| Some assignments as a neurosurgery locum can last | | | | with the staff doctor when necessary. Such |
| for many months while some a shorter in nature and | | | | consultations may include clarifications from previously |
| may only be available for a few weeks. There are | | | | recorded records or recommendations when the |
| some advantages as well as disadvantages when | | | | treatment for a particular patient's condition is |
| being hired as or soliciting someone as a neurosurgery | | | | beyond knowledge of the locum neurosurgeon. |
| locum which may include important factors such as | | | | When a community is familiar with the work of a |
| salary, level of responsibility, and trust of and | | | | specific doctor, be him a neurosurgeon or bone |
| commitment to a specific community. | | | | surgeon, it may have developed an idea of how the |
| As neurosurgery locums are typically hired on a | | | | particular surgeon works and what is expected of |
| temporary basis their salary tends to be lower than | | | | them when services are needed. Doctors that have |
| than a staffed neurosurgeon. In some cases, the | | | | established good reputations in a particular community |
| difference in salary may vary as much as 50 to | | | | are extremely valuable for instilling a feeling of |
| 100%. For example, a hospital that pays a salary of | | | | comfort and security if problems may arise. |
| $200,000 to the in house neurosurgeon may only pay | | | | However, in the case of a locum, i.e. neurosurgery |
| $100,000 a locum due to his lack of experience and | | | | locum, the community has no reference, other than |
| seniority with the establishment. When hospitals are | | | | the one made by the previous doctor, as to the |
| on a tight budget and there is a need to hire a | | | | quality of care that will be delivered. |
| neurosurgeon, then the locum option is much more | | | | Although most neurosurgeons would like to find a |
| viable to suit the financial needs. However, when it | | | | permanent position to practice their profession, |
| comes to benefits such as dental, medical and life | | | | working as a locum for a few years could prove |
| insurance, locums usually receive similar if not identical | | | | immensely beneficial. Since licensing is not required in |
| coverage as the staff neurosurgeon. | | | | most states for a locum to carry out their job, they |
| If the neurosurgeon that typically occupies the post | | | | have the potential to experience the variety found in |
| must be absent for a specific length of time and a | | | | different medical settings before dedicating |
| locum is hired to fill his position he must be granted a | | | | themselves to any particular one. Working as a locum |
| period of adaptation. The extensiveness of this | | | | may also help potential staff doctors to chose a |
| adaptation period will depend on the amount of work | | | | suitable geographical location as opposed to settling |
| the in house neurosurgeon left behind. For example, if | | | | down in one area in a staff position without knowing |
| there were many patients being treated the locum | | | | if they will be satisfied in the particular location or not. |
| will have to study the files and engage in consultation | | | | |