Post-residency Locums

[minwoo]

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Tried to post this in the other Locums thread but forum is resistant to bumping that thread

Graduating residency in 5 days and have a PP job lined up to start in mid-August. Quickly realizing that I'll be without a paycheck for month+ which is kind of a big deal on a resident's budget. Did a search for locums and sure enough there's a hospital about 5 hours out from where I'll be starting my job with an immediate need. Already have active license and DEA in the state. I reached out to the staffing agency and got the details- Work hours 8a-4p at $175/hr, $200/hr for overtime, no call, malpractice/travel/lodging/car provided. They can get me credentialed within 2 weeks and are happy to have me work for 2-3 weeks.

The hospital is in kind of a rural area with a population of 30,000...how should I go about negotiating the terms? Are there any specific staffing agencies I should try to avoid? And any downsides to doing locums straight out of residency?

 

[IMGASMD]

I think 175 is little low.
I think you should understand your malpractice insurance a little better.
Usually it’s not the company that makes or breaks a job. Ask why there is a need, how long as the opening been there.
If it’s your first job, and it’s only for a week or two, it may be very stressful. By the time you figured it out, you’re done.

They “say” they can get you credentials in very short amount of time..... sometimes just to get you say yet. Be mindful of the possibility that...

Good luck.

 

[pgg]

Solo work? 4:1 supervision?

The rates aren't unreasonable for a new grad generalist. That said, it's rural and there's a locums agency involved, so a simple "I'll do it for 200/hr and 225/hr OT" would probably get you a yes.

A little experience working on your own before showing up to your private practice job is a good thing. Even a couple weeks is worthwhile.

 

[Timeoutofmind]

Tried to post this in the other Locums thread but forum is resistant to bumping that thread

Graduating residency in 5 days and have a PP job lined up to start in mid-August. Quickly realizing that I'll be without a paycheck for month+ which is kind of a big deal on a resident's budget. Did a search for locums and sure enough there's a hospital about 5 hours out from where I'll be starting my job with an immediate need. Already have active license and DEA in the state. I reached out to the staffing agency and got the details- Work hours 8a-4p at $175/hr, $200/hr for overtime, no call, malpractice/travel/lodging/car provided. They can get me credentialed within 2 weeks and are happy to have me work for 2-3 weeks.

The hospital is in kind of a rural area with a population of 30,000...how should I go about negotiating the terms? Are there any specific staffing agencies I should try to avoid? And any downsides to doing locums straight out of residency?

I am doing a gig like this
Negotiated an 8 hr daily minimum guarantee
Would highly recommend
Otherwise if they have days without much scheduled, sucks for u
I am getting paid $1600 this tues without even showing up, as no cases scheduled

And make sure they are covering the tail

 

[minwoo]

Thanks for the pointers, esp on the 8 hr daily minimum! Malpractice is 1M/3M. Bread and butter cases mostly, some labor epidurals, no cardiac/neuro, minimal healthy peds, level 3 trauma center. Sitting my own cases.

Yes that's the other factor- I didn't want to feel rusty starting my new job and really want to hit the ground running. Figure if I don't stop running after residency, it'd only help!

 

[psychbender]

What you stated seems to be a standard opening offer. The first time I worked locums, I didn't know any better, and accepted the rate that they quoted me (slightly less than what you describe). The seconds time, I negotiated higher. $1500-1600 for an 8 hour day, $225-250/he OT plus licensing/credentials/travel/lodging is reasonable, as the agency is getting paid about twice that. Sometimes, the hospital/practice may impose some limitations to what they'll pay the agency. One place wanted to pay a reasonable rate, but no lodging (in Brooklyn)...F that noise.

 

[narcotics999]

What you stated seems to be a standard opening offer. The first time I worked locums, I didn't know any better, and accepted the rate that they quoted me (slightly less than what you describe). The seconds time, I negotiated higher. $1500-1600 for an 8 hour day, $225-250/he OT plus licensing/credentials/travel/lodging is reasonable, as the agency is getting paid about twice that. Sometimes, the hospital/practice may impose some limitations to what they'll pay the agency. One place wanted to pay a reasonable rate, but no lodging (in Brooklyn)...F that noise.

The agency is getting paid at 400$/hr?

How about negotiating directly with the group/hospital for 300$/hr? Win win

 

[minwoo]

Considering that I already have an active license and DEA, does that save the agency some labor/money giving me more pull on negotiation?

 

[IMGASMD]

The agency is getting paid at 400$/hr?

How about negotiating directly with the group/hospital for 300$/hr? Win win

By the time it gets to this stage, knowing where the exact place, it maybe be too late. Also the hospital may not want to piss off the agency, especially for ultra short term assignments. Where are they finding the next doctor after op leaves?

 

[IMGASMD]

Considering that I already have an active license and DEA, does that save the agency some labor/money giving me more pull on negotiation?

It may. I would just ask them for a better rate and guarantee 8 hrs. the worse they can do is say no.

They need you as much as you need them.

 

[kidthor]

Ehhhh locums as a fresh grad sounds a little dicey, especially if it's for less than a month. You'd have a lot of exposure and you're just starting to hone your skills as an attending.

Better to start at your new hospital with a bit of support... Can you really not just borrow money or otherwise float yourself for a month - and during that month visit family or go on vacation? You'll never have a free month like that again...

 

[dabears505]

I worked locum for a week in my month off before starting pp. Best decision I ever made. Went back to locum at that place many weeks during vacation. Ended up quitting partnership track job to locum for a year. Got myself to 0 dollars.

 

[Zekchar]

I recently did my first locum gig. Instead of responding to your questions, I'll post a link that had me summarizing my experience.

Upcoming Locum Assignment - The Hard Numbers

Upcoming Locum Assignment: The Cliff-notes Version Me: Late :( 30's, academic physician, clean record Time: 2 Week assignment March 2019, Mon-Fri, No Weekends Location: North California - 1.5 hours outside of San Francisco Model: Doing own cases - No Supervision Compensation: $200/hour...

forums.studentdoctor.net

 

[IMGASMD]

What about it OP? How did you fare in your year of locum?