cruise ship doctor locum

Cruise Ship Doctor Jobs

Cruise line companies hiring doctors:  PRINCESS CRUISES /HOLLAND AMERICA / P&O AUSTRALIA / SEABOURN / CARNIVAL CRUISE LINE

The cruise ship recruitment agency Pro Sea Staff assists Registered Physicians in securing employment for maritime medical careers with the above-listed cruise line companies. Cruise ship medical jobs  offer excellent benefits and a great career opportunity with the possibility of continuous professional development and reliable employment. Cruise ship physician salary as well as numerous job benefits are also very attractive. Embark your medical career on a prestigious cruise line ship for a unique mix of challenge, adventure and responsibility!

Assignments for cruise ship doctor jobs are organized on a rotational basis of 4 months on board and 2 months off – on leave. Flights to and from your home are paid by the cruise line company. A cruise ship doctor is provided with Private Officers Single cabin accommodation. Housing, meals and healthcare insurance are provided by the cruise line company.

Cruise ship doctor recruitment

Cruise ship doctor requirements.

The requirements to work as a cruise ship doctor include a professional degree, relevant post-graduation experience and an unrestricted medical license.

Please consult the details below:

• MBChB, MBBCh (or equivalent) medical degree
• Current, unrestricted license to practice medicine with at least three years post-graduation experience
• Majority of experience in one or more of the following areas: Emergency Medicine, Family Medicine, Critical / Intensive Care, Cardiology, Anesthetics, Remote Medicine. Additional qualifications such as Diploma in Primary Emergency Care, Diploma in Anesthetics or FCEM are preferred
• Additional skills such as Ultrasound are advisable and certificates such as Advanced Trauma and Pediatric Life Support are also required by some cruise lines

In addition, applicants for cruise line physician jobs MUST have:

• Fluency in English – all candidates for the cruise ship doctor position must be able to communicate fluently in English as a medical professional
• At least 3 years post-graduate experience in Adult Emergency medicine or family practice. Work experience must be recent
• Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS / ALS) certification and Basic Life Support (BLS). Some companies also require ATLS and PALS
• Good computer skills – Windows based software
• Ability to meet the challenge of learning to work as a doctor in a new and different environment

Working as a doctor onboard a cruise ship

The role of a cruise ship physician goes beyond the scope of responsibilities of a mere GP on a cruise ship. You will lead the medical team in the management of several areas including laboratory testing, radiography, computer work, dispensing of medication and the control and monitoring of stock. Career opportunities for professional development are sponsored by the cruise line company.

Cruise ship doctor job description

As a cruise ship doctor, you will be working closely with other medical staff, your colleagues and a team of nurses under your supervision.  Cruise ship medical jobs involve providing both in and out patient care.  Outpatient care encompasses minor and severe illnesses, respiratory and gastrointestinal infections, minor skin complaints and accidental injuries. In-patient care encompasses the management of a wide variety of clinical problems including cardiac diseases (thrombolysis and cardiac monitoring), trauma/orthopedic problems and acute medical and surgical emergencies.

Cruise ship doctor salary

Along with the benefits offered by onboard employment, cruise ship doctor job salary can be an additional source of motivation for the medical professionals in search of a new career opportunity.

Most cruise ship doctors working on passenger cruise ships can expect to earn anywhere between $8000 and $12000 monthly . Cruise ship physician’s salary may vary. Factors such as previous ship experience , years of practice and certifications may be taken into consideration when determining the starting salary.

Only the candidates with the above-noted requirements will be considered for the cruise line doctor job openings.

• Our Medical Team

You will provide a broad range of medical care for our guests and crew in a modern medical center, reporting to the Senior Doctor and working closely with Nurses and Paramedics.

• Administer individualized outpatient, inpatient and ICU care for guests and crew
• Give timely, safe and evidence-based assessments
• Formulate differential diagnoses and treatment plans
• Perform clinical interventions and procedures
• Coordinate logistics of referrals and evacuations
• Manage crew health and wellness programs
• Adhere to public health practices
• Perform various technical and non-clinical administrative tasks that support an efficient and safe medical center
• Participate in drills, audits, inspections and training of other crew members
• Learn and practice technical skills on board, such as X-rays acquisition
• Perform various laboratory tests and other procedures
• Provide excellent customer service, maintaining a professional, dignified, friendly, assertive, and polite manner at all times
• Perform consistently with the organization’s Vision, Mission and Strategic Plan

Medical degree and current registration/licensing with an appropriate government or national regulatory body

At least three years post graduate clinical experience in emergency medicine, acute care or ICU, and most recent work experience should be in a clinical setting

Experience and certification in point of care ultrasound is preferred

prior to joining a ship

may be required before completing the first year of employment

both conversational and technical

with Microsoft Windows 7 (or higher) and MS Office programs

Experience with use of electronic health records is preferred

Outstanding interpersonal, customer services and communication skills

Advanced Airway Management, ICU, Primary Emergency Care, Immediate Medical Care, ECG, Advanced Trauma Life Support, Advanced Pediatric Life Support

WHY CHOOSE US?

Embark your medical career on a new international voyage of discovery. Join our team of skilled Medical team working on any of our 90 ships across our nine brands: Carnival Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, Holland America Line, Seabourn, Cunard, AIDA Cruises, Costa, P&O Cruises (UK) and P&O Australia. Our staff are passionate about providing quality healthcare to our guests and crew while they sail the world creating lasting memories.

90 SHIPS ACROSS 9 CRUISE LINES AND +8 NEW SHIPS COMING BY 2025

SAILING IN NORTH AMERICA, AUSTRALIA, EUROPE AND MORE

COMING SOON

Cruise Doctor

• via DRC Locums
• United Kingdom

Job Description

• 69 applicants
• 4 years ago

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What to do if you want to be a cruise ship doctor

In 2013 I began searching for ways I could change my career to reduce my workload, but not give up medicine altogether. During that time I took a cruise and looked at various jobs I could do on a cruise ship. One of the jobs I was qualified for, I thought, was to be a Cruise Ship Doctor.

After talking with the ship’s doctor to find out what it was like to be the doctor on a ship, I realized that I would enjoy that life. When I arrived back home I sent in an application to a cruise line. I was promptly informed that general surgeons were not qualified to be a ship’s doctor. They only accept physicians who practice emergency medicine, family practice, or internal medicine. So a ship doctor was out for me. But you might be qualified and enjoy the change of pace, so here is what I learned about being a cruise ship doctor.

First of all, you must realize that this is not a well-paying job for an American doctor. The exact income of a cruise ship doctor wasn’t revealed, but one hour in a well-paid ED would be in the ballpark of one day’s pay on a cruise ship. Pay is not the reason to take this job, it’s the great fringe benefits.

Ship doctors are given a private room, usually with a window, but not a balcony. They can bring their spouse and children at no charge. That may be a benefit your spouse would love, especially if your kids are out of the nest. Imagine the two of you being paid to sail around the world with unlimited free food and entertainment.

The working hours are pretty good with this gig. Each ship has two doctors and at least two nurses. The doctors take turns carrying the beeper for 24 hours at a time. The senior ranking doctor is in charge of the passengers and the junior ranking doctor cares for the crew. When the ship is at sea, office hours usually consist of three hours in the morning and three hours in the afternoon. When the ship is in port, office hours are two hours early in the morning and two hours later in the afternoon or evening.

On non-call days, the doctor and their spouse can go ashore and enjoy the town in between office hours. What a great fringe benefit.

You will usually see 10 to 20 patients per day, mostly with minor problems. The top five most common issues seen (based on my informal poll of doctors I’ve talked to on ships) are; MI, stroke, fractures, lacerations and GI issues (not infectious). These are pretty typical problems faced by the elderly population that frequent these ships. I, at age 55, am younger than almost every paying passenger on the ship. There are some cruises though that cater to a younger crowd, like Disney for example. On those cruises, some pediatric problems might be seen.

Ships have a mini hospital on board. They are required to have at least one hospital bed per 1,000 passengers. Most ships have an ICU bed and a few regular beds. They keep the usual assortment of medications, simple X-ray services, minor surgical equipment, lumbar puncture tray, EKG machine and the basic equipment found in a medical ICU, including the ability to intubate. When a ship is at sea, the ship needs to carry everything needed to get the patient through their problem until the ship arrives at the next port. At that time, the patient is evaluated to determine if the patient’s problem can be treated well on the ship, or if the patient needs to be off-loaded to a local hospital.

Sending a patient to a local hospital is not easy and many patients don’t want to leave the ship for medical treatment. First of all, the local hospital may not have an English-speaking doctor. There are also insurance issues. Most regular health insurance policies don’t cover patients traveling abroad, so cruising passengers need to purchase travelers insurance to cover their medical needs outside their insurance coverage area. The spouse of the patient also has a dilemma. Do they continue the cruise or get off with the patient in a strange country. Most disembark with their spouse when transferred to a local hospital. Leaving the ship is very challenging, especially for elderly couples, or those traveling alone, thus, some patients prefer to remain on the ship and have the ship doctor take care of them.

Malpractice insurance is usually covered by the hiring company, the same as a locum tenens doctor. The possibility of a lawsuit is rare since cruise passengers understand that onboard doctors have limited resources and are only able to treat minor ailments and temporize major cases until they can be transferred to a bigger facility. Most shipboard issues are minor or acute. Missing a breast cancer diagnosis, for example, is not among a ship doctor’s jurisdiction. A big risk, for a ship doctor, might be missing a fracture, which doesn’t tend to have long-term consequences. The patient may get a free cruise for their inconvenience, but the doctor is unlikely to be the victim of a lawsuit.

Physicians are usually scheduled on a ship for increments of four months on and two months off. They will likely be rotated from ship to ship in the same cruise line. That sure seems like a nice schedule to me. Work while I travel all over the world with my spouse. Then have two months off to go home and do some CME and visit friends and family. Where do I sign up? (Oh yeah, I already tried.)

There is one thing I heard from a cruise ship doctor that all doctors should know. If a patient of yours asks you to clear them to go on a cruise, please look at the cruise itinerary before giving your OK. Some cruises travel to a different port every day, each with a hospital. Some cruise itineraries take passengers across the ocean and may have multiple days in a row at sea with no way to get to advanced medical or surgical care. If the itinerary they have chosen doesn’t have adequate medical availability for their condition, please advise them to adjust their travel plans to take into consideration their medical needs.

If this career move sounds like something you would be interested in, contact your preferred cruise line and inquire about their application process. You will likely be asked to send them your CV online. They will then interview you via Skype, during which you will be asked questions about how you would handle different clinical situations. It’s similar to taking an oral board exam. Upon passing the interview, have a wonderful time getting paid while traveling the world.

Cory Fawcett is a general surgeon and can be reached at his self-titled site,  Dr. Cory S. Fawcett .  He is the author of  The Doctors Guide to Starting Your Practice Right ,  The Doctors Guide to Eliminating Debt , and  The Doctors Guide to Smart Career Alternatives and Retirement .

Image credit:  Shutterstock.com

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A NEW CAREER AT SEA

Premium placement of Cruise Ship Medical Staff

"I provide a highly personal and free recruitment service to medical staff. From initial contact until you settle into your new position on board, I am available to assist you. Applying directly through cruise company websites has disadvantages such as a longer and more complicated process, no guidance on negotiations or personal assistance, and no help with preparations, job nuances, or flight queries. At AMR, we offer all these services at no cost to you ."

- Dr Russell Thomson, Recruitment Specialist 

Imagine practicing as a doctor, nurse or paramedic on a luxury cruise ship with well-equipped and modern medical centres and cruising to exotic locations around the world. As a medical professional working on board passenger cruise ships, that is just what you’ll be doing. You will become part of a close-knit team of cruise ship medical experts able to provide personal, one-on-one medical care to patients from start to finish.  Life at sea will also give you the opportunity to experience the most beautiful, diverse locations in the world virtually every day – from the crystal clear warm waters and beaches of the Caribbean to the glaciers of the Baltic. You’ll sail down the Grand Canal of Venice and through the Panama or Suez Canals.  From cycling in Holland, to zip-lining in the jungles of Costa Rica, scuba-diving in Hawaii to snorkeling in the Red Sea or swimming with wild dolphins in New Zealand – activities ashore never end! Explore the Amazon jungle and see the Taj Mahal in India, or the Eiffel tower in Paris, Christ the Redeemer in Brazil or the ruins of Pompeii. Take a stroll down las Ramblas in Barcelona in Spain. Or go whale watching, dog-sledding or glacier hiking in Alaska. Eat pizza in Pisa, tapas in Mallorca and enjoy a Long Island Iced Tea in New York City. Or just browse through the curios in Jamaica, take a nap under a palm tree in Tahiti and have lunch with friends in Sydney.

Atlantic Medical Recruitment’s vision is to personally source the most suitably qualified and experienced medical staff to fill positions on board some of the finest passenger cruise ships in the world – doctors, nurses and paramedics that are mature, experienced in providing a high standard of evidence-based general and emergency medical care, and most of all, willing and keen to travel. We believe in placing suitable candidates in the best positions available in the cruise ship industry. For this reason, we recruit exclusively for cruise liners that provide quality, evidence-based medical care and medical facilities on board their vessels. On our website you may find answers to some of the questions you may have about practicing Cruise Ship Medicine – not a specialty in itself, but a unique combination of general practice, emergency medicine, public health, pre-hospital care, disaster medicine, medical systems and staff management all in one. Growing in popularity amongst doctors, nurses and paramedics, a career in cruise ship medicine has great benefits! Satisfy your curiosity and read more about what this exciting career can offer you!

AMR is an official recruiter for the following cruise lines

PREMIUM PLACEMENT OF CRUISE SHIP MEDICAL STAFF     Enquiries : [email protected]

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Working as a ship's doctor

• Related content
• Peer review
• Shafiq Shafi , Ship's Doctor,
• P & O Cruises (UK) Ltd, Southampton, SO14 3PN

A life on the ocean wave? Shafiq Shafi tends the sick on passenger liners-and it isn't always a cruise

If you enjoy your work as a general practitioner, but dream of world travel on a payroll, becoming a ship's doctor might just be what you're looking for. It is one of the less common career avenues considered by doctors, very little has been written about it, and the doctors that do go out to sea have little or no contact with any particular group of doctors when on dry land. The result is that most doctors know little of the speciality.

In this currently changing political climate of general practice, many of the doctors who would have proceeded onto becoming principals after their training are looking for alternatives and are less willing to commit themselves to any long term practice partnerships.

Becoming a doctor at sea for a year or more will enrich your knowledge of the world and its people. This is probably the opposite end of the spectrum to working for a voluntary services organization yet there are some fundamental principles which are similar.

The cruise ship industry is slowly expanding to reach a wider population. The number and size of ships built is increasing every year and increasingly cruises are being marketed to younger people and those with families, not just the wealthy or retired.

Who can apply?

General practice training is essential. Basic training during the vocational training scheme should have included an accident and emergency post and experience in an intensive care unit. You should have the Advanced Cardiac Life Support certificate, and, if the ship is serves American passengers, have been on an Advanced Trauma Life Support course for medicolegal reasons.

The ideal ships doctor a broad base of knowledge in as many fields as possible: experience in other specialties such as general medicine, care of the elderly, or psychiatry will be a bonus to you. I have found that the job stretches my knowledge and skills to a maximum and I have had to go back and read topics on various specialities I studied during my training both during my undergraduate and postgraduate days. There are both male and female ship's doctors, though men predominate, probably for family reasons.

As well as the clinical requirements, a certain personality is required to work on board. Ideally, you should be sociable and a good communicator. You will meet a broad range of people, from some of the very well off passengers to one of the possibly 20 or more nationalities of crew members, some of whom can just about put a sentence together in English. They are all used to a different type of health care from their doctor and will behave differently according to their cultural model of the sick role. Contracts are at least four months long although they can be as long as eight months with usually a two month unpaid break in between. Some companies will take on a locum ship doctor for a few weeks but these positions are rare. With such long periods away from home, you will find yourself asking òwhat are you doing?ó when you have a partner or loved ones at home. Being independent and single or having a very understanding partner is essential. Most ships' doctors are either single or have never wholeheartedly committed themselves to a serious relationship.

Uniform requirements

Most companies have an officer's uniform and you will be expected to wear it if you want to be anywhere near passenger areas. If the idea of changing back into your old school uniform does not appeal to you, it is unlikely that being a ship's doctor will be your cup of tea. There is a certain degree of naval hierarchy in these jobs which takes a while getting used to but you should soon accept it as the norm.

The bread-and-butter of your job is to run a morning and evening clinic every day of the week. On ships with two doctors (2300 people), situations vary. In some companies, the work is split equally between the doctors, who both see crew and passengers. On others, the senior doctor will see the passengers during the day and the assistant doctor will look after the crew. After 8pm, the assistant will be on call and see both passengers and crew until 8am. On single doctor ships (about 1100 people), the doctor will run clinics for both crew and passengers twice a day.

All passengers are seen on a private basis: there is no NHS on board. Some British passengers find this a little bit of a shock, especially retired people who have got used to free health care throughout their lives. The Americans, on the other hand, willingly hand over their credit card as they find the costs on board a bargain compared to what they are used to paying. Because this is private practice, a more understanding attitude to their symptoms is required, no matter how trivial they seem, for they are paying for your professional time. Unfortunately, this also applies to out of hours calls - when a cabin visit is requested in the middle of the night, it has to be done. Trying to advise the passenger that it is not an urgent problem usually just wastes time - it's quicker just to take the elevator and see them - and at least there's no driving to make a house call.

The medical centres are surprisingly well equipped. Most cruise liners have x ray facilities, an intensive care unit, a minilaboratory for blood biochemistry, a pharmacy, a treatment room which doubles up to be an operating theatre and several wards for the inpatients. On larger ships, you will find between 2 and 5 nurses and on single doctor ships usually 2 nurses. The nurses complement the doctor in that they are broadly trained in their profession and have a casualty or intensive care background.

No escape from paperwork

Administration, unfortunately, is one area that cannot be avoided even at sea. Note keeping is more comprehensive than normal general practice for medicolegal reasons. There is a system of paperwork for any accidents that occur that must be followed, however trivial. Other responsibilities include making sure that you have enough drugs and supplies to last through your cruise, that all the equipment is in full working order, and that you know how to use it. As the director of public health for the ship you must notify any outbreaks of disease, for example, diarrhoea and vomiting, to the captain, who will in turn notify the ports of call. The port authorities may decide not to allow anyone to disembark or, worse still, impound the vessel in that port. The ship's doctor takes on a policing role for the alcohol policy of the company, breathalysing crew members, usually after they have been involved in an unwanted incident on board.

If a decision is made to land someone to a shoreside medical facility or arrange evacuation by air, there will be a lot of paperwork to ensure the procedure runs smoothly and everyone knows what the plan of action is. The last thing an injured and confused patient wants is to be at the doorstep of a foreign hospital that knows nothing about the admission. A doctor will usually escort the seriously ill to hospital on ships with two doctors.

Other duties include performing galley rounds on a weekly basis. You are allocated a working area of the ship and you must make a note of any maintenance that may be required or any health and safety issues arising from your inspection. Finally you are in charge of the medical or stretcher party and supplied with 12-14 crew members to pick up injured patients from any part of the ship: mock accidents and emergencies are held regularly for practice.

Continuing education

Whether you are considering this career for a short or long period, you will need to know what progress and changes are being made back home on land. It is probably difficult in this kind of job to know the latest changes in general practice due to the lack of an efficient mail system. It usually takes 10 days for your journals to arrive at the designated port of arrival and if you miss them, you'll probably not receive them at all. Fortunately, there is a system set up where certain publications such as Update, The Drugs and Therapeutic Bulletin', Telemed videos and Professional Nurse (for your colleagues) are distributed. Others may be organised as required.

There is usually a comprehensive range of reference books available covering all specialties: you never know when you might have to reach for an introductory text on, say, anaesthesia. I always take my Oxford Handbook of Clinical Medicine and its sister publication summarising the clinical specialties. They are easy to use when you reach a rusty area of your knowledge, especially during a particularly rough 4am callout (that is, due to rough weather, not a late night drinking session in the crew bar). If you wish to attend a particular course it should not be too difficult, assuming that the fleet medical officer agrees it is relevant. It is in your company's interest to make sure you are adequately trained and up to date.

Working with another doctor in a relatively confined environment leads to an easier exchange of ideas, knowledge and skills. The fact that there is a no referral system encourages this - if you the middle of the Pacific Ocean for several days, the buck stops with you.

If all this appeals you'll need to find a job. Keep an eye on the classified section of the BMJ to find positions available on both British and American ships. Ship's doctors are not only required for cruise liners but also for working ships such as those laying cables at sea and for scientific expeditions (usually to the colder climates of the world). Writing directly to the personnel department of the company may be fruitful but of course they may not have a job when you apply. They will keep your details on file for future vacancies. Some of the larger GP locum agencies may also have occasional work for a few weeks as cover for some unexpected circumstance with one of their own doctors.

So, what are the benefits? The obvious ones are those of being able to travel around the world and get a taste of the countries you probably would never have visited in your life. Even though you may only have half a day or so to explore a city or port, it's enough of an experience to help you decide whether you might return for longer in the future.

In your spare time, you have access to all the facilities of the ship such as the gym, swimming pool and dining areas. Some captains insist that you socialise by hosting a passenger table and attending the pre-dinner cocktail parties but this will depend on your workload for that evening. In your role as an ambassador for the company you will be approached by passengers of all backgrounds and you will find it easy to make new friends, if you wish to do so. Who knows where new contacts, mainly from outside the medical world, may lead?

Other UK ship companies:

Carnival Cruise Lines,Alton House, 177 High Holborn, London WC1V 7AA

Cunard Line Limited, South Western House, Canute Road, Southampton SO14 3NR

Before a locum starts work, employers should check a photo ID, GMC registration, original qualifications, immigration status, experience and references, and a statement of criminal convictions, according to the latest guidelines on the matter. Employers should also ensure they have documentary evidence of a recent occupational health assessment and immunisation status, and locums will be asked to sign a health declaration that they are feeling well, have the physical and mental capacity to undertake the work, are not overtired, and do not have any physical or medical infirmity that might pose a risk to patients or staff.Using locums should be a temporary measure of limited duration, though this seems potentially to contradict another recommended proviso: that locum cover should also be arranged in good time.

The guidelines also contain a 15 point ‘assessment matrix' of clinical skill and personal qualities; employers of locum appointments for longer than a week are invited to rate, for example, their temporary colleague's manners from ‘always considerate and polite' through ‘thoughtless' to ‘rude and/or arrogant', and copy bad reports to the GMC. Scottish Office.Code of practice in the appointment and employment of locum doctors.. St. Andrew's House, Edinburgh, EH1 3DG.

As well as carrying its usual quota of overseas jobs for doctors, February's International Health Exchange (0171 836 5833) also argues that all doctors should have exposure in medical anthropology. There are accounts of practical projects where such expertise has borne fruit: important healthcare gains were achieved by integrating Western beliefs with indigenous theories.

Further reading Reference Bow S. Working on Cruise Ships. Published by Vacation Work, 1996.

Cruise Ship Jobs - Doctor / Physician Jobs

Register for Cruise Ship Doctor Jobs Now!

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Ship Doctor Job Requirements:

Must hold a diploma from an accredited school of medicine

Minimum two-three years of formal post-graduate/ post-registration clinical training

Board certification or equivalent in Emergency Medicine, Family Practice or Internal Medicine.

Current certification as an ACLS Provider (Advanced Cardiac Life Support) or its equivalent, unless Board Certified in Emergency Medicine.

ATLS (Trauma) Certificate and PALS (Paediatric) Certificate helpful, but not mandatory.

Some experience or a willingness to learn simple laboratory and x-ray procedures.

Current license, extensive experience with cardiac and primary care, trauma, internal, and emergency medicine.

Excellent command of the English language required (both spoken and written).

Ship Physician salary range:

$7,500 - 11,000 U.S. per month, depending on the cruise line and accumulated experience with the company. Possibilities for promotion to Senior Doctor position.

Cruise Ship Doctor Job Description:

The doctor/ physician reports to the ship's chief doctor and supervises the ship's lead nurse, nurse practitioners and registered nurses. The physician is responsible for the basic and emergency medical treatment of the crew members and in some cases of the passengers (when required). He/ she deals with wide range of medical conditions - evaluation and treatment of medical, surgical, gynaecological and paediatric problems; suturing of wounds; incision and drainage of abscesses; evaluation of ophthalmologic emergencies; reduction of simple dislocations, splinting and immobilization procedures; Advanced Cardiac Life Support procedures and treatments (ACLS) including emergency airway management; administration of thrombolytic agents.

A Physician's Guid e to Locum Tenens

(pros & cons of locums, negotiating contracts, finding opportunities & more ).

We are seeing more and more physicians considering being locum tenens physicians as an additional income stream, as a permanent career option, or even as a transition to retirement or a way to start cutting back clinically while developing an entrepreneurial venture or other interests. The flexibility that locums offers is attractive to many, along with the possibility of more lucrative pay for a day's work. It's important to understand the pros and cons of locums life, as it's not for everyone. It's also important to understand how to find the right locums recruiter if you choose to work with an agency, as well as how to negotiate a contract that protects you. 

In this guide, we'll help you determine whether locums is a good fit for you as well as discuss how to get started and succeed in locums.

Disclosure: This page contains information about our sponsors, as well as affiliate links, which support the group at no cost to you. These should be viewed as introductions rather than formal recommendations - please do your own due diligence before making decisions based on this page. We are not formal financial, legal, or otherwise licensed professionals, and you should consult these as appropriate. To learn more, visit our disclaimers and disclosures .

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The Doctors Guide to Thriving in Locum Tenens

This course by one of our members covers the tools you need to successfully have a career as a locum tenens physician.  It covers pros and cons of being a locums physician, being a 1099 employee, how to find opportunities either through agencies or hospitals, handling licensing and credentialing, housing, contracts, getting paid, malpractice, taxes, retirement accounts, and more!  There is a money back guarantee, detailed  here on our affiliate link .

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Email Jennifer Lincoln at Blue Shift Licensing  at [email protected]  for 10% off of licensing and credentialing related services through our advertising relationship!  They are experienced and have helped so many physicians and companies get their licensing completed efficiently.

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Locum tenens translates to ‘take/hold the place of [someone temporarily].’ In the physician world, locum tenens means filling in for another physician to provide care to their patient base. This is typically a win-win situation for employers and physicians alike.  Employers use locums physicians when they don’t want to turn away patients (and the revenue that is generated by those patients) while a physician is temporarily out or while they wait for a new full time employee. Common examples include injury, sickness, maternity leave, and lack of physicians to fill positions in a rural environment). 

For the locums physician, they get the flexibility of being able to work as much or as little as they’d like (assuming they can find work), usually more money per day of work, autonomy to be their own boss and walk away from undesirable situations, and the ability to focus on being a physician without worrying about administrative tasks or concerns such as building a referral base. 

Some physicians do locums as a side gig for extra money, whereas others do only locums. Maybe they want to cut back and focus on other things but retain skills, maybe they find they can make more money with locums, maybe they’re in transition between jobs, or maybe they just really love the perks of locums and are willing to give up some of the stability of a more traditional physician job.

Fundamentally, locum tenens positions offer flexibility. Many physicians have turned to locums in recent years as a way to practice medicine on their own terms, without the contractual and physical obligations of traditional jobs such as set amounts of vacation, off duty charting and patient care responsibilities, and full time hours.  Locums can be great for physicians looking to have more time that is fully 'off-duty,' those that want to be able to take months or more weeks off to travel, for those who have recently left a job and have a noncompete in their area, or those who want to maintain their medical skills or earn money as a physician, without the typical physician lifestyle.  They also offer opportunities to spend more time on other interests or income revenue streams such as side gigs .

In a locum tenens contractor position, you can work in different locations and experience various settings, as well as potentially make more money if you're willing to travel. Earlier in your career, this might offer an opportunity to figure out what local area you want to settle down in, or what kind of job you would want as your 'forever job.' A lot of these positions even offer benefits, such as a housing allowance and travel reimbursement, and many times, you will make more money for an individual day's work than you would in a permanent position.  Some people also just really love the ability to tie the work to travel!

They can help you decide if you prefer the larger hospital setting or a small private practice feel before settling into a multi-year contract with a facility. Similarly, locum tenens can offer a “try before you buy” approach. If you are interested in the opportunities a certain facility offers, but unsure of the work culture, it lets you see how the system operates before you find yourself locked into a contract in what could be a toxic work environment, which is a fast track to burnout. And if you are looking into eventually starting your own private practice, it can be an opportunity to explore different patient populations based on setting and help you decide where you may want to locate your future practice.

Some less obvious benefits: locums can give you experience on different medical record systems and RCM systems which can make you more marketable as you will be more familiar with and find it easier to adapt to new systems for future positions. These short-term contracts also allow greater opportunities to network within the healthcare industry.

With flexibility, however, can come instability. While locum tenens often offer better rates than a long-term position, income is not always guaranteed and the overall compensation package once benefits have been considered might not be as lucrative as it appears from just the rate. Depending on the market need for your specialty, you might have gaps in between contracts. If you have a family depending on a steady income stream, or you need stable income in your current financial situation, it might not be the best time to look into locum tenens positions.  Many physicians on our communities have also expressed that it is harder for lenders to secure  mortgages or other loans as you don't have guaranteed income.

Working locum tenens positions requires you to actively hunt for new opportunities, especially if you need higher cash flow and more reliable income and can’t afford long gaps between contracts. You may end up searching to line up your next contract before you’re even halfway through your current one, depending on the length. This can take time you aren’t compensated for, which can lower your overall true “net” compensation if positions are difficult to find or take a long time to negotiate and credential.

Speaking of credentialing, each facility will have its own credentialing and licensing processes. Depending on the size and efficiency of the facility, this process can end up a lengthy endeavor, which is why you’ll see it covered in the contract review section below.   You'll typically require  multiple state licenses to do a lot of locums, which can be expensive and hard to manage with each state's requirements.  See our resources section above for a great resource if you need help with this.  

And your time spent searching, applying, and negotiating contracts isn’t the only thing to consider when evaluating the compensation package. Long-term employment opportunities typically include a benefits package which can add up significantly. Certain benefits to weigh include: employer-subsidized health insurance (group plans are typically much cheaper premiums than you can get in the open market with an individual plan); paid time off, including sick time and vacation time; and employer-contributed or matching retirement plans such as a 401(k). Make sure you review the full compensation package in your locum tenens offer and assess a value to the missing benefits so you can make an educated decision on the offer overall. Last, but certainly not least, if your locums position isn't local, you have to be okay with being away from family, friends, and all the other things in your life at home from time to time.  Make sure that key players in your life are on board with the changes they'll have to make to accommodate your travel schedule.

As with most things in life, there are pros and cons to everything, but hopefully this section helps you decide if locums life is right for you!

While certain specialties have a much more active locums workforce (namely those where the work is shift work), there are locums needs for every specialty.  Similarly, while rural areas are often in the most need of locums physicians (and the pay in these settings tends to be the most competitive), there are locums positions in every city and setting. There are two ways to approach finding positions - look yourself, or use a third party locums company or staffing agency that is searching for physicians on behalf of a healthcare facility.  There are advantages and disadvantages to both of these situations.  Locums agencies often take a significant percentage of the rate paid by the hospital, with many companies taking 20-50%, so many people feel they may be able to negotiate better compensation on their own, without the use of a middleman.  Many of our members have had success working directly with hospitals, and this is definitely something you should look into if you feel you have the experience and time to navigate this well.  Remember that each hospital will have its own set of people you have to get to know, its own policies and procedures, and its own little nuances and headaches.  That said, in addition to the better pay, you will have more control and autonomy over the circumstances of your position, as well as eliminate some conflicts of interest the locums company may have. These types of contracts directly with hospitals, however, can be hard to get, especially when you’re starting out and haven’t built up a network within the industry yet, or don’t have a business structure in place that the employer can easily work with.  Working with agencies definitely have some downsides. They are there to make a profit, so they may prioritize keeping the client happy over you.  They may also encourage you to take a lower rate so that they get a higher margin on the rate the hospital is paying them. Once they've presented you to a potential employer, they will want a piece of everything, forever.  They may call you incessantly about jobs you are not interested in.  Make sure that if you work with an agency, you set expectations for what you want your working relationship to look like, and that you read the contract you sign with them carefully.  Don't be afraid to ask for a different recruiter or change agencies if the one you're working with isn't a good fit. On the flip side, there are real positives of working with locums companies. Depending on the locums company, they may do some of the heavy lifting in terms of negotiating rates, arranging for and paying for travel, helping navigate licensing and credentialing, collecting payments, covering malpractice needs, and more.   If you work with them often, they may also cover your licensing fees and keep track of your requirements, expiration dates, etc to ensure you stay up to date with all the credentialing you'll have to maintain.  They are also responsible for the payments and the timeline of the payments, which can take out the burden of tracking different pay periods and schedules if you work at a lot of different places.  Locums companies also have lots of contacts around the country, and are constantly searching for opportunities and building relationships with employers, which means you don't have to. Hospitals may also prefer to deal with agencies, as they know the agency has policies and procedures in place that they've already vetted and agreed to.

Essentially, you have to decide how much you just want to "show up" versus be involved in the nitty gritty, and what the opportunity costs of being involved in the details are (for example, if  you can work a few more days a month because you're not making arrangements or filling out paperwork, it may be well worth it to pay middleman fees).  It may be that you have some contracts with known entities that you manage yourself, but use a locums agency for others.  It may also be that you use a locums agency at first when you're getting your feet wet with locums, but then once you've figured out all the details, you switch to handling contracts yourself. 

If you decide you want to reach out on your own, start by figuring out which hospitals are in the location you want to do locums in, and which ones of those offer the practice environment you want in terms of patient population, patient load, procedure requirements, and after hours responsibilities.  You can then reach out to in house recruiters or medical staff offices you find on LinkedIn or on the hospital websites. If you want to use an agency, many of our members have reviewed agencies and specific recruiters they've enjoyed working with on the Physician Side Gigs community and within our locums experience database . Additionally, join our free locums jobs database for when physicians or companies come to us looking for physicians for these roles.  We'll send you an email if something meets the criteria you specify (but we don't give your information to anyone else).

Types of Locums Positions

Locum tenens positions can vary in length, structure, and terms. Here are some examples of the types of locum tenens contracts you may come across while exploring this type of employment.

Fill-in contracts

This type of contract is used when the previous physician leaves a facility unexpectedly or in cases of emergency events. Due to the nature of these events, these types of contracts have little to no notice of availability.

Short-term contracts

Short-term contracts typically last a few days to a few weeks. As mentioned above, these types of contracts cover instances such as when the normal physician is out for a conference, on scheduled leave, has jury duty, or took a vacation.

Long-term contracts

Long-term contracts generally last a few weeks to a few months. Some can last up to a year. These types of contracts cover when the normal physician is out for situations like maternity leave or a sabbatical. Some facilities can also use long-term contracts as a contract-to-hire model for recruiting and evaluating physicians before bringing them on long term.

Cruise ship medicine is a popular locums gig that physicians explore. Learn more about being a cruise ship doctor .

Part-time positions

These locum tenens positions offer fewer hours than full-time contracts, and can be dictated by availability during certain times of the day or on certain days.

Rotational contract

These contracts work on a specific number of weeks on/off schedule.

Telemedicine contracts

Unlike a traditional locum tenens position based at a specific facility’s location(s), telemedicine contracts offer even more flexibility than traditional contracts. They can be offered as any of the other types of contracts mentioned above. They may also be presented on a project basis for a specific healthcare initiative or program.

Hybrid contracts

Hybrid contracts blend traditional on-site care with telemedicine services. 

Locum Tenens Contracts

Ready to start your first or next locum tenens position? We see question after question come through our communities asking about locum tenens contract review and how best to negotiate the proposed contracts. Though they are valuable skills for any physician to have, we don’t learn them during schooling or residency.

First, you want to make sure the locum tenens position and related contract align with your needs and expectations. While not every part of a contract is negotiable, several parts are, and stepping up to the negotiations table can help you secure the best agreement, especially rates. You don’t know what’s negotiable until you ask. And don’t automatically accept their first hard line of “non-negotiable” as it might be their way of trying to push their standard contract as is.

Below are common areas to review and negotiate for your locum tenens position. If your contract is complex and you need a professional to review it, check out our contract review attorney database to find someone who will work with your best interest in mind.

Master services agreement

If you are working with a third-party staffing agency, they likely have a master services agreement (MSA) in place with the hiring healthcare facility. This agreement governs the terms under which the staffing agency and the healthcare facility work together. When this agreement is in place, the staffing agency may ask for you to sign this agreement before offering you a locum tenens position or before you can be placed with the healthcare facility.

When a MSA is in place, specific terms of the particular locum tenens placements are then supplemented by addenda, statements of work, work orders, etc.

Terms and the evergreen clause

When working with a staffing agency that has a MSA in place, you want to check the terms of the overall agreement you are making with the staffing agency, independent of your locum tenens placements. Some terms contain an evergreen clause that automatically renews the contract for a specific period unless one of the parties provides notice to terminate. This type of clause allows the agreement to remain in effect indefinitely.

When reviewing the MSA provided by the staffing agency, you want to make sure you know your rights to terminate the agreement, especially if the staffing agency is not providing you locum tenens opportunities as desired. You also want to check what the notice requirements are to terminate the agreement, as well as what the termination options are.

Pay and payment terms ​

The rate is the most commonly negotiated part of a contract. The rate is typically set by an hourly amount or as a per diem paid by shift or day. Ensure that the contract specifies rates for routine hours, overtime, and in on-call situations . Consider shift differential as well when negotiating rates, depending on the proposed work schedule outlined.

When working under an evergreen clause with a staffing agency, you want to consider an inflation adjustment as well, which may be stated as an “escalator.” This allows the rate to increase automatically by a certain percentage each time the term renews.

Don't hesitate to negotiate a fair and competitive rate that reflects your skills and experience. The first offer given is rarely their best offer, but you will not receive a higher compensation package if you don’t advocate on your own behalf. No staffing agency or healthcare facility will outbid themselves to secure your services.

You should review actual payment terms as well, as they can range widely. We've seen people not get paid for months. Specify when you will get paid for each component of your compensation, including reimbursements or installments, if applicable.

Travel and accommodation ​

If an assignment requires travel, negotiate travel arrangements and reimbursement details. Some organizations may impose limits on how much they will reimburse for expenses such as housing, meals, and transportation. Make sure you negotiate and clearly outline these limits. Another point to discuss under travel is whether they will provide transportation or if you are responsible for making your own travel arrangements.

Scheduling and hours should be set prior to the locum tenens assignment. Clarify your expected schedule, including not just standard hours/shifts, but holidays, weekends, and on-call responsibilities . Negotiating for a schedule that aligns with your desired work-life balance is a great way to help prevent burnout, especially for longer term contracts.

Discussing the patient load is also important prior to starting an assignment. Ensure it is a reasonable expectation on the facility’s behalf, allowing you to deliver quality care without undue stress.

Contract dates and location

Consider the length of assignments carefully. If you prefer shorter contracts for more flexibility or longer contracts for more stability, discuss your preferences with the staffing agency or the healthcare facility. Make sure the terms of the contract clearly state the start and end dates.

Also check that the contract clearly defines the locations covered, especially if the facility has multiple ones.

Licensing and credentialing

Different facilities will have their own licensing and credentialing requirements. If you need to obtain additional licenses or credentials for the assignment, discuss who will cover the associated costs. Make sure to check if there are any terms associated with the payments that could result in charges to you if the contract should terminate early. It’s also important to know what support is provided throughout the licensing and credentialing processes. Negotiate any necessary assistance to expedite the licensing and credentialing procedures. The contract should clearly state what happens if the facility takes longer than expected. Check out our resources section above for  help with the licensing process .

Malpractice insurance

Ensure that you have adequate  malpractice insurance coverage during your contract. Discuss whether the facility provides coverage or if you need to secure your own policy. When at all possible, negotiate for them to cover you. Most locum tenens malpractice insurance policies provide $1 million per claim and $3 million aggregate total coverage limits for a one-year policy term. Make sure the contract clearly outlines the policy limits and terms. If the coverage provided is claims made coverage, see if you can get tail coverage added and covered by the facility. Tail or nose coverage is expensive if you have to pay for the coverage yourself. 

Exclusivity

Check the contract for any verbiage that prevents or limits you from working with other facilities, staffing agencies, or employers in the area, as well as limits on other locum tenens contracts or other work while under the terms of the agreement.

Cancellations and termination

You want to make sure somewhere in the agreement you are protected in case they cancel, as you've already set aside the time and made arrangements accordingly.

Review the contract termination clause carefully. In particular, discuss the notice period required for both parties to terminate the agreement and any potential penalties or obligations that may arise. Pay attention to the without cause and for cause/for good reason terms, as they may determine the rest of your rights. A without cause clause means either party can terminate the assignment for any reason or no notice at all. A specified period is usually defined and advanced written notice is generally required. The standard period is thirty days. Shorter clauses can help you leave a bad situation quicker, but also offer you less stability as the facility works under the same guidelines.

A for cause clause means the facility can terminate the assignment, sometimes immediately or after a “cure period.” These clauses are almost always drafted with the facility’s best interests in mind, not yours. When the contract includes vague phrases such as “failure to perform duties to reasonable satisfaction,” you want to ensure that the facility is required to give you written notice and a “cure period” to correct.

Buy-out terms

A situation may arise, especially in a long-term contract, where the healthcare facility may want to convert the locum tenens assignment into a permanent job placement. The terms of such an arrangement should be clearly discussed and defined within the contract.

Boilerplate clauses and force majeure

These terms can be lumped together and look like the double sided, tiny print of a medication guide. You may be tempted to skim this portion of your contract, but it’s important to do your due diligence up front. No one is going to protect you better than you will.

One particular section to read multiple times and understand here is the force majeure. This section dictates how you can protect yourself in case you can’t complete the assignment due to circumstances beyond your reasonable control. If a force majeure clause is not included, you might find yourself held liable for a breach of contract, which can lead to thousands in monetary damages. It is not always a standard clause included in locum tenens contracts because it protects you, not the facility, so it’s important to review and discuss as part of your contract negotiations.

We aren’t lawyers, we’re physicians. We’re used to arguing with patients to take their pills, not with hospitals over what to pay us. But it’s worth stepping out of your comfort zone to ensure you make the best deal for yourself. Negotiation is an expected part of the process and a collaborative endeavor. The healthcare facility’s goal is to get care at the best cost for them. Your objective is to make sure you protect yourself and that the facility properly compensates you for your time and expertise. If negotiating isn’t your super power, here are some tips to prepare yourself when reviewing and negotiating your contract.

Approach the negotiation discussions with professionalism, clarity, and respect

You are a physician, but you are also a business professional. This is a business deal you are negotiating and signing with the staffing agency and/or healthcare facility, and you have to protect your business.  If they try and use your altruism against you, respectfully point out that while you love what you do, you know your worth in the space and expect compensation that is commensurate with that. Communicate your expectations, needs, and desires, as well as any non-negotiables you may have, up front.

Know your worth

This can be difficult, but it’s worth the time and effort to research, especially for long-term contracts. Speak to colleagues you have that are practicing in the same or similar area and have similar job responsibilities. Remember, when comparing temporary, contract, and full-time positions, you need to consider the entire benefits package—or lack thereof— as well as exact responsibilities when comparing rates for the different types of opportunities. Remember to take into account expectations while you're not physically at the hospital (on call responsibilities, overtime, etc . ).  You also need to compare and weigh your expectations when it comes to other factors, such as scheduling, travel reimbursements, and time off when determining your desired overall agreement.

We have worked to compile a database to help physicians find comps and know their worth. View statistics from our locum tenens compensation , then explore our free locums salary and compensation data to help you compare relevant data points to your location and specialty.

As part of knowing your worth, it’s important to understand your value in the current market as well. Shortages in the physician labor market have empowered employees with more negotiating power in the last few years than in previous decades. The shift in the labor force is uncharted territory, and employers are still trying to navigate it. They tend to shift back to the default position they’ve had for years. Don’t forget you have leverage. Just make sure you don’t abuse it or overplay your hand. Remember to be professional and courteous. Be prepared to justify your requested rate and other benefits. Explain how you came to your desired rate based on your qualifications, experience, and the specific demands of the assignment. If you can provide examples of similar assignments where you earned a higher rate, bring those to the negotiations table as well.

Clearly articulating your qualifications, experience, and any unique skills or certifications that make you valuable is a great way to not only know your own worth, but to communicate it to the other party. Emphasize how your particular expertise and skill set can benefit the healthcare facility, especially if you can offer specialized knowledge.

Know your goal and deal breakers

Come prepared with your desired numbers after reviewing as many relevant comps as you can find. The likelihood of the company coming back and agreeing to all of your requests in the first round of negotiations is possible but not probable, so it’s important to know your deal breakers as well. What is the middle ground you are willing to compromise to when it comes to not just the rate, but all the overall terms of the governing contract? It is important for you to sit with this question and come up with your requirements prior to starting the negotiation process.

Researching the healthcare facility offering the assignment can also help you understand your negotiating power, as well as possible roadblocks you might encounter during negotiations. Listen to their perspective and understand their budgetary constraints. By demonstrating that you understand their needs, not just your own, you can approach negotiations in a collaborative manner that aims to find a mutually beneficial solution. And remember, collaboration is key. You are asking the employer to come to the bargaining table. Be willing and expect to do the same. A collaborative and respectful approach is much more likely to result in a successful negotiation.

Credentialing

The point of the credentialing process is to confirm your identity and qualifications before you begin your new locum tenens contract. It can be the most frustrating part of doing locum tenens contracts, especially since you don’t have much control over the process. Being prepared can help make the process as smooth as possible. Here’s a list of documentation to have ready that you will likely be asked to provide during the credentialing process.

Basic personal information

Have your personal details together such as your full legal name, contact information, date of birth, and Social Security number. If applicable, keep an original or certified copy of any change of name documentation.

Professional references

You will likely be asked for multiple references during the credentialing process. Compile a list of professional references, including: names; specialty; contact information; and the dates you worked with them. References should be physicians or other professionals in the healthcare industry who you have worked directly with that can speak to your clinical skills and character. The more people you have who have already agreed to provide references for you ahead of beginning credentialing the better, as it gives you more options to pick from when you need to reach out.

It can take a while to get reference letters pulled together, especially if the facility has a preferred format or other requirements, so starting on the references right away can help prevent any delays to the credentialing process and gives your former colleagues time to get the reference letter done without you having to pester them.

Curriculum vitae (CV)

Have an update to date CV (resume) that highlights your professional experience, training, current certifications with expiration dates, and any publications or other relevant information. Your CV is often your ticket to show where you shine, so make sure you take the time to make it an organized and professional tool to highlight your accomplishments and unique talents and experience. This should be done before you start searching for locums positions, as it’s a great tool to have during negotiations. Update your CV at the end of every assignment or position and when you renew your training, certifications, etc. to save yourself time researching and remembering everything when you’re against a start date deadline.

Employment history

Create a list of your past employment history, including dates at that facility, position(s) held, and contact information for references (for your own reference). This helps verify your professional background and work experience. Make sure there are no large gaps in your work history. Gaps in employment are red flags for employers. If you took a sabbatical or have a gap in your employment history, make sure to explain it up front, don’t wait for them to ask you about it.

Education and training records

Keep copies of your med school diploma and transcripts, your residency and fellowship certificates, and records of any other relevant education. Include information about the institution, date of completion, and your specialty training.

Professional licenses

Have copies of your active medical licenses for all the states in which you’re licensed to practice (this includes both your permanent licenses and any temporary or locum tenens licenses you may have).

CME documentation

The healthcare facility will likely have a minimum continuing medical education (CME) requirement. (Some states do too for licensing, so make sure you check ahead if considering getting licensed in a new state.) Keep certificates or transcripts together and easily accessible. It’s also a good idea to have a record of the course you took, the number of credits you received, the organization who presented it, and the location of the course. Getting this organized early will help prevent a mad scramble come credentialing time.

Immunization records

These records should be up to date and readily available. Healthcare facilities typically request your records for diseases like the flu, tetanus, hepatitis B, and tuberculosis. While others immunizations are not as common, it’s still a good idea to keep all of the records together. You never know when a situation may arise on assignment, and the facility needs other records for specific cases.

Board certifications

Have copies of your board certifications or letters verifying your certification status.

Life support certifications

Have copies of your current certifications, such as basic life support (BLS) and advanced cardiac life support (ACLS).

Professional association memberships

Keep a list of your current memberships to professional organizations, medical societies, or specialty-specific associations.

Hopefully, you can negotiate in your locum tenens contract  for the facility to cover you under their malpractice insurance. If malpractice insurance is not covered in the contract, you will need to provide proof of your personal coverage. Have the policy details, limits, and expiration date on hand and ready.

DEA registration

If you are registered through the DEA (Drug Enforcement Administration) for controlled substances, keep a copy of your DEA certificate or verification letter on hand.

Keeping an organized list of all your expiration dates, with reminders for renewals, will not only help you with the credentialing process, but it can help you prevent a mad scramble at the expiration deadline when life might be pulling you in multiple other directions.

You should also be prepared to undergo a background check as part of the credentialing process. Have information on hand for any disciplinary actions, legal issues, or criminal history. If you know from previous experience that something is going to get flagged, it’s better to be upfront.

Every job will require you to have a license, and each state has different rules for getting licensed (such as requiring an address in the state in order to apply or specific CME course requirements). This is an important factor to research and assess when weighing your locum tenens options, especially for states you haven’t previously worked in before.

Selecting a few different states you really love working in will be less of a headache than jumping around the country and trying to get licensed in a new state with each assignment. It will also cut down on the time required in between assignments (timelines for licensing can vary state to state and can take a while), during which you won’t be making income. 

Our list above for credentialing is a great primer for what you will want to have ready for licensing in a new state. A few other items to have pulled together include a government-issued ID, such as your driver’s license or passport, and a current (last few months) professional photo in case the state requires it for your license.

See our resources above for help with licensing  from a trusted partner that many members of our group have used.

Success in locum tenens requires preparation, professionalism, and flexibility and starts before your assignment does.

Preparation

Before you start, familiarize yourself with the healthcare facility you’ll be working at. If scheduling permits, arrive a day early or stop by the night before. While online resources can be helpful to give you the lay of the land, obviously seeing it in person and getting familiar with the layout, parking, and other key areas will allow you to avoid getting lost on that first day, as well as come up with the questions you want to ask during your orientation to start off smoothly.  If you can’t get there early, reviewing the facility’s website can help. Websites also often list key personnel as well (often with pictures), which can give you an idea of who you will be working with.

If you are relocating for your assignment, take some time to research the area. Google Maps can help estimate travel times from your housing to the facility. Plan for a longer commute than it estimates on the first day, which will give you time for unexpected delays and a buffer period if parking is difficult. There will likely be lots of hiccups/orientation the first day, so you’ll want every minute you can get to try and stay on schedule.

Make sure you also have your contact’s information readily available. If your contact doesn’t mention an orientation ahead of time, request one to help get acclimated. Not only will this make your first day less stressful, but it will make you look better when you’re prepared.  You may also want to ask them for a list of key contacts or numbers you’ll need to do your job, systems you’ll be using and login/passwords, and any other access information you will need.  It will be easier on you if it’s all in one place than figuring it out as you go.

If you’re relocating to a part of the country or another region of a large state, make sure you’ve accounted for any climate differences.  Also, if this is your first locums assignment, take some time to track the things you use in your daily life over a period of a few days, so that you don’t forget to pack them.  Although you can probably get most things at the location, it can be really annoying trying to get a prescription filled or having to constantly run out to get things you forgot.

Professionalism

A lot of this may seem like common sense, but many of us are used to working in environments where everyone knows us.  You will be making a lot of first impressions on every assignment you go to, whether it’s with colleagues, administrators, or patients, and you want that to be a good one.   Being kind and helpful goes a long way in creating a positive work culture with others, which can not only make day-to-day life easier, but can be useful when you’re looking for references for your next assignment. The better the impression you leave on the staff, the more likely they will be to want you back for another assignment. Reputations spread quickly through the healthcare industry. If you have a bad one, you’ll find it difficult to land the locum tenens positions you want.  Be neat, both in your work area and in your appearance.

Stay up to date with medical advances and guidelines in your specialty so that you can be efficient and effective. Not only do reputations spread, but they can linger from the physician you’re filling in for or the previous contract physician you replaced. Being able to outperform your predecessor will go a long way in building your own reputation.

Be organized with patient records and your time as well. Managing your time and prioritizing tasks can make you more efficient, which will help you stand out in a temporary assignment. Having patient records and paperwork organized will not only make your job easier. It will help those you’re working in conjunction with. This applies even to your time card. Make sure you know by the end of your first day who has to sign off on your time card and make sure you submit it before you leave at the end of your assignment, or by the required deadlines within longer-term contracts.

Fle xibility

One of the selling points of locum tenens positions is the flexibility they afford for your lifestyle. Embrace that aspect when approaching your assignment. The ability to adapt and assimilate to different work settings, structures, equipment, procedures, and personalities is a key feature in a successful locums doctor. Remember you are on assignment for a particular purpose–to fill in temporarily. You aren’t here to change their system. Be willing to adjust your normal approach to fit the needs and desires of the facility. And be receptive to feedback. Your attitude is coupled with your reputation.

Be open to learning from your colleagues and other staff. Taking the time to learn their standard workflow will help you adjust quicker. As you become a more seasoned locums physician, a way to demonstrate your knowledge is to incorporate best practices and procedures you’ve learned from other facilities, so long as you come at it with a helpful and professional approach. Find opportunities to show your interest in the facility and their success, not just your personal success in your assignment.

WHAT THE BLEEP?

LOCUM GUIDE

Advice & tips.

Independent advice and tips for doctors who want to start locuming. From help how to deal with locum agencies, how to get the most out of locuming, and what you also need to think about.

£500 LOCUM AGENCY JOINING BONUS

Locum agencies.

What The Bleep have arranged an exclusive offer with the main locum agencies so you will get paid up to £500 from every locum agency you join. Sign up to the agencies through our page, we will send them your details and once you have worked the required hours we will chase up your bonus.

Welcome to the Locum Guide. Covering everything from advice if you want to do locum work as a doctor, with our first reward referral system for joining locum agencies, and tax efficiency companies as well as help on doing an appraisals as a locum doctor.

ADVICE & TIPS  Advice for doctors who want to locum to get the most out of it.

LOCUM AGENCIES A referral system for doctors to get a reward when they join a locum agency.

CONSULTANT LOCUM AGENCIES A referral system for consultant doctors to get a reward when they join a locum agency.

DOCTORS APPRAISAL  Doctors can now get their GMC appraisal and revalidation with an exclusive £300 discount.

Who needs to have an appraisal, how to prepare for it and an exclusive discount to book your independent appraisal.