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Contract Government Opportunities for Advanced Practitioners

Advanced Practitioners who seek a variety of clinical work experience are encouraged to consider locum tenens (temporary) assignments with government agencies and medical treatment facilities. Here are some handy tips to keep in mind when accepting government opportunities:

Government Practice Options

Many different practice options are available to qualified nurse practitioners and physician assistants who express an interest in treating patients in government medical settings:

  • Veterans Affairs clinics and hospitals (all are teaching hospitals)
  • U.S. military installations
  • Indian Health medical treatment facilities
  • Correctional institutions (State & Federal)
  • State hospitals and mental health agencies
  • Public colleges and universities
  • Federal agencies such as the CDC, National Institutes of Health, etc.
  • Length of assignments: They vary from one week to several months, or longer. In some cases, the contract may be extended beyond one year. Long-term assignments offer guaranteed income, which is especially appealing to many advanced practitioners in this downturn economy.
  • Temp-to-perm options: Recruiters make special mention of these opportunities when they become available. Increasingly, medical providers find this option attractive in that they have the chance to “test drive” a practice before signing a permanent contract.

Government Earning Potential

  • Government contracts are awarded following competitive bidding. This means that the daily pay rate for providers is “competitive” within the healthcare industry, though not necessarily matching what commercial hospitals or medical groups may be prepared to pay for similar services.
  • Contract providers are paid weekly for authorized hours worked and signed-off by an on-site clinical supervisor. (Government assignments do not guarantee a 40-hour work week.) Some assignments offer extra income through overtime or on-call responsibilities. Your recruiter will discuss these matters prior to your acceptance of a contract assignment.
  • Agreed-upon hourly or daily compensation rates are set at the start of the contract and are “firm and fixed” for the duration of the contract. However, long-term contracts extending more than a year may stipulate a rate increase at the annual renewal date.

Government Credentialing & Scheduling

  • Government organizations expect candidates to be thoroughly qualified and pre-credentialed before being presented for placement consideration. Our credentialing staff ensures that all candidates meet this important evaluation criterion. Competition is keen and it is not unusual to have 20 or more candidates being considered for one job slot.
  • After candidates are screened, pre-credentialed and presented for an assignment, the healthcare organization selects whom they want to provide medical services. At that point, our schedulers handle all the details associated with the advanced practitioner beginning his or her assignment on time. We pay for airfare, comfortable lodging, and car rental (or mileage reimbursement).

  • Scheduling includes on-site orientation. This may last several days or up to one week. The purpose is to ensure that providers are familiar with all aspects of the clinical work setting and feel comfortable when they begin to treat patients.

Things to Keep in Mind about Government Opportunities
  • Government contracts require formal bidding. That means, in most cases, prospective candidates are presented with a practice opportunity before a contract award is actually made. For that reason, recruiters require a firm commitment from practitioners in the likelihood that the contract is actually awarded to their agency. We expect providers who have expressed an interest in opportunities AdvancedPractice.com presents to be available for medical practice when the contract award is made official.
  • Client organizations select whom they want as contract providers. That is, we cannot guarantee placement to any provider who has expressed interest in being presented for specific opportunities. We represent all qualified candidates with enthusiastic endorsement of their ability to do a good job; but our clients make the final selection among candidates submitted.
  • After working in a specific contract opportunity, it is easier to be considered for similar practice opportunities. For instance, once practitioners are registered with the Veterans Affairs Health System in “VetPro” – which is the VA’s standardized electronic credentialing database – it is easier to be selected for future VA locum tenens opportunities.

It should be understood, however, that we have no control over how long it takes any given government medical facility to credential providers and grant security clearance. We always have to work within the timeframe established by each facility’s medical staff office.

  • Contract cancellation. The government assigns stiff penalties to recruitment firms that do not fulfill all the terms and conditions of staffing contracts awarded to them. Therefore, it is highly important that advanced practitioners give a firm commitment when accepting an assignment—and follow through with their stated interest in providing coverage. If some emergency arises during the contract period that prohibits your completing the assignment, you will be expected to mention this as soon as possible to your recruiter in order to schedule a back-up provider. Otherwise, you will be expected to complete the assignment as contractually agreed to at the outset.
  • Locum tenens service involves independent contractors. In accepting a contract practice opportunity, you will perform medical services with minimal supervision as an independent contractor. We will not make any payroll deductions. Thus, you will be responsible for filing a year-end 1099-Misc. Tax Form with the IRS.
Benefits of Government Opportunities

Advanced Practitioners who regularly accept locum tenens assignments mention how beneficial the “locum lifestyle” is for them:

  • They can work as often or seldom as they choose.
  • Travel options extend across the U.S., Alaska and Hawaii.
  • Treating different patient populations, they become more “culturally competent” as caregivers.
  • Furthermore, their careers are enhanced by working in a variety of practice settings with state-of-the-art medical equipment, along side distinguished medical professionals.
  • Even after accepting a full-time position, they may choose to earn extra income through locum tenens “moonlighting” opportunities.

For more information on government opportunities through Advanced Practice.com, contact us at 877.740.0404 or email us @ info@advancedpractice.com.

 

 

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