If you’re a physician, NP, PA, or CRNA curious about locum tenens, chances are you’ve heard the warnings. “It’s not stable.” “You won’t get benefits.” “It’s only for doctors nearing retirement.”
But how much of that is actually true?
Locum tenens has evolved. What used to be seen as a temporary solution or end-of-career option is now a strategic and flexible way to practice medicine on your own terms. Still, a handful of persistent myths keep many clinicians from giving it a fair look.
Let’s set the record straight.
Myth 1: Locum Work Isn’t Stable
Many assume locum assignments are unpredictable or inconsistent. The truth is, demand for temporary clinical coverage is at an all-time high. Between staffing shortages, seasonal needs, and provider leaves, healthcare systems across the country rely heavily on locum clinicians.
Stability in locum tenens doesn’t come from one long-term contract—it comes from your ability to choose work that fits, when and where you want it. Some providers prefer back-to-back assignments year-round; others build in breaks for travel, family, or rest. Either way, the work is out there, and it’s steady.
Myth 2: You Can’t Get Benefits
Locum tenens roles are typically structured as 1099 contracts, which means benefits aren’t built into the job the way they might be in a salaried position. But that doesn’t mean you have to go without.
Many independent clinicians secure private health insurance, open retirement accounts with tax advantages, and work with advisors to build financial plans that serve their needs. In fact, the flexibility often allows for more customized and cost-effective options than traditional benefits packages.
Myth 3: It’s Only for Older or Semi-Retired Clinicians
This may have been true decades ago, but not anymore. Today, many early-career providers use locum tenens to explore different settings, avoid burnout, and gain diverse clinical experience.
Whether you’re just finishing training or looking for a career reset, locums can help you clarify what you want before committing to a long-term role. It’s an active choice, not a fallback.
Myth 4: It Looks Bad on a Resume
Some worry that locum experience will raise red flags on a CV. In reality, it can be the opposite.
Working across different systems, adapting quickly to new teams, and managing varied patient populations all speak to a provider’s versatility, initiative, and clinical strength. Hiring managers increasingly recognize locum experience as a sign of professional maturity and range, not instability.
Myth 5: Credentialing Takes Forever
Credentialing can be a hurdle but it doesn’t have to be a dealbreaker. Delays usually stem from disorganization or lack of preparation, not the nature of the work itself.
Providers who keep their documents up to date and work with organized teams often move through credentialing quickly. Planning ahead and staying proactive can save weeks of waiting and get you into assignments faster.
Locum Tenens Isn’t a Risk. It’s a Reset.
Behind most myths is a little truth—usually outdated or misunderstood. Today, locum tenens offers a way to practice medicine with more freedom, clarity, and control.
It can be a stepping stone, a season of exploration, or a long-term lifestyle. Whatever your reason for considering it, know that locums isn’t about giving something up. It’s about creating space for the things that matter most.
Your career doesn’t have to follow a traditional path. It just needs to work for you.
