Salaries are generally very competitive, averaging almost $230,000 per year for adult hospitalists. Hospitalists who are willing to work night shifts only (nocturnists) are generally compensated higher than their day shift peers. Quality initiatives Research shows that hospitalists reduce the length of stay, treatment costs and improve the overall efficiency of care for hospitalized patients. Hospitalists are leaders on several quality improvement initiatives in key areas including transitions of care, co-management of patients, reducing hospital acquired diseases and optimizing the care of patients. Related terminology Though hospital medicine is a young field, there have been attempts at further division of labor in the field. A nocturnist is a hospitalist who typically covers the twelve-hour shift at night and admits patients as well as receives calls about already admitted patients. A proceduralist is generally defined as a hospitalist who primarily does procedures in the hospital such as central venous catheter insertions, lumbar punctures, and paracenteses. A neurohospitalist cares for hospitalized patients with or at risk for neurological problems. A surgicalist is a surgeon who specializes and focuses on surgical care in the hospital setting. The following are other commonly used (negative) nicknames: An admitologist or admitter is a hospitalist who only admits patients. A dischargologist is a hospitalist who only discharges patients. A rounder is a hospitalist who only sees admitted patients. See also Society of Hospital Medicine Obstetric hospitalist Lists of hospitals References Further reading "What Is a Hospitalist? A Guide for Family Caregivers", free consumer guide available in four languages External links American Board of Hospital Medicine Society of Hospital Medicine American Board of Internal Medicine Hospitals