How to Succeed as a Locum Tenens Professional in New Jersey

Locum tenens assignments in New Jersey provide flexible career development opportunities for advanced care providers in a wide range of specialties. 

Whether you are looking for a full-time nurse practitioner job or a part-time physician assistant position at a family practice, you’ll find plenty of options in New Jersey’s bustling healthcare market. Here’s everything you need to know about succeeding when participating in locum tenens in New Jersey.

Table of Contents

• New Jersey's Healthcare Landscape
• Locum Tenens Salaries in New Jersey
• Requirements for Locum Tenens in New Jersey
• Lifestyle and Living in New Jersey
• Tips for a Successful Assignment

 

New Jersey’s Healthcare Landscape

Job seekers looking for locum tenens roles often consider New Jersey due to the state’s dynamic healthcare landscape. There are a plethora of locum tenens jobs due to the market’s growth rate – the market is expected to grow 8% between 2024 and 2030. Here’s an overview of what you can expect when looking for staffing opportunities in New Jersey.

Overview of Healthcare Facilities

New Jersey boasts diverse healthcare facilities, ranging from large teaching hospitals and research institutions to community clinics and private practices. Areas like Newark, Atlantic City, Trenton, and parts of northern New Jersey are particularly appealing to individuals looking for new jobs.

The state is home to numerous top-ranked hospitals and a robust network of outpatient centers, urgent care facilities, and specialized treatment clinics. Regardless of your specialty or career goals, you will have plenty of opportunities. 

You can also explore opportunities in neighboring areas like Philadelphia and New York, which are a short commute from New Jersey.

Demand for Locum Tenens in New Jersey

The market for locum tenens in New Jersey benefits from the area’s growing population and high demand for skilled medical professionals. The area is also contending with a severe physician and nursing shortage.

According to recent estimates from the American Board of Family Medicine, New Jersey has the lowest concentration of family physicians in the nation. There are just 17 primary care physicians per 100,000 residents.

New Jersey is also in dire need of nurses, with experts predicting that the state will be short over 11,000 registered nurses by 2030. There are already tons of travel nurse positions in the state, with more postings likely to emerge as the shortage worsens.

Specialties in High Demand

Family medicine and nursing roles are in the highest demand. There are also plenty of job alerts for care providers who specialize in:

• Emergency medicine
• Hematology
• Radiology
• Psychiatry
• Gynecology
• General surgery
• Gastroenterology
• Anesthesiology
• Obstetrics
• Oncology

Due to the shortage, many of these job descriptions boast competitive compensation and flexible 12-hour shifts. You’ll have no problem finding the right locum tenens opportunity for your career goals.

 

Locum Tenens Salaries in New Jersey

Locum tenens salaries vary based on where you work, what specialty you operate in, and seasonal demand fluctuations. 

As you conduct your job search, carefully review all benefits and compensation being offered, including salary, housing allowance, and other perks. Many facilities are offering additional benefits to fill vacancies as soon as possible.

Salary Expectations by Profession

Your salary expectations will vary depending on what specialty you operate within and the nature of the position. You may also be eligible for additional compensation for working nights and weekends as opposed to only working weekdays.

A physician’s assistant can earn approximately $115-$130 per hour by working as a locum tenens in New Jersey. The pay for PAs is relatively similar throughout most of the state.

Conversely, physician pay varies greatly depending on your specialty. Locum tenens pediatricians typically earn between $168,000 and $190,000 annually. Top earners bring in over $277,000 annually.

General surgeons earn much more. Locum tenens positions in New Jersey pay approximately $239,000-$267,000 annually. At the top end, general surgeon locum tenens providers can earn upward of $400,000.

Locum tenens anesthesiologist jobs in New Jersey are about on par with general surgeon pay. Top earners make over $406,000 per year. However, pay is less than the national average. Comparing your earning potential to the national average will help you make informed choices when deciding where to take your talents.

Benefits and Perks for Locum Tenens Providers

Locum tenens providers typically enjoy lots of perks, as recruiters want to entice you to come work at the facilities they have partnered with. Healthcare facilities will often offer add-on benefits like:

• Per diem allowances for meals and housing
• Flat housing fees
• Flexible schedules

Remember, these facilities want you to work for them. That’s why they are offering these extra perks. Keep that in mind when comparing vacancies.

Take time to crunch the numbers on per diem allowances versus flat housing allowances. In some cases, you may find that the per diem benefit puts more money in your pocket. In other instances, the flat rate may be the better choice.

Also, keep in mind that these rates are negotiable. You can ask for additional perks — within reason, of course.

Cost of Living and Its Impact on Earnings

Don’t just look at pay and benefits. Pay close attention to the cost of living as well. The cost of living in New Jersey is 11% higher than the national average. Living in Newark costs 16% more than the national average, which means you’ll pay more to cover rent, food, and transportation.

Speaking of housing, rent and mortgages in New Jersey are 30% higher than the national average. With that in mind, it’s a good idea to research rent options before picking a destination and assignment. 

If the employer is offering a housing allowance, find out whether it’s enough to cover your rent and utilities. If not, make sure you are okay covering the difference.

 

Requirements for Locum Tenens in New Jersey

Before you start applying for locum tenens roles in New Jersey, make sure you meet state license requirements and have all the necessary documentation. Here’s a brief look at what you’ll need.

Licensing Process for New Jersey

Obtaining a medical license in New Jersey involves several steps. Fortunately, the state offers licensure by reciprocity, which means they will issue you a license after they verify that the state where your license originated has requirements that are “substantially equivalent” to current board standards.

You must have been practicing medicine for at least two years within the five years preceding your date of application.

You’ll also need to pay a licensing fee and background check fee. Once the state receives these fees, it will process your application and initiate your background check. The entire process can take a few weeks or more, so make sure to submit your application well before your locum tenens start date.

Credentialing Requirements

The hospital or clinical facility will also need to verify your credentials. They will check the status of various certifications, such as your advanced cardiovascular life support certification. If any of your courses are expired, you may need to renew them before being selected for a locum tenens position.

Carefully review each facility’s credentialing requirements so that you can prevent any delays in your application process. If you partner with GHR Healthcare, we will help expedite these processes so you can quickly make a move to your dream position.

 

Lifestyle and Living in New Jersey

After you’ve addressed the logistical and salary aspects of moving, it’s time to focus on where you’ll live. There are plenty of great living opportunities in New Jersey and lots to do. The key is to find a location that aligns with your transportation needs and personal preferences.

If you plan on relying on public transportation to get around, consider housing near the place you’ll be working. If you are bringing a vehicle with you, you’ll have more flexibility but will also need to ensure the place you move to has adequate parking.

Best Neighborhoods to Live In

New Jersey offers a variety of desirable neighborhoods to suit different lifestyles and preferences. Hoboken is one of the best areas for healthcare providers. It has a vibrant nightlife and proximity to New York City. Princeton has a charming downtown area and top-rated schools.

Montclair is another hot spot. It has plenty of amenities and everything you’d expect from a thriving suburban area.

Activities and Attractions

New Jersey has beautiful beaches along the famous Jersey Shore. There are also lots of state parks for hiking and outdoor activities. If you are more interested in cultural attractions, consider one of the state’s many museums, theaters, and historic sites.

The Liberty Science Center is a family-friendly destination that will satiate your passion for learning. The city is also close to New York City and Philadelphia, allowing you to branch out.

Dining and Nightlife

New Jersey’s dining scene is diverse and vibrant, offering everything from high-end restaurants to classic diners. The state is famous for its Italian cuisine, especially in areas like Hoboken and Jersey City.

If you venture out to coastal cities like Cape May and Point Pleasant, you’ll enjoy some of the best seafood the state has to offer. Many restaurants in the area often have live music as well.

 

Tips for a Successful Locum Tenens Assignment in New Jersey

Here are a few more tips to make your time in New Jersey especially successful.

Preparing for Your Assignment

To ensure a smooth transition to your new home, it’s important to prepare thoroughly. This includes understanding the specific requirements of your assignment and familiarizing yourself with the area you’ll be moving to.

Arrange housing and transportation in advance to avoid any last-minute delays or cancellations. Make sure to connect with your hiring agency to set expectations for your role.

Adjusting to a New Workplace Environment

Adapting to a new workplace can be challenging, but there are strategies to make the transition easier. Start by learning about the facility’s policies and procedures, and take the time to meet your colleagues and build rapport. Being open to feedback and flexible in your approach will help you step right into the new environment.

Networking and Professional Development

Locum tenens assignments offer excellent opportunities for networking and professional growth. Take advantage of these assignments to meet new colleagues and learn from different healthcare systems. A strong professional network can set the stage for a long and successful career.

 

Why Locum Tenens in NJ Is So Popular

New Jersey has tons of job opportunities for healthcare professionals in a variety of specialties. The competitive pay and unique geographic position make it a desirable location if you want to develop new skills and further your career.

If you’re interested in locum tenens in New Jersey, explore job opportunities. Once you’ve found what you’re looking for, make sure your licensing and credentials are in order, and then choose where you’ll live and enjoy expanding your career in New Jersey.

 

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