How to manage your locum tenens hospitalist salary?
“Locum tenens” is a phrase that came from Latin language and it really means – the placeholder, referring to professionals who are temporary fulfilling duties, a job of someone else. But what that means in a medical surrounding? Well, it is referring to all the staffers who are working a defined period of time for any type of organization that is focusing on healthcare.
There are a number of businesses through which it can be contacted and hired. For example, if some hospital is in need for specific staff like surgeons or physicians, the director of that hospital can contact this kind of business and they will find him a professional that would be perfect for that hospital. These jobs can be as long as one, two or even more years. The position in that jobs may be opened because the previous professional is maybe pregnant, is enrolled in the faculty for a semester or more, is gone to some other institute to upgrade his practical knowledge.
But why do people like working as locum tenens?
With this kind of jobs various professionals can gain new experiences in their field, probably earn more money, and these jobs give you the opportunity to travel, and live in various cities for a short or long period of time. Being a temporary medical worker is also an opportunity for people who didn’t yet decided where their career should go, to take time with this kind of temporary work and test their skills, will and interests.
What determines the salary of a locum tenens hospitalist?
A locum tenens hospitalist salary could potentially be higher than a permanent employee. It all depends on the experience of the worker and the urgency to fill the vacant space. Sometimes it takes a considerate amount of time for a “placeholder” to reach a higher proficiency level. Many salaries will depend on their ability to present themselves as professionals and to negotiate a larger starting sum.
The salary will also depend on what kind of conditions they will need to work in. Professionals who work late or holiday shifts will usually require a higher salary. Another factor could be the time a person requires getting to their workplace. Is it a stressful position where lives depend on them every moment of the day? These are just some of the factors you need to consider when managing a locum tenens hospitalist salary.
In conclusion
Hiring a hospitalist and managing his salary is a very delicate and responsible task. You need to know for how long you are hiring that person. Sometimes a locum tenens could stay for a couple of years in your hospital. If that is the case, they will expect that their salary will raise a couple of times during their stay with you. And If you hire someone on a short-term basis, do you give them a higher salary instantly or start of lower? Careful balancing is required.