Burnout is not a flaw—it’s an indicator.
I recently had a conversation with a nurse practitioner seeking a lifestyle adjustment that would offer her better equilibrium without leaving the field of medicine.
“I enjoy looking after patients,” she expressed, “but I hardly recognize my life these days. My schedule controls me, rather than the opposite.”
For her, locum tenens was not a diversion but a vital support. Within a few months, she regained command of her time, rekindled her enthusiasm, and felt like herself once more.
Burnout often manifests subtly: A canceled vacation, endless nights of EMR, a slow transition from fulfillment to mere survival. We attribute it to obligation, not to lack of resilience. However, burnout is not a personal deficiency; it’s a signal of systemic failure.
For physicians and advanced practice providers (APPs), the compulsion to keep going, in spite of emotional exhaustion, evolving values, or feelings of disconnection, can be relentless. Some are discovering a new direction: locum tenens positions.
This is not a permanent solution to an ailing system. But for many, the change enables them to reclaim independence, redefine their sense of purpose, and continue practicing medicine—on their own conditions.
Burnout is genuine—and it’s a systemic issue.
In 2023, nearly half of U.S. physicians reported experiencing burnout, as per a national survey by Medscape. APPs are facing similar struggles: increasing documentation expectations, lack of recognition, and restricted scheduling options.
Burnout goes beyond fatigue; it includes ethical distress, disengagement from purpose, and a feeling of loss of control over professional responsibilities.
Many healthcare providers feel they cannot take a break. The investment in training, anxiety over leaving patients or colleagues behind, and the uncertainty of future options keeps them trapped.
Locum tenens provides something that often seems unattainable in conventional positions: a chance to reset.
Why locum tenens is more than just a job—it’s a transformative experience
Locum tenens is frequently mischaracterized as temporary or transitional work. At its essence, locum tenens empowers providers with authority over their time, location, and workload. This authority is precisely what burnout takes away.
This is how it transforms into a breakthrough for many:
- You can take a break. Intervals between contracts present an opportunity to relax and recuperate without quitting.
- You reclaim your autonomy. Select your preferred location, specialty combination, and schedule.
- You concentrate on patient care. The majority of locum positions prioritize clinical responsibilities, resulting in fewer meetings, reduced administrative tasks, and enhanced direct patient interactions.
- You gain new insights. Working in diverse settings enables clinicians to discover what truly matters—and what they won’t accept.
Feedback from the field
While each provider’s journey is unique, a common trend has emerged among those who have embraced locum tenens: relief, rejuvenation, and a resurgence of professional identity.
In a CHG Healthcare survey, 74 percent of locum tenens physicians identified schedule flexibility as a primary benefit, and over 60 percent reported a decrease in their burnout levels. Many describe the experience as a method to regain control over their professional lives.
Some utilize locums as a short-term refresh. Others construct entire careers around it, emphasizing autonomy, rest, and mission-aligned client care. For those in mid- or late-career phases, it can serve as an impactful bridge to renewal.
Even for individuals returning to conventional roles, locums frequently provide the clarity needed to help clinicians reconnect with medicine on their own terms.
The career ladder is evolving—and that’s positive
The traditional career narrative—long-term positions, gradual promotions, full-time until retirement—is disintegrating.
What’s taking its place? Flexibility. Exploration. Deliberate rest. Purposeful changes.
Locum tenens facilitates all of this: