The months after residency are high-leverage: you have fresh skills, board exams looming or freshly passed, and a strong need to understand what practice setting fits your values. Locums can be a structured way to explore—but site selection matters more than ever.
What “autonomy” really means on day one
You may be independently licensed, but operational autonomy varies by hospital policy, specialty, and supervision models. Ask direct questions about cross-cover, consult availability, and escalation pathways—especially overnight.
Documentation load: plan for it
- Ask which EHR is used and whether templates are standardized.
- Clarify expected note timing (same day, before shift end, etc.).
- Understand how APP partnerships split work and who cosigns what.
Choosing safer first assignments
Prioritize sites that publish reasonable census targets, have backup for procedures you are still building confidence in, and communicate culture honestly in interviews. If a site cannot answer basic staffing questions, treat that as a signal.
Loan paydown vs. exploration
Some graduates use locums to accelerate income while exploring geographies. Others prioritize stability. There is no universal answer—only a budget and risk tolerance that should match your contract choices.