There is a lot to consider when contemplating your next move as a health care provider and the right match is in the details. The first thing you may want to consider carefully is the medical job environment.  The following are some questions to ask potential employers about the environment that you will be working in.  In order to find the right opportunity for you it is imperative that you discuss these details with the hiring manager to ensure that you have all of the facts necessary to make the best and most informed decision possible.

Hospitals:

• How many beds does this hospital have?
• What is the average number of patients per shift in this department?
• What are the shift schedules?
• What is the in-house and on-call coverage?
• How many physicians, NPs and PAs are scheduled to work each shift in this department and what is their experience level?
• What are the philosophies of this hospital in regard to the practice of medicine (e.g., more holistic, more traditional, more progressive)? Are they in line with your own views?
• What are the credentials of your colleagues, and do you share the same interests?
• Does this job meet your specific goals for compensation, including benefits?
• What type of documentation system does the hospital use?
• What is the typical turnaround time on test results?
• Is the schedule based on block shifts? What is the shift length?
• How are overnight admissions handled?

Emergency Departments:

• What are the annual patient volumes?
• How is the ED equipped, and what specialty backups are available?
• How many beds, bays, and exam areas is the ED equipped with?
• What are the physician, NP and PA shift schedules?
• What are the total hours of physician coverage per day?
• What is the percentage of trauma and what types of trauma?
• What is the average PPH per physician?
• What are the Nurse Practitioner and Physician Assistant shift schedules?
• Is there a Fast Track at the facility? How is it staffed?
• Who will be handling admits?
• How many physicians, PAs and nursing staff per shift and what is their experience level?
• What is the turnaround time on test results?
• What type of documentation system does the ED use?
• What are the credentials of your colleagues, and do you share the same interests?
• What is the practice structure, group vs. hospital employee?
• How many required annual hours?
• What specific goals do you have for compensation, including benefits?

Private Practices:

• What are the credentials of your colleagues, and do you share the same interests?
• What are the philosophies in regard to the practice of medicine (e.g., more holistic, more traditional, more progressive)? Are they in line with your own views?
• What is the structure of the practice?
• What is the average number of patients you will be seeing per day?
• How many exam rooms does the office include?
• What type of documentation system does the practice use?
• Does this office have any of its own lab, EKG, ultrasound, x-ray, etc. equipment?
• What off-site facilities, if any are used for lab work, x-rays, and other tests?
• Does the practice have more than one location? If so, would you be required to work at more than one office? If so, what would be your schedule at each?
• What inpatient facilities support this practice, and where are they located?
• How many physicians, NPs and PAs are currently working at this practice?
• Does this job meet your specific compensation needs, including benefits?

Urgent Care Facilities

• How is this facility staffed?
• What is the practice structure?
• What are the annual patient volumes at the facility?
• What is the average PPH?
• What are the shift schedules?
• How is the facility equipped (e.g., laboratory, x-ray, and ultrasound equipment?)
• What is the turnaround time on test results?
• How many exam areas is the facility equipped with?
• What type of documentation system does the facility use?
• What local facilities are available for referral for severe cases?
• How many physicians, NPs and PAs are on duty per shift and what is their experience level?
• What specific goals do you have for compensation, including benefits?
• What are the credentials of your colleagues, and do you share the same interests?

Questions about the Community (if relocating)

• Is this a family-friendly community? Is the neighborhood geared to a specific age demographic?
• What is the diversity in the housing market?
• What are the options in leasing or home ownership in the area?
• What is the education system like in this community?
• How do the public and private schools rate?
• Are there institutions of higher education close by?
• What are the options for recreation and cultural events?
• Is there access to major sporting and concert events?
• Does the area offer live theatre?
• Are there family-friendly activities such as museums and parks available?
• What types of hobbies can you participate in? Are there opportunities for golf, fishing, boating, etc.?
• Is there an International airport and/or a major metropolitan area within a short driving distance?

These are just some of the aspects of the career transition you may be considering.  When working with a recruiter, you should always expect the highest level of commitment throughout the entire recruitment process – from presentation to the final contract.  Finding the right job can be very challenging, at the very least..  especially if you are relocating.  It is extremely difficult to find the time to search for a new opportunity when you’re busy working.  A qualified recruiter will match you with the best opportunities available based upon your skills and needs. With a focus on attention to detail, the result should be a phenomenal opportunity with a new employer and community that makes sense for you and your personal situation.   With proper assistance, you will find an incredible career opportunity as well as community where you will be successful and thrive!