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How to Choose Between Permanent Placement and Locum Tenens for Your Practice

When it comes to staffing your medical practice, the decision between permanent placement and locum tenens can feel like choosing between a trusted companion and a dynamic ally. 

Both have their merits and challenges, but which suits your practice best? 

Let’s explore this question by breaking down the essentials and examining the pros and cons.

Permanent Placement vs. Locum Tenens: What’s the Difference?

What is Permanent Placement?

Permanent placement involves hiring a provider for the long haul—a professional who becomes part of your practice’s core team. This option is perfect for practices prioritizing stability and consistent patient care. 

Think of it as planting a tree: it grows roots and becomes part of the landscape over time.

What is Locum Tenens?

Locum tenens refers to hiring temporary providers to fill short-term gaps. These assignments can last from a few days to several months, making them a great solution for handling seasonal demand spikes, covering vacations, or addressing sudden provider shortages. Imagine it as borrowing a skilled gardener to keep the garden flourishing until your full-time caretaker returns.

Quick Comparison: The Key Differences

  • Cost: Permanent hires often involve upfront expenses like recruitment fees, onboarding, and benefits. Locum tenens, on the other hand, typically offer more flexible cost structures, with agencies like VISTA Staffing helping you manage the logistics.
  • Commitment Level: Permanent hires are long-term investments, while locum tenens give you the freedom to adapt to changing needs without long-term obligations.
  • Continuity of Care: Permanent staff enhance patient relationships through consistent care. Locum tenens, however, ensure coverage without disrupting patient services during high-demand periods.

Combining Permanent Placement and Locum Tenens for Maximum Flexibility

At VISTA Staffing, we understand that your practice may require a combination of both permanent and locum tenens providers. There’s no need to choose between the two when you can have the flexibility to leverage both options depending on your unique needs.

How This Works for Your Practice:

  • Permanent Placement ensures long-term stability and the integration of providers who become part of your core team, building lasting relationships with your patients and supporting your practice’s growth.
  • Locum Tenens gives you the ability to fill short-term gaps without disrupting patient care, whether you need coverage for vacations, peak seasons, or to temporarily fill a position while searching for a permanent hire.

By using a mix of permanent and locum tenens providers, your practice can stay agile, cost-effective, and continue to deliver high-quality care. The flexibility of both options means that you can address staffing shortages while maintaining consistency for your patients.

Lisa Ellis, VP of Sales at VISTA Staffing, shares:
“At VISTA Staffing, we believe that the best staffing solutions don’t require you to choose between permanent and temporary. By offering both locum tenens and permanent placement, we provide our clients with the flexibility they need to meet both short-term demands and long-term goals. It’s about building the right team to suit your practice’s ever-changing needs.”

Factors to Consider When Choosing

1. Your Practice’s Current Needs

Is your practice expanding, or are you facing temporary demand surges? 

A report by the AAMC predicts a 17% increase in the demand for primary care providers over the next decade. 

If you’re navigating growth, a permanent hire might anchor your team. But for short-term fluctuations, locum tenens ensures you remain agile.

2. Budget and Financial Considerations

Permanent hires can lead to higher upfront costs but offer long-term value. Locum tenens help you manage expenses by avoiding overtime pay and reducing burnout-induced turnover—a common hidden cost in healthcare.

3. Impact on Patient Care

Permanent staff ensures continuity, fostering long-term relationships with patients. Locum tenens providers, while temporary, and maintains service quality by preventing gaps during absences, allowing your practice to operate smoothly.

Pros and Cons: Permanent Placement

Pros:

  • Stability: Permanent providers integrate into your team and build lasting relationships with patients.
  • Culture Investment: They align with your practice’s values and help maintain its culture.
  • Strategic Growth: Permanent hires are ideal for practices with long-term plans.

Cons:

  • Lengthy Hiring Process: Finding the right fit takes time and effort.
  • Higher Long-Term Costs: Benefits, salaries, and turnover risks add up.

Pros and Cons: Locum Tenens

Pros:

  • Flexibility: Ideal for addressing unexpected absences or short-term demand increases.
  • Specialized Expertise: Quickly access professionals with unique skills or specialties.

Speed: Agencies like VISTA Staffing streamline the process, filling roles fast.

Cons:

  • Temporary Nature: Patients may notice changes in providers, which can affect satisfaction.

Adjustment Periods: Each new hire requires orientation to your practice’s workflows.

How VISTA Staffing Supports Your Staffing Needs

At VISTA Staffing, we simplify both options to ensure your practice thrives.

  • Locum Tenens for Short-Term Needs: Our network of qualified professionals ensures you maintain continuity during transitions or peak seasons.
  • Permanent Placement for Long-Term Growth: We match you with candidates who align with your practice’s goals and culture, streamlining the hiring process.

Consultative Approach: Not sure what you need? We collaborate with you to assess your requirements and develop tailored staffing solutions.

Lisa Ellis, VP of Sales at VISTA Staffing, shares:
“At VISTA Staffing, we understand that every practice is unique and know the value in flexibility. Whether you need long-term stability or short-term flexibility, our goal is to provide the right staffing solution that aligns with your practice’s needs and growth.”

Conclusion: Making the Right Choice

Choosing between permanent placement and locum tenens isn’t about finding a “better” option—it’s about what works for your unique practice. Reflect on your current needs, long-term goals, and budget to make an informed decision. And remember, VISTA Staffing is here to help you navigate these choices seamlessly.Ready to explore your options? Contact VISTA Staffing today and let’s build the right team together!

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