A career as a Locum Tenens physician yields a multitude of professional and personal benefits. Locum Tenens positions allow you to travel the country, gain exposure to multiple healthcare environments, and enjoy workplace flexibility not often found at standard medical practices and facilities. Pursuing medical staffing jobs also typically offers a higher salary than full-time positions and can even deliver an opportunity to "test drive" a particular practice setting to determine if it's the right choice for you.
Avoid Burnout and Set Yourself up for Success as a Locum Tenens Doctor
While Locum Tenens positions provide several distinct advantages to clinicians at every career phase, it's critical to remember that you'll still face some of the same challenges as your colleagues that hold permanent positions, including on-the-job stresses and potential burnout. Launch your career as a Locum Tenens physician armed with the tools and resources you'll need to achieve (and sustain) the essential work-life balance required for a successful contract.
When on the road, it's vital to:
Practice Self-Care
Busy schedules and a high-stress work environment where you're tasked with continuous patient care can make it challenging to remember the importance of self-care when traveling. Constantly eating out, not getting enough rest, and skipping out on the cardio can quickly take a toll on your physical, mental, and emotional health, potentially impacting your ability to effectively treat your patients. Prioritize and practice self-care at the start of every Locum Tenens position. Plan weekly menus in advance to ensure you're eating properly, establish sound sleep hygiene patterns, and make physical activity a routine part of your day, so you're feeling your very best throughout the contract.
Personalize Your Living Space
Yes, your Locum Tenens accommodations are temporary. However, it's important for you to feel at home in your new zip code, even if it is only for a few weeks. While you definitely don't want to over pack, you can still bring a few personal effects. Your favorite coffee mug, photos of loved ones, and even your own pillow can instantly make your lodgings feel more comfortable and familiar.
Stay Connected with Your Personal Network
It's easy to get wrapped up in the professional responsibilities of a Locum Tenens position. However, isolating yourself from your personal network of friends, family, and colleagues back home can quickly take a toll on your emotional well-being. Fortunately, modern technology means you can easily devise a plan before every contract to stay in touch with everyone who's important to you. Scheduled video calls, daily texts, and emails can keep you connected with those you love, minimizing any feelings of homesickness, as well as helping to make the weeks pass more quickly.
Check Out the Sights (Beyond Your Medical Facility)
Most importantly, always remember that while Locum Tenens staffing is a job, every contract you accept delivers ample opportunity to pursue adventure. Embrace the sights, sounds, attractions, and regional culture of your current host city. New foods, music, traditions, and experiences can make the time you'll spend in each location enjoyable as well as create lifelong memories you'll cherish.
Want to learn more about striking a work-life balance as a Locum Tenens physician? Contact LT Partners today today.
