360 Staffing Blog

Physical Therapy Ranks as ‘Best Job’—Is It for You?

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 16:20:49 GMT

We happily took note when CNNMoney.com recently ranked physical therapy number seven in the top 30 best jobs in America. The survey looked for jobs with excellent pay, job security, manageable stress, helping society and increasing demand.

This isn’t news to us—we’re tireless cheerleaders for this helping profession in the booming healthcare field. Every day, we place physical therapists (PTs) and physical therapy assistants (PTAs) in positions that make a real difference in the lives of people, pay well and offer stellar benefits.

Experts predict that the physical therapy industry will boom in the next 10 years. So why is physical therapy such a hot field? First, let’s look at the populations served by PTs. Baby boomers are getting older and by 2025, the number of people worldwide over 60 is projected to double to almost two billion. The majority of those folks will live in developed countries, like the U.S.

PT helps people with the aging process—they can stay healthier and more independent, as well as see an improvement in quality of life. For people with chronic health conditions, like arthritis, a PT can teach them how to exercise to improve health while staying safe.

It’s also gotten easier to see a PT. Many states have eliminated the physician referral requirement for insurance. That opens the door for more patients.

Do you think this might be the field for you? Read on to learn more about how to be a PT or PTA and what the job involves.

Qualifications
PTs have advanced degrees, typically a two- to three-year graduate program. Usually that means a doctorate, though some masters programs are available. PTs usually study anatomy, behavioral science, biomechanics, cellular histology, exercise physiology, neuroscience, pathology, pharmacology, physiology and radiology.

In most states, a PT must pass the National Physical Therapy Examination. There is also ongoing continuing education throughout the years to keep up with the many changes and advances in the field.

Some start off their career as assistants. PTAs need an associate degree from an accredited physical therapist assistant program. Additionally, most states require licensing for PTAs and working under a PT.

There are physical qualifications, as well, since the work can be demanding on the body. A PT need to be able to lift 50 pounds or more because in work with patients, he or she will often bear weight from the patient’s body, serve as a spotter with specialized exercise equipment and conduct stretching exercises.

Office and computer skills are also a requirement for PTs and PTAs. As professionals, they should have mastery of basic spelling, grammar and punctuation, as well as typing and e-mail, as these are often used to communicate with physicians and other members of the healthcare team. People in this profession will also frequently prepare written instructions for patients and manage office tasks, so programs like MS Word, Excel and Outlook are recommended.

Perhaps most important, PTs and PTAs need superior interpersonal skills. This is a helping profession and involved one-on-one work with diverse groups of people. This means that effective verbal communication can make the difference between successful treatment and difficulties with patients.

Finally, this profession requires planning and organization skills. Therapists establish goals for each patient, so the ability to plan ahead and meet deadlines is critical.

Work environment
PT is not necessarily a one-office, 9-5 kind of job, so flexibility is key. Many professionals in this field work several part-time jobs at once, travel for 12-week assignments (like we offer at 360 Healthcare) or work in their own clinic. Many of these settings offer day and early evening appoints—some even are open on the weekends to accommodate patients’ schedules.

Generally speaking, PTs and PTAs are part of a team, including doctors, nurses and other therapists such as occupational therapists and speech language pathologists.

The job outlook for Physical Therapists
There are 180,280 jobs filled in PT and 109,900 filled in PTA, according to the most recent numbers from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Employment of PTs is expected to grow by 30 percent from 2008 to 2018. That’s great news!

States with the highest concentration of jobs and location quotients for PTs are New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Vermont and Maine. The top-paying states are Alaska, New Jersey, Texas, Delaware and Maryland.

Advancement in the field is usually based on level of education and years spent in practice.

For more information, see the Bureau of Labor Statistics or the World Confederation of Physical Therapy.

Flexible Interim Consultants Make Efficient Interim Consultants

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 13:53:18 GMT

I once worked with a woman with 10 years as director of nursing—she was one of the best and had decided to try traveling as a new career path and adventure. We found her a great placement and all was well until she called, concerned because her company had asked her to be the unit manager for 30 days. What should she do, she asked?

I took the opportunity to talk to her about flexibility, that most wonderful trait of travelers. A facility many times needs executive level support in different specific areas in the skilled nursing facility. Also, the facility may already have a DNS on record and need the ADNS role filled to help with survey prep.

In this case, the latter was true and the woman served a vital role for those 30 days and earned rave reviews for her performance as unit manager.

Whenever these types of situations arise, I tell my travelers not to look at the request as a demotion or a hit to his or her ego. It’s an opportunity to be a team player. After all, the more flexible interims are, the more useful and efficient they are as interim travelers.

You never know what a facility is in need for; however, a high-level nurse has been through many different scenarios. The experience will be needed in many different ways, not just to manage an entire facility.

Make 2012 resolutions that stick

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 12:45:02 GMT

It’s easy to throw together a list of New Year’s resolutions—lose weight, stop procrastinating, call home more—but making them stick takes talent and determination.

This year, put some thought into your list and cull it down to a few achievable, meaningful resolutions that will make a difference in your quality of life. Here are five that we think are worthy of consideration.

1. Update your resume
As a traveler, you’ve got some excellent experience under your belt. Make sure your resume reflects the diversity of your experience, from treatment modalities to settings, staffing variety to hours. Your broad range of knowledge is a commodity and your resume should show that off to your best advantage.

2. Put the focus on fun
Dale Carnegie once said that, “People rarely succeed unless they have fun in what they are doing.” We take that to mean that a well-balanced, successful life includes a healthy dose of smiles and laughter. This exercise may seem silly, but try it anyway: make a list of 20 things you think are fun, anything at all. Now put that list where you can see it and make a point of doing them! Take yourself to a funny movie or comedy club; make coffee dates with new friends; go exploring in your city on a day off. It’s a sad fact that most adults seem to get so caught up in the business of day-to-day living that they forget to step back from the seriousness and concentrate on joy.

You might also consider taking up a new hobby as a way to enhance the fun factor in your life. Always wanted to learn to play the banjo? Paint watercolors? Snowboard? You’re never too young or old to learn a new skill.

3. Buy less, enjoy what you have more
We live in a culture that reveres “stuff” and it can get overwhelming, especially if you’re a traveling therapist. Look around you—your life is likely already full of good gadgets and decorations, knick-knacks and books. Take time to dust off what you do have and enjoy it instead of heading out and buying more. You’ll not only see an increase in satisfaction with your home life, you’ll save money, which can grow your financial security.

4. Get Organized
Oh, where did you put that receipt? And your tax papers? And where is the address book?...Sound familiar? If disorganization has you pulling at your hair, make 2012 the year you commit to a system of organization and stick to it. Take a day and go through your things and give away what you haven’t used recently. And don’t buy anything new for 30 days (see #3 above) while you focus on what you do have.

A quick Google search will reveal hundreds of websites with effective systems of organization—pick one that appeals to you. One of our favorite rules is to take 10 minutes at the end of every day to walk around, picking up, putting things in their proper places and not letting things pile up.

5. Help Others
Researchers at the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke in Bethesda, Maryland, found that when people engage in unselfish acts, the brain “reward center” lights up. The means that helping others can create a spike in feel-good chemicals in the brain, like dopamine. This can foster overall feelings of well-being and happiness, two things that we all want more of. Helping others just feels good and it’s the right thing to do.

We want to know about your resolutions! Tell us what you’re going to do in 2012 and how you’re going to make it stick. E-mail me here.

Hit the road with a travel therapy job

Wed, 07 Dec 2011 13:57:17 GMT

As we prepare to enter 2012, talk of the economy is all about us. With all the bad news, there are bright spots, like jobs in the healthcare industry. In particular, opportunities for physical therapists (PTs) and occupational therapists (OTs) are growing. And if you’re an adventuresome soul, what could be better than working as a traveling therapist? You get to do what you love, change people’s lives and see the country 13-weeks at a time.

Whether you’re a recent graduate or seasoned professional, 360 Healthcare Staffing will find you a position based on your experience level and travel preferences. Want to stay warm in Florida for the winter? Spend summer in sunny California? See the northeast in the fall? We can accommodate your wishes! You can even take on travel assignments in your hometown if you want.

One secret that travel therapists know is that their positions often pay substantially more than a permanent one. In fact, travel therapists are some of the highest paid workers in the field. Other perks can include stellar benefits, free furnished housing, travel expense allowance, free continuing education classes, placement services and ongoing, personalized support from 360 staff. In addition, many travelers are eligible for bonuses after finishing their 13-week assignment.

A travel position also looks wonderful on your resume. Employers understand that traveling PTs and OTs are flexible people who work with diverse populations and different types of clinical teams. This is invaluable in the workforce of today.

Sit down and make a pro and con list for being a travel therapist—we know you’ll see that the benefits are huge and 360 is one of the most responsive, personal travel therapist placement services you can find. Call us today at 877-360-STAF or e-mail recruitment@360healthcarestaffing.com to find out more about the adventures and excitement that await you.

What Makes a Good Traveler?

Thu, 01 Dec 2011 15:34:46 GMT

St. Augustine once said, “The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page.” Traveling therapists read volumes with their work and even write a few pages themselves!

But just what makes a good traveler? When I speak with people about this lifestyle, the first thing I ask them is if they like change. This is important for a traveler because the environment varies all the time. Locations change. Hours change. Even coworkers change. Flexibility is a major asset and necessary quality.

After flexibility, good travelers are people who are knowledgeable about their own modalities, the different ways of doing things within the profession. They are not afraid to adapt to the way a particular facility does things and are always willing to learn new skills. In many hospital settings, the need is so great that they require travelers who can help wherever needed.

Another thing I’ve noticed over the years is that the most successful travelers are those who love what they do and enjoy helping people. At the end of the day on the East coast or West, North or South, travelers need to be able to look in the mirror and feel good about making a difference in people’s lives.

One of my favorite traits of successful travelers is their sense of adventure. They enjoy experiencing new cultures, exploring new places, meeting new people and learning new things. This is one of the greatest appeals of this lifestyle, the promise of opportunity to get away from home and discover the wider world.

Healthcare traveling can be a fantastic experience. Look at it as a mini vacation where you can meet new people and make new friends and be one of the world’s adventurers.

Away from Home for the Holidays

Tue, 22 Nov 2011 14:29:14 GMT

Christmas trees are coming out and the holidays are upon us once again. With the emphasis on family during this time of year, traveling therapists and nurses have special challenges. If they are miles from home, should they make the trip? Bring family to them? Create their own holiday celebration? Boycott the whole thing?

If you’ve got the time off and are considering making the trip home, mull over the stress versus comfort equation. Yes, holiday travel means busy roads and packed airports, but once you’ve arrived, the pleasures of home often make it worth the effort. Then again, if you’re driving and it’ll take as much time to get there as you’ll have to spend in the city itself, you might want to reconsider. Make a “pros” and “cons” list and see where you land.

If finances, scheduling or other reasons prohibit traveling home, consider bringing your family to you. A new city can provide entertainment and days of exploring between holiday cookies and meals. This is particularly true if your location is a different climate than your family’s home. For Minnesotans, what could be better than lolling on a Florida or California beach in the sunshine? Or if you’re in the northeast, the charm of historic cities can make for fun car rides when family is visiting.

Perhaps neither of these options as a possibility—many travelers get scheduled to work shifts around and on holidays because full-time employees take the time off. Interim coverage is critical for continuity of care, so take comfort knowing that even if you’re not with your family, you’re taking care of someone else’s loved one. That’s important stuff and you can make the difference between loneliness and a meaningful day for residents.

Whatever you choose, we hope you have a wonderful holiday season and new year.

Get to know your city and its discounts online

Thu, 10 Nov 2011 17:40:25 GMT

For the traveling therapist, one of the most fun aspects of work is getting to know a new location. Forget dusty old travel books—the newest way to get to know a location is to discount your way through town.

Online “coupon sites” are the rage and they offer a huge range of ideas for getting out, from meals to massages, skydiving to spelunking. Two that jump to mind are LivingSocial.com and Groupon.com. Both of these online sites also have mobile apps that make it possible to grab your smartphone, explore and save. You might take a yoga class in the morning, go to work, get a facial at five, then grab a bite to eat at a local hot spot before heading home.

As traveling interim healthcare professionals, you might also find yourself in remote locations without access to big shopping centers or malls. Other online discount sites can save the day—at Valpak.com, you can plug in a zip code and get a list of stores, restaurants and services with printable coupons.

Other site to consider:
Retailmenot.com
Fatwallet.com
Couponmountain.com
CouponSherpa.com
Google.com/offers

Social media is also changing the world of couponing. Twitter has loads of users who rock the savings. Check these out:
@coupongeek
@dealrocker
@extremecoupon
@discounthunters
@dealsplus
@frugalfreebies

Online and mobile discounts aren’t just a way to save money—they can help you get to know a city better and meet new people. So jump online and have fun.

Stress management

Fri, 28 Oct 2011 13:50:59 GMT

Every job has its share of stress and learning effective stress management techniques is a key for happiness and often productivity. How to keep stress under control? We’ve learned a thing or two over the years.

So how to limit stress and manage it well if it arrives? Read on to find out how to both limit it and mitigate it if it does occur.

Know your limits. Don’t take on more than you can comfortably do and practice saying "no" to excessive or demanding activities.
Take control of your environment. Commute driving you nuts? Ask your boss about shifting your schedule to better flow with traffic. Think about the things that you can change to lessen stress.
Google “time management” and take notes. People who are stretched too thin are grumpy and unpleasant, generally speaking. So start distinguishing between your "shoulds" and your "musts" and drop tasks that aren't necessary. Plan ahead and make a real effort not to overextend yourself.
Learn the art of compromise. Would you rather be right or would you rather be happy? Seriously. Finding common ground can make everyone more pleasant and less stressed.
Express your feelings. If something is bothering you, communicate it in a calm, thoughtful way. Bottled-up feelings are the primary ingredients of resentments and when’s the last time you saw a resentful person who was not stressed out?
Don't try to control the uncontrollable. You can’t control other people, places and things most of the time, so give up trying and accept life on life’s terms.
Look for the upside. Abraham Lincoln said that most folks are about as happy as they make up their minds to be and we think he was onto something there.
Learn to forgive. You’ll find the corners of your mouth turning up more when your heart is lighter.

Even if you practice all eight of the above suggestions, you’re still human and you’re probably going to experience stress. So here are some ways to relax during the storm.

Take a deep breath and take a stroll. Studies show that taking just a five-minute break in a stressful situation can noticeably diminish stress.
Exercise consistently. Exercising helps to release energy in your body and increase good brain chemicals.
Listen to music. Find a type that you enjoy and take time to enjoy it.
Do something you enjoy EVERY DAY, even if it is for 10 minutes. If you’re not sure what sounds like fun, brainstorm. Make a list and check off items as you try them. You might find new passions this way.
Call a good friend. Connecting intimately with another people has an immediate, calming effect.
Get a massage. Many stores have chair massage therapists, so even on a busy day, you can relax for five minutes.

When all else fails, stop what you’re doing, close your eyes and just be present in the moment. As Lily Tomlin said, “For fast-acting relief, try slowing down.” That’s stress-relieving advice we can all use.

Turn Yourself Into a Powerhouse Consultant

Thu, 20 Oct 2011 16:15:01 GMT

A good consultant is a person of many skills: Trouble shooting; creating mock surveys and plans of correction; implementing systems; hiring, firing and managing staff; and the auditing of charts, to name a few.

But who wants to just be good when great is an option? Follow these four tips to turn yourself into a powerhouse consultant.

Be thick-skinned

It can be tough to work in buildings with challenged staff and systems that need work. If you take problems personally, you’re headed for a headache. Maintain good boundaries, do your best work and don’t take problems home with you.

Ignore the “noise”

Long-term care politics can drain even the toughest leadership/consultant. Stay focused on the task at hand. You are there to do your best work—don’t let the side “noise” be a distraction.

While it is important to create relationships in your new work environment, don’t let yourself be drawn into politics and side-taking. Stay neutral and you’ll be on safer ground.

Know a company's computer system

Technological skills are in high demand. When you understand your company’s computer system, you become an invaluable interim consultant to that company, especially in short-notice circumstances requiring coverage.

Adapt to the new culture quickly

You’re in California one month, southern Alabama the next. Adjusting to the different types of people is key to overcoming culture shock and successfully adjusting to a new environment. Pay attention to traditions and ways of doing business and try to go with the flow. Most of all, be sensitive to the fact that you are in a different culture and your way of doing things may not be theirs. Be ready to be flexible and patient.

With these tips in mind, you can turn yourself into a true powerhouse consultant.

National Physical Therapy Month

Mon, 10 Oct 2011 12:18:41 GMT

One of the important aspects of healing from certain injuries is regaining mobility. The ability to stay physically active and independent is crucial for other areas of health, like mental and spiritual health. Physical therapists are key players in this issue because they are experts in restoring and improving motion. This means PTs can improve quality of life by helping people of all ages stay healthy and fit.

October is National Physical Therapy Month, a time when we at 360 Healthcare Staffing celebrate the myriad contributions these professionals make to active, healthy aging. Our PT and PT assistants improve quality of life and help our clients continue to enjoy doing their favorite things. Whatever part of your body is hurting – shoulder, neck, leg, back – PTs are well known for helping patients improve their quality of life.

According to the American Physical Therapy Association, physical therapists:

Significantly improve mobility to perform daily activities;
Provide an alternative to painful and expensive surgery, in many cases;
Manage or eliminate pain without medication and its side effects, in many cases.

Your physical therapist can help with:

Arthritis
Joint and back pain
Fitness
Obesity
Osteoporosis
Overuse injuries
Stroke
Sprains, strains and fractures
And much more

Improve Balance and Prevent Falls
For people over 65, falls are particularly dangerous and prevalent. Falls can severely diminish a person’s ability to enjoy an active and independent life. This year alone, one in three people over 65 will fall at least once and that number is one in two for people over 80, according to the National Aging Council. These falls can have catastrophic consequences.

A PT or PT assistant can not only help with recovery from a fall, but can actually help with prevention of the falls themselves with an individualized program of exercises and activities that emphasize strength, flexibility and proper gait. PTs can also help improve balance with these exercises.

Recover From Stroke
Stroke is a devastating life event that is the third leading cause of death in the U.S. and a primary cause of disability. A PT can help a stroke patient regain physical function and learn coping mechanisms for dealing with any physical losses, like movement limitations. Many people are even able to regain the ability to walk with treadmill training with the use of body-weight support and a PT’s exercise/rehab plan.

Live With Diabetes
Almost 24 million American adults and kids have diabetes, and a PT or PT assistant can help you devise a plan to both control your blood glucose and fight the all-too-often complication of loss of movement. This means an individualized plan of action that addresses the whole person.

Learn more
Get in-the-know this month at www.moveforwardpt.com, run by the APTA. There are lots of videos, articles and tools to help you keep mobile, healthy and fit and learn about the vital role that physical therapists play in overall health and quality of life.

Travelers, stay connected with social media

Tue, 04 Oct 2011 12:04:48 GMT

As a traveling therapist or nurse, staying connected with family and friends is a priority. Many of our 360 employees either aren’t using social media or don’t use it regularly. There are thousands of social media sites available to you, but one that we want to focus on is Facebook, where there are 800 million active users and you’re likely to find lots of your “real-life” connections online. With this tool, you can share your adventures with people back at home and stay in touch with others while you travel the U.S.

Facebook is your friend

Among people who don’t use Facebook or use it rarely, what we most hear is a general fear and discomfort. Folks are intimidated by it and don’t know where to begin and they have concerns about privacy.

There’s nothing to fear! Facebook recently released a redesign and it’s quite easy to use. Start at the Help Center for Facebook basics. In this section, you’ll learn everything from uploading a profile picture to editing your privacy settings. Privacy is yours to control—by clicking on arrow on the upper right-hand of the page, then Privacy Settings, you can limit who can and can’t see each part of your profile.

Facebook is not just for teenagers—there a combined 28 million people over the age of 45 active on Facebook. There’s a niche for everyone and your friends and family will value your updates.

Get the most out of Facebook

Send an a-mail to your friends and family with a link to your profile. Ask them to friend you.
Search for friends on Facebook and add.
Use a current profile picture.
Make sure to use the privacy settings.
It’s OK to decline friend requests.
Write on your friends' "Walls."
Update your status regularly. At least three times a week, write something new. Examples: observations about a city, a new culture, food, neighborhoods, weather differences, social activities, etc.
Post photos from your after-work adventures and “tag” people who appear with you (make sure you have their permission).
Download the Facebook app on your smartphone and update on the fly.

There’s no reason to be intimidated by social media—it’s a wonderful tool for staying in touch while you are a traveler with 360 Healthcare. And friend us on Facebook and post updates from your travels there!

Staying healthy when traveling

Mon, 12 Sep 2011 14:22:21 GMT

We are traveling more now than ever before, whether it’s for work or pleasure, and oftentimes, we are not alone in our journeys. Unwanted germs and “bugs” are unwittingly part of our baggage. Think about how many times you've come back from a trip with a cold. If you’re someone who likes to travel, or your job requires travel, there are some things you can do to enjoy a healthy return.

•    Fight the flu now. Your chances of catching the flu increase if you spend a lot of time in airports or train terminals. If you travel somewhere with a warmer climate, you are more likely to catch the flu or other virus because viruses last longer in warm temperatures. Protect yourself by getting the flu vaccine annually, and wash your hands frequently throughout the day.
•    Be aware of your body and respond to warning signs. If you don’t feel quite right after coming back from a trip, you may have picked up something which just hasn’t hit you full force yet. Be mindful of any symptoms such as fever, loss of energy or appetite, and see a doctor if you’re not feeling yourself in a couple of weeks.
•    Pack a travel health kit. We’ve all had to change our packing routine since 9/11 but there are some things you shouldn’t leave home without. It’s better to be safe than sorry, so remember to take antibacterial hand sanitizer or wipes, anti-motion sickness medicine, anti-diarrheal/laxative medications, an antihistamine for allergies, cough drops, and ibuprofen/aspirin for fever and pain. For additional travel health kit items, check out this list from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:

http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/page/pack-smart.htm#travelhealthkit

• Keep prescription medications with you. Keep any prescribed medicines with you and have a copy of the prescription. Some airlines may not question your medications, but it’s a good idea to have all the right information just in case. If you are prescribed controlled substances or injectable medicine, you should have a note from your physician, on his/her letterhead, stating that the medication has been prescribed to you.
• Your insurance card – don’t leave home without it. Hopefully you won’t have to use it, but you should have your insurance card when traveling. Also be sure to have something in your wallet listing anything you are allergic to, especially in regard to medications such as penicillin.

Housing Made Simple for 360 Travelers

Tue, 13 Sep 2011 09:02:30 GMT

As every traveling healthcare worker knows, one of the first things you’ve got to do is find a place to live. For some travelers, the process can be exciting as well as frustrating because there are so many choices to make. But 360 Healthcare Staffing makes the process painless and even fun.

We basically have two housing processes. One is geared toward therapy travelers on 13-week assignment and the other is for nursing travelers on five-week assignment. Both of them start with a conversation identifying the needs and wants of the traveler and then proceed from there. You name your priorities and we customize. All housing is turnkey ready.

For the 13-week assignments, travelers will likely be in a one-bedroom furnished apartment or studio that is appointed down to the linens. All utilities are included. Depending on the market, this could also be a vacation rental, like in Florida, or corporate housing. Many locations include amenities, like fitness centers, tennis courts and a pool.

For our travelers on five-week assignments, an extended-stay type hotel fits the bill. Some folks want cooking facilities in their unit, some don't—maybe you’d rather be in a place that has a microwave and free continental breakfast every day. We’re often able to accommodate your needs and wants.

Because we do this for so many people, we are often able to negotiate a better rate and travelers are often surprised by the quality of their housing. And since it’s all about location, location, location, we’re careful to choose housing that’s the best mix of neighborhood and proximity to your assignment.

This is an exciting time for you as you begin the adventure of a new assignment. Enjoy yourself and let us know how you make the big housing decisions.

When Traveling, Always Wear a Smile

Tue, 30 Aug 2011 11:46:48 GMT

In my years as a traveling nurse, I’ve learned that when you interact with a new culture, a smile is universal and should always be worn. Everybody knows what it means.

In my work as a traveling nurse, one of the hardest transitions has always been of the gastronomic variety. I’ve lived in Mississippi for 34 years and I'm used to mild Southern cooking. When I headed west, my taste buds weren’t ready for the peppers and spice in the food around El Paso, Texas, for example.

I learned to say hola! to the predominant Hispanic culture there, where even my favorite Chinese restaurant played Tejano music. It was in a local restaurant there that I learned that the phrase “not spicy” can mean different things to different people. Wow!

Adjusting to a new workplace is always a sensitive process, especially when you’re working with people whose background is different than yours. The best way to make it a success is to treat it a little bit like high school: You want try to fit into your new surroundings with how you look. If the whole place is wearing open-toed shoes or flip flops, then wear a pair once in a while. Keep it plain the first few days until you get a feel for your new office and how you can best assimilate without losing your individual style.

Another thing to remember is that each culture is different and that you must be observant to rituals surrounding things like food. For example, a woman in an office once brought in candies she had made and I discovered that refusing them would offend her. This was an important lesson — take a little of whatever is offered and enjoy it. Even if you are given something really spicy, take a bite. It only burns for a second! (Although once my coworkers had to run to the kitchen and get me milk and bread to sooth my burning lips and tongue and to get my eyes to stop watering.)

It’s important to watch your humor. What makes a person laugh in West Virginia may not fly in El Paso. I also learned to avoid regional sayings from my upbringing, like “fiddlesticks” and “I am going to shake my chicken bones.” In fact, I learned that when in doubt, use an interpreter, especially when talking to patients.

Finally, one of the best lessons from my travels is to learn to laugh at yourself and be a good sport. You’re going to mispronounce names and places, and your accent might even get a giggle from a local. It’s all part of the learning process and a great way to make new friends.

For three years, Julia Davis, RN, has been a traveling nurse and she has more than 15 years of experience as an MDS/RNAC. With a love of adventure and new places, Julia has made the most of her travels, bringing along her husband for each new assignment. She's traveled from North Carolina to Denver, Colorado, and is currently living in Southaven, Mississippi.

Social media and the job search

Wed, 27 Jul 2011 15:05:00 GMT

The Internet has completely changed the way we search for jobs – gone are the days when people sat down with the Sunday paper want ads and a highlighter. Now we “surf” for job opportunities just by typing a few key words into a web browser.

But a changing landscape in the World Wide Web has once again made it essential that prospective employees and employers stay on the cutting edge of technology when job searching and networking. That includes embracing fast-growing LinkedIn, Twitter and social media giant Facebook.

According to a July 7, 2011 online article by UK’s Browser Media, Facebook now has approximately 750 million users, up from March’s figure of 640 million. And to say that Twitter is “alive and well” would be an understatement – just since March, the number of daily tweets has grown from 95 million to an astounding 200 million! LinkedIn, the popular professional networking site that averages a new member every second, surpassed one million users this past March. With so many people utilizing social media to network on a cyber scale, how can you use such sites to your best professional advantage?

Consider these tips:

Use separate sites for business and personal contacts. Take advantage of professional networking sites like LinkedIn and BrightFuse for highlighting your professional skills to potential business contacts and employers.
Keep less serious profiles on a separate site and away from employers. Ask yourself, “Would I want my mom to see these pictures of me in Vegas?” If the answer’s no, the same thinking should be applied to potential employers.
Post what will get you noticed in a good way. If you have posted content under your identity that enhances your qualifications, such as industry-specific groups on LinkedIn, it will show up high in search results and impact how you are perceived.
Interact with potential employers both in person and through social media. Networking on a personal level can help you network even more through social media. Plus, networking with those who know you on a professional level and can vouch for your work can open doors for you in the social media world, helping you to connect with those outside your immediate network.

Join our community! Stay in touch with 360 Healthcare Staffing through our social media sites including Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn!

Experience Wine Country!

Wed, 20 Jul 2011 12:03:36 GMT

Wine Country is a region of Northern California comprised of Napa, Sonoma and Mendocino counties, known for—you guessed it—its fabulous wine growing.

With over 400 wineries, the area is a delight for wine lovers, new and seasoned, as well as anyone who appreciates gorgeous scenery and activities to tickle all your senses.

Visit any of the wineries to sample the fruit of their vines. Discover how that Chardonnay made its way to your glass during a behind-the-scenes tour. Delight your ears and dancing feet at one of the many concerts held throughout the year, and let your eyes be amazed at the creativity displayed in an art exhibit.

When you’re ready to take a break from the grapes, you can enjoy hiking, bicycling, hot air ballooning, and historic sites. Dine in some of the country’s most renown restaurants, and experience the complexities of nature while exploring Wine Country’s hot springs baths and petrified forests.

Hot summer destinations for travel therapy

Wed, 08 Jun 2011 14:05:00 GMT

For most people, summertime is the ideal season for travel. With so many days of warm temperatures and bright sun, it’s the perfect time to shake off the winter doldrums and enjoy new scenery.

Since summer is also a great season for travel therapy and nursing, we’ve come up with some of the most popular states for travel assignments during this time of year. From the state that’s surrounded on three sides by water and the Lone Star State, to a state that’s a true “original,” we’ve got destinations that will help you enjoy the most of work and play!

Texas
When it comes to summer vacation activities and destinations, Texas has something for everyone. From sweeping beaches to rushing rivers, from huge metropolitans to mountain peaks, vacationers can always find "just the right spot" in the Lone Star State. Have you planned where you want to spend your 4th of July? Now is the time to start planning your Texas summer vacation.

Pennsylvania
One of the original 13 colonies, Pennsylvania offers travelers a diverse array of options to explore for summer vacations. The state boasts equal parts big city bustle and countryside respite, providing visitors with ample opportunities to get out and enjoy the warm summer weather. From the urban masses of Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, to the rolling interior farmlands of Amish country and the rugged forests of the Pocono Mountains, Pennsylvania has myriad destinations for vacation-goers to discover.

Florida
Florida is known around the world for its white sandy beaches and many exciting attractions such as Walt Disney World^®, historic St. Augustine and Kennedy Space Center. As the land of endless summer, it’s no surprise that the Sunshine State is home to more attractions than anywhere else in the United States. Whether you're a visitor or a home-grown Floridian, you'll love the variety and quality of its magical and unique destinations.

These locations are great for work and play, so don’t miss out! Contact a 360 Healthcare recruiter at 877-360-STAF (7823) to get started on your summer travel assignment.

360 Healthcare Staffing offering discount on VitalStim certification

Thu, 19 May 2011 11:52:13 GMT

We know furthering your education is important to you and your career. To help you expand your professional training, 360 Healthcare Staffing is offering discounts on VitalStim® certification. This unique therapy treats dysphagia through the application of neuromuscular electrical stimulation to cervical swallowing muscles. It has proven successful in restoring long-term swallowing function in dysphagic patients past the point of requiring a feeding tube.

The VitalStim Certification Program includes the online course, “MBS: The Clear Picture” for 1.2 CEUs (12 contact hours), and the two-day hands-on “VitalStim Certification Course" for 1.6 CEUs (16 contact hours) for a total of 2.8 CEUs (28 contact hours).

For a standard group CEU (1-9), the cost is $799.00 each participant, but 360 Healthcare Staffing is offering a 40% discount off the standard rate for a savings of $300.00! This course is open to all speech and occupational therapists; PRNs are not eligible for the group rate.

Therapists wishing to enroll in this program should keep in mind:
• Must receive approval from the employment specialist prior to enrolling in the course. Once approved, the registration form will be filled out and submitted directly to the course instructors.
• Reimbursement will come to the traveler via payroll check after they fill out the expense report form.

How to enroll:
Click here to access the registration form – be sure to list “Aegis Therapies” as your parent company. Fax your completed form to the number listed at the top.

Great Ideas for Speech and Cognitive Therapy

Wed, 11 May 2011 12:41:15 GMT

As a speech pathologist, I am always looking for new and interesting methods to enhance therapy sessions. Over the past 31 years, I have found some unique resources to supplement the typical therapy workbooks and photo cards.

My goal is to help patients achieve success in their therapy programs, and I think that keeping things fun and fresh is a great way to do that. So, take a look at the tips provided, and remember to have fun and learn along with your patients!

• Get thrifty! Visit thrift shops in your area and look for trivia games and outburst question-type games. The vocabulary and memory games are fun and interesting to my SNF residents. I usually don’t use the game boards, just the cards. When the session is over, I just put rubber bands around them and store in a clear container.

• Be a bookworm. Books at thrift shops or your local library are useful for pictures of people, places and things. Patients can read short paragraphs for comprehension, processing and short-term memory tasks. The Eyewitness Series in the children’s section of your library is great for cognitive recall activities. Books on crafts are helpful for sequencing and memory. Biographies are also fun for long-term memory skills.

• Sing along. Music books with songs from the 1940’s to the present are also useful for memory and breathing support activities. Books of poems or short stories on CD/tape can increase auditory memory. Another useful book is one that shows states and cities where your patient has lived and worked because it can remind them of past experiences they enjoyed.

Make the most of your time: Helpful time management tips

Wed, 20 Apr 2011 10:21:30 GMT

If you were to ask healthcare workers ─ or any person for that matter ─ what they wish they had more of, most would probably say “time!” While there isn’t a way to add more hours to the day or days to the week, there are ways to make the most of the time you have. Even using just a few of the tips we’ve highlighted could help you get the most out of your day and balance the demands of work.

• Make prioritizing a priority – identify your tasks for the day or week, and organize them according to importance. Completing the most important ones first will give you sense of accomplishment and eliminate stress.
• The earlier, the better time management – try to get to work at least 10 minutes before your shift starts. This will give you an opportunity to review notes from the previous shift as well as patient care plans for the day.
• Make a list and check it twice – even with today’s new technology, lists can be extremely helpful, especially when your tasks for the day out number the hours you have to do them. Having a list will keep you focused and eliminate the feeling of running around in circles. You’ll be surprised at how much you were able to check off once you reach the end of your shift.
If a list isn’t for you, try a grid sheet. Grid sheets have become popular among nurses and therapists because you can outline each patient’s care hour by hour, including specific therapy, lab work and medication.
• Don’t forget your charts – paperwork is important, although not always popular. Complete your documentation as soon as possible after you see the patient. Your treatment and/or session is fresher in your mind and it provides the best picture of the patient during treatment and the services you provided.