Have you considered working as an interim professional? An interim or contract assignment can offer unique opportunities for career growth, flexibility, and exposure to a variety of healthcare organizations. This overview can help you determine whether an interim or contract assignment is a good fit for your professional and personal goals.
Interim or contract work is not for everyone. However, this approach to filling critical positions has existed in healthcare for many years. Contract nursing and interim Nursing Home Administrator (NHA) positions are long-established examples of organizations using interim or contract professionals to meet staffing needs. Employers partner with agencies to fill these open positions for a variety of reasons, including periods of change, growth, or transition. In recent years, healthcare organizations have expanded their use of interim professionals beyond clinical roles to include executive and senior leadership roles such as Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Chief Operating Officer (COO), or Regional Directors. As a result, interim (contract) assignments are now an established workforce strategy across many areas of healthcare leadership.
This type of work can be highly rewarding for professionals who enjoy variety, adapt quickly to new environments, and thrive in established teams. If you prefer working in different locations, embracing new challenges, and contributing to organizations for a defined period—rather than committing to a permanent position— interim or contract work may be an excellent fit.
Interim assignments often involve serving as an independent contractor (IRS Form 1099), which comes with a host of additional responsibilities for the contracted worker. These responsibilities include being an outstanding record keeper, detailing mileage to and from the work location, depreciation of your vehicle, and expenses for any “special” work-related items required by the client (special clothing or equipment required). Working as an independent contractor may also mean short or long assignments, with or without the possibility of becoming an employee of the client.
For many professionals, the advantages outweigh the challenges. Interim work can provide flexibility, professional growth, expanded networking opportunities, and the chance to make an immediate impact in organizations that need experienced leadership and expertise.
Below is a short list of the pros and cons of interim or contract work.
Pros of Interim/Contract Work
Cons of Interim/Contract Work
- Assignments have defined lengths
- Ability to connect with different companies
- Exposure to different organizations, management styles,
and operational challenges - Potentially higher hourly rates
- Reimbursement for travel expenses
- Ability to “check out” the company as a potential employer
- Choosing the assignments that fit your schedule, no need for “PTO”
- No employer benefits, paid time off (PTO) or holiday pay
- Responsible for self-employment taxes
- Often little onboarding to the position
- No guarantee of continued assignments
- Assignments may be cut short without notice
- No protection for work-related injuries
- Need to carry individual liability insurance
- Must keep detailed records
- Client does not pay for ongoing training needed
If you are searching for an interim assignment, please reach out to LW Consulting, Inc. We have placed interim consultants with a variety of organizations and would welcome the opportunity to work with you.
LW Consulting, Inc. (LWCI) offers a comprehensive range of services to assist your organization in maintaining compliance, identifying trends, providing education and training, or conducting documentation and coding audits. For more information, contact LWCI to connect with one of our experts!
