibility and support you need to navigate your career, giving you the unmatched freedom to choose from a vast network of nationwide locum tenens opportunities that match your unique goals, regardless of level or specialty.
Ready to explore the benefits of locum tenens? Connect with us today to learn more about how this career choice can enhance your career and life.
