Finding the right locum tenens assignment can boost your income, sharpen your skills, and protect your work-life balance—if you choose wisely. This guide breaks down how to choose a locums assignment by focusing on the how, where, and why, so you can secure a high-paying locums job that fits your schedule, specialty, and long-term career goals.
Clarify Your “Why” Before You Compare Offers
Before you look at pay rates or destinations, start by naming what you want this locums assignment to do for you. Maybe you’re aiming to increase income, explore a new region, protect your schedule, avoid burnout, or build experience in a different setting. Once your “why” is clear, it becomes much easier to say yes to the right role—and just as importantly, to say no to the wrong one.
Define the “How” With the Right Contract Fit
Next, translate your goals into concrete must-haves. Consider assignment length, shift types, call expectations, patient volume, and whether you’ll be working solo or with a team. If you thrive on variety, you might prefer a shorter, fast-start assignment; however, if stability matters, a longer contract with predictable shifts may feel far better.
Just as critical, read the details that shape day-to-day life: charting system, support staff ratios, onboarding time, and how scheduling changes are handled. Additionally, confirm what’s included—malpractice coverage, travel reimbursement, lodging, and credentialing support—so there are no surprises after you arrive. A “good” assignment on paper can quickly feel stressful if the operational basics aren’t solid.
Understand the Facility’s “Why” for Hiring Locums
A smart way to evaluate any locums role is to ask why the facility needs coverage. Is it for planned vacation coverage, seasonal demand, maternity leave, or an unexpected staffing gap? When the reason is clear and time-bound, expectations tend to be more realistic. Conversely, if the need is vague, it may signal deeper workflow or retention issues.
Additionally, ask how success will be measured. For example, are you expected to maintain current throughput, reduce backlog, expand service lines, or stabilize a rotating schedule? When you understand the facility’s goals, you can judge whether the support and resources match the responsibility. If the “why” feels misaligned with what they can provide, it’s a sign to negotiate or walk away.
Choose the “Where” With Your Lifestyle in Mind
Location isn’t only about scenery—it affects workflow, cost of living, and your overall energy. Start by deciding what environment helps you perform best: rural, suburban, or urban; community hospital or academic center; outpatient clinic or inpatient service. Then, think through practical factors like commute time, airport access, weather, and what you’ll do during downtime.
Meanwhile, consider how far you want to be from home and how often you plan to return. If you have family responsibilities, proximity and predictable scheduling may outweigh a higher hourly rate. On the other hand, if your goal is exploration, a new region might be exactly the point—especially if the assignment provides housing that makes the transition easier.
Vet the Day-to-Day Experience Before You Commit
After that, get specific about what your typical day will look like. Confirm start and end times, break coverage, consult availability, and escalation pathways. Also, ask who you’ll report to and how clinical questions are handled after hours. These details may seem small, but they often determine whether an assignment feels smooth or chaotic.
Equally important, look at the team culture and operational maturity. Ask about staffing stability, orientation structure, and how new clinicians are introduced to workflows. Furthermore, request clarity on patient mix and procedures, including anything outside your comfort zone. A transparent facility is usually a safer bet than one that offers only broad reassurances.
Align Licensing, Credentialing, and Timing Early
Even the best opportunity can fall apart if timelines aren’t realistic. So, confirm state licensing requirements, expected credentialing duration, and what documents you’ll need. If you’re working in multiple states, prioritize assignments where the credentialing team has a proven process and communicates clearly about deadlines.
Then, plan your personal logistics with the same care. Consider travel frequency, lodging comfort, and whether the schedule supports your routines—exercise, sleep, family calls, and recovery time. Additionally, clarify reimbursement rules up front, including mileage, rental cars, and per diem. When logistics are settled early, you can focus on patient care instead of constantly troubleshooting.
Compare Offers With a Simple Decision Framework
Finally, put each option into a clear comparison so the decision isn’t purely emotional. Rate assignments based on your must-haves: schedule fit, location, facility support, clinical scope, and total compensation (not just hourly pay). In many cases, a slightly lower rate can be worth it if the schedule is healthier and the system runs well.
Choosing the right locum tenens contract is about more than pay—it’s about securing the best match for your specialty, lifestyle, and long-term success. Use these locum tenens tips to compare offers, ask the right questions, and confidently accept a top locums assignment that delivers strong clinical support, smooth credentialing, and a schedule you can actually sustain.