Healthcare facilities across the United States are facing a shortage of qualified anesthesiologists. According to the American Society of Anesthesiologists, the shortage is expected to persist for the foreseeable future. As a result, healthcare providers increasingly turn to locum tenens staffing solutions to meet their staffing needs.

In this blog, we will explore what locum tenens anesthesiology is, what types of jobs are available, and the benefits of working as a locum tenens anesthesiologist.

Find Locum Tenens Work That Suits Your Career Goals with Help from Caliber

What is Locum Tenens Anesthesiology?

Locum tenens, a Latin phrase meaning "to hold the place of," is a staffing solution where a healthcare provider hires a temporary physician or advanced practice provider to cover a vacant position or a provider's absence. Locum tenens staffing is not a new concept, but it has become increasingly popular in recent years as healthcare providers face staffing shortages and other challenges, such as rising healthcare costs.

Locum tenens anesthesiology involves hiring temporary anesthesiologists to provide coverage in healthcare facilities, such as hospitals, surgery centers, and clinics. Depending on the facility's needs, these temporary physicians can work anywhere from a few days to several months. Some locum tenens anesthesiologists work as independent contractors, while others work through staffing agencies.

What Types of Locum Anesthesiology Jobs Are Available?

Locum tenens anesthesiology jobs are available in a variety of settings and specialties. Some common types of locum tenens anesthesiology jobs include:

• General Anesthesia - This is the most common type of anesthesia, and it involves putting a patient into a deep sleep during surgery.
• Regional Anesthesia - This type of anesthesia involves numbing only a specific part of the body, such as an arm or leg, for a surgical procedure.
• Obstetrical Anesthesia - Obstetrical anesthesia involves providing pain relief to women during labor and delivery.
• Pediatric Anesthesia - Pediatric anesthesiologists specialize in providing anesthesia to children and infants during surgery.
• Cardiothoracic Anesthesia - This specialty involves providing anesthesia to patients undergoing heart or lung surgery.
• Pain Management - Some locum tenens anesthesiologists specialize in pain management, which involves providing pain relief to patients with chronic pain.
• Critical Care - Critical care anesthesiologists provide anesthesia and critical care services to patients in intensive care units (ICUs) and other critical care settings.

Discover the Benefits of Locum Tenens Anesthesiology

Locum tenens anesthesiology offers many benefits to physicians, healthcare facilities, and patients. Some key benefits include:

• Flexibility - One of the most significant benefits of working as a locum tenens anesthesiologist is the flexibility it offers. Locum tenens physicians can choose when and where they want to work, giving them more control over their schedules and personal lives.
• Competitive Pay - According to data from ZipRecruiter, the average locum anesthesiologist pay is $7,100 per week in the United States. This is an attractive salary range for healthcare providers looking to travel and earn good wages.
• Variety - Locum tenens anesthesiologists have the opportunity to work in various settings and specialties, giving them exposure to different types of patients and medical practices.
• Reduced Administrative Burden - Working as a locum tenens anesthesiologist means that physicians do not have to worry about administrative tasks such as billing and insurance, which the healthcare facility or staffing agency typically handles.
• Professional Development - Locum tenens anesthesiologists have the opportunity to gain new skills by working in different healthcare environments.

Is a Locum Tenens Job Right for Me?

If you're considering a career as a locum tenens anesthesiologist, there are several factors to consider. While locum tenens work offers many benefits, it may not be the right fit for everyone. Here are some things to consider when deciding if a locum tenens job is right for you:

• Flexibility - As a locum tenens anesthesiologist, you can choose when and where you work. This can greatly benefit those who want to have more control over their schedules and personal lives.
• Adaptability - As a locum tenens anesthesiologist, you will work in various settings and specialties. This means that you need to be adaptable and learn new procedures and protocols quickly. If you thrive in new environments and enjoy learning new things, then this will be a great fit.
• Travel - Locum tenens work often involves travel, as you may need to work in different parts of the country.
• Income - Locum tenens anesthesiologists typically earn higher salaries than their full-time counterparts.

Ultimately, whether or not a locum tenens job is right for you depends on your preferences and circumstances. If you enjoy working in new environments, having a flexible schedule, and are comfortable with the uncertainty that comes with temporary work, then working as a locum tenens anesthesiologist may be a great fit.

How Caliber Can Help You

If you’re looking to start your journey as a locum tenens anesthesiologist, Caliber can help. As a top agency, we help qualified healthcare professionals find roles that fulfill them, where they can make an impact and provide consistent patient care.

Our team of industry experts understands the day-to-day needs of healthcare specialties, and we customize our staffing solutions to fit the needs of providers and healthcare facilities.

Ready to get started? Learn more about Caliber today.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a locum tenens staffing model?

A locum tenens staffing model is a temporary staffing solution used in the healthcare industry. It involves hiring healthcare providers, such as doctors or nurses, on a short-term basis to fill in for other providers who are absent or on leave.

In healthcare, locum tenens providers hold the place of regular providers who cannot work for a period of time. This could be due to illness, vacation, maternity leave, or other reasons.

What is locum tenens versus per diem?

Locum tenens refers to temporary healthcare providers hired to fill in for other providers absent or on leave. These temporary providers work for a set time, usually ranging from a few days to several months, and are responsible for providing the same level of care as permanent staff.

Per diem, on the other hand, refers to temporary healthcare workers who are hired on an as-needed basis. These workers are typically hired to fill in shifts that are short-staffed or for specific events, such as flu clinics or vaccination drives. They may work only a few hours or days at a time and are paid hourly or daily.

What is the employment outlook for anesthesiologist jobs?

The employment outlook for anesthesiologists is positive, with strong demand for their services expected to continue in the coming years. According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the employment of physicians and surgeons, including anesthesiologists, is projected to grow 4 percent from 2029 to 2039, which is about as fast as the average for all occupations.

One factor driving demand for anesthesiologists is the aging population. As baby boomers continue to age, they will require more medical care, including surgeries that require anesthesia. Additionally, advances in medical technology and new surgical techniques are leading to an increase in the number of surgeries being performed.