What is Locum Tenens?

LOCUM TENENS MEANING

What is locum tenens, exactly? To go by the literal locum tenens definition, translated from Latin, it means "to hold the place of, to substitute for."

Locum tenens providers work at healthcare facilities on a temporary basis to fill gaps in care or occupy vacant positions until a full-time provider can be found. In practice, locum tenens means providing care to millions of patients throughout the United States in light of growing physician shortages.

The need for locum tenens physicians in the U.S. is expected to increase, with the Association of American Medical Colleges predicting a staggering shortage of over 100,000 doctors by 2030. Locums physicians and advanced practitioners are vital to ensuring coverage now and in the future, when there are fewer students applying to medical school.

Locum tenens provider and man in suit shaking hands

WHY WORK LOCUM TENENS?

As well as ensuring more balanced coverage for patients, locums provide a wealth of benefits for providers, including supplementing income, flexible work schedules, and providing a more dynamic work environment to prevent burnout.

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HOW DOES LOCUM TENENS WORK?

Locum tenens agencies serve as the bridge between providers and facilities. We ensure the best possible fit for each position and assist with complicated processes such as obtaining state licensing and credentialing while fulfilling unique facility needs.

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WHAT
IS NALTO?

The National Association of Locum Tenens Organizations (NALTO), founded in 2001, sets industry standards and ethical guidelines for locum tenens agencies.

Hayes Locums is a member of NALTO. We follow its guidelines by honoring all contractual agreements and ensuring that providers are treated ethically and fairly.

LOCUM
TENENS
HISTORY

The history of locum tenens reaches back to the 1970s, when rural health clinics in medically underserved areas of the U.S. required assistance with physician staffing.

The University of Utah received a federal grant to provide medical staffing services to these clinics, and the program was such a resounding success that the practice has continued and been adopted by facilities all over the country.

Today, 85% of healthcare facilities rely on locum tenens physicians and advanced practitioners to meet patient needs. There are tens of thousands of locum tenens physicians and advanced practitioners traveling all over the U.S. to supplement their income, experience new practice settings, and meet the needs of facilities and patients.

Two locum tenens providers in scrubs standing in hallway

FAQ

COMMON QUESTIONS ABOUT LOCUMS

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How do I apply for open jobs with Hayes Locums?
You can apply directly on the Hayes Locums website by clicking on “Quick Apply.” Your application will go directly to one of our specialized consultants and he or she will assist you with the completion of your full application.
How will I be compensated for my locum tenens assignment?
Locum tenens providers work on a contract for a specified number of hours per week or per month for a pre-negotiated amount of pay per hour or per day. Twice a month, providers will record their hours and reimbursable expenses on an electronic timesheet, which is submitted to our accounting department.
How do I complete credentialing for a locums assignment?
We have separate internal and external credentialing teams, and a representative will be assigned to you to help you navigate the process. We take the administrative burden off of you by guiding you through the process and taking on as much work as we can, so we can get you credentialed for your locums assignment as soon as possible. For more information on how the process works, see our guides on both internal and external credentialing.

Don't take our word for it. Take theirs.

I have remained solely employed by Hayes because of my consultant and the team. I feel like a valued employee and not just a quota.

Physician Assistant

Midwest

My recruiter does a fabulous job; he is personally committed to resolving problems and helping me do my job.

Nurse Practitioner

Northwest

My agent is amazing. He takes care of everything and also is honest and accurate about assignments. He finds good matches for me which I would never have considered!

Physician

Midwest

Filling gaps in patient care. For a day or for a year.

LOCUM TENENS MEANING