Wondering whether you should take a locums assignment in the field of surgery?
It depends!
- Are you detail-oriented, analytical, compassionate, responsible and fast on your feet?
- Do you have strong communication, problem-solving and multi-tasking skills?
- Are you looking for a career in which you’re constantly learning?
- Do you like the idea of participating in surgery without having to be a surgeon?
If your answers are yes, the surgical field was made for you!
What Is It Like to Work in Surgery as a Locums Advanced Practice Providers
Depending on your assignment, your experience working on a locums assignment in surgery can be extremely fast-paced or much more relaxed. Your responsibilities will depend on whether you’re providing pre-op, operating room, post-op or peri-operative patient care. You can choose a work environment that’s right for you, whether it’s a hospital, ambulatory surgery center or other outpatient setting.
What Types of Surgical Cases Will You Handle as a Locums APP?
Depending on the care model at your facility, you’ll either work directly assisting surgeons and collaborating with other members of the perioperative care team, or you may handle lower acuity cases on your own. Further, you’ll have an array of specialties to choose from, including general surgery, trauma surgery, cardiac care, transplants, GI, orthopedics, ophthalmology and much more.
What Are Some Daily Responsibilities of a Locums APP in Surgical Services?
When you embark on an exciting locums assignment in surgery, you may be taking patient histories, performing examinations, prepping patients for surgery, administering medications, ordering labs, interpreting results, assisting during surgery, setting bones, treating disease and injuries, applying sutures, starting IVs and changing complex dressings. You’ll also play an important role in providing education and moral support for your patients and their families.
How Do Advanced Practice Providers Improve Surgical Services?
Research shows APPs can improve the field of surgery by decreasing wait times, improving overall efficiency, expanding access to care, reducing perioperative risks, improving care quality, enhancing communication and improving patient experience (Spence et. Al). Further, as a locums provider, you’ll be filling in for shortages and treating patients who need you most.
What Are the Benefits of Working as a Locums PA or NP in Surgery?
As a locums APP in surgery, you can enjoy:
- Flexible scheduling
- Competitive pay and plenty of perks
- Ability to pair work and travel
- Personal reward of helping patients at their most vulnerable
- Excellent learning and networking opportunities
- Opportunity to try out a setting before committing long-term
- Much more!
To discover opportunities within the field of surgery, browse our locums surgery jobs today.
