Every healthcare organization faces challenges at times. However, staffing shortages have become commonplace in recent years. Fortunately, these organizations can turn to locum tenens for help in filling staffing gaps. These temporary professionals may also be used to reduce the risk of burnout among permanent staff members or to ensure the highest level of care for patients.
An Increase in Usage
The use of locum tenens has increased in recent years. Experts predict revenue from these professionals will grow by 5% in 2025, following increases in the previous two years. Advanced practice locums remain in high demand and are becoming an essential part of healthcare staffing. More organizations are hiring locum providers to ensure they can meet the needs of their patients.
Locum Tenens Solve Critical Staffing Issues
Locum tenens solve critical staffing issues by filling gaps in the workforce. The American Medical Association reports the country will need tens of thousands of physicians in the coming years. Nurses are also in short supply. When a healthcare facility doesn’t have the necessary staff, patients are the ones who suffer. Locum tenens provide healthcare organizations with a flexible solution to ensure they can continue to deliver high-quality care. These professionals may step in when a provider retires or takes a leave of absence. They can also fill gaps when an organization is facing high turnover rates.
Locum tenens are often called in to fill staffing gaps. They bring a unique skill set and wide-ranging experience thanks to their work in different healthcare settings. They provide these organizations with fresh perspectives and new ideas. They also help to reduce the risk of burnout among permanent staff members.
Burnout remains a significant concern within the industry. Approximately 50% of doctors report experiencing signs of burnout due to their heavy workloads and the stress they are under. According to the 2024 Compensation Report, 80% of physicians state they are overworked, and 30% say the overwork is leading them to consider retiring early. Locum tenens can be called in to provide a break for these medical workers. Doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals won’t feel guilty when they take time off for vacation or to recharge. Continuity of care won’t be negatively impacted when these professionals are away from their organizations.
The Benefits of Locum Tenens for Healthcare Organizations
Healthcare organizations also benefit when using locum tenens. Whenever a physician position opens within the organization, it incurs a loss. Some reports state that one doctor vacancy can cost an organization up to $9,000 each day the position remains unfilled. Imagine the financial impact on an organization when it has multiple positions open simultaneously.
It can take several months to fill an open position for a primary care physician, and longer if the open position is for a specialist. If this individual lacks the necessary licensing and credentialing for the state where the organization is located, obtaining these items can take an additional four to six months. No healthcare organization can afford the financial hit it will take by allowing physician positions to remain open. Locum tenens fill the gap until these positions can be filled.
Once healthcare organizations recognize the benefits of using locum tenens, they must find these temporary professionals to fill open positions. Many healthcare organizations choose to work with a staffing agency to locate these professionals. The agency quickly and efficiently finds the right person for each open position within an organization. With the help of this agency, the healthcare organization can ensure operations continue as usual and patient care does not suffer. That’s the most important thing.
