Locum Tenens Tips

How Locum Tenens Jobs Can Help You Beat the Holiday Blues

‘Tis the season to feel the stress, fatigue, unrealistic expectations, and the financial burden of the holidays. Also, as healthcare professionals, there’s always the chance you’ll be scheduled to a shift on a holiday, which could mean missing out on celebrations with family and friends.

Needless to say, not everyone experiences joy around this time of year. Rather, it can be a period of undue anxiety and negative emotions.

But that doesn’t make you a Grinch. Nor should you have to grin and bear it until the calendar says the holiday season is over. Did you know that agreeing to locum tenens jobs can help alleviate those holiday blues? It’s true, and here’s why:

Change of environment

Sometimes switching up your surroundings is enough to jolt you out of a mundane mood. A locum tenens assignment doesn’t just place you in a different clinical setting. It also puts you around new coworkers. Meeting new people can spark new friendships, and that’s always a bonus.

Relief from the weather

If you agree to a temporary contract toward the end of the year or the beginning of a new one, why not use the opportunity to escape winter’s clutches? Even though winter has just begun, seasonal affective disorder can happen now and later in January or February. A little dose of sunshine can make a big difference in brightening your outlook.

Lose yourself in work

Even though you’re technically working during the holidays, the short-term opportunity can give you a short-term lift from the non-medical aspects that often add stress to the workday.

Locum tenens contracts allow physicians to virtually remove themselves from the administrative responsibilities of running a private practice or managing a hospital unit. Instead, you are there primarily to care for patients, so you can focus on doctor-patient interactions.

Remind yourself why you accepted the assignment

When you catch yourself feeling down on a holiday because you’re away from home, remember there was a reason why you accepted the locum tenens job. Did you agree to it because it’s a chance to earn some extra income? Remind yourself that you’re helping to pay down your debts, which means you’re starting the new year ahead of the curve.

Did you accept the contract because you wanted to care for those most in need? Locum tenens physicians, physician assistants, and nurse practitioners often are called in this time of year to cover for vacationing permanent staff.

Take comfort knowing you’ve provided a peer the chance to relax with his or her family. Also, locum tenens professionals help facilities maintain sufficient staffing, especially during a time when there are frequent spikes in need for medical care.

Play tourist

Accepting a locum tenens opportunity means you’ll be putting in hours on the job, but you’ll also have time off. Use your free time to sightsee. If you’re in a tourist destination, check out all the popular sights. Sure there could be crowds, but most likely the locale will also be decked out in holiday cheer. The lights, decorations and music might lift your mood.

Even if you’re assigned to a quiet town that’s not a vacation hot spot, it’s all new to you. Take the time to explore. Who knows what treasures (restaurants, boutiques, theaters) you may uncover?

For more ideas on how to beat the holiday blues, read our post 10 Tips for Enjoying the Holidays While on Assignment.

About the author

Anne Baye Ericksen

Anne Baye Ericksen is a journalist and locum tenens subject-matter expert with more than two decades of experience. She was a regular contributor to LocumLife, Healthcare Traveler and Healthcare Staffing and Management Solutions magazines.

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