LocumLife - September 2008 - (Page 20)

Getting Oriented that process. Like us, most agencies recognize that a clinician-to-clinician conversation can provide a more realistic snapshot of the situation.” You also can expect staffing firms to assist you with any necessary licensing and credentialing issues, as well as share information about your new surroundings. “The facility informs us about community events, dining options, local entertainment, and other activities for you to do during your spare time,” notes Mr. Brandner. “We take that information and assemble a care package, which you will receive prior to your start date.” As Mr. Brandner notes, locum tenens professionals can also expect to be on the clock when undergoing orientation. “You usually begin orientation the same hour you are scheduled to start the first day, and in most cases, will be compensated at the hourly rate during that time.” WELCOMING CHANGE Gregory Bijak, MD, an anesthesiologist with a subspecialty in pain management, has practiced full-time locum tenens since 2004—a year after completing his residency. “I chose locum tenens because it provides flexibility and exposure to a broader array of practice methods. The situations vary and the challenges are different at each opportunity.” Accepting contracts through Alpharetta, Georgia-based LocumTenens.com, he prefers to take four or five short-term opportunities a year, which makes it easier to schedule time off. Thus far in 2008, Dr. Bijak, who holds seven state licenses, has provided locum tenens services at a facility in the Midwest and at two institutions in the Southwest. “Right now, I am fulfilling an engagement with a group that has a contract with a major referral center. For an earlier opportunity, I was the only anesthesiologist at the hospital for part of the time.” He continues, “The quality level of the facility is the main factor that determines whether I will accept a contract or not. Naturally, I like to hear as much about it as possible.” To this end, Dr. Bijak emphasizes the importance of asking questions. “First of all, find out why the facility has a need for locum tenens services. Secondly, inquire about the case mix. For example, I prefer not to handle cardiac cases, so this information is important for me to know. Furthermore, discuss location, practice style, support staff, and call expectations. If you can, contact the physician you are replacing for a more detailed overview of your responsibilities.” Overall, Dr. Bijak has found his duties to be fairly standard. “Shifts are typically 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., although most facilities expect you to finish all your cases. Call hours begin after 3:00 p.m., “Whether a hospital will give a comprehensive overview of the facility largely depends upon the type of services you are there to provide.” —Jay Breaux When you arrive at your opportunity, the specific orientation you receive will likely depend on the nature of the contract. “With commercial opportunities, we have found that the orientation program is much more simplified and quick,” states Mr. Breaux. “Government contracts, on the other hand, require more certifications and an indepth orientation process. Regarding electronic medical records, for example, some facilities give as many as 3 to 5 days of training on this documentation alone. Others will have a nurse or support person assist you if you are not familiar with the system, while some facilities require previous experience.” He continues, “Whether a hospital will give a comprehensive overview of the facility largely depends upon the type of services you are there to provide. For instance, orientation for a hospitalist or an outpatient position will be shorter than that for an inpatient role, such as a critical care physician. So, specialty will determine the breadth of a hospital orientation.” Circle Career Card No. 605 20 LocumLife SEPTEMBER 2008 http://jobs.locummedical.com http://jobs.locummedical.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of LocumLife - September 2008

LocumLife - September 2008 Editorial Contents From Nalto Stat! Dynamics The Net Last-Minute Luxury Unplugged Going Wireless on the Road Getting Oriented Advertiser Index Opportunities Direct Destinations On Location Contest Rules Anyone's Guess La Vita Locum

LocumLife - September 2008

For optimal viewing of this digital publication, please enable JavaScript and then refresh the page. If you would like to try to load the digital publication without using Flash Player detection, please click here.