Navigating Stress as a Locum

Locuming can be a rewarding and fulfilling way of working for many healthcare professionals. It offers many advantages including flexibility, diversity of work, and the chance to open up your career to new experiences. However, it can also come with its fair share of stress. With the right approach, you can learn about dealing with stress as a locum in a healthy way. In this article, we will explore the various challenges faced by locums and provide strategies for effectively managing stress in this unique professional role.

How Stress Manifests in Locum Roles

Locum work can be a fantastic way to enhance your career, but it can pose some unique challenges. Due to the unique setup of locuming, there may be stress experienced in this role which can manifest in various ways. Understanding how stress presents itself is essential for effectively managing and addressing its impact on your well-being as a locum. Here are some common manifestations of stress in locum roles:

• Emotional and Mental Exhaustion: The constant adaptation, high workload, and pressure to perform can lead to emotional and mental exhaustion. Locums may experience increased irritability, mood swings, anxiety, or difficulty concentrating. Emotional exhaustion can also affect personal relationships and overall job satisfaction.
• Physical Symptoms: Stress can manifest in physical symptoms, such as headaches, muscle tension, fatigue, or sleep disturbances. These physical symptoms can further exacerbate the stress experienced by locums, making it important to prioritise self-care and seek appropriate medical attention when necessary.
• Feelings of Isolation: Locum work often involves moving from one workplace to another, which can create a sense of isolation. Locums may feel disconnected from their colleagues, lacking a stable support system or sense of belonging. This isolation can contribute to increased stress levels and feelings of loneliness.
• Uncertainty and Anxiety: The nature of locum work often means working in unfamiliar settings and dealing with constant change. The uncertainty associated with new environments, different protocols, and unfamiliar colleagues can lead to heightened anxiety levels. The need to quickly adapt and perform at a high level can further contribute to stress and anxiety.
• Work-Life Imbalance: Balancing work commitments and personal life can be particularly challenging for locums. Irregular schedules, long working hours, and the pressure to fill gaps in staffing can disrupt work-life balance. Locums may struggle to find time for self-care, leisure activities, and spending quality time with loved ones, leading to increased stress and feelings of burnout.
• Professional Pressure: Locums often face high expectations to perform at their best in unfamiliar environments. They may encounter new challenges and complex cases, requiring them to quickly adapt and provide quality care. The pressure to prove themselves and meet professional standards can contribute to stress and self-doubt.

Dealing With Stress as a Locum

If you’ve identified growing stress levels around your work as a locum, then your next step is learning how to deal with that stress in a healthy way. So, let’s look at some approaches that you can benefit from to help handle locum-based stress:

• Establishing a Support Network: Building a network of colleagues and mentors can provide valuable emotional support and guidance. Regular interactions with fellow locums or joining professional organisations can help you connect with others who understand the unique challenges of locum work.
• Embracing Self-Care: Prioritising self-care is essential for managing stress. Engaging in activities you enjoy, such as exercising, utilising mindfulness or meditation, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance, can help you recharge and stay resilient.
• Developing Effective Communication Skills: Clear and open communication is vital for successful locum work. Effective communication with colleagues, staff, and patients can help prevent misunderstandings and alleviate stress. Developing strong interpersonal skills, including active listening and assertiveness, can contribute to smoother work experiences.
• Planning and Organisation: Creating a structured approach to your work can help manage time constraints effectively. Make use of calendars, to-do lists, and other organisational tools to prioritise tasks and allocate time efficiently. Breaking down larger projects into smaller, manageable tasks can also reduce overwhelm.
• Learning and Continuous Professional Development: Expanding your knowledge and skills through continuous learning can boost your confidence and reduce stress. Take advantage of available resources, such as conferences, workshops, and online courses, to stay updated on the latest advancements in your field. This proactive approach can help you feel more prepared and competent in your locum roles.
• Seeking Emotional Support: Locum work can sometimes be isolating, as you may not have a stable workplace or team. It's important to recognise when you need emotional support and seek it proactively. This could involve reaching out to friends, family, or even professional therapists who can provide a safe space for you to express your feelings and concerns.
• Setting Realistic Expectations: Locums often step into new environments with high expectations placed upon them. However, it's crucial to set realistic expectations for yourself. Recognise that it takes time to adjust and become familiar with new settings. Allow yourself room for growth and learning, and remember that mistakes are part of the process.
• Practising Stress Reduction Techniques: Implementing stress reduction techniques can be beneficial for managing stress on a daily basis. These techniques may include deep breathing exercises, progressive muscle relaxation, visualisation, or engaging in hobbies that bring you joy. Experiment with different methods to find what works best for you.

Learn How to Handle Stress Effectively as a Locum

Working as a locum is a unique career trajectory that offers many benefits, but it can be a stressful way of working. By understanding the unique challenges faced by locums and implementing effective strategies for managing stress, healthcare professionals can navigate their locum careers with greater ease and well-being. Remember to prioritise self-care, seek support when needed, and continuously invest in your personal and professional development. By doing so, you can thrive in your role as a locum and maintain a healthy work-life balance.

One of the biggest benefits of locum work is that if you don’t like the job you’ve got, there are plenty more opportunities out there for you to try. So take a look at our latest vacancies at Globe Locums to find your next dream job.

Mental Health Resources

Helplines and Crisis Resources

Samaritans – Offers confidential support for people experiencing feelings of distress or despair. Available 24/7.
Phone: 116 123 (free call in the UK and Ireland)
Website: samaritans.org

Mind – Provides advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem. They campaign to improve services, raise awareness, and promote understanding.
Phone: 0300 123 3393
Website: mind.org.uk

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (U.S.) – A national network of local crisis centers that provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24/7.
Phone: 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255)
Website: suicidepreventionlifeline.org

Online Resources and Websites

Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) – Offers information on prevention, treatment, and symptoms of anxiety, depression, and related conditions.
Website: adaa.org

Headspace – An app offering guided meditation, helpful advice, and emergency calming exercises designed to help users manage anxiety, stress, and mental focus.
Website: headspace.com

Mental Health Foundation – Provides a wealth of information and support for anyone facing mental health issues, with a focus on prevention and finding solutions that work for all.
Website: mentalhealth.org.uk

Apps for Mental Health

Calm – An app for meditation and sleep, which helps users reduce anxiety, improve sleep, and feel better overall. It includes guided meditations, Sleep Stories, breathing programs, and relaxing music.
Website: calm.com

BetterHelp – Offers access to licensed, trained, experienced, and accredited psychologists (PhD/PsyD), marriage and family therapists (LMFT), clinical social workers (LCSW / LMSW), or licensed professional counselors (LPC).
Website: betterhelp.com