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Hospitalists demanding part-time schedules

Hospitalist Leadership Connection, February 26, 2008

An article published in the December 2007 issue of Today's Hospitalist reports that offering flexible or part-time schedules is one of the top three most effective retention strategies. The trend is peaking as more and more hospitalists seek work-life balance. Offering flexible and part-time schedules can help short-staffed and/or growing hospitalist programs attract, and more importantly, retain qualified physicians.

When recruiting part-time hospitalists:

• Be upfront about available schedules. Hospitalists should be upfront with the hospital they are applying to about their desire to work a part-time schedule, even though many don't mention it until late in the recruiting process. Similarly, hospitals should be upfront with applicants regarding available schedules. Not discussing schedules upfront can lead to disappointment for both parties.
• Consider compensation. Be clear about how you plan to compensate part-time hospitalists early in the recruiting process (a part-time hospitalist's salary is typically tied to the number of shifts he or she works). Don't be surprised if a part-time hospitalist asks about other incentives, such as signing bonuses, that full-time physicians receive.
• Be clear about expectations: While part-timers need to attend staff meetings, their other hospital-related responsibilities aren't as clear. Let part-time hospitalists know how much you expect them to participate in committee meetings and other hospital activities.
  

To learn more about the part-time hospitalist trend, click here.

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