What is a Locum Hospitalist?

When considering locum tenens and medical moonlighting positions, you might come across the term locum hospitalist. If you are interested in learning more about the locum hospitalist role, the experts at OnCall Solutions are here with insight.

A Closer Look at Locum Hospitalists

So what is a locum hospitalist? A locum hospitalist is a trained and certified medical professional who fills locum tenens positions in the inpatient hospital setting.

Locum tenens translates from Latin for one who holds the place. These positions involve covering a medical ing gap—whether for a single shift, an entire week, or several months at a time. Locum tenens ers frequently fill in for physicians, PAs, or nurse practitioners on vacation or maternity leave; however, they may also cover an opening while the looks for a full-time hire.

Medical ing positions are not one-size-fits-all. For example, a physician’s role can involve different hours, responsibilities, and regulations in the hospital setting than it does in a family care practice—which is why you might distinguish locum hospitalists from other locum tenens medical professionals.

Pros of Locum Hospitalists Roles

Locum hospitalist positions have several unique advantages for physicians, physician assistants, and nurse practitioners. Let’s explore some positive sides of locum hospitalist roles that you might not find in other locum tenens positions.

• Availability of positions: Especially today, your local hospitals have an abundance of available positions for locum hospitalists. If you are interested in taking control of your practice while still working in the hospital setting, locum hospitalist positions are for you.
• Frequency of work: Similarly, if you find a possibility you enjoy working locum at, you will likely be able to find work as frequently (or infrequently) as you decide.
• Pay: Locum hospitalist roles often have a wide variety of available hours—and they can pay at a higher hourly rate than full-time positions and other locum roles. You can read more in our guide to locum tenens and moonlighting salaries.
• Building connections: Locum hospitalists have the ability to interact and network with other professionals, allowing them to build their professional network and gain reputation as an excellent clinician serving local patients

• Controlling your practice: As a locum hospitalist, you control your practice. In this position, you can pick and choose the hospitals and available locum roles you employ.

Cons of Locum Hospitalists Roles

Locum hospitalist positions are certainly not for everyone. They embody both the pros and the cons of working in a hospital. Let’s take a closer look at some considerations for those comparing locum hospitalist roles to other locum tenens positions.

• Hours: Working locum at a family practice might involve limited hours, as many practices and clinics are only open from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. Meanwhile, hospitals are open 24/7—meaning that locum hospitalist roles may involve later (and longer) shifts.
• Stressful environment: The hospital environment can be fast-paced and high-pressure. You may deal with added stress when working as a locum hospitalist.
• Medical malpractice coverage: When working in a hospital, medical malpractice protection is essential. If you do not partner with the right ing agency, you can find yourself paying out of pocket for coverage. OnCall Solutions, for example, provides all of our locum hospitalists with comprehensive malpractice insurance—including tail coverage—at no additional cost.

OnCall Solutions: Your Locum Hospitalist Agency

When you are ready to work within a locum hospitalist role, OnCall Solutions is here to help. We streamline the credentialing process to partner physicians, physician assistants, and nurses with locum hospitalist positions in their areas. You can contact OnCall Solutions to learn more or get started today!