Efficiency is at the heart of locum tenens – one of the many reasons it continues to be a popular choice during the holidays.
As the trips and travel approach, healthcare professionals and the facilities that book them benefit greatly from the flexible nature of locum tenens, as do the patients and communities they serve.
We chatted with Brent Burrows, Divisional Vice President and Partner at Consilium, for a deeper look at how we make it all work during the busiest time of year.
Streamlined Operations for Healthcare Facilities
The most advantageous benefit for having locum providers is the ability for a facility to adjust its staff at a moment’s notice. Vetted locum professionals are ready and able to step in with very little lead time, making short-term decisioning possible.
In fact, according to The National Association of Locum Tenens Organizations (NALTO), up to 90% of healthcare facilities have used a locum professional, and the trend shows no sign of stopping.
“The holidays are a crazy time for everyone, especially when you are scrambling to find a healthcare provider to fill in for last minute holiday coverage,” explains Burrows.
“We’ve been very successful in securing holiday coverage for our clients to ensure their patients and communities aren’t left underserved. Our agency has experienced as much as a 23% growth in days booked from one year to the next during the holiday season. More clients are turning to locums as the solution.”
Locum tenens is regularly the go-to solution for staffing gaps, and provides management with valuable expertise when permanent staff take off for holiday vacations or personal time.
Overall, staffing efficiencies save resources by reducing redundancy, or in the case of the ongoing shortage, relieve overburdened on-staff providers.
Why Healthcare Professionals Choose Locum Tenens
For providers looking for extra income, holiday locums assignments is a lucrative way to go.
Data shows that many locum professionals can make as much as 50% more than permanent providers, which is invaluable to those working to pay off student loans and medical school debt.
This flexibility refers to more than just picking when to work – it also includes where to work. They have the choice to work in a variety of practice settings, from an urban ER to a rural clinic.
There are also fewer administrative burdens. Most required paperwork is handled by the employer, and each assignment comes with defined roles, pay, and expectations.
Tip: Get Started Now
Locum providers and assignments will be popular over the holidays, which is why Burrows advises getting started now.
“Many healthcare providers are actively looking to work additional time over the holidays,” he says, “and they often book well in advance.” And we’re at your service.
At Consilium, we foster collaborative relationships that value the priorities and insights of all parties, allowing us to be a true partner in your locum tenens experience.
We recognize that effective solutions go far beyond simply making a transaction. You deserve a partner who walks with you every step of the way, helping to solve short-term problems, and setting you up for long-term success.
Now’s the time to start staffing for the holiday season. Get in touch today if you’re looking for your partner in locum tenens.
This post has been updated and was originally published in November 2024.
