Locum Tenens Travel: Adventure with Housing Perks
Imagine finishing a shift and stepping out to a view of the Rocky Mountains, or spending your weekend exploring the coastal towns of Maine. For many medical professionals, this isn't a vacation, it’s just another Tuesday.
Taking on locum tenens physician jobs offers a unique opportunity to combine your career with a sense of adventure. However, the logistics of working on the road can feel daunting at first glance. Who books the flights? Where will you stay? What are the costs?
Fortunately, the process is far more streamlined than booking a family vacation. When you partner with an established staffing agency, the logistical heavy lifting is done for you. Here is everything you need to know about the travel and housing perks of travel physician jobs.
Locum Tenens Jobs
Who Pays For Travel and Housing?
One of the most common misconceptions about locum tenens work is that the physician pays for travel expenses upfront and waits for reimbursement. In most cases, this isn't true.
When you accept an assignment, the staffing agency typically covers your travel and housing costs completely. This includes:
- Round-trip airfare or mileage reimbursement if you drive.
- Rental car or other ground transportation.
- Private, furnished housing for the duration of your assignment.
Because these expenses are covered on top of your competitive hourly rate, physician jobs in the locum tenens sector often allow you to save a significant portion of your income. You aren't paying rent or a mortgage at your assignment location, which can act as a substantial financial boost.
What Type of Housing Can You Expect?
Comfort is important when you are working away from home. You need a place to recharge after a long shift. Staffing agencies understand this, and they generally aim to place physicians in high-quality, safe, and convenient accommodations.
Depending on the length of your assignment and the location, your housing might look like:
- Extended-stay hotels: These are common for shorter assignments (less than a month). They usually feature kitchenettes and more living space than a standard hotel room.
- Private apartments: For longer assignments, you will likely be placed in a fully furnished apartment. These come equipped with housewares, linens, and utilities set up in advance.
- Rental homes: In rural locations where apartment complexes are scarce, you might be housed in a private rental home.
The goal is to provide a "home away from home" experience. You generally won't have to worry about setting up Wi-Fi or utilities (or even paying for them) – it’s all taken care of before you arrive.
Can You Bring Family or Pets?
Locum tenens jobs don't require you to leave your life behind. Many physicians travel with spouses, children, or pets.
If you plan to bring companions, communicate this to your recruiter early in the process. While standard housing is usually a one-bedroom unit, most agencies are happy to accommodate requests for larger spaces or pet-friendly housing. In these instances, you may be asked to pay the difference in cost or cover a pet deposit, but the flexibility ensures you never have to be lonely while on assignment.
The AMN Healthcare Advantage
Navigating logistics alone can be stressful, which is why partnering with an industry leader is essential. AMN Healthcare specializes in connecting providers with locum tenens physician jobs that fit their lifestyle and career goals.
When you work with AMN Healthcare, you get more than just a job placement. You get a dedicated team handling the details. From credentialing and licensing assistance to arranging your travel itinerary and securing comfortable housing, they manage the administrative side of things. This comprehensive support system ensures that when you arrive at your new facility, you are rested, prepared, and ready to work.
Your Next Adventure Awaits
Switching to a mobile career path offers freedom that traditional permanent roles simply cannot match. Whether you are looking to test out a new city before moving, escape the winter cold, or simply explore the country while earning a premium income, locum tenens offers the perfect vehicle to do so.
Don't let the fear of logistics hold you back. With housing and travel covered, the only thing left for you to do is pack your bags.
