As an anesthesia provider, you have access to a wide range of job opportunities to fit your qualifications, experience, and priorities. The ability to try full-time or locum tenens positions in different types of surgical environments is a major advantage.
Some providers find they have a clear preference for a certain environment early in their careers and stick with it. Others see the benefits of both outpatient and inpatient (hospital) surgical settings and work to find a mix of the two. It’s important to evaluate your personal preferences and strengths to see which path is right for you.
Weighing the Pros & Cons of Outpatient vs. Hospital
The environment chosen for a particular surgical procedure depends on several factors, including:
- The type or severity of the case
- The type of anesthesia administered
- The patient’s health status
- The time required
Outpatient surgery can be done in an office or ambulatory surgery center and typically requires less time. After the procedure is complete, the patient can return home the same day.
Hospital settings can be for more serious cases or lengthy procedures, but not exclusively, and an overnight stay may be required.
As a provider, define what you like about both surgical settings. What do you enjoy about the work itself and the specific work environment? Which setting best supports your learning and growth? Which provides the best quality of life or work-life balance?
For example, outpatient surgery can be a lower-stress environment with lower patient acuity and more predictable hours. A hospital surgical setting, on the other hand, may have a wider variety of procedures and less flexible hours.
If you like aspects of both settings, aim to create a balance that works for you — for instance, keeping hours at both a surgery center and a hospital.
Interested in exploring new job opportunities? Learn more about anesthesia provider positions available through Radar Healthcare Providers.
