Here are some of the key benefits of working as a locum (temporary/contract) provider at a Veterans Affairs (VA) facility:
- Service to Veterans: Perhaps most importantly, locum work at the VA allows you to directly contribute to the care and wellbeing of our nation’s veterans, which can be incredibly rewarding.
- Flexible Schedule: Locum tenens work allows for a more flexible schedule compared to a permanent, full-time position. You can choose when and where you want to work.
- Length of Assignment: Locums position at VA normally run at least six months and can continue for up to five years. When contracts are renewed there usually are options to extend beyond five years.
- Variety of Settings: As a locum at VA your license is good in any state across the U.S, thus, you have the opportunity to work in a variety of VA facilities across different regions, providing exposure to diverse patient populations and practice environments.
- Competitive Pay: Locum tenens providers at the VA typically earn higher hourly or daily rates compared to permanent staff in the same roles. This can be especially appealing for physicians, nurses, and other clinical professionals.
- Patient Load: The typical VA facility has a much lighter patient load than a community hospital or clinic. There is also low to no call volume.
- No Administrative Burden: As a locum, you don’t have to worry about the administrative tasks associated with running a private practice, such as billing, staffing, and facility management.
- Opportunity to Evaluate Locations: Working as a locum allows you to “try out” different VA facilities and locations to see if you might be interested in a permanent position in the future.
- Continuing Education: The VA often provides educational opportunities and resources to support the ongoing professional development of its providers, including locum tenens staff.
- Valuable Experience: Locum work at the VA can provide valuable experience working with the unique patient population of veterans, as well as exposure to the VA’s specialized healthcare system.
Overall, the flexibility, competitive compensation, and ability to serve veterans make locum tenens work at the VA an attractive option for many healthcare professionals. Do keep in mind that you must have a clean record and be willing to submit your CV and other credentials for to a locum service company prior to being considered for a position. Many times the time frame from submission to acceptance can be lengthy, but well worthwhile.
Contact us at http://www.Sygnetics.com to assist in overcoming some of these challenges with ideas on how to tackle burnout, as well as providing information that aids in retention of staff. Schedule a meeting with Sygnetics.