The "Do's" and "Do Not's" of Moonlighting

by Kristen Clarke

Making a good impression while making a difference

Most doctors and nurses have heard of moonlighting at hospitals and many have considered trying it. Indeed, the appeal of picking up open hospital shifts for extra cash is great. But everyone also wants to make a great impression at a new workplace and over-deliver on expectations. Here are some of the most important things you to do and not do when first showing up to your moonlighting shift.

What to do:

• Do arrive early. This gives the rest of the staff confidence in your professionalism and trustworthiness.
• Do introduce yourself. Get to know the other physicians on the floor. People who know each other work better together. You'll only have a few minutes, but do your best to establish commonalities and mutual respect.
• Do be confident. The patient deserves to feel complete confidence in you.

What NOT to do:

• Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Don't focus on the way things are done at your own hospital. Instead, be anxious to learn the protocols of where you're working. Consider asking if there is anything you could do to make the shift easier for everyone.
• Don't overstate your experience. If you don't feel comfortable with a procedure, ask for assistance. Patience is always valued over pride.
• Don't be an outsider. You may be tempted to continually remind the patient that this is not your hospital. If you feel the need, say it once and move on.
• Don't overwork yourself. Lucrative moonlight shifts are appealing, but always stay within the bounds of the dictated hour limits as well as your own exhaustion threshold. Don't sacrifice quality patient outcomes for more shifts.

Most importantly, do help people and don’t focus on yourself. If you keep your focus on the patient, doing all you can to help them, the rest will follow.