I finished my last locum tenens assignment in October. My partner moved to the USA in December so my priority has been getting him situated. I planned on us being in Miami for 2 months so we could spend time with my family and friends for the holidays. I rented a mid-term rental in Brickell/Downtown Miami because it is walkable. I figured that would make the transition easier since he is used to that coming from Europe. Then I was going to take a locum tenens assignment possibly in my favorite place, San Diego, CA.
However, it has been a bigger adjustment for my partner to move here than we expected. So, he would like to stay in Miami a few months longer. He would like to get more comfortable with driving here, as he never really drove in Europe since public transportation is convenient there. I am so used to moving and living in different places, that I forgot it can be a challenge to live somewhere new.
In the meantime, I have been working telemedicine part-time. This has allowed for greater flexibility. I can make the same amount I make working as a locums tenens NP full-time, as a part-time telemedicine NP. The only difference is my housing and rental car is not covered. It makes me wonder if it is worth going back to being a travel NP – if I can make double the income doing telemedicine, and/or work less.
The thought of traveling and living in new places still interests me. I supposed I can always just get a mid-term rental and pay for it myself, while working in telemedicine in a new state. Although telemedicine is easier than working in clinic, it still has its challenges. It drains me to tell patients again and again that they do not need antibiotics after being sick for 1 day; and having to deal with angry patients who think seeing a telemedicine provider is like going to McDonalds and they can order whatever they want from the menu.
I do miss working in clinic sometimes because at least there is more complexity. Vs in telemedicine I am doing simple visits such as UTI’s, erectile dysfunction, cold symptoms, and birth control, etc. It can get tedious. I also want to keep my “hands-on” experience. I believe after working in telemedicine only for 2 years it may be difficult to get an in-person job.
So, I am at a crossroads. I will have to continue working telemedicine for now, and I think at a minimum I will pick up at least one 3-month locums assignment this year.
Would you rather work part-time in Telemedicine and pay for your own housing and car for the equivalent pay of working full-time in clinic? Or would you rather work full-time as a Traveling NP and have your housing and car covered? Not to mention free travel…
I used to do locum assignments until my assignment ended during covid. They let all contractors go since they were losing money. I got into telemedicine and never looked back as I made more money sitting in the comfort of my own home. You’re right, some patients act like it’s burger King but I stand my ground.
Hi Sophia!
Would you mind to share who you are working for via Telehealth?
Thanks!
Just landed on 2/7 at ATL after 3 mo in SoCal wine country. Again with IHS – here and AK (I do owe you an article about that).
They hired a new Pediatrician who had the same worries – would she lose her skills. Our templates are 1 hr for well-child checks, and 30 min for sick visits. 1 hr for telehealth – even if a med refill – as you know, it is NEVER just the one reason for the call!
I was so hot to get out of the Residence Inn – never thinking I was so close to Platinum status! Should have stayed, but in a larger room. Ended up in a gorgeous airbnb overlooking vineyards. This time of year, everything is dead/dusty. No fun.
With National, I have a high status, except, in order to get anything on the lot, I have to book a full-size car or bigger. Agency paid for ‘Jetta or similar’. Ended up w/an SUV, as I was in such agony when I arrived at the desk, the lady said I’d never get out of a Jetta – too low. A bunch of key clicks later, she said she can tell if they will pay if she puts in the larger car – they did.
Unfortunately, the IHS is very much like telehealth – they must be native Americans to be seen. Older folks want what they want, and have no problem reporting you if you don’t give them what they want. After my 3rd write-up, I told them I was sick of this CRP and I’ll just quit now. “Oh no, please don’t leave, we love you “!
Had contract extended last Monday, 2/2. On Tuesday they interviewed and hired a PNP who will stay for 6 months – didn’t need me and my 1 month extension, so back to no extension on Wednesday!
Fine, we’re driving back to FL after looking at houses – I want to go back to GA,
IHS is the only place I’ll work – they pay stupid money, beautiful new clinics, and the people are so warm and welcoming.
Hmm I want to try working at an IHS. But I don’t think my partner would want to be in a remote area