Elevate Patient Care by Implementing Locum Tenens Professionals

Healthcare leaders value locum tenens, and medical professionals love temporary assignments because they offer flexibility and a better work-life balance. Turnover within the industry becomes less of a concern because these individuals can help elevate patient care. However, healthcare leaders must know where to access these professionals wanting to take on temporary work. Furthermore, healthcare workers should work with a reputable agency to have increased access to open positions.

Healthcare Roles

Before implementing locum tenens, a healthcare organization must understand the role of locum tenens and how it differs from travel nurses, per diem professionals, and others in the field. Locum tenens sign a contract and come in to fill a position for a specified period. They may fill open gaps during staffing shortages or when one individual leaves and the organization has yet to replace them. These men and women are often called to work in rural or underserved areas. With the help of locum tenens, organizations can minimize patient care disruptions.

Per diem professionals are not the same as locum tenens. These individuals are hired for one day. They may be asked to return the next day, but there is no specified start date. They are only present to cover a single shift or short-term absence. Unlike locum tenens assignments, work in this area tends to be more sporadic. A facility might turn to per diem professionals when its patient load fluctuates and staff members need extra help.

Travel nurses are similar to locum tenens but only function as nurses. They don’t take on other healthcare roles. Furthermore, these registered nurses typically work for 13 weeks at a time. They provide specialized skills during seasonal peaks or crises.

Contracted workers are hired for a specific project or role. They are often not asked to provide patient care because they are focused on their assignment. A healthcare facility may employ one of these workers to fill a gap in a niche area or when it needs temporary coverage.

Telehealth professionals are a new addition to the healthcare industry. They provide remote consultations and treatment for those who may not otherwise have access to healthcare services. Permanent healthcare workers or locum tenens filling in at a facility on a short-term basis might provide this virtual care. With the aid of telehealth professionals, a facility can care for more patients.

Permanent employees work at the same practice or facility every day. They provide ongoing patient care and may be asked to handle operational duties. While there are several benefits associated with full-time positions, many in the field face burnout or scheduling constraints.

Locum tenens may be brought in to provide relief, as permanent workers are the backbone of healthcare today and must be protected.

Why Locum Tenens Are Needed

Locum tenens ensure patients have access to care when needed. Rural and underserved areas, in particular, benefit significantly from locum tenens. A healthcare facility can adjust its staffing to meet patient demand without hiring more permanent staff. When permanent staff members need a break, locum tenens can provide this relief. Healthcare organizations also benefit by filling staffing gaps with short-term workers until they find permanent hires for open positions.

Locum tenens play a vital role in healthcare today. Without them, patient care would suffer. Any organization needing workers should look into this option along with the others outlined above to find the one that best meets its needs.