by Rob Berton | Jan 9, 2018 | Locum Tenens |
While many people think that enjoying a hobby and attaining one’s professional goals are unrelated, leisure-time pursuits can help you succeed at work.
How Your Hobby Outside of Work Can Lead to Success
Contrary to what some may believe, a hobby is not a waste of time. Making time for a hobby every week can offer plenty of benefits, and this is certainly true for physicians and other healthcare workers. Hobbies can help you learn new skills and properly balance your work and home life. Enjoying a hobby can even help you establish important contacts outside of work.
One study found that those who engaged in hobbies performed better at a nine-to-five job than those who did not.[1] If you are interested in working as a healthcare provider, you may want to consider a healthful hobby to help you reduce the stress and meet the physical demands of working with patients. Hobbies that are even somewhat physically challenging can help lower blood pressure and promote a healthy weight.[2]
How Your Hobby Can Impress a Job Recruiter
Although employment recruiters definitely look at academic achievements and work history when narrowing down a list of candidates for a position, they are not the only things that matter. Today, more and more hiring managers are looking at a candidate’s personal interests to learn about skills that might not be reflected in their work or educational backgrounds.[3]
In addition to boosting self-confidence and improving mood, hobbies can develop desirable traits such as discipline and focus. Hobbies that could be attractive to a potential employer include playing an instrument and volunteering for nonprofit groups such as an Indian service or mental health service provider.[3]
How to Use Your Hobbies to Stand Out from the Crowd
While there is no exact formula for highlighting your hobbies, you’ll want to consider the skills that your employer may be looking for. For instance, if you want to demonstrate your ability to work in a group, highlighting your experience with team sports may be a good idea.[3]
Finding Time for a Hobby
The busy lives of physicians and other medical professionals may make it difficult to find time for a hobby, but there are options that can help you pursue your passions. Taking locum tenens assignments can support a better work-life balance. Additionally, recent studies have shown that locum tenens physicians can earn up to 50 percent more than other doctors.[4] This means that locum tenens assignments can provide you with more time and more money to enjoy the things you love most.
References:
[1] http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/joop.12064/abstract;jsessionid=ED65EAAD5EA41F936DDF0E0252D06418.f02t02
[2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2863117/
[3] https://www.fastcompany.com/3041085/5-hobbies-that-make-people-better-at-their-jobs
[4] http://www.medpagetoday.com/KevinMD/41085
by Rob Berton | Jan 5, 2018 | Locum Tenens |
Locum Tenens in Healthcare
According to a recent survey on physician staffing trends, 94 percent of healthcare facilities reported using locum tenens physicians in 2016.[1] At a time when clinics and hospitals are facing physician shortages and evolving delivery models, locum tenens doctors are playing an increasingly important role in providing medical care.
Why Healthcare Providers Are Turning to Locum Tenens Assignments
One of the main reasons that many physicians turn to locum tenens work is because it offers a more flexible schedule than traditional hospital or clinic placements. With a flexible schedule, physicians can choose when and where to work. Locum tenens assignments also provide physicians with benefits such as:
Diverse experience
Not everyone is ready to settle into a permanent position at one facility. Locum tenens enables a physician to try out various hospitals and healthcare services in different states.
More family time
With so many patients to care for, most professionals do not find enough time to be home with their family. Locum tenens allows physicians to stop thinking about work when they are away from the office.
More “me” time
With a flexible schedule, you can focus on a hobby and other personal interests. You can also use your free time to improve your skills.
More revenue
Some doctors use locum tenens to help supplement their income. If you find a recruiter who is searching for physicians willing to work in place of another physician, you may not want to pass up on the opportunity. It will provide you with new experiences as well as a paycheck.
Locum Tenens and Indian Health Services
Physicians who start taking locum tenens tasks can enjoy improved time management and develop a better attitude about their work. There are a few ways to begin as a locum tenens physician. Many doctors find this type of work through Indian service organizations. Working with Indian services can be rewarding because it gives you the ability to meet the medical needs of underserved Native populations affected by disproportionate disease burdens.[2]
References:
[1] https://www.staffcare.com/15-uses-of-locum-tenens-physicians-clinicians-in-health-staffing-plan/
[2] https://www.ihs.gov/newsroom/factsheets/disparities/
by Rob Berton | Dec 28, 2017 | Blog |
Many physicians endorse locum tenens because of the wonderful volunteer opportunities it gives them, thanks to their flexible schedules.
Great Volunteer Opportunities for Locum Tenens Physicians
A locum tenens provider is in a unique position to become involved in volunteer opportunities because they can take control of their schedules. Volunteering to be a part of locum tenens can be done at home and anywhere you may be, even during the time you have your medical assignments.
Volunteer Opportunities for Busy Healthcare Professionals
Physicians are normally away from home for several weeks to months, which is why trying to give back may not seem practical. A one-time volunteer opportunity or those that only require short-term participation can be ideal. Going door to door for a campaign, chaperoning a youth group’s camping trip, or helping put up a first-aid tent for a charity biking event are just some of the ideas for volunteering.
The activities for volunteer work are great opportunities that enable meeting new people, not just the patients. They also help physicians stay connected in the community while doing a good deed for others.
How Locum Tenens Providers Help in Creating Volunteer Opportunities
Physicians have control over their schedule[1], which makes it realistic to provide help and offer skills that are valuable to medical missions. In states like Alaska and Arizona, you can volunteer with Indian Services even as you provide locum tenens services to these underrepresented populations.
Local and Abroad
Some physicians choose to help during natural disasters. The American Red Cross is one of the organizations that assists people in times of flood, hurricane, earthquake and fire. You can contact them or find a recruiter who you can talk to about how you can be of service.
You may think that if you have assignments, you can no longer be involved in volunteer work. However, one of the benefits of locum tenens is that you can travel [2] and still have time to enjoy your favorite hobby.
If you are in an unfamiliar state or region, you can always find opportunities for volunteer work through local charities, churches, schools, and animal shelters.[3] Some senior centers also allow physicians to help in their activities. During the holidays, many organizations support rescue missions and extra hands are generally appreciated at hospitals.
References:
[1] https://www.medpagetoday.com/KevinMD/41085
[2] https://comphealth.com/resources/physician-2/how-a-hospitalist-is-able-to-travel-the-world-spend-time-with-family-and-give-back-to-the-community/
[3] http://www.humanesociety.org/issues/abuse_neglect/tips/safe_havens_directory.html?
by Rob Berton | Dec 21, 2017 | Locum Tenens, Uncategorized |
A recent survey[1] showed that there are now 48,000 physicians who work as locum tenens. Three years ago, this number was just 44,000. Back in 2002, there were only 26,000 physicians. The growing number may signal to other people who work in the healthcare industry that there are indeed benefits when working as locum tenens.
Many physicians who face the choice of whether to work in a locum tenens agency or a medical group often lean toward the latter. Being a “placeholder” can have several perks.
Opportunity to Be More Selective
When you choose to be a locum tenens provider, you can be more selective regarding the positions you will work on. For instance, you can opt for assignments in underrepresented states or in areas where you have family roots. You may also work on behalf of veterans, Indian Services or other special health organizations.
Gain Skills and Enjoy New Hobbies
If you are a physician, you might think that no time exists for you to have a hobby. With locum tenens, it is possible. Since you can seek out assignments that you prefer, you can gain skills that you know would offer you an advantage.
The schedule is also flexible. After the locums task, you can go straight to your home without worries about your job. This is why locum tenens is considered a family-friendly assignment.[2]
It Is Not About Productivity
When you work with a medical group, oftentimes you need to focus on being more productive rather than treating your patients. Agencies consider you as an independent contractor[3], so you get paid based on the number of hours you work. On the other hand, medical groups might require the physician to complete certain procedures. Therefore, the focus is on meeting the numbers and not the patients, which is one thing that doesn’t occur with a locums assignment.
If you have ever encountered a recruiter from a locum tenens agency and he or she promised you that you will earn more money, you may have found it hard to believe. Medical groups are often regarded as high-paying employers, but many times agencies may provide better compensation. They also reimburse housing and gasoline expenses among other expenses.
References:
[1] https://www.staffcare.com/survey-use-of-temporary-locum-tenens-physicians-increasing/
[2] https://www.nalto.org/locum-tenens-family-friendly/
[3] https://www.medpagetoday.com/kevinmd/41085
by Rob Berton | Dec 13, 2017 | Locum Tenens, Nurse Practitioner, Physicians, Uncategorized |
Excessive Stress Levels in Healthcare Work Environments
It’s no surprise that healthcare providers are often prone to high stress levels. Healthcare professions can be quite taxing. The pressures can often be extremely overwhelming as well. It isn’t uncommon to hear physicians speaking about demanding and chaotic work schedules. Nurses and other healthcare professionals aren’t immune to difficult schedules, either. If you’re looking for tips that can help you ease stress in medical work settings, there are many options that may help significantly. Stress management is something that calls for effort, time and consideration. Managing stress well can do a lot for your own comfort and peace of mind. Patients pick up on providers who are happy, rested and balanced as well.
Indications of Excessive Stress
If you’re a medical provider who simply has too much on your plate, chances are you know it better than anyone else. It can help to know about signs and symptoms that frequently point to stress levels that are out of control. These include:
• Unusual nervousness
• Uncharacteristic behavioral patterns
• Headaches
• Tense muscles
• Focusing issues
• Lack of desire to do well on the job
• Alcohol dependence
• Not caring about your social life anymore
• Digestive woes
• Exhaustion
• Sleeping difficulties
Medical professionals who develop any of these signs should take action as soon as possible.
Minimizing Your Stress Levels for Good
If you want to say goodbye to immoderate stress, there are several approaches you can take. It can help to look on the bright side of things. A positive outlook can do wonders for your spirits. Stop making every day feel like doom and gloom. Think about all of the things you have to appreciate. Think about the good things you’re doing for your patients and for the community. Proper time management practices can also help you decrease your stress. Make a point to designate some pleasant “me” time on a regular basis.[1] Take a nap. Get a new hobby. Don’t be afraid to ask other people for assistance. If you can manage your stress levels well, having a job at the Indian Service or as a Locum Tenens recruiter can be a rewarding one that can provide you with a whole host of personal benefits.
References
[1] https://psychcentral.com/lib/reducing-stress-at-work
