Moonlighting as a PGY-2?

[Cholinergic]

My current state allows you to be fully licensed after 1 year of training. I'm a PGY-2 and am allowed to moonlight per my program. However, in doing a prelim search for a job, the employers want BE/BC people who've completed a residency. Any suggestions on where to look for a job? Or should I just forget about moonlighting and wait until I finish residency? I don't want to spend $800 on an unrestricted license that I won't be able to use.

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[jdh71]

My current state allows you to be fully licensed after 1 year of training. I'm a PGY-2 and am allowed to moonlight per my program. However, in doing a prelim search for a job, the employers want BE/BC people who've completed a residency. Any suggestions on where to look for a job? Or should I just forget about moonlighting and wait until I finish residency? I don't want to spend $800 on an unrestricted license that I won't be able to use.

You won't be able to find hospitalist gigs until you actually can be one. The only thing you can do is urgent care work. And you might find a rural ER to let you work but it's not the kind of work I would have comfortable with pgy2. He'll sick infants would still make me sweat.

 

[gutonc]

Almost all of the moonlighting options available for residents is going to be in-house gigs. If you have no in-house moonlighting, you're unlikely to have many options. The only outside gig I know of in my town is at an LTAC where they pay residents $60/h but they pay BC/BE folks $100/h.

 

[Shinken]

My current state allows you to be fully licensed after 1 year of training. I'm a PGY-2 and am allowed to moonlight per my program. However, in doing a prelim search for a job, the employers want BE/BC people who've completed a residency. Any suggestions on where to look for a job? Or should I just forget about moonlighting and wait until I finish residency? I don't want to spend $800 on an unrestricted license that I won't be able to use.

When I was a resident I was able to moonlight at an urgent care clinic. They had a group malpractice policy so all I had to do was join that group policy. I did not have to cover my malpractice, which was nice.

Another option for residents in my area are places like federal health centers that need physicians. If you have your license you can moonlight there, and there's no need for malpractice insurance there either.

Probably the best thing for you to do is to speak to other residents in your program who are moonlighting to get their opinion.

 

[Groove]

Don't moonlight until you feel ready. Your options, some of which have already been stated... Rural ED, urgent care, nursing home, VA, etc..

That being said, don't ever lose sight of your oath of "do no harm" for the $$$. Being sued during residency would not be worth the paycheck you received during that particular shift. So, just make sure you feel ready, regardless of the situation.

That being said, plenty of residents moonlight for extra cash and do just fine. Good luck.

 

[Cholinergic]

Thank you all for the replies. I got a lead on a potential job but she told me to follow up with her after I get the license. I went ahead and applied. Hopefully it doesn't take to long!

 

[Cholinergic]

Almost all of the moonlighting options available for residents is going to be in-house gigs. If you have no in-house moonlighting, you're unlikely to have many options. The only outside gig I know of in my town is at an LTAC where they pay residents $60/h but they pay BC/BE folks $100/h.

Pardon my ignorance but what's LTAC?

 

[Buzz Me]

Long Term Acute Care hospital.

 

[Cholinergic]

Long Term Acute Care hospital.

Thanks. 👍

 

[45408]

Pardon my ignorance but what's LTAC?

Kind of like a nursing home that can do ventilators, dialysis, VAC changes, etc.

 

[nlax30]

I've also heard of some residents moonlighting at free standing radiology centers where they pretty much just pay to have a doc sit around to handle any contrast allergic reactions. Might be something to look into.

 

[TexasPhysician]

Asking upper years is the best resource. Most moonlighting gigs don't advertise they have openings.

 

[nitemagi]

Asking upper years is the best resource. Most moonlighting gigs don't advertise they have openings.

Agreed. A lot of this depends on your state and specialty. And just because you're licensed, doesn't mean job will want you. I did 4 moonlighting jobs during my 3rd year simultaneously(yes I burned out quickly). Our city had tons of opportunities, None in house, but almost none of the outside jobs wanted a 2nd year resident even though I was licensed. They only took 3rd years. I did do some disability evals as a 2nd year (gruelling in psychiatry, don't recommend it). Your PD might also put limits on moonlighting. And keep in mind all work hours (including moonlighting) now count towards the 80 hour limit. Plus remember most places take at least 1-2 months to credential you, plus the wait time for actually getting your license (some medical boards are quick, others take 6 months).