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Locum vs. Permanent Jobs: What’s Ideal for Healthcare Professionals

 

 

Indian healthcare is undergoing seismic shifts. With value-based healthcare, patient-centric treatments, new regulatory and compliance measures, globalization, and higher expectations of work-life balance in place, the scope of careers in healthcare is expanding. In that light, the demand for locum jobs for doctors in India is rising. Permanent 9–5 salaried jobs have existed for years, and the security and financial cover they provide are unquestionable. Yet, they sometimes fail to satisfy time management, work-life balance, and the scope of additional income and upskilling. The need to discuss locum or permanent jobs which is better, comes into play to solve the drawbacks of routine permanent jobs. 

 

In India, locum work is still restricted to junior doctors, who cover shifts around the clock (weekends, night hours, and holidays). However, if handled professionally and using technology, locum options can be extended to the mid-senior and senior levels, as well as healthcare facilities beyond hospital settings.

 

For those looking to understand the basics of locum jobs, how to apply for locum roles, its benefits, and the nuances of permanent jobs in healthcare, we have a collection of articles on the platform. Find them by clicking on the links for a quick read. Today's focus will be on locum vs permanent jobs.  



Locum or Permanent Jobs, Which is Better?

Years ago, jobs for locum duty doctors were a career swan song for clinicians in their later professional years. The American and European doctors often shifted bases to warmer areas, flocking with people to escape colder climates when business looked grim. But things have transformed with time. Today, locum is populated with healthcare professionals of all ages, specialties, and nationalities. For those yet to explore locum careers or those looking to switch locum positions, a thorough know-how of locum vs permanent jobs is game-changing.

 

Locum permanent jobs have their share of pros and cons. In an Indian scenario, we cannot underline which one is better. Given that, a large section of Indian healthcare professionals are migrating abroad, and India has many global corporate healthcare firms in place, locum jobs for doctors in India are steadily gaining traction.

 

Here are the top 5 points to navigate the dichotomy of locum and permanent jobs in healthcare:

 

  • Sheer Flexibility (locum wins)

Locum tenens is the complete flexibility of work. You will be notified via mails/calls/letters about shifts or contracts that need to be filled. You can pick, choose, and juggle between appointments. 

 

Locum boosts versatility in handling the roles of absent colleagues, offers help during busy periods, and covers for the staff on vacations. They have broad expertise working in a variety of healthcare settings—this promotes adaptability. Choosing assignments and determining schedules provides exceptional flexibility.  Are you researching locum doctor jobs near me?  Then, locum is best for those who value autonomy and diversity of careers. 

 

  • Financial Compensations (locum wins)

Locum tenens work is usually short-lasting and contractual. Thus, they may pay better than permanent positions. The whole financial package may differ depending on things like geography and specialty. According to statistics, a full-time locum tenens doctor earns MORE per hour than a permanent-only professional with a 9–5 single source of income.

 

It is important to note the lack of benefits in locum though like health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off.

 

  • Networking and Diverse Work Opportunities (locum wins)

Locum tenens assignments get you entry to multiple healthcare facilities, introducing a variety of clinical settings and patient demographics. This diversity can help improve medical abilities, adaptability, and a window for learning opportunities.

 

It allows you to observe how a different healthcare facility or hospital operates, learn new techniques and hacks, and work with specialists from different fields. You experience different types of work situations, broaden your network, and learn from a range of mentors.

 

  • Learning to Feel Accountable and Take Decisions (locum wins)

As mentioned above, you are filling in shifts and work slots and may need access to the complete team of professionals sometimes. You may need to make decisions, take calls, and be accountable for every step taken. This is the best way to grow as an independent practitioner, a consultant, and learn to clinically evaluate situations. Locum involves fewer meetings, reduced billing paperwork, and more, but clinical documentation needs to be perfect to help the next in line understand your work done.

 

  • Understanding Administrative and Managerial Responsibilities (permanent jobs win)

This is where locum falls short. Permanent healthcare jobs offer the opportunity to learn administrative and managerial responsibilities in the industry. These include developing policies, managing budgets, ensuring compliance, and leading teams. To succeed professionally, permanent positions need professionals to master healthcare regulations, financial management, and team leadership, engage in continuous professional development, and prioritize relationship-building and strategic planning.

 

  • Security: Not Always on the Hunt (permanent jobs win)

If job security is a concern and you detest staying on the hunt for the next role, then locum may not be the place for you.  

 

Permanent positions offer stability, consistent income, and continuous opportunities for professional growth, securing you for the long term. Locum work, while flexible, lacks job security and benefits, increasing career risks. A few things to further assist job security are skill development for permanent roles, networking within established organizations, and staying informed about job market trends. Emphasizing permanent roles helps build a solid career foundation, ensuring long-term job satisfaction and security.

 

  • Personality Development and Commitment (permanent jobs win)

Personality development and job commitment are key to permanent roles. You’ll find employers investing in training, mentorship programs, and skill enhancement sessions. This is crucial for growth and stability. Permanent positions demand deeper engagement, loyalty, and a long-term vision—the bottom line for a well-rounded professional. Employers, managers, or HRs encourage you to attend workshops, give feedback, and set long-term job goals to stay focused. In contrast, locum jobs, with their temporary nature, have a limited scope for personal growth and consistent career advancement.

 

Key Takeaways

Anastomos, a healthcare providers’ network, is India’s first platform for locum jobs in healthcare. As an online portal founded and run by healthcare professionals, every locum job we offer is vetted by a board of healthcare experts. Our team is a diverse cohort of professionals who have expertise in both clinical and non-clinical roles. 

 

Thus, they understand the hidden nuances of both permanent and locum roles. From customizable job boards, mentors, and courses to read-only and visual resources, we have everything you need to decide locum or permanent jobs which is better. To learn more, reach out to us, and we can help you pick and choose the right locum vs permanent jobs.