Perceptions of locum tenens providers have evolved over time. The tradition of healthcare professionals standing in for other clinicians dates back nearly 150 years, although the arrangement hasn’t always been referred to as locum tenens. 

<p>
  Perceptions of locum tenens providers have evolved over time. The tradition of
  healthcare professionals standing in for other clinicians dates back nearly
  150 years, although the arrangement hasn’t always been referred to as locum
  tenens. At some junctures, providers who were willing to travel, take
  short-term assignments, and fill gaps were hailed as heroes; at other times,
  they’ve been viewed as unfocused, unskilled, or unemployable.
</p>
<p>
  With decades of experience vetting, interviewing, and interacting with locum
  tenens providers across the nation, the modern reality has proven the vast
  majority of locum tenens physicians and advanced practice professionals to be
  highly-motivated, dedicated, skilled professionals who want to jump in, expand
  their knowledge base, help underserved patients, and become part of the
  greater healthcare community.
</p>
<p>
  Today, as younger physicians and APPs embark on locums assignments, they may
  be prejudged as immature, inexperienced, or unskilled. Leaders may believe
  that they won’t be able to find specialized locums support or that hiring
  locums will feel impersonal for their patients. Additionally, administrators
  may write off the idea of hiring locums as complicated and costly. While each
  of these perceptions may be true in rare cases, that’s just not what we are
  seeing with locum tenens today. The reality is – the future is rich with
  possibility, vetted experience, flexibility and a drive to serve members of
  our society that often don’t have the access to quality care that they
  deserve.
</p>
<h2>The Reality of Locum Tenens</h2>
<p>
  The reality is positive. We see it every day. And in times of crisis – Locums
  have served as everyday heroes, coming out in impressive numbers to support
  facilities nationwide in the fight against COVID and the massive surge impact.
</p>
<p>
  There are still many seasoned providers who want to continue caring for
  patients via locum tenens. These doctors and APPs are engaged, and they are
  passionate about contributing to the cause, particularly during this time,
  with the recent pressure on healthcare providers. During the early stages of
  the pandemic we experienced many professionals returning from retirement to
  help.
</p>
<p>
  In addition, there are younger professionals who want to make locum tenens a
  lifestyle. It’s the ideal arrangement for Millennials, many of whom love
  traveling, a flexible schedule, expanding their networks, and having a broader
  community impact. They’re driven to make a difference. They make dependable
  team members. They are geared toward being responsible and maintaining some
  professional independence. They bring a new energy to healthcare and treat
  patients with compassion and warmth.
</p>
<p>
  Further, more and more specialists and subspecialists are choosing to work
  locums. Not only are there general practitioners and family medicine doctors;
  there are immunologists, cardiologists, neonatologists, nuclear radiologists,
  pediatric hematologists, and more who want to work locums. There are nurse
  practitioners and physician assistants of every specialty and subspecialty
  too.
</p>
<p>
  As for affordability, the locum tenens arrangement can be much more
  cost-effective than hiring on providers permanently – especially considering
  the time for credentialling, vetting, interviewing, and training as well as
  the flexibility of being able to easily release the provider once their
  services are no longer needed.
</p>
<h2>How to Make Locums a Reality for Your Organization</h2>
<p>
  Locums providers can bolster your services during this unprecedented time,
  whether your strategy is focused on resuming
  <a
    href="https://www.crosscountrylocums.com/blogs/using-locum-providers-to-help-resume-surgical-care"
    >surgical care</a
  >, providing
  <a href="https://www.crosscountrylocums.com/blogs/telehealth-and-locums"
    >telemedicine</a
  >, or bracing for a
  <a
    href="https://www.crosscountrylocums.com/blogs/second-surge-bracing-for-the-next-wave-with-locumss"
    >second wave</a
  >. As your trusted locums provider, we’re here to help.
  <a href="https://www.crosscountrylocums.com/contact-us">Contact us</a>.
</p>


Locum Tenens: The Reality and Positive Impact of Locums