By Medely

September 17, 2020

9274 Views

6 Ways Technology Creates a Better Travel Nursing Experience

Posted on September 17, 2020January 16, 2023 by Medely

This article was provided by Medely.

Your mobile device might just be the key to getting the most out of your new assignment.

We live in a world where our cars drive themselves and our refrigerators tell us the weather and commute times. Well… they do if you can afford it. Think about it – what are the chances that you’d forget your phone when leaving on a 13 week travel assignment? There’s a better chance you’d forget your toiletries.

Technology is a vital part of healthcare as well. Whether it’s something as cool as a 3D printed cast or something as seemingly simple as a digital staffing platform like Medely, technology is creating better patient outcomes and simplifying our work lives – yes, even those frustrating EHR/EMR systems.

Here are six ways technology can improve your travel nursing experience.

Your agency experience

From the moment you submit your application to a travel assignment until you collect your last paycheck 13+ weeks later, you will be regularly relying on your agency for all kinds of administrative tasks. This makes the agency you choose to book travel assignments through a critical choice in this experience. An agency’s level of tech adoption will impact how you apply, prove your credentials, accept your offer, clock in and out, and get paid. Look for an agency that provides digital tools for each of these aspects but still provides the level of support and interaction you need.

Your exploration

Most of us have at least heard the names Yelp and Travelocity. Knowing how to maximize travel tools makes getting to the new city a breeze and has you living like a local in no time.

Pro-tip: If you fly regularly many travel sites will use a cookie to track you. They may actually show you inflated rates based on your need. Use incognito mode in your browser or a privacy-focused browser like Brave to avoid this.

Once you’re there, make the most of your time. Make sure you don’t spend 12 weeks in a city only to find out the best Thai restaurant is just around the corner. To do that, you need to have the same info the locals have. Using tools like Spotted By Locals, Showaround, and Eat With will have you up to speed in no time. From having a resident show you around to planning meals around non-touristy restaurants, there’s an app to fit your needs.

Your productivity

Productivity apps are nothing new. From complex workflow apps like Jira to simple note-keeping apps like Evernote, everyone has their favorite productivity app. Nurses are no different. Here are a few useful productivity tools for nurses:

Evernote (Android, Apple): Any list of productivity apps without Evernote on it is suspect at best. With the ability to quickly take and organize notes, set voice reminders, and file photos, it’s a must-have app.
Epocrates (Android, Apple): This app that has been alive and kicking since the days of Blackberrys. Use it to quickly find drug safety information, drug interactions, and dosage calculators. The built-in Pill ID function lets you identify medication by shape, color, scoring, imprint codes, and more.
UpToDate (Android, Apple): This app puts reliable, peer-reviewed info within easy reach and is an invaluable resource. Use it to find information for primary care, pediatrics, OB/GYN, internal specialties, and general surgery. It also has well as over a hundred medical calculators and thousands of patient education articles.
Medscape (Android, Apple): The latest medical news, sorted by specialty, FDA announcements, and continuing education courses are all found in this app. Not to mention medical calculators and drug information.
MedPage Today (Website): This site specializes in covering breaking medical news and offers several continuing education options and articles.

Your credentials

Life’s uncertain. You could show up on your first day and find out the facility misplaced your credentials. Or maybe you’re in a pandemic and would rather pick up per diem shifts than explore a new city. Making sure you’ve got all of your credentials in one digital location just makes sense. Before leaving on assignment, scan or take a photo of each of your credentials. Give them a clear name, and upload them to a folder on a cloud service like DropBox or Google Drive.

Technology Pro-tip: Don’t own a scanner? (because who owns a scanner in 2020?) Take pictures of documents in a well-lit location, preferably with natural light. Get as close to the document as possible, and make sure it’s in focus. A fuzzy, poorly-lit document pic won’t be very useful!

Your work experience

While you’re in a new city you’ve got access to facilities and doctors you don’t have at home. Each of them may do things a little differently or use technology you don’t have experience with. You’ve got a great opportunity to expand your network and your knowledge. Use your days off to pick up per diem shifts at different facilities. Clock some hours on a different EHR, work with professionals that use different methods, or just figure out what kind of staff you like working with. This is one place where your choice in agency and having your credentials ready matters. Not all agencies offer per diem jobs or allow you to pick them up while on assignment. So choose wisely and be prepared!

Your connection to others

Oh sure, you love Facebook for staying in touch with friends from college or high school. But social networks, when on a travel assignment, can be vital to your mental health. They’re not just for staying in touch with people back home. LinkedIn and Facebook groups for travel nurses or local professionals are a great way to find local networking events. Meetup is also a great way to find events for people who share your interests in a new city.

Do what works for you

Technology can impact all aspects of travel nursing. It helps you maximize your work experience (and pay!), explore new surroundings, stay connected, and ensures everything runs smoothly. Finding what works best for you may take some trial and error, but being ready to try a new app or service will enable you to tailor your travel experience to best fit your lifestyle and needs.

By Gifted Healthcare

September 14, 2020

7511 Views

4 Great States for Travel Nursing in Fall 2020

Posted on September 14, 2020November 10, 2023 by Gifted Healthcare

This article provided by: Gifted Healthcare.

Summertime is ending, and the cool breezes and beautiful shades of autumn are on their way. There are many different ways to experience the fall across the United States, which makes the season a perfect time for your next travel nursing assignment!

We’ve created a list of the best states for fall travel, all of which have plenty of travel nursing assignments to choose from.

Read on for our list of the best states for travel nursing this fall!

Tennessee

Tennessee is a state that offers jaw-dropping fall landscapes. It’s also chock-full of cities essential to American music, art, and history.

Take a scenic autumn drive along the Cherohala Skyway, a 43-mile National Scenic Byway from Tellico Plains to Robbinsville. Or enjoy changing fall leaves while learning music history along the Americana Music Triangle, a partnership of attractions across the South that includes which includes Brownsville, Franklin, Memphis, and Nashville.

Immerse yourself in critically important U.S. history by taking a trip on the U.S. Civil Rights Trail in Memphis, Nashville, and Clinton – the state offers 10 stops where visitors can learn the stories of those who changed the course of civil rights history with protests and legal victories.

Can’t get enough music? You’re in luck! Nashville is known as “Music City,” and offers a huge range of delicious food options, entertainment, and gorgeous autumn views.

Colorado

No matter what time of year it is, Colorado is always a great choice for a travel destination, but it truly shines in the fall. Colorado’s aspen forests begin to display their unique autumn hues from mid-September to mid-October, turning the state’s stunning landscape a mixture of yellow and gold.

Colorado’s four national parks – Rocky Mountain, Mesa Verde, Great Sand Dunes, and Black Canyon of the Gunnison. The parks offer hiking, camping, biking, and other outdoor activities within some of the most beautiful scenery in the world.

Colorado’s major cities are bustling centers of arts and culture; the Denver Art Museum, Denver Museum of Contemporary Art, and the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center are world-class museums. Colorado also offers delicious dining options, with must-visit establishments serving top-notch dishes across the state.

California

Fall isn’t always about the leaves. California, the Golden State, offers beautiful scenery and weather nearly all year long. Plus, if you love exploring the outdoors, California is hard to beat. From its world-famous Pacific coast to the Mojave Desert to the Sierra Nevada Mountains, the Golden State’s surfing, skiing, biking, hiking, and other activities will never disappoint.

Northern California offers the towering redwood forests of the Muir Woods National Monument and the incredible scenery of Lake Tahoe. California’s breathtaking and rugged coastline can be seen all along Pacific Highway 1. The state also has over 300 national and state parks, including the iconic Yosemite National Park.

In Southern California, explore San Diego’s Balboa Park, featuring the renowned San Diego Zoo(voted #1 Zoo in the World), 15 museums, and opulent gardens. Or take a trip to the vast and humbling Joshua Tree National Park, which lies at the intersection of the Mojave and Colorado deserts.

Whether you’re marveling at the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco or surfing in Orange County, there are endless options for exploration in California.

Louisiana

Even in the “new normal,” Louisiana is an incredibly fun and festive place to travel. The months of September, October, and November are cool, breezy, and sunny. There is no need to worry about unusually cold, snowy days here!

New Orleans is Louisiana’s most famous city, offering some of the most vibrant arts, culture, and cuisine in the world. A near-endless list of top-notch restaurants will keep you satisfied. Along with unique attractions like the French Quarter, City Park, and the New Orleans Museum of Art. Don’t forget the delicious beignets of Café du Monde!

A different but equally enjoyable slice of Louisiana culture can be found in Lafayette, the state’s fourth-largest city. It is located in the heart of Acadiana (near the stunning Atchafalaya Basin). The name given to the area settled by the Cajuns and Creoles in the 18^th century. It has also been named “the Happiest City in America.”

Begin Your Fall Travel Nursing Adventure with GIFTED Healthcare

From travel to per diem assignments, GIFTED Healthcare provides nurses with exceptional, high-paying career opportunities.

Visit our official website to learn more about the GIFTED Family today!

Travel nursing this fall

We hope you found this article on 4 great places for travel nursing this fall helpful. Are there any locations you feel are great places for travel nursing in the fall?

By Krista Berge

September 11, 2020

6391 Views

The First Year Isn’t the Hardest Year

Posted on September 11, 2020August 25, 2020 by Krista Berge

Brian’s been gone for two years today. Ugh. Two. Years. (Annnnddd reality hit again with typing that)

So today, in a nutshell, was harsh.

I don’t know what I was expecting but it wasn’t this. I mean, we made it through year one, the hardest year, right? But today…it was foggy one moment with “Wait, what happened?” & clear the next as the ache in my chest stole every breath from me.

Today, my mind told me I deserved it all.

Every crack in my heart, every hardship, every tear. That this was my fault. That I didn’t try hard enough, that I didn’t pray correctly, that it was me that chose the wrong doctors. Once again I was able to understand a little bit of Brian’s pain. A small glimpse into depression.

Funny how we can beat ourselves up BUT if my friend was sitting in my shoes and saying these ridiculous things to me, I would probably have to shake her and scream “STOP! Don’t you dare do this!”

So what can I do to fight against these lies swirling in my head tonight?

Well….I decided to let you into the darkness a little more. I want to try and help you understand grief during the second year. Because let’s face it, none of us are immune to it. We will, or we already have, at one point or another, experienced a significant (the word doesn’t even describe it) loss.

1. It’s not just one day

I lost Brian to depression before I even lost Brian. But today is the day I found him and knew nothing would ever go back to the way it was. Today is the day he met Jesus and become whole. Tomorrow is the day he was pronounced, the following is the day our kids knew Daddy was going to Heaven, and the day after that is the day I received the phone call that all of his organs had been donated. For most of us in grief, there is the last day we saw them, the last day we had hope, the last time we talked to them. It is never just one day of loss.

2. Everyone is lying if they tell you the first year is the hardest.

I woke up thinking it was all going to be better after the first 365 days, but it was worse. Much, much worse. The end of the first year only confirmed I had to do this all over again. I didn’t have to make it through the “firsts” but the “seconds” and “thirds” and so on and SO ON! Booooo!

3. I regret every single moment leading up to it.

This isn’t just a “suicide thing” either. This is anyone that has ever lost anyone. We wish we kissed them longer, harder, more, or even at all. We wish we didn’t take the long way home. That we called and said “I love you” one more time. That we followed our intuition. Anything. It’s hard pulling yourself out of that terrible loop.

4. I am exhausted more now than ever.

I swear adrenaline and denial were the only things that kept me going for the longest time. Now, it’s only by God’s grace I can roll out of bed. People tend to go back to their normal lives while those in grief are left wondering what “normal” even looks like anymore.

5. AND there is hope in making it through another year.

I used to say we lost Brian BUT God is good. I now feel we lost Brian AND God is good. See what I did there? I changed one word and it reminds me that God is God and I am not. I am constantly learning to change one word. I don’t HAVE to get up to take care of the kids…I GET to take care of these loud creatures that God entrusted me with. I am in pain, we all are, AND God is good.

So there you go. Enjoy my dark and twisty thoughts. Even though He has slain me, my future, my dreams, I will praise Him. I will shout of His goodness! Praise Him in my pain! I will point you to the one who gives and takes away! This is the hard part you guys…this is the place between the pain of this world and the promise of the next.

Praying for your heart right now ❤️

Please, if you are struggling with your mental health and/or suicidal thoughts, please reach out to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or text HELLO to 741741

By Cross Country Nurses

September 10, 2020

5095 Views

Turning Crisis Into Innovation

Posted on September 10, 2020September 25, 2020 by Cross Country Nurses

This article was provided by: Cross Country Nurses.

In the midst of any crisis, one of the best ways to cope is to seek out any silver linings in order to remain positive and optimistic for the future. Certainly, the world hasn’t experienced anything quite like the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, which has undoubtedly brought disruptive changes, fear, and grief to the forefront.

Yet, as the world struggles to further contain the spread of COVID-19, there is an opportunity to learn from the past and look to a brighter future. This is true for healthcare leaders, who can take their learnings and experiences during the pandemic to drive both operational and quality of care improvements.

Technology and innovation have emerged as key areas in which the lessons learned from facing the COVID-19 crisis could help the industry thrive in the future.

Turning crisis into innovation

Due to the pandemic, healthcare leaders have looked to innovative technologies to help improve safer access to care, efficiencies, and speed of care delivery – even from afar. Health-focused tech companies are reporting surges in their business and noting many hospitals are now asking for emerging technologies to implement as soon as possible. Some of these include:

Mainstreaming of Telehealth

For the first time in more than 20 years, government officials, providers, health plans, and employers are recommending telehealth as the first choice for care, as opposed to an alternative – due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Before the pandemic, only 1 in 10 patients in the U.S. used telehealth, according to a J.D. Power survey. Now, health systems and private telehealth companies are seeing a dramatic increase in the use of telehealth – to the tune of digital visits climbing from 750% to 1,000% since the coronavirus became widespread.

Beyond the adoption of telehealth by providers, consumer opinions are changing as well. Almost three-quarters of patients polled for one recent survey said they’d consider using telehealth to be remotely screened for COVID-19 and two-thirds said the pandemic has increased their willingness to try virtual care.

In fact, a recent Cross Country Healthcare survey of healthcare leaders who indicated they were unprepared to handle the COVID-19 pandemic, 25% of them named “an effective telehealth service offering” as an area where they lacked preparation. And, with a surge in telehealth during the pandemic, many (50%) say they would have engaged more contracts and locums talent to boost their telemedicine capabilities.

These changes could be the turning point in telehealth utilization across the country, making virtual health visits mainstream and an easy alternative for receiving care for low-acuity needs. It could also be instrumental in providing much-needed services and improved access to care in rural communities.

Greater IT Strategic Planning

Strategic planning for enterprise-wide IT projects is a common practice among healthcare leaders. However, as many organizations accelerate their digital services, a greater need for additional long-term planning has emerged. As healthcare entities increase their focus on strategic planning for a post-pandemic environment, they have the opportunity to consider what technologies have worked, what challenges and risks they faced, and most importantly, what opportunities they have to move their organization forward utilizing innovative technologies.

A Move to Virtual Workspace

Many healthcare organizations are reporting up to a 50% increase in the number of remote workers they are supporting – this includes, providing virtual desktop interfaces, connectivity devices, and endpoint security. Operational planning is also needed to ensure enterprise IT systems support their virtual workers by providing a seamless flow of data.

This disruptive shift in technology resources and planning has created both opportunities and risks. While we don’t yet know the extent to which system vulnerabilities will be identified, the ability to support virtual teams on a large scale will rely on new and emerging recruitment and retention efforts.

Remote Patient Monitoring

Remote patient monitoring (RPM) has seen steady growth over the past two years, however, shelter-in-place orders have expedited that growth. Today, patients who are suspected of having COVID-19 can be closely monitored from afar, without bringing them to crowded hospitals. Further, other patients who require frequent contact with their doctors can maintain their conditions without leaving their homes.

Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, Medicare coverage for RPM services was restricted to patients with one or more chronic conditions. In response to the current crisis, CMS has issued new regulatory policies around RPM – both for the duration of the pandemic and moving forward. Both the short-term and long-term, RPM is available for both acute and/or chronic conditions, providing an opportunity for further care innovations. In addition, CMS has outlined that RPM can be utilized for both new and established patients.

Better Access and Speed of Care Delivery

In communities across the country, fear of the COVID-19 virus continues to spread as fast as the virus itself. Patients are clamoring for advice from their providers who are working at warp speed to keep up with the demand. Many health systems have implemented call centers to help support patients and answer questions, with others are using self-triaging tools such as chatbots to help patients evaluate their symptoms before going to see a doctor.

In some instances, chatbots are equipped with answers to frequently asked questions, assessments related to COVID-19 symptoms, and opportunities to send messages directly to a physician. These innovations provide great hope for the future and the ability to evaluate patients, guide them through the care process, limit wait times, and avoid unnecessary emergency room visits.

The Age of Artificial Intelligence

Machine learning or artificial intelligence (AI) has produced tremendous benefits for healthcare providers by generating and analyzing patient, clinician, and health system data. It is already evolving at such a pace that it can now outperform humans on some specific tasks. The data intelligence it produces can help practitioners better predict, prevent, screen, and even diagnose disease.

Moving forward, big data also has the potential to help healthcare facilities and systems better predict key operational trends, such as patient volume, stay durations and care needs so they can better plan for clinical staffing. AI may soon replace the administrative tasks required by nurses, including ordering tests or compiling notes, but will also improve medical image analysis, screenings, and even support safer, higher quality care.

The next wave of innovation

Playing the role of an industry disruptor, technology and innovation have created the ability to build new, peripheral services to better support the healthcare sector. Products such as telemonitoring devices, home messaging services, and patient monitoring tools all have the opportunity to evolve and support patient care in the era of telehealth and AI services. These innovations present a whole new avenue for minimizing costs and improving access to care, during the pandemic and beyond.

We hope that you found this information on turning crisis into innovation helpful. Have you seen any ways your facilities/hospitals are turning this crisis into innovation? Comment them below.

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By Heather Craig

September 2, 2020

19051 Views

8 Things to Consider Before You Quit Your Permanent Job

Posted on September 2, 2020October 11, 2023 by Heather Craig

Throughout my 8 years of travel nursing, I have had many people ask questions and show interest in the travel nurse life. Of course, like most travel nurses’ media pages, our life looks like one big vacation! And don’t forget the big money! $$$

But hear me out for a long-winded moment…

After being on the road for these 8 years, I have a few things to discuss before you quit your permanent job and take the challenging leap to start the travel nurse life!

8 Things to Consider Before You Quit Your Permanent Job

1. Loneliness is inevitable!

You have to be very comfortable with being alone A LOT! Being away from family and friends for extended periods can take a toll on your mental health. A 3-hour time change and 6-hour plane travel doesn’t make it easy for quick trips home. I remember my first contract when I ate alone at a sit-down restaurant and went to the movie theater solo for the first time in my life.

2. New EVERYTHING!

Living arrangements, bed, grocery store, roads, gas station, church, doctors, dentist, hairstylist, weather, time change, etc. Nothing is familiar except the few things you brought along with you on your journey. I’ve lived years without Blue Plate mayonnaise, I’ve had to have bad dental work fixed by my home dentist, and I’ve even sported a mullet after a bad haircut!

3. You have to hit the floor running after only 1-3 shifts of orientation.

This includes learning new computer systems, remembering new log-ins, door codes, doctors’ preferences and personalities, different order sets, policies and procedures, and co-workers’ names and their position on the floor. You realize just how lost you are when you can’t find the simple but important things like an emesis bag quick enough for your patient.

4. Your permanent job hospital’s way is not the only CORRECT way.

Realizing the way your home hospital does things is not the ONLY correct way to do it. I don’t care if you have been a nurse for 20 years! When in Rome, you do as the Romans and move along after 13 weeks. After a few weeks of being on the floor and familiar with the staff, you can make suggestions for changes. But they do not want a stranger coming into their home trying to change things up if it’s working for them and the patients are safe.

5. Keeping up with licenses and certifications are your responsibility.

It’s difficult to keep certifications up to date when a lot of hospitals won’t allow you to take their classes that are offered to their permanent staff. I’ve driven 3 hours one way to take a course that was needed to be able to complete my file for my next contract. Also, not all companies offer reimbursements for the new state nursing license you need or the recertification that’s required to keep you compliant while on contract.

6. Nightmare Patients

More than likely, you will get the nightmare of a patient the permanent staff doesn’t want to take care of. And you will also be the first to float to a different unit before staff.

7. Scheduling

You will get minimal to zero schedule requests for specific days off or block scheduling. The purpose of your contract is to help staff and fill in their short shifts.

8. Emergency fund money

Emergency fund money is a must! Your contract could get canceled. Travel companies provide minimal to no sick time or PTO. Moving across the country costs a lot when you’re driving 2,500 miles, hotels, shipping a car, flying, and paying rent deposits. While on assignment, you also duplicate expenses at your permanent home to qualify for tax-free stipends. And who knew, but even buying a new set or condiments each time you move to a new place can get expensive!

The perks of leaving your permanent job

But as I write this, I am currently recovering from a long day sunbathing at the beach in gorgeous San Diego! (One of those cities that some people only dream of visiting). And I wouldn’t trade this life I’ve had the last 8 years for anything!

I have met some of my best friends in life. I have worked with some of the most amazing nurses in top-rated hospitals who have helped me grow my skills and knowledge. I’ve lived in cities and places only others get to vacation or dream of living. And I’ve been able to take 1-2 month long vacations between contracts to check off those bucket list countries and experiences that I would have never had the opportunity with a permanent job!

Is it perfect for every nurse?

Definitely not! You have to be realistic with your expectations, set goals, be flexible, be prepared, and focus on things you do have control over. You will learn so much about yourself as an individual, and your personal growth can be limitless. Travel nursing is not a bad life, so get out there and take the chance on what could be the start of the best adventures of your life!

We hope you found these 8 tips to consider before quitting your permanent job helpful. Do you have any tips for our readers before they quit their permanent jobs? Comment them below!

If you are a new travel nurse or looking into becoming a travel nurse:

START HERE

Travel Nurse Guide: Step-by-Step (now offered in a PDF Downloadable version!)

By MedPro Healthcare Staffing

September 1, 2020

6247 Views

2020 Year of the Nurse

Posted on September 1, 2020May 19, 2021 by MedPro Healthcare Staffing

This article was provided by: MedPro Healthcare Staffing

The World Health Organization could not have chosen a timelier year to honor nurses around the world. In designating 2020 as the International Year of the Nurse and Midwife, the W.H.O. calls for recognition of nurses around the world for their courage and lasting contributions to the health care industry.

“Nurses are under a spotlight this year in many ways. The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored their irreplaceable work in a way we could have never anticipated. The entire world has seen firsthand the way these heroic individuals have responded to their community’s needs. They have stepped up in a big way this year and proven over again to be an essential part of our global health care system,” says MedPro’s CEO, Liz Tonkin.

Percentage of Nurses in the health care workforce

Although doctors are typically more forward-facing representatives to the general public, nurses account for more than 50% of the global healthcare workforce. 21st-century nurses play a critical role in the future of improved global health. In many developing countries, nurses are at the forefront of caregiving and are often the only medical provider.

The nursing shortfall

Part of this year’s global recognition also sheds light on the threats connected to nursing shortages, expected by the W.H.O. to increase by nine million by 2030. Additionally, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects millions of nurses will be needed in the next five years to avoid a further shortage.

Organizations are being called on to create empowering work environments to meet nurses’ needs, which can positively impact the quality of care throughout facilities in the U.S.

Who is W.H.O.?

The W.H.O. works worldwide to promote health, keep the world safe, and serve the vulnerable. Their primary focus is to ensure more than a billion more individuals have universal health coverage, protect a billion more people from health emergencies, and provide a further billion people with better health and well-being.

In addition to honoring nurses and midwives in 2020, the W.H.O. also released its first State of the World’s Nursing Report. The W.H.O. states the report will “provide the latest, most up-to-date evidence on and policy options for the global nursing workforce. It also presents a compelling case for considerable – yet feasible – investment in nursing education, jobs, and leadership.”

In early 2019, the W.H.O. first proposed recognizing nurses and midwives in 2020, not anticipating 2020 would be a landmark year in health care. Although their initial intent was to honor nurses and midwives on the 200th anniversary of Florence Nightingale’s birth year, this decision would later represent much more. We are honored to celebrate this incredible group of people and are committed to empowering global care by advocating for nurses worldwide.

Happy Year of the Nurse!

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By MAS Medical Staffing

July 17, 2020

7244 Views

How Staffing Agencies Work for the Benefit of Travel Nurses

Posted on July 17, 2020February 3, 2023 by MAS Medical Staffing

This article was provided by MAS Medical Medical Staffing.

Staffing agencies and recruiters have a unique ability to leverage the power of the Internet and its relationship-building capabilities on a scale that individual job seekers just do not have.

This fact has exponentially helped recruiters place the right employee in the right job, regardless of their current physical location. If you are looking for a new job, they can work with you for your benefit.

How Does a Staffing Agency Work?

Staffing agencies help you in a number of ways. Firstly, they have a nationwide presence that can help you quickly find your ideal position anywhere in the country.

If you are looking to combine your two passions of travel and your career, a staffing agency well-versed in travel assignments can help you get there. A nationwide presence guarantees that the agency has connections everywhere to help you find the best spot.

Leveraging How a Staffing Agency Works

The agency streamlines the job-applying process big time. Unlike aggregate job boards that usually only include permanent positions, they offer temporary positions that make it easy for you to “jump” jobs when your 13-week assignment is complete.

They also handle insurance hurdles and help you find housing so that you do not have to feel stressed or overwhelmed by the process.

They work on your behalf. It is not just about getting you the right job; it’s about aiding in all the little factors that go along with your job, like those we listed above.

Travel Nursing Staffing Agencies

Unlike your run-of-the-mill staffing agency, travel assignment agencies are dedicated to your ongoing success.

Because assignments run for 13 weeks (on average), recruiters build long-term relationships with their candidates and help them to find placement in the next place they want to visit, earn more money, and assist with housing.

Staffing agencies contract you out to their client companies, which means that even though you are not working at the agency itself, the agency is your employer. And that agency will provide health insurance and benefits, no matter how many new positions you try.

Recruiters have the skill to place the right employee in the right job, regardless of their current physical location.

Job Hunting Is Made Easy Using a Staffing Agency

Job hunting is hard, but it is easier with someone at a staffing agency rooting for you throughout the whole process.

Finished the travel nursing guide and are ready to look for an assignment?

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By Luke Smith

July 10, 2020

7313 Views

The Dichotomy of Understaffed and Furloughed Nurses During Coronavirus

Posted on July 10, 2020May 19, 2021 by Luke Smith

As the Coronavirus continues to sweep across the world, vital healthcare workers are receiving the short end of the stick. Many are currently overworked and risking their lives as COVID-19 patients continue to overwhelm hospitals. But, unfortunately, despite the high number of patients needing treatment and care, more and more hospitals are furloughing nurses due to the economic crisis at hand, putting further strain on essential healthcare workers.

Today, as the healthcare industry desperately battles against the Coronavirus, it also finds itself in a rather stressful dichotomy that has completely changed the way of life as most healthcare workers know it. Many are left asking, “Why is this happening?”

Caught Between a Rock and a Hard Place

As nations across the globe desperately try to flatten the curve and prevent as many deaths as possible, it appears that even the healthcare industry is not exempt from being financially affected by the Coronavirus. For most hospitals, the Coronavirus has led to non-urgent patients being turned away to prioritize those in need of essential services. This gate-keeping has, in turn, caused a loss of profit leading to pay cuts.

Of course, like many parts of the internet during waves of online visitors, the healthcare industry may be able to rely on the help of digital services by gating users online. Gating sets up landing pages where people can sign up and be informed when they’ll have access to a product or a service, or sites may use a live ticker on their page to keep users in line and aware of which position they are in. By using online gating, hospitals can reduce the number of patients completely flooding hospitals by offering insight online into waiting times, availability, and so on. However, because of this new policy to turn away patients who have manageable symptoms in addition to the reduced numbers of elective surgeries, many hospitals have still furloughed healthcare workers who are considered “non-essential” at this time.

How Do We Move Forward?

The Coronavirus has hit the world in a way that exposed just how unprepared many facets of our society are in the face of a pandemic. Despite the need for healthcare workers across the board, some feel the system has turned their backs on them.

The future of not only society but the healthcare industry as a whole is still so uncertain — and some are left wondering how it will ever recover. There is one thing that can’t be forgotten, though, and that is, that nurses and healthcare workers will always be essential and necessary to the well-being of the people and society. It will always be worth making them a priority. It’s time to figure out how to protect the livelihoods of the heroes who take care of the world.

Understaffed?

We hope during these times you are not finding yourself in the midst of having fellow nurses furloughed while you are still working understaffed. If you are in a situation where your hospital is understaffed while furloughing others please comment with recommendations or tips for others in the same situation.

If you are a new travel nurse or looking into becoming a travel nurse:

START HERE

Travel Nurse Guide: Step-by-Step (now offered in a PDF Downloadable version!)

By Triage Healthcare Staffing

June 30, 2020

5961 Views

The 6 Things You AND Your Recruiter Should Do to Get You Placed and Back Out on the Road in a Recovery Market

Posted on June 30, 2020May 19, 2021 by Triage Healthcare Staffing

This article provided by Triage.

There’s no denying it, times are tough. As the COVID-19 outbreak spread across the country, hospitals and clinics were forced to forgo elective procedures and focus their efforts on combatting the virus. While there was high demand in a few key specialties, many travel, and even permanent medical professionals, were left on the sidelines.

As we see COVID case volume begin to stabilize, there is a push to re-open the country, including a return to operating rooms and elective procedures. Inevitably the need for travelers will begin to ramp, but all signs point to a slow, measured climb to pre-COVID activity levels. That means there are many more candidates than jobs available. In fact, here is what recruiters are seeing:

Between 1-5 minutes to get candidates submitted out for a chance to interview
For every job that opens, 15-30 profiles submitted within minutes

Return to normal will be competitive

So yes, the return to normal will be competitive and positions are limited. The events of 2020 have left many feeling out of control. But, some good news: you (and your recruiter) are in control of how you respond to the opportunities opening around the country.

In this market, the early bird definitely gets the worm. Prepare now and your chances of starting an assignment are real. Sit back and wait for the return? You will likely continue sitting . . . on the bench.

We have compiled a list of the 6 things you and your recruiter should be doing right now to ensure you are ready. If your recruiter isn’t reaching out now, maybe it’s time to look for another recruiter. And we’ve got just the folks for that.

6 things you and your recruiter should be doing:

Take action now. Don’t wait.

1. Update Skills Checklist:

Don’t wait until a job becomes available, make sure your skills checklists on file with your agency today is the most up to date.

2. Verified References on File:

It’s not just enough to provide references, be sure your recruiter has followed up and verified. Don’t miss out on a job because Sally Manager at your last facility hasn’t returned your recruiter’s phone call.

3. Ensure you have a Branded Resume:

You may not know it, but your agency often reformats your resume before they can submit you for a job. Again, make sure it is up to date with your latest work history and your recruiter has formatted it properly for submissions. Waiting to complete this step can mean you miss out on the next urgent opening.

4. Answer your Phone:

It might be your recruiter calling with a job or facility calling to interview you. Miss the call and be ready to ride the pine…: It is crucial to stay in touch with your recruiter either by text, phone, or email weekly. Once a job is posted with staffing agencies, the volume goes through the roof. It is essential to be in the first round of submissions. Again, if they aren’t staying in touch with you, now’s the time to go looking for someone who will.

5. Give Permission to Submit:

Consider giving your recruiter permission to submit you to a job if they are confident it meets your needs. You do not want to miss an opportunity because you missed a text message or phone call about an opening.

6. Readjust Expectations:

We get it. This one is tough. We saved it for last. You may not want to hear it but the medical pros that are the most flexible are the ones landing their next gig.

Timing: Clients will want the soonest start date possible. Have your bags packed and be ready to go. You may also have to be open to shorter contract options during the recovery.
Flexibility: No sugar coating this one. The more open you are, to settings, to locations and to pay, the more opportunities are available.
Pay: Let’s get more specific. You will likely not see the same pay as your last assignment for the next several months. It’s not what you want to hear, but we want you to be prepared for the current market.
Vacation: We recommend limiting your PTO requests during the next 3-6 months if possible, especially during the upcoming holidays. Not ideal but may be worth it if for your career in the long run.

For more information or to reach out to a recruiter with Triage click here!

If you are a new travel nurse or looking into becoming a travel nurse:

START HERE

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So today, in a nutshell, was harsh.

Today, my mind told me I deserved it all.

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5. AND there is hope in making it through another year.

Praying for your heart right now ❤️

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