Five Things Every Prospective Locum Needs to Know

Five Things Every Prospective Locum Needs to Know With the fall season just around the corner, there are medical residents all over the country already looking into what they will do with themselves next spring. Some will consider starting their careers as locum tenens professionals; others are working hard to land permanent positions at hospitals and private practices. Of course, there are also experienced professionals working as locum tenens as a way to transition to retirement or, just to break out of a rut. Locum tenens work offers opportunities and challenges that are unavailable in a permanent placement job. The locum lifestyle is not for everyone, but it is the best option for some. If you are considering working as a locum, here are five things you need to know before making your decision: 1. Your Salary According to National Association of Locum Tenens Organizations (NALTO) contributor Karen Childress, the pay one receives for locum work is not dependent on years of experience. It is based only on specialty. Therefore, new doctors could earn just as much as experienced doctors doing the same work. In addition, the locum will usually not have to pay his or her own housing, travel and malpractice insurance expenses. Those are paid for by the agency or employer. That means more take-home pay that can be used to pay off student loans or put away for future expenses. 2.