Working in the medical field is undoubtedly one of the most demanding career paths. With Locum Tenens, physicians and medical professionals can achieve an ideal work-life balance.
Physicians work an average of 60 hours per week, with many more reporting close to 80 hours. Not only do these individuals endure long days, but also they are required to be on-call. With this demanding schedule, it is not surprising that almost 50 percent of physicians experience symptoms of burnout. With a better work-life balance, physicians can become more satisfied with their careers and can therefore put more focus on clinical outcomes.
While it may be difficult for physicians in traditional positions to achieve the desired work-life balance, there are many options for individuals who choose to participate in Locum Tenens work. With Locum Tenens, physicians enjoy countless benefits, including a more satisfying work-life balance and less burnout. To achieve these advantages during your Locum Tenens work, use the following techniques.
1. State Your Preferences
When you choose Locum Tenens work, your staffing and recruiting agency will connect you with a healthcare organization that meets your individual needs. To get the most out of this relationship, ensure that you have informed your recruiter of all of your scheduling preferences. With this information, these highly skilled individuals can find you Locum Tenens employment that fits your needs and desires. If your preferences change over time, your recruiter will be happy to work with you to find assignments that fit your new requirements.
2. Keep Your Schedule Handy
If you have a smart phone or tablet, you can easily keep track of all of your work and home-related events and activities. In your digital calendar settings, you can also change your preferences to allow for family sharing. This way, you can stay on top of your demands and your loved ones can also keep track of your schedule. Having this information handy will also help your recruiter schedule your work assignments around any important dates.
3. Prioritize Your Time
Though you may feel pulled in several different directions, Locum Tenens work will help lighten that load. The flexibility associated with Locum Tenens will allow you to prioritize the things in your life that matter most, whether it be work or family-related. Let your Locum Tenens recruiter know what your priorities are, this way, he or she can help you create the balanced schedule you desire. Importantly, if other obligations arise that are not as important as your career or your family, feel free to put them at the bottom of your list of things to do. These days, most working families feel the pressure of balancing both areas of life, so it is far from uncommon when an outside initiation is turned down.
4. Spend Your Family Time Wisely
With Locum Tenens work, travel is an important aspect of the job. Whether you bring your family with you to your new location, or whether they stay at home during your assignment, it is important to maximize your family time. Thus, it is essential that you leave your work at work. Fortunately, the commitment level associated with Locum Tenens work makes this easy. Since traditional physicians work long hours and are frequently on call, it may be difficult for them to totally unplug from work when with their families. Locum Tenens physicians, however, work more manageable shifts and can schedule time off between positions. This will allow them to relax and unwind with their loved ones without compromising their careers. Your recruiter can also help you arrange a schedule that allows for the optimal family time both during and between your appointed positions.
Not only does Locum Tenens work provide physicians with a positive work-life balance, it also affords them the opportunity to travel, to experience new and exciting fields of medicine, and to make a lucrative living. If this lifestyle sounds like a fit for you and your family, please feel free to contact us at Medstaff National Medical Staffing today. Our team of specialists will work with you throughout the duration of your Locum Tenens employment to ensure that your work-life balance remains optimal and ideal.