VISTA Archived Blogs

National Nurse Practitioner Week is November 13-19 this year, marking 51 years that NPs have provided proven, expert, patient-centered health care across the country.

The ability to connect with patients is important for every health care provider. Right alongside sound clinical judgment and a certain level of competence, empathy is simply expected. But it’s particularly important for primary care physicians. After all, most of us will hopefully see our PCPs more than we will see hospitalists, surgeons or other specialists. That said, great primary care physicians are distinguished by their people skills and the relationships they build with their patients.

Wisconsin has a lot more to offer than delicious dairy. If you’re looking for a change in scenery, here are just a few reasons to think about calling this friendly Midwestern state home for your next locum tenens assignment.

Online reviews are for restaurants, hotels, and spas, not healthcare providers… right? Wrong! Most of your work as a healthcare provider is done face-to-face with your patients. But that doesn’t mean you don’t have an online reputation to think about. Before choosing a provider, more and more web-savvy patients are doing their research.

With the autonomy and flexibility of locum tenens comes the need to step up your financial management skills. Locum tenens work follows an independent contractor model, which means you’re responsible for setting aside money for taxes and keeping tabs on business-related expenses. Tracking things like the miles you drive, the medical equipment you purchase, and even your meals while on assignment can turn into tax benefits and deductions.

Locum tenens work offers exciting advantages for your medical career—your taxes just maybe a little more complicated than a standard employee. Because most locum tenens work is based on an independent contractor model, a key part of managing your career is accurate and diligent recordkeeping.

Hospitalists are defined by where they practice medicine — in the hospital, usually addressing severe illnesses and emergencies. 

Happy providers, healthy patients. You can see the logic in the idea that the more satisfied a healthcare professional is in their work, the better, more attentive care that can be delivered. But what’s most important for career satisfaction?

While there is no such thing as a “typical day” for emergency medicine physicians, the pace is always fast and the pressure is always high. A single shift could include treating a child for abdominal pain, evaluating an elderly person’s mental state, managing a car accident, and a mix of other routine and critical cases. Emergency medicine physicians must be able to provide urgent care for a variety of patients with a variety of problems. While exciting, a career in emergency medicine comes with a set of unique demands that are not for everyone.

Here’s what makes top emergency physicians stand out from their peers:

Quick Decision Makers

Unlike many other specialties, emergency medicine calls for rapid decision-making, prioritizing and the ability to switch gears quickly to treat patients of all ages and conditions. High-volume EDs require physicians to identify critical issues while determining other existing health problems—even when a patient arrives unconscious, and often without the benefit of a patient history or time-consuming tests.

Minnesota is home to much more than the Mall of America and an endearing accent (dontcha know?). Here are just a few reasons to consider Minnesota when planning your next locum tenens position.

Land of 10,000 Lakes… And Then Some!

In reality, Minnesota has closer to 12,000 lakes, and more shoreline than California, Florida and Hawaii put together. With all that water, it’s no wonder Minnesota has one recreational boat for every six people.