Are you a hospitalist and a night owl? Becoming a nocturnist might be a rewarding career move for you. Read about the pros and cons of being a nocturnist.

<h2>The Benefits and Drawbacks of Being a Nocturnal Hospitalist</h2>

 If you’re a hospitalist and you’re a night owl, becoming a nocturnist can be a
 rewarding career move. The nocturnist lifestyle does have a few challenges,
 but we think the benefits outweigh the drawbacks – for the right physician. If
 the thought of being a nocturnist makes you want to roll over and take a nap
 right now, it’s definitely not for you. But if you’re thinking, this sounds
 plausible (even intriguing), read on.


<h2>Benefits of Being a Nocturnist</h2>

 From increased earning potential to more time with patients, the benefits of
 being a nocturnist are unmatched. These are just some of the many perks
 nocturnists enjoy:

<ul style="list-style:none;">
 <li>
 High demand – Most hospitals – over 70% – have
 nocturnists on staff (<a
 href="https://www.the-hospitalist.org/hospitalist/article/146776/news-flash-nocturnists-are-high-demand"
 target="_blank"
 >thehospitalist.org</a
 >). This opens doors for providers across the nation.
 </li>
 <li>
 Increased pay – Compensation varies, but sources report
 nocturnists are paid 10-29% more than day-shift hospitalists (<a
 href="https://www.the-hospitalist.org/hospitalist/article/124769/night#:~:text=A%20nocturnist%20is%20a%20hospitalist,cover%20calls%20you've%20processed."
 target="_blank"
 >thehospitalist.org</a
 >,
 <a
 href="https://www.todayshospitalist.com/what-incentives-do-you-need-to-attract-nocturnists/"
 target="_blank"
 >todayshospitalist.com</a
 >).
 </li>

 <li>
 Various responsibilities – Nocturnist duties can include
 admitting medical and non-medical patients, cross-covering inpatients,
 admitting and covering ICU patients, triaging, performing consults,
 telemedicine, and more (<a
 href="https://shmabstracts.org/abstract/illuminating-the-darkness-a-national-survey-of-nocturnists-and-hospitalists-who-work-overnight/"
 target="_blank"
 >Society of Hospital Medicine</a
 >).
 </li>
 <li>
 Lighter patient load – While every assignment is different,
 day-shift hospitalists see an average of 17 patients per shift, while
 nocturnists see only 13 (<a
 href="https://www.todayshospitalist.com/patient-encounters-daytime-hospitalists-vs-nocturnists/"
 target="_blank"
 >Today’s Hospitalist</a
 >).
 </li>
 <li>
 Fewer administrative demands – Without the distraction of
 meetings, morning rounding, and multiple staff encounters, nocturnists can
 spend more time with patients. They can focus on providing uninterrupted
 care.
 </li>
 <li>
 Greater autonomy – Nocturnists have an important
 responsibility. With that comes much more independence. This sense of
 autonomy appeals to many providers.
 </li>
 <li>
 Deeper staff relationships – Since there are fewer
 clinicians and staff members working during the night, nocturnists have the
 ability to build deeper relationships with their teams.
 </li>
 <li>
 Improved outcomes – The addition of nocturnists can help
 improve a hospital’s throughput, patient satisfaction, average length of
 stay and quality of care (<a
 href="https://www.the-hospitalist.org/hospitalist/article/122960/life-nocturnist/2/"
 target="_blank"
 >thehospitalist.org</a
 >). Hiring nocturnists can even lower complaints and adverse events (<a
 href="https://www.todayshospitalist.com/what-incentives-do-you-need-to-attract-nocturnists/"
 target="_blank"
 >todayshospitalist.com</a
 >).
 </li>
 <li>
 Better morale – Knowing a hospital has a dedicated
 nocturnist can improve morale among other hospitalists who don’t want to
 work nights.
 </li>
 <li>
 Lower stress – Dedicated nocturnists may have less stress
 and fatigue (<a
 href="https://www.the-hospitalist.org/hospitalist/article/122960/life-nocturnist/2/"
 target="_blank"
 >thehospitalist.org</a
 >), particularly those who adjust well to working nights. Plus, the slower
 pace can prove less demanding.
 </li>
 <li>
 Flexibility – Many nocturnists find the schedule actually allows more time
 with family. Providers with children can see them off to school and be
 available for daytime events. They can also have extended time off between
 shifts.
 </li>
</ul>
<h2>Challenges of Being a Nocturnist</h2>

 The benefits may speak for themselves, but if you’re truly considering
 becoming a nocturnist, also consider these drawbacks:

<ul>
 <li>
 Fluctuating demands – Depending on the facility, the pace
 may vacillate. Nocturnists may face a slow-paced shift followed by
 back-to-back patient exams and emergencies.
 </li>
 <li>
 Limited resources – Nocturnists don’t have the same access
 to the full medical staff and colleagues. For example, specialists won’t be
 readily available to consult in person (though they may be on call).
 </li>
 <li>
 Daytime meetings – Nocturnists might have to come in for
 meetings which are generally held during the day.
 </li>
 <li>
 Circadian rhythms – Some people find it hard to reset
 their circadian rhythms to work during the night. It can also be hard to be
 out of sync with family and friends.
 </li>
</ul>

 While admittedly there are some challenges, hospitalists who are flexible,
 resourceful, independent and resilient should have no problem overcoming these
 drawbacks. Those who were designed to be nocturnists won’t hesitate!


 Were you made to be a nocturnist? Taking a locums assignment means you can try
 it out without having to make a long-term commitment!
 <a href="https://www.crosscountrylocums.com/" target="_blank"
 >Connect with our experts</a
 >
 to get started today.

The Nocturnist Lifestyle