So, it is not a long-term project. By grasping the unique characteristics of these choices, you can decide which employment option matches your needs. So, let's know them in detail to understand what goes with your life plans.
An Overview of Per Diem and Locum Physicians
Locum tenens is a Latin word meaning "hold the place of." So, locum physician jobs mean temporary positions within the healthcare field. They exist as healthcare professionals who fill positions of staff absences or staffing changes. However, they also sometimes handle unexpected peak workload periods. Medical staff members work temporary assignments spanning short-term to extended periods of several months.
Per diem means "per day." Healthcare workers who choose per diem leave vacant positions temporarily and take individual shifts daily. Here, the medical practitioners can decide their specific work days and locations. So, this type of employment conforms to everyday opportunities.
Difference Between Per Diem and Locum Physician Jobs
The two work arrangements help physicians escape traditional employment. However, they have distinct operational boundaries and professional requirements. Knowing the key distinctions helps professionals determine the ideal pathway between them. They will be able to make a choice easily.
Scope and Flexibility
Per diem physicians are employed at various medical facilities. They respond immediately to staff shortages. Physicians in this role will find maximum work flexibility because they determine both their scheduling and the location of shifts.
However, locum physician jobs give physicians temporary placement duties. They exceed the duration of standard per diem shift work. Here, physicians can also maintain their schedule options through contractual arrangements.
Assignment Duration
Assignments in per diem span only brief periods. They consist of a single shift for a few days at most. Sitting facilities depend on these roles for emergency staffing requirements. Healthcare organisations hire them during high peak season needs or when there is a staff shortage.
The duration of locum tenens assignments depends on what employers need. Some employers initially offer positions for weeks but then require several months of service. Physicians under these agreements often secure time frames ranging from one year to even longer.
Type of Work
Physicians who work as per diem stay on an existing team in a healthcare organisation. The best part is that they get open shift coverage. So they can adjust faster to various workplace settings.
However, unlike short-term roles, temp medical physician jobs hire experts for extended periods. They also get to work in an existing team. But, sometimes, they work individually, which is a good advantage.
Compensation
The payment method for per diem physicians follows a per-shift structure. The compensation rates depend on the selected location and the medical speciality. It is true that per diem jobs provide financial success. However, employers omit travel compensation and accommodation support from their benefits package.
However, a locum tenens role comes with rewarding pay that surpasses the rates found in per diem shifts. Locum tenens physicians also receive benefits such as accommodation, travel expense coverage, and malpractice protection because they work for extended assignment periods.
Location
Per Diem physicians perform their work assignments inside the area where they reside. They fill temporary shifts at hospitals, clinics, and urgent care facilities.
However, locum tenens employment opportunities allow physicians to fill temporary positions leading to new cities or states. This is a great opportunity for those who want to provide care while travelling.
Support
Physicians working per diem shifts receive a minimal organisational introduction. Therefore, a lack of administrative support can be detrimental to these professionals.
However, locum tenens physicians provide a full range of support services. They can get licensing help, credentialing, and administrative assistance. The support provided streamlines the adjustment process and decreases the physician's workload.
Pros and Cons of Per Diem Jobs
Before they get a per diem job, all physicians must know the unique pros and cons. So, let's know!
Pros
- Flexibility: Physicians who work per diem shifts can pick their available times.
- Balance: Per diem professionals lack extended contract obligations. So, it gives them a more balanced life.
- Variety: Per diem professionals can work in different environments for a shorter period.
Cons
- Adjustment Periods: Physicians can adjust themselves to new healthcare settings.
- Limited Advantages: No health insurance benefits or paid time off chances for per diem professionals.
- Inconsistency: They experience unpredictable work that produces inconsistent earnings.
Pros and Cons of Locum Physicians
Knowing the pros and cons of the first type of job is crucial when comparing locum physician jobs and per diem jobs.
Pros
- Higher Pay: Locum physicians receive higher pay for their assignments and benefits.
- Better Opportunity: Different projects in locum physician jobs allow growth.
- Diverse Experience: Locum physicians who work across multiple healthcare facilities gain diverse experience and build more professional relationships.
Cons
- Frequent Relocation: Physicians in locum jobs must move from one city to another. It does not help them maintain stable residency.
- Temporary Nature: Locum physicians must seek new contracts often as they are temp jobs.
- Schedule Problem: The preset schedule arrangement sometimes does not match their preferred work hours.
Which One Is Better for You Between Per Diem and Locum Physicians?
The best position for an individual depends on personal preferences. Per diem, work offers local and flexible employment options, while locum tenens employment provides structured, flexible work.
It also offers higher financial compensation and travel benefits. Both have multiple advantages and drawbacks. That is why you need to pick whatever better matches your checklist.
Conclusion
Both per diem and temp medical physician jobs are great if you want temp healthcare jobs. You can work as a per diem professional and get a suitable one-day assignment. Otherwise, go for locum jobs with more advantages, high pay, and administrative support. The choice will always be yours.
However, if you seek locum jobs, trust ProLocums. Here, you can get all the current job notifications across the state. So, check out and apply for the listed job.
FAQs
- Which is the highest-paid locum speciality?
Neurology, anesthesiology, and orthopaedic surgery are the highest-paid locum specialities. Their demand is higher than that of others, driving their compensation rates upward.
- Which state has the most locum job opportunities in the US?
Multiple states in the US, such as California, Texas, West Virginia, and others, need more temporary medical staffing.
- Do you need to work with an agency?
Well, there is no compulsion to do that. But if you work with an agency, finding jobs becomes easier. You can get total support from the experts, making it simple to get a job.
- Is it better to get locum jobs than per diem?
Everyone has preferences. However, locum jobs are better than per diem jobs because they give medical practitioners more room to grow and build a network in healthcare. They also offer medical practitioners extra advantages, such as insurance, accommodation, and travel expenses.
- Do locum physicians get better payouts?
Yes, locum physicians earn higher rates than per diem physicians. Most locum contracts provide additional advantages, too.