Ask the expert: Our hospitalists work a seven-day block schedule. Should we also give them paid vacation time?

Most candidates will expect some paid time off for vacation. Yet, as the seven-on/seven-off work schedule becomes more popular, vacation time has become less of a given. Many programs that opt for the seven-on/seven-off model do not provide any additional vacation time. Hospitals instead build 26 weeks off per year into the schedule, designed as vacation-like time. Some programs do add an extra vacation week or two for a total of 27 or 28 weeks off. As with every element of the compensation and benefit plan, be prepared to explain the vacation allowance and sell its merits to prospective candidates.
 

This week’s question and answer are from A Practical Guide to Hospitalist Recruitment & Retention by Kirk Mathews, CEO of Inpatient Management, Inc.