Recent increases in healthcare staffing shortages have created a high demand for locum nurses. But the myths about locum nurses continue to exist. The truth is, healthcare facilities require additional staff to supplement their existing staff or to fill in for a care provider who is on leave. This is where working as a locum nurse can be a great option for providers looking for more balance and flexibility in their work schedules, pay rates, and family time.
However, many providers are currently uneasy about locum tenens opportunities due to persistent myths about the locum lifestyle. This post debunks five common myths about locum nurses.
Debunking myths about locum nurses
Myth No. 1: Locum nurses are not well paid
One of the most common misconceptions about on-demand or locum nurses is that they are not as well-paid as nurses who work full-time at a healthcare facility.
Fact: Because on-demand positions are available due to emergency needs or staff shortages, the hospital would be willing to pay handsome compensation to fill the vacancy on a temporary basis, which may vary depending on the experience and location of the job.
Myth No. 2: On-call nurses lack experience
On-demand nurses are thought to be inexperienced, so they prefer temporary jobs over permanent ones; this myth has persisted for far too long.
Fact: On the contrary, in order to work in a healthcare facility, on-demand nurses must have significant work experience. However, some people prefer on-demand jobs because they offer a better work-life balance, greater career flexibility, and higher pay.
Furthermore, because full-time hiring can be time-consuming, institutions typically hire on-demand nurses after a thorough healthcare recruitment process.
Myth No. 3: Only full-time nurses can work as locums
Full-time nurses, it is believed, will never be able to work on-demand.
Fact: Many full-time nurses choose to provide on-demand services to healthcare institutions during their free time, such as vacations or weekly offs. Jobizo is a locum nurse app that has several full-time nurses registered.
Full-time nurses, on the other hand, should double-check their employment contracts to see if they are permitted to take on some side gigs and earn some extra money.
Myth No. 4: There is no job stability
It is a common misconception that working as a gig worker is unstable because there is no fixed income or job.
Fact: Because the demand for nurses is increasing at an exponential rate, there will be no shortage of nursing jobs in India in the near future. Working as an on-demand nurse allows them complete freedom to work when and how they want. In addition, after their part-time job is completed, institutions may offer them a permanent position.
Myth No. 5: Healthcare workers are resentful of locum nurses
On-demand nurses are thought to be resentful of healthcare staff and dislike working with them because they provide services to institutions on a temporary basis.
Fact: There is a growing shortage of nurses in India, as evidenced by the data presented above. Nurses play an important role in the healthcare ecosystem, and medical professionals working in the facility appreciate the expertise they bring to the table. A capable locum nurse ensures quality care while supporting coworkers and making their presence known in the organisation.
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