Locum tenens can give providers much-needed vacation time and ensure patients have continued access to safe, high-quality care during the holidays. Here’s why locums is the answer for a happy and healthy holiday season.

<h2>
  Make this holiday season merry and bright &ndash; for patients
  <em>and</em> providers.
</h2>

<p>
  The winter holidays bring a unique challenge for healthcare leaders. During
  this time, healthcare demand spikes, and provider availability declines.
  Patients need services, but providers need time off. In response,
  administrators may feel like they have to make tough and often unpopular
  decisions to meet coverage needs.
</p>

<p>
  But, that doesn&rsquo;t have to be the case. Locum tenens support can be the
  solution to ensure a smooth holiday season and spread some holiday cheer.
  Locums physicians and APPs can alleviate burdens on permanent staff, give
  providers much-needed vacation time with family, and ensure patients have
  continued access to safe, high-quality care.
</p>

<h2>Two Challenges Combined</h2>

<p>
  <strong>Higher demand for health care during the holidays.</strong> Typically,
  emergency department patient volume is higher during the holidays (<a
    href="https://www.emergencyhospitals.care/why-emergency-rooms-are-more-crowded-during-the-holidays/"
    target="_blank"
    >EHS</a
  >). First, the winter holidays coincide with flu and respiratory virus season
  &ndash; and more recently, COVID cases. Further, many people become lax about
  their diets, medications, sleep habits, and overall health during the
  holidays. Some overindulge in food, drink, or other substances, leading to
  more emergency room and physicians&rsquo; office visits. Moreover, there may
  be an increase in alcohol poisoning, broken bones, slips, falls, and other
  accidents during this time.
</p>

<p>
  <strong>Increased requests for vacation time. </strong>There&rsquo;s no place
  like home for the holidays, and of course, physicians and APPs want to spend
  time with loved ones this time of year. Many want to take vacations, see
  relatives, or simply relax. Others need respite from the demands of caring for
  patients with COVID. Administrators inundated with leave requests may respond
  by asking other providers to work extra shifts. But this strategy can add to
  providers&rsquo; stress levels and reduce morale.
</p>

<h2>Locums Is the Solution</h2>

<p>
  Here&rsquo;s how using locum tenens support can give your providers
  much-needed relief and keep your facility running smoothly and effectively
  during the holidays.
</p>

<p>Locum support can help you:</p>

<p style="margin-left:.3in;">
  <strong>Meet complex scheduling demands</strong> &ndash; Many providers
  request leave for the same shifts or have last-minute changes to requests.
  Locums providers stand ready to mobilize quickly and can fill in as needed.
</p>

<p style="margin-left:.3in;">
  <strong>Avoid provider burnout</strong> &ndash; Asking permanent providers to
  take additional shifts and cover for one another may contribute to burnout.
  Using locum tenens relief can give your physicians and APPs a much-needed
  break and time to refresh.
</p>

<p style="margin-left:.3in;">
  <strong>Provide continued access to high-quality care</strong> &ndash;
  Patients need and expect safe, high-quality care, even when regular providers
  are out on vacation. When you partner with a trusted locum tenens agency,
  you&rsquo;ll have access to skilled, quality professionals to ensure seamless,
  uninterrupted care for your patients.
</p>

<h2>Spread Some Holiday Cheer</h2>

<p>
  Avoid the &ldquo;Bah Humbug!&rdquo; Get locums support to ensure your staff
  and patients have a merry and bright holiday season!
  <a href="https://www.crosscountrylocums.com/contact-us"
    >We&rsquo;re here to help</a
  >.
</p>


Holiday Staffing Challenges? Locums Is the Answer.