Tip of the week: Define hospitalists' scope of practice in job descriptions before launching a recruiting campaign

Correct job descriptions are critical, not only to set appropriate expectations for the hospitalist candidate, but to ensure patient safety and overall hospital effectiveness. One Midwest community hospital recently launched a hospitalist program and recruited three well-qualified candidates. On their arrival, the hospital adjusted their job responsibilities to provide coverage for a new wound care center and hyperbaric chamber.

Unfortunately, none of the three hospitalists came to their new positions trained, experienced, or even interested in wound care. Regardless, the three new hospitalists graciously agreed to train for the required certification, but within months, all three had given their notice of resignation. Both the program’s hospitalist service and the wound care center took a huge step backward. The hospital in this example could have saved months of recruiting and training if it had presented an accurate description of job duties to the hospitalist candidate.

To see a sample hospitalist job description, click here.

This weeks’ tip is excerpted from A Practical Guide to Hospitalist Recruitment and Retention by Kirk Mathews—now available at a reduced price!