Locum Tenens Vs. Permanent Physician Jobs

Locum Tenens Vs. Permanent Physician Jobs

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If you are a doctor who is trying to decide whether you want to stick with a permanent physician job or start traveling, there’s much to think about! Of course, there is the obvious question – do you want to stay in one place or constantly relocate? Beyond that, there are more in-depth pros and cons to consider when contemplating your career choice. Ultimately, the decision will come down to what best suits your lifestyle, as locum tenens vs. permanent physician jobs each offer a very different existence both personally and professionally.

Locum Tenens vs. Permanent Physician Jobs – What You Should Know

So, do you think you might want to travel as a physician? Choosing to give up your permanent position for life on the road is not a decision to be made lightly. Here’s what you need to know about when it comes to locum tenens vs. permanent physician jobs.

The Good and Bad About Permanent Positions

locum tenens vs. permanent physician jobs

Permanent physician jobs allow for job security and building personal relationships with patients.

  • Job Security

Permanent physician jobs offer you the chance for stability and job security. Permanent positions are great for someone who likes consistency and planning ahead. You get to work with a familiar team of doctors and nurses and truly invest in the healthcare of your patients.

  • Relationship Building

Patient-physician relationships are probably one of the best parts of working a permanent physician job. Doctors who work in a community for an extended period of time have the opportunity to develop personal relationships with their patients. Often, doctors care for their patients throughout their lifetime. This can make the job of healer that much more rewarding.

  • Burnout Potential

The downside to working a permanent physician job is all of the administrative duties that will be required of you. You’re going to have a lot more paperwork and documentation to be responsible for. Therefore, the potential for physician burnout is higher in those who fill long-lasting positions in the healthcare industry.

What to Expect as a Traveling Physician

locum tenens vs permanent physician jobs

Travel physician jobs give you flexibility, higher pay, and a unique experience.

The biggest appeal to traveling as a doctor is in getting to live and work in different places. It’s also a great opportunity to see how other healthcare facilities throughout the country operate. Although traveling as a doctor comes with the benefit of exploration, flexibility and often times higher payer, there are some sacrifices you’ll have to make.

  • Flexibility

Travel positions will give you a lot more flexibility. For starters, you won’t have as many administrative duties weighing you down. You will get to pick and choose what type of facility you want to work in and where. Often times you may even get to be selective about what hours you work while you’re on assignment. You also get to care for a variety of patients who come from diverse backgrounds. This will keep your job interesting and increase your knowledge of the overall health of the population.

  • Higher Pay

Locum tenens physicians often earn higher pay rates than permanent physicians. This is because of the sacrifice they are making by filling temporary positions. There is a shortage of doctors and in many places, so higher pay rates are used to lure skilled professionals into these rural or neglected areas of the country. Plus, it is a great feeling to jump in and be able to help where it’s needed most.

  • Unpredictable Schedule

Although traveling can be an amazing learning experience, it is also very unpredictable. You may struggle to land new assignments consistently or work ideal hours. You also are essentially living on the road, which is a completely different lifestyle. Being in the same town and seeing the same people day after day can seem boring when you’re doing it, constant change can also take its toll. Travel jobs are ideal for someone who can embrace change and doesn’t need a routine.

Now that you know the comparing factors of locum tenens vs. permanent physician jobs, find the best position for you! You can find permanent physician jobs right here on LocumJobsOnline.com or check out the listing of travel physician jobs at LocumJobsOnline.com.

Author: Locum Jobs Online

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