Inadequate staffing levels can take a significant toll on any healthcare facility, especially during times when patient demand is at its highest. If stress and burnout are increasing among your staff due to unexpected physician vacancies, more turbulence may be ahead if you fail to take meaningful action. Fortunately, employing locum tenens workers on your team can alleviate high turnover concerns while improving many aspects of your facility – from operations to patient care outcomes.
Here’s a round-up of some of the key reasons to invest in locum tenens providers:
Continued efficiency.
When full-time physicians exit your organization unexpectedly – whether it be for a medical reason, maternity leave, bereavement, or simply because they’ve moved on to a new job – this loss can have devastating effects on your facility’s bottom line. Whether it be for a short or extended period, locum tenens clinicians can play a vital role in keeping workflow at a normal level and ensuring your facility can continue operating at its optimal level in terms of efficiency and productivity.
Less stress on full-time staff.
When full-time physicians leave, high levels of stress, tension and anxiety can ensue among your entire staff. Employing locum tenens physicians is instrumental in reducing burnout among your team, as your permanent physicians won’t need to work longer shifts or take on additional responsibilities beyond the scope of their jobs. Giving your team locum tenens support can prevent them from becoming overworked and help them maintain a healthy work-life balance.
Uncompromised patient care.
With the addition of locum tenens physicians to fulfill staffing needs, you can ensure the delivery of continued high-quality patient care. Locum tenens providers are highly trained and equipped to quickly take the place of former full-time physicians, assisting with all stages of patient care - from initial diagnosis to facilitating treatment plans. This results in continued positive patient outcomes for your facility while you seek to fill full-time vacancies.
These reasons, among many others, are why a locum tenens workforce can be a game-changer for your facility. By embracing locum tenens physicians and advanced practice clinicians, you’ll keep your facility running at its best – even in the midst of major turnover.
