Locums
Locums, commonly referred to as locum tenens (Latin for "holding the place"), refers to temporary medical professionals who fill in for permanent staff in healthcare settings. These practitioners, often doctors, nurses, or allied health workers, provide short-term coverage when regular employees are absent due to illness, leave, or other commitments. Locum work is prevalent across various medical fields, including general practice, surgery, psychiatry, and specialized care.
The demand for locums arises from fluctuations in healthcare staffing, seasonal workloads, or unexpected shortages. Hospitals,
Locum tenens agencies act as intermediaries, matching qualified practitioners with available positions. These agencies handle administrative
While locum tenens provides valuable support to healthcare systems, it also presents challenges. Temporary staff may
Locum tenens is not limited to medicine; similar temporary roles exist in other professions, including teaching,