The holidays have a way of reminding us what matters most. Time with family, keeping traditions alive, catching up with friends, or simply enjoying a few days without somewhere to be.
For physicians, finding that time isn't always easy.
Patients still need care. Hospitals need coverage. Emergency departments don't close for the holidays. And while others are making plans, many physicians are figuring out how to fit those moments around their work schedules.
But what if you had more say in how you spent the holidays?
For physicians considering locum tenens, greater control over scheduling can make a meaningful difference. The key is knowing how to use that flexibility to your advantage.
Start With Your Calendar, Not the Job Openings
One of the biggest advantages of locum tenens is the ability to evaluate assignments based on your availability, professional interests, and personal priorities.
Rather than choosing an assignment and arranging everything else around it, start by identifying the dates you want to keep open.
If you want to spend the final two weeks of December at home, consider when your last shift should end, how much travel time you'll need, and when you'd like to return to work.
For example, your availability might look like this:
- Available for assignments: November through December 12
- Personal time reserved: December 15 through January 3
- Available for a new assignment: January 4, assuming credentialing and orientation are complete
Sharing specific dates with your recruiter helps narrow the search to opportunities that fit your plans.
You may also want to consider shorter assignments, consecutive shift blocks, or recurring monthly coverage.
Keep in mind that facilities have their own scheduling requirements. Not every assignment will accommodate your preferred dates, and accepted shifts remain a commitment.
The advantage is understanding those expectations before you agree to them.
Six Questions to Ask Before Accepting an Assignment
An assignment may look like a good fit until you learn about additional shifts, call responsibilities, or required orientation.
Before committing, make sure you understand the full schedule.
- What are the exact shift dates and times? Confirm the complete schedule, including nights, weekends, and any holiday coverage requirements.
- Are there minimum shift commitments? Some facilities require consecutive shifts or a specific number of shifts each month. Make sure those expectations work with your availability.
- Will I have call responsibilities? Ask whether call extends beyond scheduled shifts and whether additional coverage is expected.
- Is orientation required before my first shift? Facility onboarding and electronic medical record training may require additional time before your assignment begins.
- How are travel and lodging handled? Confirm who coordinates arrangements, when you're expected to arrive, and how potential travel disruptions are addressed.
- What happens if additional coverage is requested? Understand how schedule changes are approved and how additional shifts are compensated.
These conversations are particularly important when you're scheduling an assignment around family commitments or holiday travel.
Whenever possible, have your final schedule and important assignment expectations documented before committing.
Give Yourself Time to Get Home
Holiday travel deserves some extra consideration.
Finishing an overnight shift on December 23 doesn't necessarily mean you'll be home and rested for Christmas Eve.
Winter weather, flight delays, long drives, and fatigue after consecutive shifts can complicate even well-planned travel.
If being home for a particular occasion matters, consider building additional time between your final shift and your personal plans.
You might also explore assignments within driving distance, particularly if you'd prefer greater control over your return trip.
Travel arrangements vary, so discuss these details with your recruiter before accepting an opportunity.
Looking Ahead to 2027
The final months of the year are also an opportunity to think about your next assignment.
If you're considering locum tenens work in January, February, or March, now is a good time to review your credentials and discuss potential openings.
Before beginning your search, make sure you have:
- An updated CV reflecting your recent assignments and practice history.
- Current state licenses and an understanding of any additional licensing requirements.
- Board certification and supporting documentation required for your specialty.
- Updated professional references and credentialing information.
- A general availability schedule outlining preferred regions, shift arrangements, and monthly commitments.
If you're considering opportunities in additional states, the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact (IMLC) may help eligible physicians obtain separate state licenses through an expedited process.
Remember that licensing, facility credentialing, and hospital privileges are separate requirements. An active license doesn't necessarily mean you're ready to begin working immediately.
Planning ahead gives you more time to prepare and evaluate assignments before making a commitment.
Finding the Right Balance
Flexibility is valuable, but it's only one part of choosing the right assignment.
A shorter assignment may allow more time at home but also mean fewer paid shifts. An opportunity closer to home could reduce travel, while a longer assignment might provide greater income consistency.
Consider the entire opportunity, including compensation, clinical responsibilities, schedule expectations, and time away from home.
For some physicians, the holidays are an opportunity to accept additional shifts and support facilities when coverage is needed. For others, they're a chance to spend uninterrupted time with family.
Locum tenens provides the opportunity to consider both.
And those choices extend beyond the holidays. The same approach can help when planning vacations, family milestones, or time between assignments.
A career in medicine comes with significant responsibilities, but that doesn't mean your personal priorities should always come second.
Because sometimes the best place your career can take you is home.
At WPA Medicine Staffing, we help physicians and advanced practice providers explore locum tenens opportunities that fit their experience, availability, and professional goals. Whether you're considering an assignment before the holidays or planning your schedule for 2027, we'd welcome the opportunity to hear what you're looking for. Your schedule. Your priorities. Your next opportunity. Contact us at info@wpamedstaffing.com to learn more, or apply to one of the opportunities listed on our jobs page.