The Locum Tenens Adventurer: Tips for Balancing Work and Play
Locum tenens work offers a unique opportunity for physicians and advanced practice providers (APPs) to work in diverse clinical settings and gain invaluable experience. Whether you’re seeking to network with new colleagues, build your resume, or earn extra income, locum tenens assignments can be exciting and rewarding.
However, finding the right work-life balance is critical if you like to travel and explore. As a locum tenens doctor, you have the unique opportunity to travel to new locations while pursuing your professional goals. But the realities of working in medicine can make finding time for leisure travel challenging. Balancing work demands, administrative tasks, and personal commitments can leave little time for rest and relaxation.
So how can you make the most of your locum tenens experience while still having time to see the sights and enjoy life in new locations? Continue reading as we explore strategies for making time for leisure travel while working locum tenens, so you can recharge and enjoy your adventures on the road.
1. Plan your year ahead
One of the most effective strategies for making time for leisure travel while working locum tenens is to plan your year. Aim to set aside time for both work and travel and identify opportunities to combine the two.
Start by reviewing your work schedule for the year and identifying any gaps or breaks in your assignments. You may decide to book more placements or plan to travel around those breaks. When you know how much free time you’ll have, you can start researching destinations and planning your domestic or international vacation.
As you plan your travel, consider any administrative tasks that need to be completed, such as renewing your passport or obtaining necessary visas. These tasks can take time and require additional planning, so factor them into your schedule.
2. Schedule shoulder time for travel
As you outline your plans for the year, why not add extra time to your scheduled assignments to explore the local area and have fun? Or, you could take a few days off after an assignment and travel slowly to your next destination, soaking up the beautiful sights and scenery along the way. Taking the train or renting a car instead of a flight can be an adventure in itself. Being on the road is also an opportunity to enjoy different cuisine at every meal and meet new people at your pit stops.
By scheduling extra time for travel, you’ll be able to take full advantage of your adventure without feeling rushed or stressed. Plus, the break will give you a much-needed chance to relax and recharge before resuming work responsibilities.
3. Apply for IMLC
The Interstate Medical Licensure Compact (IMLC) makes it easier for physicians and APPs to practice in multiple states. It is designed to streamline the licensing process by allowing qualified clinicians to obtain expedited licensure in multiple states with a single application.
By taking advantage of the IMLC, you can easily obtain licensure in multiple states and have the flexibility and freedom to work in different locations. You can arrange interesting assignments, even at short notice, once you have the necessary licensure, allowing you to explore different cities, states, and regions. You can even combine leisure travel with professional assignments in different areas, giving you the best of both worlds.
4. Work locum tenens part-time
Doctors and APPs are dedicated professionals who often put their professional obligations ahead of their personal needs. But you don’t have to work full-time! By working locum tenens part-time, you can still achieve success in your career and make time to pursue personal interests and leisure activities.
Working on a part-time basis allows you to take advantage of your free time for leisure travel. As a result, you’ll have even more flexibility and freedom to explore new places while still maintaining a stable income. You can also pursue interests and hobbies that combine well travel, such as hiking, camping, skiing, or photography. Plus, it’s a great way to balance your professional and personal goals, no matter your career stage.
Support from your Integrity Locums consultant
Your Integrity Locums consultant is there to support you at every step of your locum tenens journey. They can help you identify assignments that suit your schedule and travel plans and provide advice and guidance regarding licensure and other administrative tasks so that you can focus on maximizing the adventure.
Talk to your consultant about fitting travel around your locum tenens assignments and create an itinerary that works for everyone. They can also advise how to adjust your schedule, take extra time off, or plan around holidays or special events.
Travel doesn’t have to be tricky to manage around a locum tenens career — with the right preparation and planning, you can make the most of both worlds.