Healthcare

Transcription

Healthcare - Nxtbook Media

FROM NATHO: Where our interests lie
HT
ALSO INSIDE:
2010 Recruiters of the Year
Healthcare
Traveler
2010
Travelers of
T H E M A G A Z I N E F O R H E A LT H C A R E T R A V E L P R O F E S S I O N A L S
DECEMBER 2010 VOL. 18 NO. 6 WWW.HEALTHCARETRAVELER.COM
the Year
You can realize your dreams—
any way you shake it.
This season we have hundreds of job opportunities from coast to coast. Tell us
where you want to go and we’ll work hard to get you there. Our expert recruiters
will help you find the assignment you’ve been wishing for this holiday season.
You can have it all.
Call today.
866.515.1014
RN Network has earned
The Joint Commission’s
Gold Seal of Approval.
www.rnnetwork.com/ucan
Interested? Circle Career Card No. 611 or go to www.healthcaretraveler.com/readerservice
Member: NATHO.org
© 2010 RN Network HT10
Healthcare
Traveler
www.HealthcareTraveler.com
Contents
2010
Travelers of
the
Y Year
ear
®
Vol. 18 No. 6
COVER STORY
December 2010
This issue honors 66 healthcare
travelers who in 2010 made an
impact while on the job.
18
RECRUITERS OF THE YEAR
28
Many travelers who took
assignments during 2010
didn’t do it alone. Join us in
recognizing this year’s top
recruiters in the field.
❯❯ Point of
Departure
4
6
10
12
Editor’s Desk
In a Flash
Med Ec-cerpts
From NATHO
Where do NATHO’s interests
lie? With you
Healthcare Traveler (ISSN 1077-5676 (print), ISSN 1946-1100 (online)) is published monthly by Advanstar
Communications, Inc., 131 West 1st Street, Duluth, MN 55802-2065. Periodicals postage paid at Duluth, MN
and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Healthcare Traveler, PO Box
6000, Duluth, MN 55806-6000.
Printed in the U.S.A. Canadian G.S.T. Number: # R-124213133RT001, PUBLICATIONS MAIL AGREEMENT
NO. 40612608. Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to: Bleuchip International, P.O. Box
25542, London, ON N6C 6B2 CANADA.
Healthcare Traveler is distributed free of charge in the United States and Canada to nurses and allied
healthcare providers who travel, or would consider travel as a career opportunity. Single copies (prepaid
only): $8.00 in the United States; $10.00 Canada/Mexico; $12.00 all other countries. Healthcare Traveler
is available on a paid subscription basis to nonqualified readers at the rate of: U.S. and Possessions: 1
year, $49.95; 2 years, $84.95; Canada/Mexico: 1 year, $69.95; 2 years, $124.95; All other countries: 1 year,
$89.95; 2 years, $144.95. Back issues, if available: $15.00 in the U.S.; $17.00 Canada/Mexico; $18.00 all
other countries. Include $6.50 per order plus $2.00 per additional copy for U.S. postage and handling. If
shipping outside the U.S., include an additional $10.00 per order plus $2.00 per additional copy.
48
End of the Road
❯❯ Expand Your
Horizon
Professional development
tools for travelers
Media Matters
What ‘s new
❯❯RN Corner
16
17
43
Professional Update
Drug Update
Allied Corner
Healthcare Traveler does not verify any claims or other information appearing in any of the advertisements contained in the publication, and cannot take any responsibility for any losses or other damages
incurred by readers in reliance on such content.
Healthcare Traveler welcomes unsolicited articles, manuscripts, photographs, illustrations, and other
materials but cannot be held responsible for their safekeeping or return.
Pet Trusts
45
The latest news specific to the
nursing field
Articles in Healthcare Traveler are indexed in the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health
Literature (CINAHL).
Paws for Thought
Tips from a Traveler
Preparation can reduce
headaches down the road
14
41
❯❯Travelogue
Snapshots from across town
and across the country
38
Cityscape
46
Going the Distance
Arizona State University
47
Name It
Healthcare Traveler
photo contest
❯❯Career Service
Center
Matching travelers with
job opportunities
33
40
Advertisers’ Index
Classifieds
Knoxville, Tenn.
*All color separations and proofs produced by Advanstar’s Digital Imaging &
Digital Prepress departments.
www.healthcaretraveler.com
December 2010 Healthcare Traveler
∣
1
YOUR GUIDE TO
WHAT’S HAPPENING ONLINE
Healthcare Traveler is part of the ModernMedicine Network, a Web-based portal for health professionals
offering best-in-class content and tools in a rewarding and easy-to-use environment for knowledge sharing among
members of our community. ModernMedicine is designed to support your goals for optimal patient care, practice
management, and professional development. Check out these other features from the Network.
Education, made easy
Access dozens of patient
handouts.
Financial savvy
Calculators to help you
determine your net worth,
identify your disability
insurance needs and more.
Coding counselor
Seach for ICD-9 codes online.
Hypertension
This month’s focus is on hypertension.
CODING.MODERNMEDICINE.COM
HEALTHCARETRAVELER.COM/HYPERTENSIONFOCUS
The Top 7 Hit List
1
» CRISIS NURSING IN HAITI
Eleven days
in a Portau-Prince
tent hospital
renewed
travel nurse
VJ Gibbons’
dedication to
patient care.
healthcaretraveler.com/crisisnursing
2
3
healthcaretraveler.com/guidelines
»
FOREGOING NEEDED
HEALTHCARE
As ranks of uninsured grow, many
people are foregoing much-needed
healthcare.
6
healthcaretraveler.com/uninsuredissues
4
» HEALTHCARE STAFFING
SERVICES CERTIFICATION
An interpretation of Healthcare
Staffing Services (HCSS) certification
guidelines for healthcare travelers.
TThe top clinical and practice-management resources from ModernMedicine.com
healthcaretraveler.com/workinghands
5
» REMOVING DEDUCTIBLES
The use of first-dollar coverage (also
known as zero-deductible coverage) may
modestly improve utilization of preventive
services, according to recent research.
The best of the
best in healthcare
travel always go
the extra mile to
get the job done.
healthcaretraveler.
com/extramile
COMPENSATION TRENDS
»
WITH HAND INJURIES
Workers’ compensation hand injuries
receive different care, a recent
study shows.
»ABOVE AND BEYOND
7
» PARTNER IN POVERTY
The National Center for Children in
Poverty has created new resources to
help professionals care for families
facing behavioral, developmental and
social/emotional challenges.
modernmedicine.com/nccp
healthcaretraveler.com/deductibleimpact
LEARN WHAT YOU’RE MISSING: Our new online digital editions let you flip through the pages of your favorite
Advanstar Communications publications from any computer. Sign up for free at the following Web sites:
Contemporary OB/GYN: contemporaryobgyn.modernmedicine.com
Contemporary Pediatrics: contemporarypediatrics.com/digital
Drug Topics: drugtopics.com/digital
Formulary: formularyjournal.modernmedicine.com/digital
2
∣
Healthcare Traveler December 2010
Healthcare Traveler: healthcaretraveler.com/digital
LocumLife: locumlife.com/digital
Managed Healthcare Executive: managedhealthcareexecutive.com
Medical Economics: memag.com/digital
Photos: Getty Images/Photodisc/sot (top left); GettyImages/Stockbyte/Michael Hitoshi (middle left); Getty Images/Brand X Pictures/Jupiterimages (top right); Getty Images/Digital Vision/Martin Poole (middle right);
Getty Images/Brand X Pictures/Maciej Frolow (bottom left); Getty Images/Digital Vision/Dougal Waters (bottom right)
MODERNMEDICINE.COM/PATIENTEDUCATION
HEALTHCARETRAVELER.COM/FINANCETOOLS
Our red carpet gets you into more of the nation’s leading hospitals, including
our newest managed services client in the Pacific Northwest. So many choices,
so many memories – Only one Cross Country TravCorps.
Get the free mobile app for your phone
http://gettag.mobi
Right Now! FREE iPad for select exclusive
13-week assignments. See website or call
your recruiter for details.
(800) 697-9824
WWW.CROSSCOUNTRY.COM
Cross Country TravCorps
is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Editor’s Desk
®
That time of the year again
The Magazine for Healthcare Travel Professionals
I
t’s the little things that mean the most sometimes, especially when caring for
patients.
Ask Harvey Bullock, ASN, RN, who, after returning from a trip brought
back an Ohio State sweatshirt for a patient because he knew the college team
was one of the child’s favorites.
Sometimes, it’s the things accomplished on a higher plane that make a difference. Ask Nathan Hart, a traveler who was the first OT assigned to a newly activated combat stress control unit deployed to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba — a positive
component of the ongoing war on terrorism.
There are many in the traveling profession who make a positive impact everyday,
and we at Healthcare Traveler are aware that there are many in the field going beyond the boundaries of what
could be considered everyday job responsibilities.
Success in the
In honor of those individhealthcare travel uals who go the extra mile
during the course of their
profession begins mobile duties, it’s time to
recognize 66 outstanding inwith relationships. dividuals who comprise our
ninth annual 2010 Travelers
of the Year issue. This issue
has become a tradition here at the magazine and a perennial favorite among readers.
We acknowledge — along with many in the traveling industry — that travelers
usually can’t do their jobs effectively if recruiting agencies don’t do theirs. So, for
the eighth year, we highlight 69 staffing agency members voted by healthcare travelers as the 2010 Recruiters of the Year.
The dynamics of the traveling industry are too many to mention in this space and
at times too intricate to explain to those outside of the profession. It’s enough to say,
however, that the success that the industry has enjoyed throughout the last 20 years
begins with professional — and many times personal — relationships that serve as a
solid foundation. These varied relationships don’t start and stop with a phone call to
a traveler from a recruiter trying to fill a vacancy; they extend far and wide to include
hospitals that treat patients and professional organizations such as NATHO, which
are involved in the day-to-day issues that are shaping the traveling industry.
As the traveling profession continues to evolve, please take a moment to join us
in saluting those individuals who help make it work so well. HT
David Bennett
Senior Editor
[email protected]
Mission Statement
Healthcare Traveler and HealthcareTraveler.com are the most widely read and favorite resources for mobile
healthcare professionals and for those who might be interested in joining this community. Dedicated to this
lifestyle, Healthcare Traveler engages and encourages nursing and allied healthcare professionals through the
perspectives of industry experts and travelers alike. Practitioners can master life on the road, enhance their
professional development, and connect with staffing companies and hospitals for career opportunities.
4
∣
24950 Country Club Blvd., Suite 200, North Olmsted, OH 44070
(440) 243-8100 • (800) 225-4569 • Fax (440) 891-2735
For subscriptions, call (877) 922-2022
Editorial
SENIOR EDITOR
David Bennett
dbennet [email protected]
CORPORATE ART DIRECTOR
GROUP ART DIRECTOR
Jerry Lehman
Quinn Williams
Advertising
NATIONAL ACCOUNT
MANAGER
LIST ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE
Bill Smith
[email protected]
(440) 891-2718 • Fax (440) 891-2786
Renee Schuster
[email protected]
(440) 891-2613 • Fax (440) 891-2740
REPRINTS
Sandy Sailes-Colbert
1-80 0 -290 -5460 x10 0 or
[email protected]
International customers can call
717-505-9701 x10 0
PERMISSIONS/INT’L LICENSING
Maureen Cannon
[email protected]
(440) 891-2742 • Fax (440) 891-2650
Production & Circulation
131 West 1 Street, Duluth, MN 55802-2065
PRODUCTION MANAGER
Erin Riley
[email protected]
(218) 740 - 6493 • Fax (218) 740 - 6381
PRODUCTION DIRECTOR
Debi Harmer
[email protected]
AUDIENCE DEVELOPMENT
MANAGER
Kristina Bildeaux
[email protected]
(507) 895- 6758 • Fax (507) 895- 6758
Life Sciences Group
EXECUTIVE V.P.-LIFE SCIENCES GROUP
V.P.-SALES AND OPERATIONS
V.P., MODERNMEDICINE.COM
CHIEF MEDICAL & COMPLIANCE OFFICER
Tom Ehardt
Laura Wagner
Steve Merahn, MD
John C. Marlow, MD
PRESIDENT, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER
EXECUTIVE V.P.-FINANCE & CFO
EXECUTIVE V.P.-CORP. DEVELOPMENT
EXECUTIVE V.P, MARKET DEVELOPMENT
& LICENSING GROUP
V.P.-INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
V.P.-ELECTRONIC MEDIA GROUP
V.P.-MEDIA OPERATIONS
V.P.-HUMAN RESOURCES
V.P.-GENERAL COUNSEL
Joe Loggia
Tom Ehardt
Ted Alpert
Eric I. Lisman
Georgiann DeCenzo
J. Vaughn
Mike Alic
Francis Heid
Nancy Nugent
Ward D. Hewins
©2010 Advanstar Communications Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this publication
may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or
mechanical including by photocopy, recording, or information storage and retrieval
without permission in writing from the publisher. Authorization to photocopy items
for internal/educational or personal use, or the internal/educational or personal use
of specific clients is granted by Advanstar Communications Inc. for libraries and other
users registered with the Copyright Clearance Center, 222 Rosewood Dr., Danvers, MA
01923, 978-750-8400 fax 978-646-8700. For uses beyond those listed above, please
direct your written request to Permission Dept. fax 440-891-2650.
Advanstar Communications provides certain customer contact data (such as
customers’ names, addresses, phone numbers and e-mail addresses) to third parties
who wish to promote relevant products, services and other opportunities which may
be of interest to you. If you do not want Advanstar Communications to make your
contact information available to third parties for marketing purposes, simply call (toll
free) 866-529-2922 at any time, or fax us at 218-740-6417. Outside the U.S., please
phone 218-740-6395. Contact us by mail at Advanstar Communications Inc., 131 West
First St., Duluth, MN 55802-2065, USA.
Here. There. Everywhere.
MedStaff will deliver.
No matter where your career is headed, MedStaff will get you where you want to be. We have top
nursing positions throughout the U.S. So as the cooler weather blows in, why not head to the warm
sunny beaches of Florida? From Miami to Daytona, Orlando to Tampa/St. Pete – we have the best that
the Sunshine state has to offer! Call today to get started.
5014"-"3*&4t8&&,-:1":t$0.1-&5*0/3&'&33"-#0/64&4t(6"3"/5&&%)0634
,8*5)."5$)t'3&&13*7"5&'63/*4)&%)064*/(t(3&"5-0$"5*0/4
'3&&45%":)&"-5)*/463"/$&t53"7&-3&*.#634&.&/5
MedStaff Healthcare Solutions’ Travel Division
has earned Joint Commission Certification.
866.387.8147
www.medstaffinc.com
MedStaff is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
magenta
cyan
yellow
black
hct1210_nxtbook5r1.pgs 12.13.2010 17:06
ADVANSTAR_PDF/X-1a
In A Flash
N E W S T R AV E L E R S C A N U S E
“IOM Report doesn’t address safety”
In brief...
he American Academy of
Family Physicians (AAFP) is
criticizing a report that was
released by the Institute of Medicine
(IOM) on Oct. 5 discussing the future of nursing in the United States.
The AAFP states that the IOM report does not adequately address the
training and certification nurses will
need to assume greater responsibilities in the healthcare system, according to an article published in AAFP
News Now on Oct. 6.
According to AAFP President
Roland Goertz, MD, who was interviewed by AAFP News Now, the
report doesn’t adequately address the
scope of patient safety as it relates to
nurses’ required roles and capabilities.
“I have not read anywhere in the
report recommendations about
standard training or standard certifications of competencies, which
are embedded throughout physician
training,” Dr. Goertz says.
“The report simply says, ‘Do away
with all blocks of full scope of practice. Do away with anything that prohibits an advanced nurse practitioner
from having direct patient care or
direct licensing.’ It doesn’t mention
anything about how to maintain
competencies or ensure patient safety,” he adds.
The Robert Woods Johnson
Foundation funded the IOM report,
which is titled “The Future of Nursing: Leading Change, Advancing
Health.” According to the AAFP
News Now article, the report calls
for eliminating scope-of-practice
barriers and allowing advanced
practice nurses to practice to the full
extent of their education and train-
Rural areas suffer ‘emerging
mortality penalty’
T
6
∣
ing. The report also asks Congress
to expand the Medicare program
to include coverage of advanced
practice nursing services “that are
within the scope of practice under
applicable state law, just as physician
services are now covered.”
The Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) should “amend
or clarify the requirements for hospital participation in the Medicare
program to ensure that advanced
practice registered nurses are eligible
for clinical privileges, admitting
privileges and membership on medical staff,” the report states.
In response to this concept, Goertz
says, “Patient care is way too important to decide to do away with various recommendations and certifications and allow it to be done without
some sort of standardization and
competency measurements.”
The AAFP News Now article goes
on to state the following:
“The AAFP agrees that nurses
should practice in line with their
nurse training, said Goertz. However,
he added, the basic educational preparation for the largest proportion of
registered nurses is an associate’s degree. Forty percent of nurses received
their basic nursing education in an
associate’s degree program, he noted.
About 30 percent attended diploma
programs and 30 percent attended
baccalaureate programs.
“Among registered nurses who
obtained their initial nursing education during the past five years, 55.4
percent graduated from an associate’s
degree program and 38 percent graduated from a baccalaureate program;
6 percent graduated from diploma
programs.” HT
National trends in recent decades reveal an “emerging mortality penalty”
for people living outside metropolitan
areas, Mississippi State University
researchers report in the American
Journal of Public Health.
Data shows that 40,000-plus more
people living in rural counties die
annually than those in metropolitan
areas. The team from the university’s
Social Science Research Center points
out that non-metropolitan areas have
higher rates of deaths overall, and
they cite heart disease, cancer, and
stroke as the top three causes.
The historical metropolitan mortality rate, which is defined as more
people dying in cities than in rural
areas, has reversed since the mid1980s, leading researchers to explore
reasons why. They speculate that
possible causes could be changes
in standards of healthcare that have
not been implemented in rural areas,
rates of people without insurance
coverage, rates of disease occurrences, and health behaviors.
The latest News and Numbers
from the Agency for Healthcare
Research and Quality (AHRQ) offers
data on these possible causes:
• Patients in rural hospitals were
older (42 percent were 65-plus) than
those in urban public hospitals (23
percent were 65-plus).
• Rural public hospitals had fewer
high technology services than urban
public hospitals. For example, rural
hospitals were less likely to have ICUs,
magnetic resonance imaging, cardiac
surgery, and advanced types of radiation therapy.
MORE EXCLUSIVE ASSIGNMENTS
where you want to go
Lebanon, NH
Anchorage, AK
Boston, MA
Hershey, PA
Missoula, MT
Long Island, NY
Seattle, WA
New York City, NY
Portland, OR
Morristown, NJ
Walnut Creek, CA
San Francisco, CA
Burlingame, CA
Orlando, FL
Austin, TX
Tampa/St. Pete, FL
Los Angeles, CA
Boulder, CO
Sarasota, FL
Tucson, AZ
FORBES LIST OF MOST
TRUSTWORTHY COMPANIES 2010
(FIVE YEARS RUNNING)
From LA and San Fran up through the Pacific Northwest to Austin, New York, Orlando and more…
when it comes to exclusive jobs – WE OWN THE MAP!
www.crosscountry.com
www.novaprostaffing.com
www.cru48.com
www.crosscountrystaffing.com
Cross Country Staffing is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
In A Flash
N E W S T R AV E L E R S C A N U S E
ISSUES AND ANSWERS FOR TR AVELERS
I
t’s that time of the year again, time
to get together with family and
friends and be thankful for having
each other. It’s a time to give to those
who are less fortunate, and it’s time to
enjoy the wonder and festivities of the
holiday season.
For many consumers, it’s also time
to spend, spend, spend. Even though
many people are managing every
penny and others have lost their jobs,
splurging goes hand in hand with the
holidays. I want to spread some holiday
cheer (and fun) by modifying some favorite Christmas carols. Here are snip-
pets of my top five songs, with some
of the words changed to reflect what’s
occurring in today’s market:
•Jingle bells, jingle bells, credit all the
way. Oh what fun, when the bill comes
due and you have to pay, hey.
•Oh the weather outside is frightful
and the debt is not delightful, so why
should you pay the debt off? Let it float,
let it float, let it float.
•Oh debt collectors, Oh debt collectors, I wish you would leave me alone.
I do not have the money ... to pay my
debts I owe you. Oh debt collectors,
oh debt collectors, please call someone
else.
8
∣
•Here comes Santa Claus, Here
comes Santa Claus, right down foreclosure lane ... Bankruptcy, layoffs,
and re-possess-ions, making me insane.
•You know Dasher (layoff), Dancer
(bad credit), Prancer (bankruptcy),
Vixen (repossession), Comet (foreclosure), Cupid (past due), Donner
(collection), and Blitzen (decline) ...
But do you recall, the most famous
Reindeer of all? Consumers!
I would never purposely make light
of consumers’ financial outlooks, especially the events or circumstances
that were beyond their
control, such as job layoffs. I want to express
to the readers that there
is hope. Everyday is an
opportunity to make
life better. For some
consumers, improving
their current financial
outlooks can be done in
a few months. For others, it may take a year or
more to improve their
financial outlook. The
most important thing to
remember is that your financial status can improve — one step
at a time.
Here are two suggestions to ponder
in lightening your load:
1. Stop spending money you do not
have. Stop spending money on things
you do not need. Stop spending money unless you have to.
2. Manage your income and expenses. If you can cut your expenses,
do it. If you can save money, do it. HT
Lionel Shipman is the owner of
Shipman Consulting, based in Lutz,
Fla. Shipman Consulting is a personal
and business finance consulting firm.
Editorial Advisory Board
Members are mobile providers nominated by their
respective travel company representatives. As schedules
permit, they submit story ideas and/or manuscripts and
agree to be interviewed. By discussing issues with our
staff, they assist Healthcare Traveler in creating a base
of knowledge, experience, and insight for defining and
developing editorial content.
Nursing Members
Mary Jo Alessio, RN Supplemental Health Care
Teresa (Terri) Allen, RN Onward Healthcare
Lora Anderson, RN Banner Health Travelers
Virginia Bialk, RN Bridge Staffing
Paul Bier, RN Innovative Placements
Dayne Bowers, RNC, RN Network
Pam Campbell, RN Trustaff
Rose Cousineau, RN Medical Express
Nigel Day, RN MedCall NorthWest, Inc.
Dorothy Del Valle, ADN, RN First Assist
Katrina Essenburg, RN Clinical One
Christopher Freedman, RN Nurses Rx
Tim Groves, RN American Mobile Healthcare
Terry Hall, RN Trinity Healthcare Staffting Group
Jennifer Hamrick, RN, CNOR NovaPro Staffing
Glenda Hardy, RN PPR Healthcare Staffing
Lila Johnson, RN Cross Country TravCorps
Karen LaBlanc, RN Aureus Medical Group
Christopher LaCounte, RN, CEN, NREMT-P, LP
National Healthcare Staffing
Vicki Lawson, RN Attentive Health Care
Yvonne Lawson-Thomas, RN InteliStaf Travel
Jean Magnuson, RN Soliant Health
Charlotte Mansfield, RN, FNE, SANE Advantage RN
Monti (“Micki”) Marsh, RN HRN Services Inc.
Joni Parcell, RN Favorite Healthcare Staffing
Bill Pletch, RN Professional Nursing Service
Rosemary Primeaux, RN Preferred Healthcare Staffing, Inc.
Bonnie Richlin, RN Matrix Healthcare Services, Inc.
Susan Sabatula, RN The Right Solutions
Mandeep Smith, BSN, RN Procare USA
Jenny Thompson, RN American Traveler Staffing Professionals
Aleksey Yukhvid, RN White Glove Placement, Inc.
Allied Health Members
Emily R. Brawner, OT American Traveler Staffing Professionals
Keith Carregal, PT Sunbelt Staffing
Marsha Dexter InteliStaf Travel
Josephine Feldman, RT TeamStaff Rx
David Garrard, BHS, RRT, RCP, CCEMT-P, PNCCP
Cirrus Medical Staffing
Debora Janzen, RT (R)(T) ATC Travelers
Erika Lee, PT Supplemental Health Care
Richard Mahnke, PT Soliant Health
Dawn Morse, PT Trinity Healthcare Staffing Group
Apollone Reid, MPH, PT Destination Healthcare Staffing
Joel Sauer, CNMT Favorite Healthcare Staffing
Paule Thomas, OT PPR Healthcare Staffing
Kurt VanZandt, ASCP, BS On Assignment
Patti Witkiewicz, RPT Cross Country TravCorps
Jodi Wolfgram, RDMS, RT Aureus Medical Group
Photos: Getty Images/Comstock Images/Jupiterimages
Financial Facts
Top 5 “financial” songs for the holidays
The Magazine for Healthcare Travel Professionals
It’s
Travel Nursing
and Allied Health
with all the Advantages:
Secure RN and Allied travel positions –
all across the country
•
Weekly Guarantees,
80% Extension Rates,
Top Pay Rates, Weekly Direct Deposit,
4-13+ Week Assignments
•
First Day Insurance,
Prearranged Housing
•
Loyalty and Referral Bonuses,
Free CEU Hours,
Company-Matching 401(k)
•
30+ Caring Recruiters eager to see YOU
succeed personally and professionally.
Healthcare Travel with Advantages!
www.advantagern.com
1-866-301-4045
[email protected]
[email protected]
Advantage RN was recognized again as one of the
fastest growing nurse staffing companies in the industry
by Staffing Industry Analysts, Inc., July, 2010; July, 2009
and October, 2008.
Advantage RN has been
awarded The Joint Commission
Gold Seal of Approval.
Interested? Circle Career Card No. 600 or go to
www.healthcaretraveler.com/readerservice
Med Ec-cerpts
HIGHLIGHTS FROM MEDICAL ECONOMICS
Something to consider
as tax time nears
O
ne of the most significant
deductions available to a
taxpayer is for charitable
contributions. Giving
to charity can have advantages
come tax time. The following is an
explanation of some of the important aspects of this section of the
tax code.
The simplest method of maximizing the benefit of your charitable contributions is by controlling
the transaction date. It’s called
“bunching,” defined as the purposeful timing of deductions into
the same tax year. This is effective
in two ways:
1. Based on your filing status,
your itemized deductions must exceed
the standard deduction to have any effect on your tax return. For example,
bunching charitable deductions (and other
itemized deductions) may be more effective
in reducing tax on income that is in
the higher tax bracket — much better
for a contribution to be worth 33 cents
www.memag.com
10
∣
WHO CAN RECEIVE DEDUCTIBLE
CONTRIBUTIONS?
Contributions are deductible only if
you give them to a qualified charity.
These organizations usually fall into
the categories of religious, charitable,
educational, scientific, literary, government, and others whose purposes
are considered not profit-motivated
and also beneficial to the public.
These organizations must be located
in the United States; however, charities based in Mexico, Canada, or Israel are eligible if they are recognized
by their own country’s government
and if the contributor has income in
these nations. If they are based in any
other country, then they must have
operations in the United States or
its territories, and the contributions
should be made to their U.S. office.
This arrangement allows a workaround for any international charity
that wants to provide tax-deductible
contributions in full to a U.S. donor.
» Compare policies when
divorcing
Q: My husband and I are divorcing. Whose
health insurance will cover our children?
A: Compare your health plan with
your spouse’s health plan to determine which one offers the most comprehensive coverage and flexibility in
choosing healthcare providers. Your
decision will also involve other factors, such as job security and whether
your husband’s employer pays a larger
portion of the premiums compared
with your employer.
» What is the limit for 529s
Q: I’ve heard there is a way that my husband
and I could contribute more than the $13,000
annual limit to our children’s 529 accounts. Is
that true?
A: Yes. You can use a special 5-year
“pull-forward” rule, which permits
each of you to contribute $65,000 to
each child’s account in a single year.
That means you and your spouse
can contribute a combined $520,000
($65,00 X 2 contributors X 4 children), although you then can’t make
any more contributions for the next
5 years. The $520,000 can remain in
the 529 for your children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and even
beyond. The assets grow tax-free, and
withdrawals are tax-free as long as
they are used for higher education expenses. Even better, contributions are
removed from your estate, thus lowering taxes on it. HT
The above material was contributed by industry experts and originally appeared
in Medical Economics (memag.com). Always consult with your own tax, legal, or
practice-management adviser for specific guidance.
Photo: Getty Images/Comstock Images/Jupiterimages
if you are single with few itemized
deductions, then a $5,000 gift may
be worth only a $2,000 increase of
the itemized deductions over the
standard deduction. If this situation
were to occur in two consecutive
years, then you would lose $6,000 in
deductions. If you were to give all
$10,000 in one of those years, however, then the forfeited deductions
would only total $3,000, and you
would use $7,000 of the available
deductions.
2. If you anticipate dramatically
higher earnings in one year, then
to the dollar in tax savings, compared
with 28 cents.
WorkRewards for
REWARDING work
At Supplemental Health Care, we don’t think the words “Thank You”
are enough to express our appreciation to our Travel Nurses and
Therapists for their hard work and commitment to patient care...that’s
why we developed Our Rewards!
Our Rewards is our industry-unique appreciation program that awards
points to our travel professionals for every paid hour they work for
Supplemental Health Care; Points that can be redeemed through our
online catalog with more than 3,000 brand-name gifts.
Discover the many Supplemental Advantages we offer. Contact us
today to learn more about Our Rewards and how we can place you in
great travel nursing & travel allied jobs across the country.
Call Us. Let’s Talk.
1.800.543.9399
[email protected]
www.supplementalhealthcare.com
Interested? Circle Career Card No. 612 or go to
www.healthcaretraveler.com/readerservice
As One of Our Travel Professionals:
<RX·UHDXWRPDWLFDOO\HQUROOHGLQOur
RewardsZLWK\RXUILUVWSD\FKHFN
<RXZLOOHDUQOur RewardsSRLQWVIRUHYHU\
SDLGKRXU\RXZRUNZLWKXV
<RXJHWDSHUVRQDOOur RewardsRQOLQH DFFRXQWDOORZLQJ\RXWRWUDFN\RXU SRLQWVVKRSIRUPHUFKDQGLVHUHGHHP
\RXUSRLQWV
5HGHHP\RXUJLIWVKRXUVDGD\
GD\VDZHHN
Tips from a Traveler
O N -T H E -J O B I S SU E S A N D A N S W E R S
Preparation can reduce headaches
Some considerations when planning for that first assignment
David Morrison, RN
F
12
∣
David Morrison,
RN, is a Phoenixbased travel nurse,
and the author
of the book The
Travel Nurse’s
Bible: A Guide to
Everything on Travel Nursing (ISBN:
978-0-578-00814-1, travelnursesbible.com). He has completed more
than 30 separate travel contracts,
holds nursing licenses in six states,
and travels anywhere from six to 12
months every year. He is a graduate
of Mount Carmel School of Nursing in
Columbus, Ohio. He can be reached at
[email protected].
Photos: Courtesy of David Morrison.
or the first-time traveler, getting
that initial assignment can be quite
a challenge in today’s market. However, it might pale in comparison to the
stress involved with the uncertainty of
what to do next. In this article, we’ll
look at some of the preparation that
should take place before setting out on
your assignment.
First, after agreeing to any contract
over the phone, you will want to have
written confirmation from your travel
company. While verbal agreements can
be binding in some states, it’s no substitution for a legal document signed by
you and your company. Plus, this document should spell out all the terms and
conditions of your assignment as well
as the expectations of your employer.
Since I can’t scream this at you, we’ll
use caps for emphasis: READ YOUR
CONTRACT ENTIRELY!!! Since this
document governs your actions during
your contract period and those of your
employer, it is important that you have
a thorough understanding of it.
In addition to this document, you
will want to touch base with your
recruiter and see if there is any paperwork that you will need to bring. Typically, the facility will want to see your
nursing license and any certifications
(CPR, ACLS, or PALS cards). If you forget these items, don’t panic. Your travel
company should have these items on
file and could send them to your facility
in a pinch.
Another thing you will want to
check with your recruiter is what to
expect from the facility in the way of
an orientation. A big concern for many
nurses involves testing that is often
scheduled as part of the hospital’s orientation. This may involve something
as benign as a simple math test involving drug calculations, or it can be a
comprehensive testing platform such
as PBDS (Performance Based Data Systems). While there are ways to prepare
for all, no one likes being surprised
during the week of orientation. If possible, ask your recruiter for the name
of a contact person at the facility. This
way, you can check with them directly
regarding what to expect during your
orientation.
After lining up your documentation,
you will need to address housing. While
we could talk stipends and housing that
you arrange on your own, we’ll stick to
the most common situation: companyprovided housing (which, after more
than 30 assignments, I still use).
I always contact my company’s
housing coordinator at least a week or
two before my assignment start date
just to monitor their progress. Once
they have your accommodations set,
they should be able to give you the
name of the apartment complex, a
street address, and your unit number.
You can then look up the complex
online and make sure it is up to your
standards. You can also look up information on the surrounding neighborhood and find the local businesses (gas,
food, general merchandise). If you like,
you can even map the route you will
take to work.
After I know where I am staying, I
usually call the apartment complex and
confirm the details. Often, they will
have useful information such as what
cable provider and phone company
provides services at the complex. Being
a TV junkie, my cable installation is
usually the first thing I schedule after
having my assignment address.
Finally, you need to decide how you
will travel to your assignment. If you
plan to fly, you will want to check on
transportation to and from work, which
may entail looking up bus or subway
routes. For me, being out on the open
road is a staple of being a travel nurse.
I drive my truck to every assignment,
even Hawaii (mind you, it does need to
spend a few weeks on a boat when I do
my island contracts).
If you are driving, you will first
want to determine your route, which is
made easy now with almost any mapping website. You should also consider
a GPS unit (usually standard on any
smart phone and one of a traveler’s
most valuable tools). And no travel
nurse should ever be without a road
atlas (piece of mind at a cost of less
than $10).
All of this should lead you up to
your departure date. During this time,
I always like to stay in contact with my
company and even the facility (you’d
be surprised how many travelers show
up to a hospital that has no idea they
are coming). If anything changes, this
helps ensure I remain informed.
After arriving at your assignment, you’ll have another list of
things “to do.” Next month we’ll take
a look at that list and go over some
things to expect as you start your
travel contract.HT
From NATHO
Where do NATHO’s interests lie?
I was preparing to write my article for Healthcare Traveler when I
had an interesting
conversation with
NAT HO b o a rd
membe r Cy nthia
Kinnas. As a result
of our discussion, I
asked her to be my
guest columnist
this month. I think
you’ ll enjoy reading about what surprised Cynthia recently. — Mark Stagen, President, NATHO
Cynthia Kinnas
N
14
∣
we’ll be able to make a solid case for
hospitals to continue — and even
expand — their use of travelers.
A hot topic at the conference was
Performance Based Development System (PBDS) testing. NATHO is hiring
legal counsel to evaluate this situation and provide feedback on how this
highly subjective test is being used.
If it’s determined that PBDS is being
used unfairly with travelers, we’ll push
to have it eliminated or used more appropriately.
The so-called “90-day rule” was another subject of lively conversation at
the meeting. Most NATHO agencies
have policies to prevent travelers from
jumping from one company to another
while continuing to work at a particular
facility. While these rules make sense
in most instances, we realize there are
times when nurses have legitimate reasons for changing firms. We’re exploring this standard with an eye toward
fairness for everyone involved.
The bottom line is that while our
clients pay us, if travelers don’t want
to work with us, we have no business.
NATHO member firms strive to attract
the best and brightest, and they do that
by working ethically and treating travelers with respect. It’s a cliché, but the
win-win comes into play here. In fact,
it’s a quadruple win. When the system
works the way it should, everyone benefits — travelers, agencies, hospitals,
and patients.
Let’s continue the dialogue. NATHO
member firms genuinely want to know
what you think, what challenges you
face day-to-day, and what you think we
should do to continue to enhance the
influence of travelers in the healthcare
industry. HT
Mark Stagen is the founder and president of NATHO ([email protected]).
Photos: courtesy of Mark Stagen
ot long ago, I was on a travel healthcare website and
stumbled upon a conversation thread about NATHO. As a board
member, naturally I was curious,
and I was surprised to find that the
online chat had taken a decidedly “antiNATHO” tone. The consensus seemed
to be that no good could come from
agencies banding together — that it
must be bad news for travelers in some
way, shape, or form.
At first, I felt a little defensive because I know that NATHO’s mission is
to work in the best interest of agencies,
their clients, and travelers. But then I
paused to reflect on why there might be
some skepticism about NATHO, and I
realized that anyone who has been on
the healthcare front line for more than
a few years has probably experienced
policy and benefit changes, budget
cutbacks, and even layoffs related to
organizations merging or consolidating resources.
I made a post to the forum to help
travelers understand that while NATHO is an agency-founded organization, its member firms clearly recognize that if they want to be successful,
they must have professionals behind
them who are highly satisfied working
as travelers. NATHO member firms
need their hospital clients, but without
nurses and others interested in traveling for their careers, the firms simply
would not exist.
Subsequent to reading and responding to this online conversation, I was
flattered to be invited to a conference
that is typically closed to recruiters. At
the meeting, I spent two days listening
to the concerns of traveling healthcare
professionals — those they had about
NATHO, as well as the issues and challenges they face in general.
What an eye opener! Again, a common perception was that an agency
association would not necessarily benefit travelers. I decided to talk about
the initiatives NATHO has been working on and plans moving forward.
Here’s some information I shared. I
believe it illustrates that agencies and
travelers have many mutually beneficial interests.
NATHO recently published an FAQ/
white paper on “tax advantage plans,”
or per diems, including meals, incidentals, and lodging. We sponsored expertlevel research to produce this report
because we wanted to make certain that
agencies don’t unwittingly violate tax
laws that could get them or their travelers into hot water with the IRS. (You
can download this report and other
reports at natho.org.)
Another research effort currently
underway is related to helping hospitals understand the true costs of
using travelers versus hiring permanent staff. NATHO has engaged the
consulting/accounting firm KPMG
to conduct this study and produce a
report that will be widely distributed.
It’s too soon to say what the final results will be, but we’re confident that
NATHO is an organization founded on the very basic
principle of ethics. We promote sound business practices
in the vast and competitive traveling healthcare staffing
industry. NATHO exists to ensure our candidates and
clients are treated fairly.
“I chose to be a traveling healthcare
professional several years ago. I enjoy the
freedom in my schedule, the ability to travel
and meeting new colleagues in my specialty.
As a traveling healthcare professional, I
also want to work with a company who
values my career as much as I do. By
working with a company who is a member
of NATHO, the National Association of
Travel Healthcare Organizations, I know
that my recruiter will be professional and
experienced in working with traveling
healthcare professionals. I’ve worked too
hard in my career to trust it to anyone other
than a NATHO member.”
CHECK THE NATHO WEBSITE AT WWW.NATHO.ORG FOR A LIST OF MEMBERS.
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF TRAVEL HEALTHCARE ORGANIZATIONS
222 S. Westmonte Drive, Suite 101, Altamonte Springs, FL 32714
Telephone: 407-774-7880 FAX: 407-774-6440
E-mail: [email protected]
Professional Update
NEWS FOR NURSES
New courses online
hamberlain College of Nursing is
launching two new advanced education options for practicing nurses who
are interested in becoming managers, educators, and executives. Both new offerings are
offered online to support busy nurse professionals interested in pursuing advanced
degrees while juggling their responsibilities at
work and at home.
“Incredible pressure is being placed on our
current pool of skilled nurses. With healthcare reform, nurses have more responsibility
than ever before,” says Gail Baumlein, Chamberlain’s director and dean of the Master of
Science in Nursing (MSN) online programs.
“They must keep up with rapidly changing
technology. And they are already stretched
by high workloads, with a nursing shortage
looming.”
“But on the bright side, this tough environment is creating tremendous opportunity
for qualified nurses who take the initiative to
C
In brief...
New drug to treat schizophrenia
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently approved Latuda (lurasidone HCl) tablets for the treatment of adults with schizophrenia.
Schizophrenia affects about 1 percent of the U.S. population, ages 18 years and older,
in a given year. The most prominent symptoms include hallucinations, delusions, disordered thinking and behavior, and suspiciousness.
Latuda, manufactured by Sunovion Pharmaceuticals Inc, is included in the atypical
antipsychotic class of drugs. All atypical antipsychotics contain a boxed warning alerting
prescribers to an increased risk of death associated with off-label use of these drugs to
treat behavioral problems in older people with dementia-related psychosis.
pursue advanced degrees to be considered
for more senior positions,” Baumlein adds.
New Offerings
The new RN-BSN to MSN Online Bridge
Option gives qualified Registered Nurses
(RNs) enrolled in Chamberlain’s Bachelor of
Science in Nursing (BSN) degree program
the opportunity to begin pursuing their MSN
degree while completing their BSN degree by
taking selected MSN courses in place of two
required BSN courses. This option helps prepare those registered nurses for expanded
roles as educators and managers. HT
16
∣
Drug Update
Drug firm moves
ahead with smart pill
N
ovartis AG plans to seek regulatory
approval within 18 months for a
pioneering tablet containing an embedded microchip, bringing the concept of
“smart-pill” technology a step closer.
The initial program will use one of the
Swiss firm’s established drugs taken by transplant patients to avoid organ rejection. But
Trevor Mundel, global head of development,
believes the concept can be applied to many
other pills.
“We are taking forward this transplant
drug with a chip and we hope within the next
18 months to have something that we will
be able to submit to the regulators, at least
in Europe,” Mundel told the Reuters Health
Summit in New York.
Novartis agreed in January to spend $24
million to secure access to chip-in-a-pill technology developed by privately owned Proteus Biomedical of Redwood City, California,
putting it ahead of rivals.
The biotech start-up’s ingestible chips
are activated by stomach acid and send
information to a small patch worn on the
patient’s skin, which can transmit data to a
smartphone or send it over the Internet to a
doctor.
A bigger issue may be what checks should
be put in place to protect patients’ personal
medical data as it is transmitted from inside
their bodies by wireless and Bluetooth.
Study says
hypertension drugs
raise blood pressure
C
∣
the enzyme rennin through a blood test that
is becoming more widely available. The study
appears in the online edition of the American Journal of Hypertension.
“Our findings suggest that physicians
should use renin levels to predict the most
appropriate first drug for treating patients
with hypertension,” says lead author Michael
Alderman, MD, professor of epidemiology
and population health and of medicine at
Einstein. “This would increase the likelihood
of achieving blood pressure control and reduce the need for patients to take additional
antihypertensive medications.”
The study involved 945 patients who
were enrolled in a workplace antihypertensive treatment program in New York from
1981 to 1998. HT
Employee Satisfaction
HRN professionals define our success . . .
“Like HRN? I LOVE HRN Services!!!!”
“HRN a great nursing company to work for!”
“Absolutely the best company. HRN staff are incredible
and treat you like a real person, not a number.”
“HRN, Simply the Best!”
ommonly prescribed drugs used to
lower blood pressure can actually
have the opposite effect—raising
blood pressure in a statistically significant
percentage of patients, according to a study
at Albert Einstein College of Medicine at
Yeshiva University.
The study suggests that the problem can
be avoided by selecting drugs most suitable
for patients—by measuring blood levels of
T H E L AT E S T D E V E LO P M E N T S I N R E SE A RCH
17
Company Paid - Health (PPO 90/10) - Dental - Vision - Life
Free Housing - Utilities - Weekly Paychecks - 401(k)
RN Licensure - Travel Reimbursement
Find Us On
888-476-9333
www.hrnservices.com
2010
Travelers of
the Year
18
∣
Photo: Getty Images/Stockbyte/John Foxx
T
his year,
y
Healthcare Traveler is delighted to introduce 66 mobile professionals
who have
ha been recognized by the recruiting agencies they work beside. Regardlless off whether
h h they are new to the industry or have been on the road for years, the
individuals selected share some of the same qualities — dedication, quality patient care,
a solid work ethic, flexibility, and a willingness to accept contracts where they are most
needed. Please join us as we present the nurses, therapists, and technologists chosen
as 2010’s Travelers of the Year.
Cynthia Alford-Chancey, RN, ACLS,
CPR
MedStaff Healthcare Solutions
Specialty: Operating Room
Years Traveling: 8
Nominated by: Whitney Walsh, Recruiter
“Cynthia is our Traveler of
the Year for many reasons.
She is one of our most
loyal travelers—partnering
with our company since
November 2002. And she
is a strong clinical OR RN with experience at both small and large facilities,
including Duke, Brigham & Women’s,
and the University of Virginia. Cynthia
has worked with robotics, and has
brought her knowledge and love of the
OR to many facilities. While most of her
assignments have been in Virginia and
North Carolina, she has also traveled to
Hawaii! Cynthia is extremely flexible and
hard working, enabling her to extend
and return to many hospitals. It has
been a pleasure working with her for all
of these years, and I have enjoyed
getting to know her on a personal level
as well. I look forward to helping
Cynthia experience many more
destinations and facilities across the
country.”
Jason Betts, RN, TNCC, PALS, ACLS,
ABLS, BLS
Travel Nurse Solutions
Specialty: Emergency
Years Traveling: 2+
Nominated by: Nicole A. Romero, Senior
Recruiter
“Jason’s clinical skills,
professional attitude, and
fun-loving spirit make him
a stellar travel nurse. We
keep a very open line of
communication, which
makes for a great working relationship.
The facilities he has worked for cannot
say enough about him. He completes
every assignment with an exceptional
evaluation, both clinically and professionally. Jason also puts a smile on
everyone’s face! He is truly a wonderful
nurse and person. I feel honored and
proud to be the recruiter who works
with him.”
Kim Bradshaw, RN, ACLS, BLS, PALS,
NRP
Monida Healthcare Network
Specialty: Emergency, OB/GYN, Gastroenterology, Intensive Care, Post-Anesthesia Care, Medical/Surgical
Years Traveling: 10
Nominated by: Derek Holt, Coordinator
“When I have a new
facility, tough position, or
challenging contract, I turn
to Kim. She is—bar none,
hands down—the hardest
working, kindest, most fun,
and sharpest RN I have the honor to
work with. Kim is also a true gem who
has become a close friend. I know I can
always count on her to do the right
thing, the right way.”
Harvey Bullock, ASN, RN
NursesRx
Specialty: Dialysis
Years Traveling: 1.5
Nominated by: Nancy Thibodeau, Senior
Betty (Nan) Caldwell, RN, ACLS, BLS/
CPR
Valley Healthcare Systems, Inc.
Specialty: Medical/Surgical, Telemetry
Years Traveling: 8
Nominated by: Kareen Spillman, Senior
Recruiter
“Betty (Nan) is the hardest
working travel nurse we
have! She receives stellar
reviews from facilities
where she has practiced
and always picks up
additional shifts. All the way around,
she is an exceptional nurse. One of her
former supervisors states, “‘Nan is a
complete joy. She is loved by patients
and staff alike.’”
Director
“Harvey is one of the most caring
individuals I know. While on assignment
at Seattle Children’s, he brought back
an Ohio State shirt for one of the kids
because he knew the team was one of
the child’s favorites. Whenever Harvey
leaves a contract facility, I get calls from
clients who ask when he is available to
come back. He is passionate about his
profession, and peers often ask him for
ideas regarding scheduling, care, and
FMS and Phoenix machine use. Putting
his patients first, he works long hours
and doesn’t complain. Whether he is
planting flowers for his mom, taking
care of and bonding with patients, or
just talking to me, he makes everything
an adventure.”
Teresa Burke, RN, BCLS, ACLS, PALS,
TNCC
American Traveler Staffing Professionals
Years Traveling: 7
Nominated by: Kristin Zandee, Senior Consultant
“Working with Teresa is a
blast! She makes the most
out of any city she goes to,
whether she’s burning up
her credit card at the
outlets, jumping out of
planes, or sipping wine in a hot air
balloon. Teresa looks for the best in
every opportunity. She is respected by
staff and peers wherever her travels
take her, and is always asked to stay.
And, Teresa makes my job easy as she
is always quick to reply to anything
asked of her.”
Samantha Cole, PT
Trustaff
Discipline: Physical Therapy
Specialties: Home Health, Inpatient, Outpatient
Years Traveling: 1
Nominated by: Elexie Field, Recruiter
“Samantha is a joy to work
with. It’s travelers like her
that make my job worthwhile. She is a wonderful
therapist, and the facilities
at which she has practiced
have given great feedback on her work
ethic. Most recently, Samantha has
been on a home health contract in
Kentucky, and we are currently looking
in North Carolina for her next assignment, which will be her fourth with our
company. She is a very lovely lady.”
Otto Craft, BSN, RN
FlexCare Medical Staffing
Specialty: Intensive Care
Years Traveling: 7
Nominated by: Mark Achbach, Recruiter
“Otto is very flexible, cooperative, talented, and
professional. He has
received excellent reviews
at every assignment
location and always comes
to work with a positive, upbeat attitude.
A model traveler, he always represents
himself and our company very well.”
∣
19
2010 Travelers of the Year
Gail Daniels, RN, BLS, ACLS
Randall David, RN, BLS, ACLS
50 States Staffing
Years Traveling: 11
Nominated by: Amy Roll, Consultant
MedSource Travelers
Specialty: Cardiac Cath Lab
Years Traveling: 3
Nominated by: Diana Minuto, Recruiter –
“Gail is one of the most professional
nurses I have ever worked with. She
is also very knowledgeable and caring.
Her patients always come first.”
Linda Daniels, MA, OTR
Cariant Health Partners
Discipline: Occupational Therapy
Specialty: Home Health
Years Traveling: 4
Nominated by: Tony Marino, Recruiter
“Linda is the epitome of
what a traveling therapist
should be: very easy
going, incredibly knowledgeable, and reliable. She
travels for the adventure
and to experience different locations all
over the country, particularly the Pacific
Northwest and the southwest U.S. Her
niche is home health—one of the most
challenging settings for a therapist—but
Linda loves it. Clients give her rave
reviews and always want her back.
Simply said, although Linda’s travel
assignments are relatively short, the
impression she makes on the people
she touches is long-lasting.”
Cardiovascular Services
“Randy is an outstanding example of
the ideal travel nurse. His great personality fits in well everywhere he goes.
He has received exceptional evaluations from each of his contract facilities
and is always asked to extend. We are
honored to have Randy as part of our
family.”
Cecilia Davis, RN, ACLS, BLS, NRP,
AWHONN
RTG Medical
Specialties: Labor, Delivery, Recovery, &
Postpartum; Medical/Surgical;
Emergency
Years Traveling: 10
Nominated by: Cory Eikmeier, Senior Recruiter
“Cecilia has worked for me for over 5
years now and is always someone I
can depend on. She is willing to go the
extra mile to help. The patients and
staff love her.”
Sharon Dempster, RN, ACLS, NRP,
BLS, AWOHNN
Garth Danielson, MPT
CoreMedical Group
Specialties: Outpatient, Home Health
Nominated by: Jessica Austin, Recruiter, Allied Health Division
“Garth has worked with
me consistently since May
2006. He started out in
Maine, worked his way
across the United States,
and actually drove to
Alaska. Garth has been an outstanding
representative of our company at every
client facility where he has been placed.
He has also promoted our company in
a positive light to other therapists and
travelers met along the way, referring
many of them to us. Garth is professional, flexible, and always dependable.
As competitive as the travel therapy
business can be, I feel privileged that
he has remained loyal to our company.
I feel even more privileged to have
become friends with such a great guy.”
20
∣
Medical Solutions
Specialty: Labor and Delivery
Years Traveling: 4
Nominated by: Erin Meier, Career Consultant
“Sharon has been traveling
with us since her first
contract in October 2006.
Talk about loyalty! She
goes to each assignment
with a great attitude and
ready to work hard. Her reviews are
always great, and hospitals are sad to
see her go. In fact, Sharon has returned
to many facilities to work additional
contracts. It seems like they create
openings, just to have her back! What I
like most about Sharon is the way she
represents herself on assignments. She
rarely complains and is one of the most
positive travelers I’ve worked with. Very
caring—both professionally and
personally—she travels with her
husband, Jim, so they enjoy the
adventure together and often look for
assignments near her children and
grandchildren. I couldn’t think of anyone
better to be our Traveler of the Year.”
Carri Dominick, PT, Certified
Strength & Conditioning Specialist
Medical Staffing Network
Specialty: Rehabilitation
Years Traveling: 2
Nominated by: Jo-Jo Blackmore, Staffing
Coordinator
“Carri was referred to me
by one of our travelers.
She’s always eager to learn
and has been a great team
player. Carri’s a professional, and we’ve received
several compliments from clients and
patients, regarding her demeanor and
skills. Her main concern is not the
location of the assignment, but the
client’s needs. Being a traveling physical
therapist is rewarding to her and allows
Carri to reach out to all types of
patients.”
Amanda Eaves, RN
O.R. Nurses, Inc.
Specialty: Post-Anesthesia Care
Years Traveling: 1
Nominated by: Renee Wilson, Travel Recruiter
“Amanda has over 10 years of RN experience working in the Post-Anesthesia
Care Unit (PACU). She is a first-time
traveler and has been a joy to work
with over the past year. In February,
Amanda started her current contract in
Columbia, S. C. and has been asked to
extend three times, with the possibility
of being hired permanently. During her
assignment, she has managed to obtain
her CPAN certification for PACU and has
educated other nurses as an instructor
for ACLS, BLS, and PALS certification.
The facility loves Amanda’s work and
considers her a great nurse. She is the
perfect candidate for the Travelers of
the Year Awards.”
Mark Eckenrode, RN
Onward Healthcare
Years Traveling: 2
Nominated by: Suzanne Johnson, Travel
Nurse Recruiter
“Mark is reliable, outgoing,
and involved. He frequently calls to check in and is
always compliant. When
Mark takes a contract, I am
completely confident that
he will do his best. Mark and I celebrated our first anniversary together this
past July, and I hope to be working with
him for many more years to come.”
Michelle Estadt, RN, BLS, ACLS
Med-Staff Oklahoma
Specialties: Medical/Surgical, Telemetry,
Pediatrics
Years Traveling: 3
Nominated by: Richard Parks, Manager
“Michelle has received the highest
evaluations from every facility to which
she has traveled and is always asked
to extend. She is flexible and a joy to
work with. We couldn’t ask for a better
traveler.”
Rebecca Gaar, MPT
American Traveler Staffing
Professionals
Specialties: Acute Care, Rehabilitation, Inpatient, Outpatient, Home Health
Years Traveling: 1
Nominated by: Joyce Streem, Consultant
“Rebecca is a wonderful
therapist who is loved by
her patients and the hospital where she is on
assignment.”
Lynn Felege, DPT
Onward Healthcare
Nominated by: Gillian Dahlke, Senior Travel
Allied Recruiter
“Lynn has not only
exemplified performance,
professionalism, and a
hard work ethic, but also
has been one of the most
loyal travelers I’ve had the
pleasure of working with. Over the past
year, she has continuously offered her
assistance with recruitment efforts and
has become a true ambassador for our
company. In the field, she is responsive,
flexible, and a very hard worker. I could
not ask for more out of a candidate
than we get from Lynn.”
Liana Gilbert, RN, BLS, ACLS, PALS,
TNCC
Bestaff Arcadia
Specialties: Cardiac Care, Telemetry
Years Traveling: 2
Nominated by: Steve Miller, Staffing Specialist
“Liana is one of the best RNs with
whom I’ve worked. She has a great
work ethic and a positive attitude.
Very dependable, she is the ultimate
team player. Liana continues to prove
herself as a great asset to the facilities
where she has worked, as well as to our
company.”
Leesa Gradwell, COTA, BLS
RTG Medical
Years Traveling: 4
Nominated by: Maranna Bentley, Senior
Recruiter
“Leesa has been a solid,
hard working candidate.
She comes to work,
doesn’t complain, and is
always professional,
representing herself and
our company in the best light possible.
Leesa has sent referrals to me and
continues to be a positive employee
out in the field.”
Jean Guiney, RN, ACLS, BLS, TNCC,
PALS, ENPC
Sunbelt Staffing
Nominated by: Carol Ann Sitzmann, Senior
National Account Executive,
Nursing
“Jeannie is a fabulous
emergency department
RN and a special person.
She took a giant leap in
her career two years ago,
when she left her staff job
to become a traveler. And she has a
positive, can-do attitude and is such a
pleasure to work with. Thanks, Jeannie,
for all that you do.”
Gay Goodwin, ADN, RN
Natalie Freeman, RN, CPR, ACLS
RN Network
Years Traveling: 1
Nominated by: Michele Kluger, Recruiter
“Natalie’s aspirations of
becoming a travel nurse
were realized in 2009 by
accepting her first travel
assignment to Florida.
Now, she’s embarking on
her third travel assignment at a Level 1
trauma teaching facility in Connecticut—
a real ‘dream come true’ assignment for
Natalie, who was seeking new clinical
environments to expand her capabilities. She has a strong work ethic and
believes in putting patient care first.
Having been asked to extend each of
her assignments to date, Natalie
embodies the values and characteristics
every nurse manager hopes for in a
travel nurse: flexibility, knowledge, and
dependability.”
NurseChoice
Specialties: Emergency
Years Traveling: 4
Nominated by: Robin Connell, Senior Placement Manager
“There are few nurses like Gay. She is a
true rapid response nurse. When Hurricane Ike hit, she was the first person I
called; she dropped everything and left
that day to help. Gay has taken contracts all over the country with us. She
is open and flexible, and knows each
new place represents a new adventure.
Once on assignment, she is such an asset to any floor she is working on. She
floats when needed, works overtime,
and understands she is being paid to fill
in the gaps and help out the facility. If I
could choose a nurse to replicate over
and over again, it would be Gay.”
Nathan Hart, OT
Allied for You (A Division of O.R.
Nurses, Inc.)
Years Traveling: 1
Nominated by: Lisa Stark, Travel Recruiter
“Nathan is an exceptional
traveler. He was the first
OT assigned to a newly
activated combat stress
control (CSC) unit while
deployed to Guantanamo
Bay, Cuba. This deployable unit was
designed to provide preventative and
restorative psychiatric services for
soldiers in the combat zone. Not only
has Nathan been honorable in serving
our country, he is highly respected by
his peers and appreciated by all the
facilities he has served throughout his
career. His passion for therapy and
determination to help others make him
a great traveler.”
∣
21
Grady Hayes, OT
Medical Connections
Nominated by: Molly Harris, Recruiter
“Grady is an exceptional OT. For every
assignment he’s taken, he has received
wonderful reviews. Grady is a team
player with an exemplary demeanor.”
Wren Hendrick, RN, ACLS, BLS
FASTAFF Travel Nursing
Specialties: Critical Care/Intensive Care,
Cardiac Care, Post-Anesthesia Care
Years Traveling: 12
Nominated by: Keith S. Aragon, Recruiter
“Wren is a pleasure to
work with. Her flexibility
and adaptability make her
easy to place, and she
always integrates well with
the facilities I send her to.
In addition, Wren’s positive attitude
brightens my day. I always look forward
to hearing from her.”
treats everyone as she would want to
be treated...with respect, dignity, and
compassion. I am fortunate and
honored to be working with and for her.
Thank you, Jackie.”
Kelly Hodges, RN
CuraMed Staffing, LLC
Specialty: Cardiac Cath Lab
Years Traveling: 5
Nominated by: Sarah Evans, Director of Client Services
“We nominate Kelly as our Traveler
of the Year because she has done a
tremendous job for us, even when
circumstances were tough. She endured a few, unforeseen changes that
were challenging, but always remained
professional. Kelly was recognized by
her assignment facility for her positive
approach to difficult situations and
commitment to excellent patient care.
We appreciate her hard work and are
proud to have her on board.”
Susan Holder, RN
Melodie Hill, RN, ACLS, BLS, PALS,
CLNC, CPI
All About Staffing
Years Traveling: 15
Nominated by: Jennifer Hawthorne, Healthcare Recruiting Specialist
“Melodie’s positive attitude
is reflected in her work as
an emergency nurse
traveler. She immediately
jumps in anywhere she is
needed and knows how to
get to patients quickly while making
sure the proper care is administered. I
believe Melodie has been asked to
come on staff at every single travel
contract facility. She truly enjoys her
work and sets an example for others in
the emergency department. It is my
pleasure to work with her.”
Jackeline Hillje, RN
The Parx Group, Inc.
Specialties: Medical/Surgical, Oncology
Years Traveling: 4
Nominated by: Lindsay Aichler, Recruiter
“Even though Jackie has
had only one assignment
with our company, she has
immediately proven to be
a fantastic RN traveler. Her
passion for nursing shines
through every aspect of her being. She
22
∣
magenta
cyan
yellow
black
nities, no matter the setting or location.
Diana is a dedicated and reliable
employee. She has shown her strength,
courage, and loyalty to her company,
facility, and patients on multiple
assignments. Diana has also gone
above and beyond the call of duty,
always putting her patients and facilities
first. Her passion for her job, work ethic,
and dedication to her patients make her
the perfect fit for any facility. She truly
represents our standards of excellence.”
Specialty: Cardiovascular Operating Room Adult & Pediatric
Years Traveling: 17
Nominated by: Dijana Lesh, Senior Client
Manager
“I started working with Sue
in 1993, when she first
started traveling with our
company. Since our first
encounter, she has been a
professional, hard-working,
dedicated employee with a great
attitude. Sue is flexible and dependable.
She was one of my first travelers to get
ACLS and PALS for the OR, before it
became a trend. Sue adapts to changing situations with ease, and it is truly a
pleasure to work with her.”
Diana Hollingshead, COTA
Specialties: SNF, LTC, Acute Inpatient, General Rehabilitation
Years Traveling: 6
Nominated by: Angelique Wood,
Recruiter
“From the time Diana
began working for us over
six years ago, she demonstrated that she is an asset
to the company. She has
been open to all opportu-
Therisa Hughes, ADN, RN
Trustaff
Specialties: Emergency, Intensive Care, Cardiovascular Intensive Care, Medical/Surgical, Telemetry, Stepdown
Years Traveling: 5
Nominated by: Chuck Logsdon, Lead Nurse
Recruiter
“Over the past five years,
Therisa has worked
throughout the country for
our company. She loves
the mobile life, wants to
see and experience
different places, and does a great job
wherever she goes. Therisa is very
diversified and professional in her
approach to travel nursing. She is an
absolute joy and a great ambassador for
our company. It’s truly a pleasure to
work with her.”
Michael Kelly, CMD, ARRT(T)
Advantage RN – Allied Division
Discipline: Radiology
Specialty: Oncology
Years Traveling: 7
Nominated by: Dawn Brown, Senior Recruiter
“Michael’s exceptional
skills, warm and engaging
personality, and upbeat
attitude represent his
profession and our
company at the highest
level. He always receives exemplary
evaluations from clients, such as, ‘Mike
is the greatest,’ and ‘Michael has a great
attitude, and loves to learn and share
the benefits of his experience.”
hct1210_022.pgs 12.30.2010 11:45
ADVANSTAR_PDF/X-1a
Laura Kosanovich, RN, ACLS, PALS,
BLS
NovaPro
Years Traveling: 15
Nominated by: Barbara Kelley, Area Staffing
Manager
“I am honored Laura
chooses to travel with our
company. It is a joy to
represent her. During her
seven and half years with
our company, she has
traveled to 15 hospitals for 23 consecutive assignments. Her love for life and
traveling is infectious. What raises her to
the top of her profession is her
flexibility, exceptional knowledge, skills,
and experience—combined with her
uplifting spirit and ‘always make you
smile’ attitude. Laura is an asset to
every facility at which she works and is
always asked to renew. She is admired
and respected by her peers. If I had to
nail down one thing I enjoy most about
working with her, it would be hearing
her stories from the road. With 15 years
of traveling, she could fill a book.
Having the opportunity to work with
Laura reminds me daily of all that is
wonderful about healthcare travel.”
Rebekah Ledwig, PTA
Aureus Medical Group (Aureus Allied
Health)
Specialty: Geriatrics
Years Traveling: 5
Nominated by: Bradley Wentling, Account
Manager
“Rebekah is an excellent
physical therapy assistant
and an absolute pleasure
to work with. Her consistent, excellent appraisals
and impressive loyalty
speak volumes of how fortunate we are
to have her with our company. One
supervisor said, ‘Our PTs and staff love
her. She’s very concerned about her
patients and does a great job, giving
them the respect and care they need,
emotionally and physically. I wish I
could have three Rebekahs.’”
Progressive Nursing Travel
Years Traveling: 3
Nominated by: Sarah Hastings, Senior Nurse
Recruiter
“Kelli is the bees’ knees
among travel nurses! She
exemplifies the qualities of
a great modern-day
traveler by being flexible
and available to the needs
of the unit, even for last-minute
changes. She’s extremely passionate
about her work, which is evident to
patients, coworkers, and managers
alike. I have personally talked with EMTs
and nurses who claim Kelli’s the
smartest, most adaptable travel nurse
they’ve had the pleasure to work with.
Her contract managers agree, as she is
always asked to extend or return when
another need arises. Kelli goes above
and beyond to continually educate
herself in order to provide outstanding
patient care and be a leading example
for other healthcare professionals.”
magenta
cyan
yellow
black
HealthOne Staffing
Specialties: Medical/Surgical, Rehabilitation,
Long-term Acute Care
Years Traveling: 5
Nominated by: Justin Allison, Recruiter
“Wanda has been an
exemplary travel nurse.
Every facility she has
worked at has asked her to
extend. Additionally, during
her time with our company, she has yet to miss a day of
scheduled work. This speaks volumes
of her work ethic, dedication, and the
pride she takes in her job.”
Chris Masters, RPT
Delta Flex Travelers
Years Traveling: 8
Nominated by: William Ho, Director of
Recruitment
Carver Light, BSN, RN, ACLS, BLS,
PALS, TNCC
LiquidAgents Healthcare
Specialties: Emergency, Intensive Care,
Management
Years Traveling: 10
Nominated by: Cindy Yates, Recruiter
Kelli Leathers, RN, BLS, ACLS, PALS,
PEARS, TNCC
Wanda Magee, BSN, RN, BLS, ACLS
“Carver is always wonderful to work with. He has
been a loyal employee
and has represented our
company extremely well
over the years. Hospitals
always ask him back, and his patients
are always first when he is on assignment. Whether he’s on location in
Maine, Arizona, California, or North
Carolina, Carver is reliable and on top of
his game.”
Ruby Liwag, PT
Cirrus Allied, LLC
Specialty: Pediatrics
Years Traveling: 1
Nominated by: Jackie Smith, Recruiter
“Ruby is an exceptional
traveler who is well liked
by her patients and clinical
supervisors. She has great
communication skills and
is very intelligent. Ruby
always has a smile on her face and is a
pleasure to work with.”
“Chris is one of the best
travelers I have ever had
the privilege to work with. I
can put him on any
assignment, in any setting,
and with any facility. I
know, without hesitation, he will receive
great reviews professionally and be held
in even higher esteem by the people
with whom he practices.”
Eric McKeown, RN
Supplemental Health Care
Specialty: Psychology
Years Traveling: 3
Nominated by: Dorene Major, Team Manager
“Eric is not only a fantastic
traveler, but also a
fantastic nurse and an
even better human being.
His work ethic and
genuine empathy for his
patients are beyond commendable. I
wish I had 20 Erics on my staff.”
Connie Meyers, RN, AS, ACLS, BLS,
PALS, PICC
Response 1 Medical Staffing, Inc.
Years Traveling: 1
Nominated by: Cheree Love, President & CEO
“Connie is a highly skilled emergency
department RN who has become a tremendous asset to our organization. She
is a team player who is dependable,
loyal, and always there to lend a hand
or help fellow nurses when needed.”
hct1210_023.pgs 12.30.2010 11:45
∣
23
ADVANSTAR_PDF/X-1a
Sarah Montgomery, BSN, RN
HRN Services Inc.
Specialty: Telemetry
Years Traveling: 2
Nominated by: Bethany West, Travel Coordinator
“Sarah is a traveling
professional recognized for
being easy going, friendly,
flexible, and energetic. She
came to our company on
the recommendation of
one of our nurses, who she met while
on assignment. Sarah is an experienced
traveler and now on her fourth assignment with us. She has demonstrated a
superior work ethic—often working
more hours to cover the needs of her
unit and patients—while expressing a
refreshingly positive attitude. Sarah is a
valued professional nurse.”
“Donnie is flexible, having
worked in a multitude of
settings for us over the
years. He is a therapist and
employee on who you can
count to do what he says
he will do. Very prompt with paperwork
and credentialing, he is my ‘go to’
person to find out what is going on in
the medical/therapy world. I use the
knowledge I gain from Donnie to keep
me up on the temperature in the
industry.”
Premier Healthcare Professionals
Years Traveling: 5
Nominated by: Melissa Price, Nurse Recruiter
“I chose Corin as our Traveler of the
Year because of her positive attitude
and hard work ethic. From day one, I
have truly enjoyed working with her and
hope to continue working with her in
the future.”
Gloria Ann Pickens, AS, RN, ACLS,
BLS
Quik Travel Staffing, Inc.
Specialty: Dialysis
Years Traveling: 6
Nominated by: Jim O’Donnell, Account
Manager
“Gloria is a highly respected nurse who
is patient care-centered and willing to
go the extra mile for her contract facilities. She routinely receives very high
reference grades from her assignments.
I have been fortunate to work with
Gloria over the past five years. She is a
tremendous asset to our travel division.”
Donald Powell, PTA
Soliant Health
Specialties: Inpatient Rehabilitation, Outpatient, Long-term Care
Years Traveling: 5
Nominated by: Phyllis Mostgaard, Account
Executive
24
∣
Janet Roy, RN, BLS, ACLS, TNCC,
PALS
Freedom Healthcare Staffing
Years Traveling: 10
Nominated by: Hank Longhenry, Healthcare
Recruiter
Jessica Previdi, RN, ACLS, BLS, PALS,
TNCC
American Mobile Healthcare
Years Traveling: 6
Nominated by: May Lane Harvey, Senior
Recruiter
Corin Nelson, RN
One supervisor said, ‘I would let her
take care of my family.’ Another
commented, ‘Mindy is one of the best
nurses we have. She’s a wonderful
person and self-starter with an excellent
work ethic.’”
“Jessica has been with me for six
years. She started back when there
was shared housing. During her first
assignment, her roommate was quite
the character, but she rolled with the
punches. She’s stayed with our company and me through thick and thin—
her entire travel career has been with
us. Her work history is stellar, and it has
been great to have her as a constant all
these years. She is flexible and respects
her commitments (one canceled contract out of 16 booked in six years) and
doesn’t complain about petty things.
She takes pride in being part of our
company, and I adore her.”
Mindy Raetz, RN, BLS, ACLS, PALS,
TNCC
Aureus Medical Group (Aureus Nursing)
Nominated by: Chad Sinclair, Senior Account
Manager
“Mindy is a fantastic RN
with experience in all
types of emergency
departments. She
maintains a positive
attitude, even in the most
hectic and pressure-filled situations,
and exudes excellence. During a
long-term assignment, she was
promoted to be a preceptor of the
hospital’s new hires and also promoted
to the day charge nurse position. The
hospital valued Mindy so much they
requested bringing her on full time.
“Ms. Roy is an exemplary
clinician, and is held in
high regard by every
hospital she has worked
with. Not only is she a
strong emergency
department nurse, she is also compassionate and a leadership example for
her profession. Our company is very
proud to work with a healthcare
professional of her caliber.”
Cheryl Russell, PTA
PPR Healthcare Staffing
Years Traveling: 4
Nominated by: Holly Bass, Vice President
“Cheryl has been traveling
with us since December
2007. There are many
reasons she should be a
Traveler of the Year. But
what stands out most in
my mind is her loyalty and dedication
to her profession. She is one of the
most professional therapists I have ever
worked with and proactive with all of
her quality management documentation. In addition to being a top-notch
therapist, Cheryl has also helped our
company secure new contracts. (I am
constantly sending her business cards
as she is always promoting us.)
She and her husband travel from assignment to assignment in their huge
RV. On the way home from Florida
to Arizona, their recreational vehicle
caught fire due to an engine fault. Not
only did Cheryl manage its repairs from
another state, but she also arrived for
the first day of her assignment without
incident. She never let her feathers get
ruffled. I truly cannot think of a more
deserving therapist for this honor.
Cheryl is not only a great therapist and
traveler, she has become a friend.”
Lorne Saiher, MST, PTA, CPT
Medical Methods Healthcare
Recruiting
Specialty: Outpatient Orthopedics
Nominated by: Alicia Corning, Senior Re-
students. Down to earth with a great
sense of humor, she is a lovely person
who receives praise wherever she goes.
But perhaps best of all—whenever she
is in London—Gaby will pop in with
some yummy treats for us, making her
a favorite with the office staff, too.”
cruiter
“It has been a complete
pleasure welcoming Lorne
to our family. He is a
passionate person, and he
brings that passion to
patients, their families, and
other therapists. Lorne has traveled with
us for about a year and has received
the highest of praise from each of his
assignment facilities. Traveling has kept
his career interesting, allowing him to
meet a variety of people and see places
he’s never been to before. He is a
patient advocate first and foremost, and
really strives to provide the highest
quality care. Lorne’s flexibility, drive, and
heart make him a great nominee for
the Travelers of the Year awards.”
Kimberly Simmons
Medical Express
Nominated by: Jackie Nelson, Recruitment
Manager
“Kimberly is amazing to work with. As
her recruiter over the last several years,
a couple of the things that stand out
for me are how hard she works and the
level of knowledge and care she brings
to her patients. Any facility with an opportunity to have Kimberly on assignment is fortunate. She is a great asset
to our company.”
Gabriella Simon, RN
Continental Travelnurse Ltd.
Specialty: Medical/Surgical
Years Traveling: 2
Nominated by: Roz Bachok, Recruiter
“Gaby isn’t just an
excellent nurse; she is also
skilled at the diplomacy
essential for a travel nurse
who needs to interact
positively with her
healthcare team. She has demonstrated
this repeatedly here in the United
Kingdom on assignments she has had
in Oxford, London, and Brighton. Gaby
is dedicated to her work and improving
the practice setting through both
teaching and mentoring new staff and
Carol Slater, BSN, RN, CVOR
Soliant Health
Years Traveling: 3
Nominated by: Barbara Rosenman, Account
Executive
“Carol is by far one of the
best CVOR RNs I have
worked with in my 25
years of recruiting. She is
very flexible, always willing
to back up in the main OR,
and willing to take call at the last
minute. Carol’s experience was so
valuable to one client that she took over
the role of interim director while on
assignment. Extensions are always
requested when Carol is on a contract.”
Bonnie Sue Stowe, BSN, RN
Advantage RN
Specialties: Telemetry, Progressive Care
Years Traveling: 10
Nominated by: Tina Swisher, Senior Recruiter
“Bonnie is one of the
friendliest, most charismatic individuals around
and she’s become a
wonderful addition to our
family. Her initial dream
was to travel to Alaska for an assignment, and she was so grateful when we
made that happen for her. In turn, we
were grateful when she became a
Charge Nurse on her assignment, which
demonstrated her dedication toward
her profession and commitment toward
excellence. Bonnie characterizes the
perfect travel nurse—a highly skilled
loyal professional, full of adventure, and
eager to take on new challenges.”
Jesse Stuhr, PTA
Medical Solutions
Years Traveling: 1
Nominated by: Jen Hamilton, Career Consultant
“Jesse is everything I could
ask for in a traveler. He is
kind and respectful, and
has a fun personality. It
has been a delight getting
to know him! He is a true example of
what we want as a representative out in
the field for our company. Jesse has
only called in sick one time in three
contracts. During his down time, he
always looks for ways to help others.
Though he is still learning, he is an
exceptional therapist and puts forth an
extra effort to bond with the rehab
team. When Jesse has paperwork due, I
don’t need to worry about it because
he is always on top of getting things
back to us. If I call him and he doesn’t
answer immediately, I know he will call
me back his first available second.”
Mary Taylor, RN, CVOR, BLS, ACLS
Years Traveling: 2
Nominated by: Annette Bolster, Senior
Recruiter
“Mary always goes above
and beyond the call of
duty. She has an amazing
outlook on life that is
infectious. Though it is not
the norm, she was trained
in CVOR on a travel assignment
because of her outstanding skills in the
OR.”
Michael Thompson, BSN, RN, ACLS,
CPR
InteliStaf Travel
Specialty: Telemetry
Years Traveling: 9
Nominated by: Carrie Reese, Senior Recruiter
“Michael is an outstanding
traveler and always 100%
compliant on documents.
He has excellent communication skills—which has
landed him several
contracts—always returns phone calls,
and is extremely reliable. He loves what
he does and it shows. We always
receive requests for Michael to return to
facilities where he has practiced. Not
only a very compassionate nurse, he is
also a stellar employee. Michael
receives the best evaluations and
comments from his managers, and we
are proud that he is part of our team.
He is, by far, the best traveler a recruiter
could ask for.”
∣
25
2010Travelers of the Year
Shamekia Tucker, RN, ACLS, PALS,
TNCC
Years Traveling: 2
Nominated by: Holly Bass, Vice President
“Shamekia is the perfect
mold for a traveler. She is
such a positive person.
Very proactive on her
placements, she always
gets her paperwork in on
time and researches every assignment
location. Her patients love her and
coworkers beg her to stay after she
completes her assignment. We receive
nothing but positive feedback about
Shamekia from our client facilities; she
is welcome to return to them at any
time! We are not only colleagues, but
also friends. Shamekia always refers
people to us and constantly reminds
everyone at our company how much
she appreciates us by sending us cards
or fruit, or placing a simple call. I wish
all my travelers were Shamekias; I love
her. She is definitely a Traveler of the
Year in my book.”
Keitha Van Blaricum, RN, AS
CoreMedical Group
Specialty: Home Health
Years Traveling: 5
Nominated by: Kristin (KT) Toli, Senior Recruiter, Travel Nurse Division
“Keitha is a wonderful
traveler who has also
become a friend. She
always has a positive
attitude and works
extremely hard. I can
always count on Keitha to go above and
beyond in her responsibilities. She is a
great nurse and has sent me many
referrals, one of which even led to a
national contract.”
Larinda “Lu” Walston, RN
Clinical One
Specialties: Cardiovascular Intensive Care,
Intensive Care, Post-Anesthesia
Care
Nominated by: Shambra Speckmiear, Recruitment Manager
“Lu is flexible in her
assignments, receives
excellent references, and
seeks out new opportunities to learn and grow her
skills. She truly cares for
patients and staff, provides support and
care to patients’ families, and even
acted as an advocate for a fellow nurse,
helping her through her journey at the
end of her life. Due to her level of experience, Lu often serves as a preceptor,
helping to train new staff and other
travelers in the necessary skills for ICU,
CVICU, and PACU. Lu understands the
value travelers provide to hospitals
during a time of need, and the role she
plays as a travel nurse in helping to fill a
staffing void. She takes her role as a
travel nurse and educator very seriously,
and is committed to keeping her unit
fully staffed so better patient care can
be delivered. We are honored to have
Lu on our team.”
Aubary Ward, RN, ACLS, BLS, TNCC,
ENPC
TaleMed
Years Traveling: 3
Nominated by: Josh Clem, Staffing Coordinator
“Aubary is one of the most
passionate RNs I have
worked with. He goes out
of his way to meet all
needs and has a great
work ethic. I consider him
an example for all RNs to follow.”
Linda Weaver, RN
Travel Nurse across America
Specialties: Medical/Surgical, Oncology
Years Traveling: 6
Nominated by: Derek King, Director of
Recruiting
“Linda is a very flexible,
loyal traveler with a strong
work ethic who does an
excellent job wherever she
travels. She is always
positive and makes the
most of every challenge or opportunity.”
Roxy Youngblood, RN, BLS, ACLS
Medical Staffing Solutions
Years Traveling: 10
Nominated by: Ana Trevathan, Recruiter
“Roxy has been one of our
top travel nurses since her
first assignment with us in
2006. She travels with her
husband, Bill, who we
consider an equal part of
our team as he always assists Roxy and
other travelers in the area with settling
into their new places. Roxy is a very
skilled, knowledgeable, and experienced traveler. She makes the best of
any situation—in and out of the OR—
and never hesitates to share her
expertise with others when needed. It
is evident in her practice that she loves
her job, and we appreciate having her
on our team. Thank you for all you do,
Roxy.”
Special thanks to all of the travel company
representatives who met the difficult challenge
of selecting a Traveler of the Year from their
nursing and allied divisions.
HT
26
∣
Gear & Gadgets
C L E V E R TO O L S T H AT SI M P L I F Y
THE TR AVEL LIFEST YLE
» TRAVEL BAG-BUGGY
Anyone who has traveled with kids
knows that pushing a stroller and pulling
a trolley bag at the same time is quite
challenging. The Castiglione Morelli
team has designed a suitcase and a
buggy in one (MSRP $365). When
closed it looks like a traditional bag,
when pulled out, it stretches over the
metallic frame and turns into a comfortable and safe stroller. Now both you and
your child can enjoy the journey without
a lot of baggage. Available at yankode-
sign.com.
» DOBERMAN PROTECTOR
ALERT
If you’re a bit paranoid about robberies, or maybe just cautious, it’s good
to have the Doberman Protector Alert
with you. It is a dually triggered alarm
device, including a motion sensor alarm
and a pull pin alarm. You can attach it
to your bag, backpack or a tent zipper
and once your items are touched, the
motion sensor will trigger the alarm. It’s
kind of your personal watchdog traveling
with you for less than $20. Available at
dobermanproducts.com.
∣
27
f you were to ask veteran travelers the key to a successful mobile career,
odds are “a good recruiter” would top the list. As countless traveling nurses
and allied healthcare providers can confirm, devoted, hands-on recruiters
will not only get you where you want to go, they will remain a constant source
of support. Recruiters provide valuable assistance in every aspect of healthcare travel, from helping with licensure issues to reviewing housing options. In
fact, many travelers develop long-lasting bonds with their personal company
representatives, maintaining lifelong friendships.
28
∣
Photos: Getty Images/Stockbyte
I
2010
OF THE YEAR
This year, travelers nationwide voted for those individuals whom they thought
worthy of Healthcare Travelerʼs 2010 Recruiters of the Year. After crunching
the votes, 69 staffing company representatives were chosen. To commemorate
the honor, these recruiters — each of whom obtained the majority of votes for
their company or one of its divisions — will be presented with a personalized
certificate suitable for framing. Please join us in congratulating those whose
dedication and expertise make traveling an enjoyable, prosperous experience
for those they serve.
∣
29
Tina Akins
Senior Healthcare Recruiter &
Team Leader (Nursing)
“Tina is awesome, always calling—just to check in—and making sure our company is doing
everything it possibly can for us.
She goes above and beyond what
is required and takes a personal
interest in our wants and needs.”
Jason R. Brady
Director of Recruiting
Advance MED
“He always has my back.”
Jerry Broughton
Account Manager
Foundation Medical Staffing
2008 and 2010 award recipient
Dan Beller
Senior Account Manager, Aureus
Nursing
Aureus Medical
“Dan has got to be the best
recruiter and nicest gentleman
I have ever met. He is always
available to talk to me and never
rushed. And his cheery attitude
is infectious—I feel relaxed and
happy every time we talk. What’s
more, Dan goes out of his way to
find just the right contract for me, and I am never disappointed. He calls to make sure I am happy and asks about
my family, which is important to me. Even though we’ve
never met, I feel Dan is my friend as well as my recruiter.”
Chad Bergman
Account Manager
Titan Medical Group
“Chad is an excellent recruiter who always has my best
interests in mind.”
Julie Beveridge
Recruiter
Medical Connections
“Julie always accommodates
my needs. She is available after
hours, has a great attitude, and is
happy to assist in any situation.”
Russ Blackstone
Senior Recruiter
Worldwide Travel Staffing
“We have been on the road with
Russ since 2007. He is always
there for us if we need him.
Though we are temporarily at
home now, Russ continues to
keep in touch with us. We look
forward to another assignment
through him after the holidays.
Thanks, Russ.”
30
∣
“Jerry is a great listener and
always there when I need him,
even if it’s just to talk. He understands my needs and work ethic,
and appreciates me as much as I
appreciate him.”
Dawn Brown
Senior Recruiter
Advantage RN - Allied
Division
“Dawn goes above and beyond,
and not just when I’m on assignment. When I was home with a
medical problem, she called to
check up on me at least once a
week. I never feel alone because
I know she’ll be there if I need her.
Dawn is more like a friend than a recruiter. I can’t say
enough about what a great person she is.”
Kris Cannon
National Recruitment Director
On Assignment Nurse
Travel
“Kris is consistent, patient, and
supportive.”
Lindsay Carter
Recruitment Manager
FlexCare Medical Staffing
“Lindsay is the type of recruiter
any travel nurse can count on
and trust.”
Ruth Ann Castellana
National Account Executive,
Allied
Sunbelt Staffing
“I have worked with Ruth Ann for
a total of three and a half years.
Whenever I forget my timesheet,
she keeps me on track. And she
checks on me weekly; if I have a
problem, it is resolved the same
day. She has a great personality
and a sense of humor. I know I can
be a challenge, but she always makes sure everything is in
place for my next contract.”
Christina Christensen
Senior Recruiting Manager
Med Travelers
“Whenever new assignment possibilities arise, she calls me and
says, ‘I have a job for you!’”
Regina Davis
Senior Recruiter
The Right Solutions
“Regina is always there for me and very helpful—not only
with getting the assignment, but also in assisting with the
flow of the contract. She really goes above and beyond,
and is a resource as well as a friend.”
Mo Fregia
Senior Recruiter
“Mo is the best. While I am on
assignment, he calls regularly
to see how things are going and
asks if I need anything. Even
after a contract is completed
or when I go home for the
summer, he checks in with me.
Mo always returns e-mails and
phone calls, and I feel he genuinely cares about his travelers.”
Ryan Galli
Rehab Manager and Staffing
Coordinator
Medical Staffing NetworkTravel Allied Division
“Ryan is awesome. He always
does his best to make sure I am
happy. He is not only a great
recruiter, but a good friend.”
Tina Cindric-Osuch
Senior Market Manager
Supplemental Health Care
2007 and 2009-2010 award recipient
“I have never been treated with
such respect. Tina won me over
with this statement: ‘I am looking
forward to working for you.’”
Brad Garrett
Principal Recruiter
TG Healthcare
“Brad takes care of everything.
He makes my life outside of the
hospital easy.”
Alicia Corning
Senior Recruiter
Medical Methods
Healthcare Recruiting
“Alicia is an outstanding
recruiter. She goes above
and beyond to make sure her
travelers are taken care of while
on assignment. Traveling can
be stressful—from housing, to
orientation, to licensure. And
while being on the road is always
exciting, driving to unknown locations and new contract
facilities can sometimes be nerve-racking. Having a
recruiter I can count on, like Alicia, makes all the difference in the world and can make or break a career in
travel therapy.”
Courtney Giglio
Recruiter
Travel Nurse Solutions
“Courtney is there for me, assisting with any needs and always cheerful. I can count on her for anything, and she is
a true joy to work with…I can tell she’s smiling whenever
we talk. It means a lot to me, having a recruiter who is
there for me. Another big plus in my book: Courtney calls
to check on me once an assignment has started.”
Sheila Graham, BSN, RN
Gillian Dahlke
Senior Allied Travel Recruiter
Onward Healthcare
“Gillian is always prompt and helpful, providing all the
information I need to perform my job to the best of my
ability. She is the best.”
Clinical Director National Accounts
Advanced Clinical Employment Staffing, LLC (ACES)
“This lady does everything in her power to get me to my
new adventure, and she follows up with me. Sheila cares
about her nurses 24/7.”
continued on page 34
∣
31
Advertisers’ Index
Find out about assignments, benefits, and more!
Select from companies listed in the index below. Simply fill out one of the postage-paid Career Cards, or
submit your request on our Web site at healthcaretraveler.com/readerservice to receive information.
Call 877-922-2022 when your mailing address changes, or visit our Web site at healthcaretraveler.com
See ad on page
Circle Career Card
ADVANTAGE RN LLC
866-301-4045
www.advantagern.com
9
#600
AUREUS GROUP
800-856-5457
www.aureusmedical.com
16
#601
BANNER HEALTH
800-827-6877
www.BannerHealth.com
Back cover
#602
CIRRUS MEDICAL STAFFING
800-299-8132
www.cirrusmedicalstaffing.com
27
#603
www.crosscountrystaffing.com
7
#604
CROSS COUNTRY STAFFING
CROSS COUNTRY TRAVCORPS
800-387-3118
WWW.CROSSCOUNTRY.COM
3
#605
FASTAFF
877-912-9485
www.fastaff.com
27
#606
H R N SERVICES INC
888-476-9333
www.hrnservices.com
17
#607
MEDSTAFF INC
866-379-2162
www.medstaffinc.com
5
#608
NOVAPRO TRAVELERS
800-347-0583
www.novaprostaffing.com
inside back cover
#609
ONWARD HEALTHCARE
800-278-0332
www.onwardhealthcare.com
[email protected]
32
#610
R N NETWORK
866-264-7790
www.rnnetwork.com/ucan
inside front cover
#611
SUPPLEMENTAL HEALTH CARE
800-543-9399
www.supplementalhealthcare.com
11
#612
TRUSTAFF
877-880-0346
www.trustafftravelnurses.com
[email protected]
13
#613
∣
33
continued from page 31
Marci L. Grant
Senior Recruiter National Travel
InteliStaf Travel
2006-2010 award recipient
“Marci has been my recruiter for
the past three years. She is wonderful to work with, has a great
personality, and is super efficient.
I hope to work with her for many
more years.”
Sarah Gail Grant
Senior Associate
Soliant Health
“Sarah saved my life. She got me
a wonderful placement and housing that was perfect for me and
my son. Without being asked to
do so, she took into consideration
my many personal needs. Sarah
is very intuitive and responsive.
She is the best.”
Karen Guarascio
Healthcare Recruiter, Travel
Division
All About Staffing
“When I decided to start traveling, I would only quit the full-time
position I’d had for over 16 years
if I could get the assignment I
wanted. Karen quickly found me
just what I was looking for, so I
was on my way. I’ve been with
her for two years now and have
gone from one contract to another without missing a day
of work. Karen keeps in touch and assures everything is in
order. She is professional in every way, and I’ve recommended her to several people.”
Sarah Hastings
Senior Nurse Recruiter
Progressive Nursing Travel
“Sarah has been my recruiter since 2005. I love her bubbly
personality. Although I have never met her in person, she
has been a great friend and support. She is always on the
lookout for job opportunities for me. And she returns my
phone calls and emails promptly, making my travel experiences smooth and pleasurable.”
Jason Iannotti
Senior Placement
Consultant-Team Leader
MedStaff Healthcare
Solutions
“Jason has always been there
for me, both professionally and
personally. Sometimes, it’s like
he’s the nurse to the patient. And,
I have confidence in him. Thank
you, Jason.”
Christina Johnson
Recruitment Manager
American Mobile
Healthcare
2004 and 2010 recipient
“Christina goes way above
and beyond to make sure my
experience and assignment are
good. She is always available
and makes sure I have a smooth
and secure transition into any
assignment I undertake. Christina
just makes me feel special, and I would not trade her for
the world.”
Jennifer Kelley
Allied Rehabilitation Recruiter
Jenifer Hamilton
Career Consultant, Allied
Medical Solutions
“Jenifer helped me feel comfortable on my first travel assignment. She gave me lots of time
and attention to figure out the
best possible match for my needs
and wants. Jenifer took the time
to get to know me and my interests so she could offer ideas and
suggestions. Thanks, Jen.”
Pete Hannigan
Derek King
2005 and 2009-2010 award
recipient
Senior Healthcare Recruiter &
Recruitment Manager - Allied
“Pete is always willing to listen
and work with me so I get the
assignment I want, even when I
make it hard for him to accomplish.”
34
∣
“Jennifer has been my recruiter
for five years. She knows the
settings I prefer and the areas I’m
looking for, and always has great
options for me. Jennifer is willing
to submit me for contracts even if
the timing is off, to give me a shot
at the ones I really want to pursue.
She is incredibly thorough and professional. I meet lots
of healthcare professionals who ask me to recommend a
recruiter, and Jennifer is at the top of my list every time.
I’m proud to call her my recruiter and friend.”
Director of Nurse Recruiting
Travel Nurse across
America
“Derek is extremely knowledgeable about travel nursing. I consider him my advisor. He watches
out for me and has my best
interests in mind when matching
Dijana Lesh
my skills with the assignments I want. A caring, concerned
individual who goes the extra mile, Derek is the picture of
the perfect recruiter.”
Senior Client Manager, Nursing
2003, 2006, and 2008-2010 award
recipient
Sarah Kisler
Nursing Career Consultant
Medical Solutions
“Sarah is enthusiastic, upbeat,
and on the ball. She is very
knowledgeable and will help
me with anything. If she doesn’t
know the answer right away,
she often figures it out while
I’m on the phone with her. I
appreciate all that she does for
me—before, during, and after
completion of an assignment.”
“Dijana is the best. She always
goes beyond expectations to find
the right contract for me. Dijana
also finds answers for the many
questions she is asked about the
most minute details with regard
to travel nursing. She deserves to
be a Recruiter of the Year.”
Cassandra Lindquist
Director, Travel Nursing San
Diego
Onward Healthcare
“Cassandra is always ahead of
the rest in her search for my
perfect assignment. She has also
been right there to bail me out of
a mix-up in travel plans. For sure,
she is my ‘go to’ gal.”
Brian Kochanski
Senior Recruiter
Independent Healthcare Staffing
“Brian works to find the assignments best for me. He
always calls me back quickly and tries his best to fix anything I need. Brian is the best, and I’m lucky to have him as
my recruiter. Thanks, Brian, for all you do.”
Keli L. Koepke
Senior Recruiter
RTG Medical
“Keli is one of the friendliest
recruiters I have encountered.
He keeps his word and is easy to
get ahold of when needed. Keli is
awesome.”
Hank Longhenry
Healthcare Recruiter
Freedom Healthcare Staffing
“Hank listens to me and always makes certain my needs
are met. I really appreciate him…he does a great job for
his nurses.”
Ted Maravelias
Senior Recruiter, Travel Nurse
Division
CoreMedical Group
Michele Laing
Senior Resource Manager
Response 1 Medical Staffing, Inc.
“Michele takes recruiting to
another level by tailoring each
assignment to personally fit
the needs of her nurses. She is
available at all times—either by
phone, text, or email— regardless of the normal day-to-day
activities, which are part of being
an active, working mom. Michele exhibits professionalism
in a relaxed atmosphere and always makes sure I have a
Starbucks gift card for my first day at a new assignment.
Sometimes, the little things like that mean the most.”
Oren Lavi
Director of Marketing
LiquidAgents Healthcare
“I would not trade Oren for any other recruiter in the
world. He is wonderful and always there for me. If I need
something, he provides it.”
“He has gone out of his way to
support my efforts to earn a living as a travel nurse, and respond
to the challenges and needs of
my vocation as they arise.”
Linda Mars
Provider Representative
CompHealth
“With a last name like Mars, it’s
no surprise Linda is out of this
world! She found and secured an
assignment for me while I was
volunteering in Kenya. So, once
stateside, I had a contract waiting
for me. What else can I say about
her? Linda is just awesome.”
Miles Mattern
Senior Recruiter
HealthOne Staffing
“Miles works as hard as his
nurses. He spends extra hours
and goes above and beyond to
facilitate a strong working commitment between all.”
∣
35
Holly McManaway-Hakes
Kelly Murphy
Area Staffing
Manager
NovaPro
Senior Account Manager
Triage Staffing Inc.
“Kelly is always honest and dependable, and handles any issues
that arise quickly and efficiently.”
“I am on my first travel assignment. Holly provided guidance
and information, and walked me
through everything. She made
the transition easy for me, ensuring my first experience with travel
nursing would be a great one.”
Travis Nunley
Operations Manager
Foundation Rehab Staffing
Lisa Mecchi
Director of Recruitment
Star Nursing, Inc.
“You have to love him because
he’s the best! Travelers depend
on their recruiters, and Travis
has never let me down. I would
recommend him to any traveler.”
“She is the best of the best!”
Nick Palleria
Senior Recruiter
TotalMed
Staffing Inc.
“Nick found me an assignment
when no one else seemed to
have any. He was willing to work
to meet my specific needs and
not stick to a script.”
Dwayne Melton
Senior Recruiter
Advantage RN
“Dwayne has been my recruiter
for almost 3 years. He is the best
because he keeps in contact with
me on a weekly basis. Dwayne
also helps immediately with
any problem I might have. Not
many recruiters keep in touch
the way he does. I can’t tell you
how much I appreciate the work he
does to keep me traveling. Thanks, Dwayne.”
Deana Passavanti
Recruiter
Millenia Medical Staffing
“Deana is a great person to work
with. She listens to my needs and
tries to accomplish them with the
assignment.”
Lynn Merritt
Senior Healthcare Recruiter
Nightingale Nurses
“Lynn is the best recruiter. She
is friendly and has the traveler’s
best interests at heart.”
Vince Poast
Recruiter, Aureus Allied Health
Aureus Medical
“I had lost my job of three years
at a heart clinic due to economic
cutbacks. Vince was very helpful and persistent in finding a
contract for me, calling at least
twice a week to tell me about
potential cardiac sonographer
assignments. He was genuinely
Brian Mouradian
Senior Healthcare Staffing Specialist
RN Network
“Brian is the most professional, caring, and positive
recruiter I have worked with. No matter the situation, I can
always count on his assistance. I would never trade him
for another recruiter; he is number one in my eyes.”
36
∣
concerned about me.”
Lori Press-Vidal
Recruitment Team Leader
National Healthcare
Staffing, LLC
transitions smooth. In addition to being a great recruiter,
Denise is a true friend.”
Kara Schaufert
“If you look up ‘best’ in the dictionary, you’ll see Lori’s picture
next to the definition. Whether
it’s the best leader of people or
best person to be successful at
what she does, that’s Lori. Pure
and simple, there is not a more
honest, hard working, determined person than Lori. Having her on my team ensures my success.”
Lead Nurse Recruiter
Trustaff
“Kara is the best recruiter. I have
been with her for five years. She
keeps me working and is there
when I need her. Kara always
returns my calls and never leaves
me hanging.”
Melissa Price
Tony Shackelton
Professional Healthcare Recruiter
Premier Healthcare
Professionals
Senior Staffing Specialist
Bestaff Arcadia
“Melissa has been with me every
step of the way. She understands
what I want without me having
to tell her and does not come off
like a used car saleswoman when
we review new contract postings.
Melissa has been very supportive
and insightful throughout my whole travel experience.”
Mae Reyes
Nurse Recruiter
Quik Travel Staffing, Inc.
“Tony is very thorough and cares
about his nurses.”
Tiffany Shryock
Senior Recruiter
NursesRx
“No matter where I am or what I am doing, Tiffany is
always interested. I can count on her for support and
friendship, and would even label her a BFF.”
“Mae is committed, caring, conscientious, calm, and
convincing.”
Carol Ann Sitzmann
Senior National Account Executive, Nursing
Sunbelt Staffing
Robyn Robinson
Staffing Specialist
Valley Medical Staffing
“I was kept informed about my assignment, and Robyn
went out of her way to make sure I got decent housing in
an area where acquiring good accommodations may be
difficult. I felt she did everything she could do to get me a
great assignment. Robyn promptly returned all calls and
took care of the few, little issues I had.”
“Carol Ann out-hustles and outworks the other recruiters. She
goes the extra step.”
Tracy Sullivan Hall, SICP, MGRM
Scott Rundlett
Senior Recruiter/Western Regional Manager
Sagent Healthstaff
2006-2007 and 2010 award recipient
“Scott is both a pleasure to talk to and work with. He is
always available and takes care of anything that comes up.
I can depend on him and consider him a friend.”
Denise Rutrick
Senior Recruiter
Club Staffing, Inc.
“Denise always provides the support and qualifed information a
traveler needs to accept and complete a contract. Her personal
attention makes me feel like part
of the team. She is extremely
punctual in returning calls and
going out of her way to make
Director of Recruiting & Client Services
MedSource Travelers
“I have known Tracy since 2000 and changed companies
just to work with her. I have never, ever before worked
with such a positive person. She always goes out of her
way to help me out…even when I haven’t asked for assistance. That’s just the kind of person she is. If I had to
describe Tracy in one word, it’d be amazing.”
Heather Sutherland
National Staffing Manager
LRS Healthcare
“Heather is, without a doubt, the best. I’ve had many
contracts through her. She consistently goes above and
beyond her role as a recruiter. A true friend, she makes me
feel like a person and she really cares about her nurses. She
is always available—regardless of the time zone I’m in—to
∣
37
AN UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL LOOK
Knoxville, Tennessee
Nestled in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, Knoxville
is a distinctive and beautiful city. The third largest — and second
oldest — metropolis in the Volunteer State, it presents travelers
with countless opportunities for adventure.
Karin Marcus
R
oughly 230 years ago, the first
settlers arrived in the Cherokee
Indian territory now known as
Knoxville. Given the task of easing tensions between Native Americans and
settlers, Mayor William Blout set up a
territorial capital. Named after Secretary of War Henry Knox, the city was
founded in 1786. Its location at the confluence of three rivers made Knoxville
popular among travelers and traders,
quickly transforming it into a hub for
regional merchandising. Agricultural
revenues — from whiskey, corn, and
tobacco — as well as the arrival of the
East Tennessee and Georgia Railroad in
1855, contributed to the city’s prosperity.
Following the Civil War, new
commerce — thanks to the influx of
northern investors — and thousands
of immigrant workers caused both a
manufacturing and population boom.
38
∣
By the late 1800s, more than 97 new
factories and 50 wholesale houses
were established here, making Knoxville one of the top three wholesale
operating centers in the south.
In recent years, Knoxville’s downtown area has undergone extensive
renovation and development, however,
creating a unique cosmopolitan city
for its more than 173,890 residents.
Museums and historic homes
Knoxville teems with a variety of
world-class museums, historic homes,
At a Glance
City
Elevation: 936 feet
Average high temperature (June – August): 87°
Average low temperature (January – March): 33°
Annual precipitation: 47 inches
Population: 173,890 (estimated)
and fine arts attractions. Established
in 1990, the Knoxville Museum of Art is a
modern structure filled with paintings,
sculpture, and mixed media. Housing more than 700 art objects from
the 20th- and 21st-centuries, it boasts
temporary and ongoing exhibits, such
as Higher Ground — A Century of the
Visual Arts in East Tennessee, Thorne
Rooms, and Jane South — Shifting
Structures. Open seven days a week,
it also offers myriad educational programs, from artist residencies and concerts to lectures and family activities.
One of the oldest museums of its
kind in the southeast, the Beck Cultural
Exchange Center was founded in 1975.
Once home to prominent Knoxville
residents James and Ethel Beck, it
chronicles African-American history through an insightful collection
of books, photographs, artwork, and
video recordings. On exhibit are several collections, including the William
Hastie Collection, Austin High School
Collection, and the Newspaper Collection, which features issues from
several local papers dating to the late
1800s. Admission is free, and the site
also contains a library, resource center, and gift shop.
A general history museum, the Frank
H. McClung Museum is comprised of several collections covering archaeology,
anthropology, natural history, decorative arts, and local history. Dedicated
in 1963 — and part of the University
of Tennessee — it details life from
prehistoric times to present day, documenting technologies and trends. As
with the Beck Cultural Exchange
Center, visitors are not charged. Museum exhibitions include Archaeology
& Native Peoples of Tennessee, The
Battle of Fort Sanders, and Geology &
Fossil History of Tennessee.
A historic home museum, the
Ramsey House Plantation was built for
Francis Alexander Ramsey in 1797.
The Ramseys were one of the first
families to settle in the area, and
Photos: Getty Images/Stockbyte/SW Productions
Cityscape
Ramsey was one of the founding
trustees of Blout College, playing a
central role in the city’s educational,
cultural, and civic development.
Listed on the National Register of
Historic Places, the home sits on
100-plus acres and is renowned for
its original architectural features and
period furnishings. Opened to the
public with guided tours, it also has
heirloom gardens, picnic areas, and a
museum shop.
Built in 1858, the Mabry-Hazen House
Museum was home to the same family from 1858 to 1987. Having served
as headquarters for both Union and
Confederate troops, this stately abode
offers an introspective look at the lives
of one family during the Victorian and
Civil War periods.
Cultural offerings
Knoxville is host to an assortment of
performance venues, theaters, and
professional performing arts groups.
Established in 1935, the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra (KSO) presents more
than 200 programs that entertain
200,000 annually. Performing at local
venues — including the Tennessee
Theatre, Bijou Theatre, and Knoxville Civic Auditorium and Coliseum
— the KSO is composed of full-time,
professional musicians. The 20102011 season includes family concerts
and Masterworks, Pops, and Chamber series.
Founded as the Knoxville Civic Opera
in 1978, this company changed its
moniker to Knoxville Opera Company in 1983. Performing at both the
Civic Auditorium and the Tennessee
Theatre from October through April,
its upcoming season includes Puccini’s Madame Butterfly, Massenet’s
Manon, and Bellini’s i Puritani.
Fun for everyone
Good times and educational entertainment can be had at the East
Tennessee Discovery Center (ETDC),
Major medical centers
Established in 1937, East Tennessee Children’s Hospital is a private facility that
delivers pediatric healthcare to children from birth to 21 years of age. Certified as a
Comprehensive Regional Pediatric Center and the only hospital of its kind in East Tennessee, it boasts 152 beds. Cardiology, urology, orthopedics, hematology, oncology,
and plastic/reconstructive care are among its specialty services.
Part of the Covenant Health System, Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center is
located in the heart of downtown Knoxville and can trace its roots back to 1919. A regional referral center, it has 541 beds and offers a variety of specialized services. Among
its many offerings, the site offers a sleep disorder center, diabetes management center,
rehabilitation medicine, and a stroke center.
A 486-bed hospital, the University of Tennessee (UT) Medical Center serves as a
referral center for Eastern Tennessee, Western North Carolina, and Southeast Kentucky.
The region’s first primary certified stroke center, it is home to the area’s only Level I
trauma center. This tertiary facility presents a scope of specialty services, including cardiology, oncology, vascular, and respiratory care. Part of the University Health System,
UT Medical Center is the only academic hospital in the Knoxville area. Currently, it is
undergoing construction for the region’s first dedicated heart hospital.
Parkwest Medical Center (PMC), part of the Covenant Health System, admitted
its first patient in 1973. The largest medical center in West Knoxville, it is a leader in
cardiac services and home to a top heart hospital. This 307-bed facility also boasts a
comprehensive breast center, 40-bed emergency care center, and one of the area’s first
all-digital catheterization laboratories. PMC offers a broad range of services, from joint
replacement to pulmonary rehabilitation.
Formerly Baptist Hospital West, Mercy Medical Center West is situated in the heart
of West Knox County. It has 101 licensed beds, state-of-the-art surgical suites, and a
sleep center. The facility’s specialty areas of excellence include cancer care, cardiology,
diagnostic imaging, and women’s health services.
Mercy Medical Center St. Mary’s has been serving the East Tennessee community
for more than 77 years. This 370-bed facility is the flagship hospital for Mercy Health
Partners and a recipient of the HealthGrades Distinguished Hospital Award for Clinical
Excellence. The facility’s specialties include robotic surgery, diagnostic imaging, rehabilitation, cancer care, and orthopedics.
which offers hands-on exhibits for
children and adults. Launched in
1974, it includes the Discovery Space
Shuttle, Lego Lab, Kidspace, and
Aquaria. Situated on 54 acres, the
Knoxville Zoo is home to more than 800
animals, from elephants and kudu to
gazelles and giraffes. The zoo is also
recognized as one of the top two zoos
in the world for breeding endangered
red pandas.
Built in 1982, Worlds Fair Park spans
52 acres in the heart of downtown.
An urban paradise, its composition
of innovative water features, tranquil
walks, and extensive green lawn make
it an ideal location for special events.
It presents events ranging from wine
tastings to concerts and also includes
the Knoxville Convention Center,
shops, restaurants, and galleries.
All aboard! Hop on a vintage steam
engine train and enjoy a relaxing
and picturesque journey through
the beautiful, historic countryside of
Knoxville. On the Three Rivers Rambler
— an 11-mile, 90-minute excursion —
passengers journey along the Tennessee River and are treated to views of
the city’s first settlement area, farmland, and several local quarries.
∣
39
Cityscape
Classifieds
For Products & Services Advertising Information contact Carla Kastanis:
800-225-4569 ext 2711 or e-mail [email protected].
For Recruitment Advertising Information contact Joanna Shippoli:
800-225-4569 ext 2615 or e-mail [email protected].
VISA, MASTERCARD, AMERICAN EXPRESS accepted.
Local sports
CAMP RECRUITMENT
NATIONAL
BOOKS/PUBLICATIONS
Professional Travel Nurses: FINALLY!
COMPLETE POCKET-SIZED DIRECTORY
US Boards of Registered Nursing,
NCLEX/NURSYS Info, International Telephone
Connections and Color Maps.
36 pages, 4 1/4” x 5 1/2”, Protective Covering.
Cost $14.50 Plus S&H. View & Order On-line:
www.gloproresources.com
BUSINESS
OPPORTUNITIES
MINNESOTA
CAMP NURSES: Amazing Camp
Community seeks RNs/LPNs to
assist doctors in Minnesota bro/
sis camps. 1 or 2 month positions
6/11–8/13. Competitive salary,
camp-age children welcome. Scenic lakeside facilities. 314-6473168 or www.camptbird.com.
NEW YORK
Elite boys and girls residential summer camp in the beautiful Adirondack Mountains of NY seeks camp
nurses to work June–August. Looking for energetic and fun people
who want to spend their summers
with children. Need both males
and females. Top salary, room and
board provided. Licensing fees and
travel paid. Call 800-786-8373 or
www.raquettelake.com.
Looking to sell your Healthcare
Staffing Company? Publicly traded
company located in Florida is looking to purchase a 10-15MM profitable
travel healthcare staffing company
specializing in allied- therapy and/or
nursing. Cash buyer, great opportunity for the right company. Contact
561-414-7292.
TAX SERVICES
TravelTax
Started by a former Traveler
with you in mind.
U.S. or Canadian tax preparation
Audit assistance
Explore Great Career & Travel
Opportunities Online at
HealthcareTraveler.com
Get a Step Ahead of the Competition!
PLACE YOUR AD IN HEALTHCARE TRAVELER!
For Products & Services Advertising, contact
Carla Kastanis: 440-891-2711, or e-mail [email protected]
For Recruitment Advertising, contact
Joanna Shippoli: 440-891-2615 or, e-mail [email protected]
KNOXVILLE, TENNESSEE
Originally
known as the
Knoxville
Smokies, the
Tennessee Smokies are a minor
Resources
Knoxville Convention & Visitors
Bureau
601 W. Summit Hill Dr. #200B
Knoxville, TN 37902
(865) 523-7263
knoxville.org
league baseball
team and DouTennessee Department of Health
ble-A affiliate
227 French Landing, Suite 300
of the Chicago
Nashville, TN 37243
Cubs. Playing
in the Southern
Tennessee Board of Nursing
League, the
(615) 532-5166
team’s ballhealth.state.tn.us/boards/nursing/
park is Smokies Park and
Tennessee Board of Phys. Therapy
is located in
(615) 532-3202
nearby Kodak.
health.state.tn.us/boards/PT/index.htm
The Smokies’
2010-2011 seaTennessee Board of Resp. Therapy
son runs from
(615) 253-5087
April through
health.state.tn.us/boards/RC/index.htm
August.
Freezing out
Tennessee Board of Occup. Therapy
the competition
(615) 532-5096
most times,
health.state.tn.us/boards/OT/index.htm
the Knoxville Ice
Bears hockey
team is part of the Southern Professional Hockey
League. Playing home games at the James White
Civic Coliseum from October through March, the
Bears are both President’s and Commissioner’s Cups
winners.
Got (golf) game? Then Knoxville has a green with
your name on it. Featuring 13 local courses, the city and
its mild climate allows for golfing excursions year-round.
Host to a variety of tournaments, Avalon Landmark Golf
Club, Cherokee Country Club, and Beaver Brook Country Club provide players with spectacular views, challenging courses, and a host of other amenities.
A curious mix
The city of Knoxville is an interesting combination of rustic wilderness and flourishing metropolis. Its marvelous
weather, diverse attractions, and thriving fine arts community make for an appealing assignment location. HT
Karin Marcus is a freelance writer living in North
Woodmere, New York.
40
∣
Paws for Thought
E N S U R I N G P E T H E A LT H AT H O M E A N D O N T H E R O A D
Legal matters do apply for
pet-owning travelers
Know the law when looking out for pets’ welfare
Kim Kilmer
I
Advance planning for your pets
No one wants to face his or her eventual demise, but if you own a pet, there
is much to consider in this regard.
Pet trust vs. will designation
A pet trust is a document that contains
more than a directive of legal pet guardianship for your pet. The pet trust also
designates funds that will provide for
your pet in the event of your death. Not
all states recognize pet trusts. You may
be thinking, “I already have a directive
in my will designating someone to care
for my pet. Why would I need a pet
trust?” That has been a question asked
by many pet owners as they weigh their
legal options.
There are significant differences
between designating care for your pet
in your will and spelling out your intentions in the language of a pet trust.
The most important point is that a pet
trust protects not only your pet, but
Q: I have wanted to travel for
some time now but ended
up taking in two additional dogs (I
already had two) during last year’s
mass foreclosures. I now have four
dogs (one Australian shep; German
Shorthaired Pointer; Jack Russell
Mix; and a Westie) that are over
their puppy phase but still young and
active. I can’t get traveling out of my
head and I feel as though I can’t fully
commit emotionally to my current
job of three years because of the itch
to travel. Do I still have the realistic
option of travel?
—Curious
A: There are several things you want
to consider prior to traveling with
four dogs. First, check any animal
ordinances in locations of interest.
Many areas of the country are now
limiting the number of dogs you can
own when living within a specific location. Check city, town, county, and
state ordinances so you know what is
allowed and where.
The second piece of information is
to discuss the availability and rules
of pets-allowed housing with travel
companies. The companies will
know if any available housing is applicable to your situation and dogs.
The third consideration is to make
certain that your dogs will be comfortable with the move. If the type of
housing available, or your schedule,
is vastly different from what they are
accustomed to, the move may not be
beneficial.
Photos: courtesy of Kim Kilmer (top);
don’t know about you, but as I sit
down to write Paws for Thought
for December 2010, I am still wondering what happened to summer?
It seems that time has f lown by this
year, but as it has, there has been much
to celebrate in
terms of our
rights as pet
owners.
While tackling research
for my riad
w r it i n g a s signments
t h i s ye a r, I
have noticed a
growing trend of more businesses allowing well-mannered pets inside, including hotels, rental properties, and even
the workplace.
On another front, considering recent legal issues, perhaps we should rename Paws for Thought this month to
‘December Legal Beagle.’ This year has
seen significant victories for the petowning public. For example, pet owners can celebrate the fact that following
the November 2010 mid-term elections,
we now have a bell-weather bill for animal rights passed by voters in Missouri.
The details of Missouri Proposition B, a
bill intended to protect dogs in the hundreds of puppy mills in Missouri, can be
found at http://www.maal.org/index.asp.
Another victory for pet owners in many
states is the legal acceptance of pet trusts
for pet owners.
Unfortunately in this country, pets are
still legally considered property, so making specific provisions for your pets can
make the difference between your beloved family member ending up in the
hands of an intended recipient or being
taken to the local shelter. While designating care for a pet is important to every pet owner, it’s essential for those of
you that travel with your pets.
Once you have documentation
regarding the care and disposition of
your pet, make certain you carry a
copy of those documents with you and
let a close friend, relative, or attorney
know where to locate those documents in case of emergency. If you are
renting a home that isn’t contracted
by your travel company, this may become more important, as most likely
the property owner or manager will
determine how your pet is handled
should something unforeseen happen
to you. To be proactive, let them know
who to contact regarding pet matters.
Ask Kim
» Attention travelers!
Do you have a question for Kim?
Send it to [email protected]
and it could appear in the next edition
of “Paws for Thought.”
∣
41
Paws for Thought
E N S U R I N G P E T H E A LT H AT H O M E A N D O N T H E R O A D
also the person you designate as the
pet guardian. Further, provisions of
a pet trust can’t be adversely affected
by the caregiver’s financial situation.
In other words, if the designated pet
guardian, a.k.a. caregiver, faces bankruptcy or divorce, funds and directions for care allocated in your pet’s
trust are protected. The trust allows
the pet guardian to continue to care
for your pet under your legal guidelines of care. That is not the case when
you simply appoint someone to care
for your pet in your will.
Where are pet trusts legal?
According to a recent article found
on the United Kennel Club’s website
http://www.ukcdogs.com/WebSite.nsf/
WebPages/ComPetTrusts, many states
already allow for pet trusts, while others are currently considering the legal
allowance of pet trusts. Such individual
address any issues or concerns that may arise.
Even after an assignment is completed, Heather
checks to see if I need anything. I am privileged
to work with such an amazing woman.”
There are significant
differences between
designating care for your
pet in a will and spelling
out your intentions in the
language of a pet trust.
Montana, North Carolina, North Dakota, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New
Jersey, New Mexico, Nevada, New York,
Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode
Island, South Carolina, South Dakota,
Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
If your state of residence is on the list,
locate an attorney familiar with the topic
to ensure that your rights and the welfare of your pets are protected. HT
state initiatives regarding pet trusts can
be found at http://www.animallaw.info/
statutes/topicstatutes/sttowill.htm.
As of this writing, pet trusts are
currently legal in the following states:
Alaska, Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona,
California, Colorado, Delaware, Washington, D.C., Florida, Georgia, Hawaii,
Iowa, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas,
Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Missouri,
Kim Kilmer is a canine behavior consultant, trainer and freelance writer.
She has over 20 years of experience
in the field of all breed dog training
and behavior modification. A graduate of West Virginia University, she
is a member of the Animal Behavior
Society, the Dog Writers Association
of America, and the Mid Atlantic
Association of Professional Positive Pet
Trainers.
support and advice—but also gave me her cell
phone number in case I needed to contact her
outside of office hours. Her unique brand of
unconditional support helped me complete
the contract.”
Bethany goes out of her way to personally resolve any problem or issue, and
she always follows up in person to make
sure I am satisfied with the result. She has
earned my loyalty.”
Shannon Sutton
Director
CuraMed
Staffing, LLC
Titus Thomas
2007 and 2010 award
recipient
“Shannon always puts
her travelers first. She
works diligently and
tirelessly to match
everyone with the
perfect assignment.
Her personal care and attention to detail pave
the way for great trust and comfort, which are
necessary in the healthcare travel industry. I
am a grateful recipient of her care and concern.
Thank you, Shannon.”
Jillian Tardif,
CSP
Senior Recruitment
Specialist
Clinical One
“During a particularly challenging assignment, Jillian not only
grasped the situation
quickly—offering
42
∣
Recruiter
FASTAFF Travel Nursing
“Titus is always there for his nurses. He helps
us when we need it and if he doesn’t have an
answer, he directs us to the right people. Titus
keeps in touch with us on all assignments to
make sure everything is flowing smoothly.
He’s great.”
Bethany West
Travel Coordinator
HRN Services
Inc.
“I have worked
with Bethany for
the past year. She
consistently goes
above and beyond
any other recruiter
I have worked with.
All of my phone calls
and e-mails are answered within 24 hours.
Ron York
Recruiter
Trinity Healthcare Staffing
Group
2009 and 2010 award
recipient
“Ron is very efficient with his placement efforts. He
works really hard
at matching nurses to
the best available contracts.”
Healthcare Traveler would like to
thank all of the travelers who nominated their recruiters. And, congratulations to every staf fing company
representative who received a nomination. HT
Allied Corner
T R E N D S & O U T LO O K S F O R A L L I E D H E A LT H T R AV E L E R S
Talking, walking puts Parkinson’s
patients at risk
It turns out that walking and talking can be a risky combination for people who are at increased risk for falls with
injury as a result of Parkinson’s disease.
A Florida State University study found that older adults
with Parkinson’s disease altered their gait — stride length,
step velocity, and the time they spent stabilizing on two feet
— when asked to perform increasingly difficult verbal tasks
while walking. But the real surprise was that even older
adults without a neurological impairment demonstrated
similar difficulties walking and talking.
A disruption in gait could place Parkinson’s patients
and the elderly at an increased risk of falls, according to the
Florida State researchers.
Francis Eppes Professor of Communication Science and
Disorders Leonard L. LaPointe and co-authors Julie A.G.
Stierwalt, associate professor in the School of Communication Science and Disorders, and Charles G. Maitland,
professor of neurology in the College of Medicine, outlined
their findings in “Talking while walking: Cognitive loading
and injurious falls in Parkinson’s disease.”
“These results suggest that it might be prudent for healthcare professionals and caregivers to alter expectations and
Brain can recover after a stroke
T
About 35 percent of stroke patients
have speech and/or communication
problems. While many patients with
aphasia regain some language function
in the days and weeks after a stroke, scientists have long believed that recovery
is limited after this initial phase.
“When someone has brain damage
as a result of a stroke, the recovery is
expected to be limited,” says Fridriksson, director of the university’s Aphasia
Laboratory and an associate professor in
the department of communication sciences and disorders.
Fridriksson’s study shows that the
brain can recover and that a patient’s
ability to communicate can improve.
Stroke patients underwent a functional magnetic resonance imaging test,
also called fMRI, which measures brain
activity. Patients received multiple MRI
sessions before and after undergoing 30
hours of traditional speech therapy used
to improve communication function in
patients with aphasia.
By using fMRI — an imaging technique more improved and widely used in
the past decade — Fridriksson was able
to see the healthy areas of the brain that
“take over” the functions of the areas
damaged as a result of a stroke.
“The areas that are immediately
around the section of the brain that
was damaged become more plastic, “
Fridriksson says. “This plasticity, so to
speak, increases around the brain lesions
and supports recovery. In patients who
responded well with the treatment for
anomia [difficulty in recalling words
and names], their fMRI showed evidence that areas of the brain took over
the function of the damaged cells.”
∣
43
Photo: Getty Images/Stockbyte
he world’s largest study using
neuroimaging of stroke patients
struggling to regain ability to communicate finds that brain cells outside
the damaged area can take on new roles.
Dr. Julius Fridriksson, a researcher
at the University of South Carolina’s
Arnold School of Public Health, says
the findings offer hope to patients of
“chronic stroke,” characterized by the
death of cells in a specific area of the
brain. The damage results in long-term
or permanent disability.
The study involved 26 patients
with aphasia, a communication
disorder caused by damage to the
language regions in the brain’s left
hemisphere. Aphasia impairs a person’s ability to process language and
formulate speech.
monitor cognitive-linguistic demands placed on these
individuals while they are walking, particularly during
increased risk situations such as descending stairs, in lowlight conditions, or avoiding obstructions,” LaPointe says.
Among older adults, falls are the leading cause of injury
deaths, according to the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention. They are also the most common cause of nonfatal injuries and hospital admissions for trauma.
Allied Corner
T
here may be no one-size-fits-all
approach to improving end-of-life
care in ICU settings, according
to a recent study from some leading researchers in palliative care.
The study, published in the American
Thoracic Society’s American Journal of
Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine,
shows that an intervention designed to
improve doctor-patient communication
and overall satisfaction of families whose
loved ones died in critical care settings
failed to improve family satisfaction
after the death of their loved one, or to
better communication between doctors,
nurses, and families.
“We were surprised that it was a negative study,” says J. Randall Curtis, MD,
MPH, immediate past president of the
society and lead author of the study. “It is
very difficult to change busy critical care
clinicians’ — including both nurses’ and
physicians’ — behavior patterns because
they have a lot of pressures on them.
While we designed the intervention with
that in mind, it was more difficult than
we anticipated.”
Twelve Seattle/Tacoma-area hospitals took part in the study and were
randomized to receive the intervention or to serve as controls. The intervention specifically addressed five
components — clinical education,
local champions, academic detailing,
clinician feedback of quality data, and
system supports — and took place over
13 to 20 months.
Outcomes were assessed by comparing family satisfaction with the death
of their loved one before and after the
intervention, both within single institutions and across all.
Doctors and nurses at each institution who received the intervention
underwent training designed to
increase their communication skills
with one another and with families
and were instructed to discuss endof-life options openly, as appropriate,
with families. HT
44
∣
Army launches warrior website
The Army Warrior Transition Command (WTC) launched a new website with approximately 30 pages of
content and images on issues identified in feedback from nearly 1,900
wounded, ill, and injured soldiers
and veterans.
The new site, www.WTC.army.mil,
is a comprehensive source of information on Army warrior care for
more than 16,000 wounded, ill, and
injured soldiers and veterans.
In an effort to improve the Warrior
Care and Transition Program, the
Army sought feedback from severely
wounded Army veterans and from
soldiers at 29 Warrior Transition
Units (WTUs) located throughout the
United States and Europe.
Wounded, ill, and injured soldiers
requiring at least six months of complex medical care are assigned to WTUs,
where they have one mission — to heal
and transition. The 1,650 respondents
indicated that having a single, comprehensive website was among their most
pressing information needs. Soldiers requested assistance “navigating benefits
and access to resources” and “getting
correct information in a timely manner”
because “we are making life-changing
decisions,” according to an Army WTC
press release.
“The Army is listening to our wounded warriors and this new website
is another example of the Army’s
commitment to provide them and
their families with the tools necessary
for their long-term success,” says Col.
Darryl Williams, commander of the
Warrior Transition Command. “The
site was designed to clearly outline
each step of the way for wounded
warriors and their families, covering
administrative processes, benefits,
and resources.”
The new site contains information on
the primary concerns indicated by
wounded warriors, including:
—Army Physical Disability Evaluation System, including an overview of
the Medical Evaluation Board and Physical Evaluation Board process.
—Army Wounded Warrior Program
(AW2), the official Army program that
has provided personalized support for
more than 7,500 severely wounded, ill,
and injured soldiers, veterans, and their
families since 2004. More information on
AW2 is available at www.AW2.army.mil.
—Comprehensive Transition Plan, a
six-part recovery and transition process
for all wounded warriors that includes
a personalized transition plan that the
soldier builds for him/herself.
—Career and education, including career and education training options that
the soldier may utilize during recovery.
—Resources for families and
caregivers, including ways to contact
community organizations and administrative resources.
Photo: Getty Images/Comstock Images
Palliative care still a work in
progress
Media Matters
IN PRINT
Four Fish
By Paul Greenberg
Award-winning writer
and lifelong
fisherman
Paul Greenberg takes us
on a culinary
journey, exploring the
history of
the fish that
dominate
our menus—
salmon, sea bass, cod, and tuna —
and examining where each stands
at this critical moment in time. He
visits Norwegian mega farms that use
genetic techniques once pioneered
on sheep to grow millions of pounds
of salmon a year. He travels to the
ancestral river of the Yupik Eskimos
to see the only Fair Trade–certified
fishing company in the world. He
also investigates the way PCBs and
mercury find their way into seafood
and expounds on how Mediterranean
sea bass went global.
The Lost Hero
By Rick Riordan
Join fellow
demigods
and go back
to Camp
Half-Blood
with the
most anticipated new
series of the
season, The
Heroes of
Olympus, by
bestselling
author Rick
Riordan. Here, a new group of heroes
will inherit a quest, but to survive the
journey, they’ll need the help of some
A M E D L E Y O F E D UC AT I O N A N D EN T E R TA I N M EN T TO O L S
familiar demigods. The Heroes of
Olympus is a five-book series and will
have a new book published each year
through 2014. The Disney Book Group
recently launched The Lost Hero, which
has a 2.5 million copy first printing
and will be available simultaneously in
hardcover, audio book, and eBook formats. The eBook teaser chapters of The
Lost Hero has had more than 10,000
downloads to date.
MUSIC OF NOTE
Bob Ya Head
Robert Hurst
Hurst, 46, just
released a new
record on his
own BeBob
Records label
and is currently
on tour in
South America.
Perhaps not as
well known in
some parts of the country as his home
of Michigan, the Grammy-award
winning bassist has performed with
such artists as B.B. King, Diana Krall,
Mulgrew Miller, Willie Nelson, and
Tony Williams. The 13-track effort
is Hurst’s fifth album as a leader, and
the title says it all. The music is an
original mix of jazz, hip-hop, blues,
soul, and World music, including the
track, “Obama Victory Dance.”
Hurley
Weezer
Clearly, Rivers
Cuomo is a
believer in the
phrase, ‘don’t
judge a book
by its cover.’
By choosing
to adorn
Weezer’s
eighth studio album with a large
picture of actor Jorge Lopez’s face,
Rivers, co-founder of the group, is
clearly showing the world another
example of his ‘quirky’ sense of humor.
But to many, seeing Hurley from Lost’s
face staring back at them is enough
reason not to bother with this, or
indeed any future Weezer album.
This would prove the famous saying
correct, though Hurley represents
Weezer’s most solid and consistent
record since 2001’s Green Album and
one that somewhat vindicates the
sanity of those who have stuck with
the band over the last decade.
ON THE WEB
eWedding.com
This
website
offers
a wide
range of
services
at different cost
levels so
you can choose the package that is
right for you. Best of all, you can
try their gold-level package for free
for two weeks and even continue
to use a more limited free package
for a whole year. Enjoy an impressive range of features that can assist
you with designing a personalized
and useful website, as they help you
communicate more effectively with
your guests. The website templates
are mostly stylish and modern,
though there are also some classic designs for the more traditional
couples. Additionally, most templates can be used in a variety of
color schemes, so you can find
something more unusual or personal if you so desire.
December 2010
Healthcare Traveler
∣
45
Going the Distance
O N L I N E D I S TA NC E L E A R N I N G P R O G R A M S
Karin Marcus
O
pened in 1885 as the Tempe Normal School, Arizona State University (ASU) is the largest public research university in the nation. Located
in the Phoenix Metropolitan Area, it is
comprised of four campuses—Tempe,
Mesa, northwest Phoenix and downtown Phoenix—which are accredited
by The Higher Learning Commission.
Boasting 156 National Merit Scholars
in 2009, it is ranked among the top universities for producing student entrepreneurs and Fulbright Scholars. Moreover,
U.S. News & World Report rates ASU
among the top tier of national universities, and Forbes magazine describes it as
one of America’s best college buys.
ASU’s College of Nursing & Health
Innovation has earned a 10-year accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education for its baccalaureate and Master’s degree programs.
Established in 1957, it was relocated in
2006 to the university’s downtown Phoenix campus. Recognized as the largest
supplier of licensed nurses in the Grand
Canyon State, it offers a variety of campus-based and online nursing programs.
Technical requirements
ASU uses the Blackboard 9 course
delivery system, and all students should
employ, at least, the Safari 2 or Firefox
1.5 web browser. While minimum requirements for browser compatibility
have been tested for key Blackboard
functionality, students may still experience issues. Therefore, they are encouraged to update to the latest version of
their chosen browser.
To enjoy the flexibility an online program provides, participants are required
to meet minimum hardware and software requirements. It is vital students
have high-speed Internet access (DSL or
Cable is recommended), 512 MB RAM
for systems with Windows XP or 2GB
of Ram for those with Windows Vista,
46
∣
monitor with screen resolution of 1024
x 768, CD-ROM, sound card, speakers, and microphone or webcam.
Minimally, PC users need Microsoft
Office 2003 with SP2 or 2007, Microsoft
Internet Explorer 6.0 (though 7.0 is recommended), Adobe Flash Player 9, and
Adobe Acrobat Reader. Students with
Macs require OS X 10.5 or higher, Macromedia Flash Player, Microsoft Office
2008 for Mac, and VLC Media Player.
Online program
On the cutting edge of online education, ASU uses the latest in distance
learning technology to provide an effective and engaging experience. The online
delivery format allows working professionals to pursue a degree on their own
schedules, causing less impact than a
traditional, on-campus program on work
and family commitments. The College of
Nursing & Health Innovation provides
associate degree and diploma nurses with
the opportunity to earn a baccalaureate
degree.
RN - BSN. The program is primarily
designed to build upon participants previous knowledge and skills. Students are
prepared as critical thinkers, evidencebased practitioners, and innovative
professionals. They learn content related
to community and public health, leadership and management skills, health
promotion and disease prevention
across the life span, and application of
evidence-based practice principles.
The 45-credit program prepares
graduates for continuing on to the Master’s degree level. ASU proffers six start
times throughout the year—two per semester—in the spring, summer, and fall.
Each course can be completed in just 6
weeks with no campus visit required.
Students are able to fulfill degree requirements on a full- or part-time basis
in as little as 18 months.
Participants must have 120 credits,
including approximately 35 upper
division nursing credits, to graduate.
For More Info
College of Nursing & Health Innovation
500 N. 3rd Street
Phoenix, AZ 85004
(602) 496-2644
nursingandhealth.asu.edu
Clinicals are not required, and students
may transfer up to 75 credit hours from
a regionally accredited college that has
a signed partnership agreement with
ASU. Students from other regional or
non-regional colleges or universities
may transfer up to 64 credits.
Those seeking to participate in the
RN-BSN program must first apply for
admission to ASU as an undergraduate
nursing major. The application may be
completed online, and must be accompanied by a $65 non-refundable processing fee and official transcripts from
universities and colleges attended.
Applicants may apply directly to the
College of Nursing & Health Innovation for admission to the RN to BSN
program. Candidates must have a minimum GPA of 2.5 in all prior collegelevel coursework, an active RN license
in the state in which they practice, Level
C (Healthcare Provider) CPR certification, and Class 1 fingerprint clearance
card. In addition, they must meet all
health requirements.. New grads from
a diploma or associate degree program
must demonstrate passage of NCLEXRN within 12 weeks of graduation.
For further information about the
online RN-BSN program offered
through Arizona State University, visit
nursingandhealth.asu.edu, call (602)
296-2197 to speak with an advisor,
or e-mail [email protected] or
[email protected]
Karin Marcus is a freelance writer living
in North Woodmere, N.Y.
H E A LT H CA R E TR AV EL ER PH OTO C O N T EST
W
Name It
ith a span of more than 700
feet, the bridge is one piece of a
greater highway project that was
launched in the 1980s to reduce heavy traffic
congestion. Completed in 2002, the name
of the $86 million structure pays homage, in
part, to a renowned civil rights leader. While
at American University, this leader studied
racial persecution while helping with the
African American civil rights movement. The
other part of the bridge’s moniker celebrates a
historic battle site. Can you name it?
To qualify for this month’s giveaway — a $100 Target gift card — simply tell us the name of the pictured
attraction and the city and state where it is located. E-mail your answers to [email protected] or mail a
postcard to our address. For complete contest rules, see below.
OFFICIAL RULES
1. NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. PURCHASE WILL NOT
INCREASE CHANCES OF WINNING.
2. To enter, eligible contestants should fill in the identity of this month’s
image, including the city and state of location, with the contestant’s name, address and phone number either: 1) on a postcard
(approximate size 4” x 6”) or, 2) via an e-mail. Mail postcard entries
to Healthcare Traveler, Name It Contest, Great Northern
Corporate Center II, 24950 Country Club Blvd., Suite 200,
North Olmsted, OH 44070. Submit e-mail entries electronically to
[email protected] (only one entry per contestant allowed).
Faxed submissions will not be accepted. All entries become the property of Sponsor and will not be acknowledged or returned. Sponsor
is not responsible for capturing late, lost, misdirected, damaged, or
illegible entries. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.
3. All entries must be received no later than Dec. 15, 2010, at which
time a winning entry will be drawn randomly from a pool of correct
responses. In the event no correct responses are received, a winning
entry will be drawn randomly from a pool of all responses timely
received. The potential winner will be contacted by phone or mail
no later than two weeks from the drawing. If the potential winner
does not respond with 14 days after contact or does not return a
required release within a specified time, Sponsor reserves the right
at Sponsor’s sole discretion to select an alternate. The winner may,
in Sponsor’s sole discretion, be required to execute an affidavit of
eligibility and compliance with these Official Rules and release of
liability and (where legal) publicity. Sponsor is not responsible for and
shall not be liable for late, lost, misdirected, or unsuccessful efforts
to notify winners.
4. Odds of winning depend on the number of eligible entries received.
Participants agree to be bound by these rules and all decisions of the
judges, which shall be final. By entering, all entrants agree to release
and hold harmless Advanstar Communications Inc., its sponsors and
prize suppliers and their respective parents, subsidiaries, affiliates
and their respective employees, officers, directors, shareholders and
agents, from and against any and all claims, actions, and/or liability
for any loss, damages, or injury whatsoever (including, without limitation, any death or disability) relating to or arising in connection with
entering this sweepstakes or use or misuse of any prize awarded. By
accepting a prize, winners grant Sponsor the right to use and publish
their names, and biographical information in any manner or media
whatsoever whether now known or hereafter devised, worldwide in
perpetuity, for advertising, promotional and other purposes in connection with this Sweepstakes without further compensation.
5. The prize is a Target gift card, estimated retail value $100. All taxes on
the prize are the sole responsibility of the winner. Winner agrees that the
prize is being provided “as is” and that Sponsor has neither made nor is
in any manner responsible for any warranty, representation or guarantee,
either express or implied, in fact or in law, related to the prize, including,
without limitation, as to its quality, safety, mechanical condition or fitness.
Any warranty or guarantee on a prize (if any) is subject to the manufacturer’s terms and conditions therefore, and winner agrees to look solely
to such manufacturer for any such warranty or guarantee. Prizes are not
transferable. The winner may not make substitutions for the prizes, and
the prizes are not redeemable for cash value, but Sponsor reserves the
right, in its sole discretion, to substitute prizes of equal or greater value.
6. Sponsor reserves the right to cancel or modify the Sweepstakes (or
any portion thereof) if fraud or any other factor impairs the integrity
of the Sweepstakes as determined by Sponsor in its sole discretion
and Sponsor will select a winner in a random drawing from among all
eligible, non-suspect entries received up until the time of impairment.
7. The attraction and its location will be announced in our February 2011
issue, along with the winner’s name, city, and state.
8. Sweepstakes open to legal residents of the 50 United States and the
District of Columbia, and at least 18 years of age. Persons in any of
the following categories are NOT eligible to enter or win a prize: a)
Employees of Advanstar Communications Inc. and its prize suppliers
and their respective parents, affiliates, subsidiaries, b) contributors to
and/or advertisers within Healthcare Traveler magazine; and c) immediate family members or persons who reside in the same household
as a person described in this paragraph.
SPONSOR: Advanstar Communications Inc., Great Northern Corporate
Center II, 24950 Country Club Blvd., Suite 200, North Olmsted, OH
44070.
Answer to October’s
contest
Bixby Bridge near Big Sur, Calif.
Congratulations
to Janis
Webster
of Loomis,
Calif., winner
of October’s
random prize drawing. We hope you enjoy the
Barnes & Noble gift card!
Photo: Getty Images/Photodisc/Nancy Nehring
∣
47
End of the Road
I N FO TO TA K E H OM E W I T H YOU
WEB POLL RESULTS
Digital Media
Healthcare Traveler, paperless
ARE YOU CURRENTLY, OR HAVE YOU
EVER BEEN, A MEMBER OF THE U.S.
ARMED FORCES?
Get the latest news and information when it’s
convenient for you with Healthcare Traveler’s
new Digital Edition. It’s just like the traditional
paper edition only faster and environmentally
friendly. Sign up now for your free subscription
at healthcaretraveler.com/digital!
Find these helpful features online:
• Job Opportunities: Contact advertisers with our online
Career Center and our Digital Edition’s new electronic
reader service links.
5
5
• HT E-News: Read or subscribe to our free e-newsletter.
• Healthcare Traveler Radio: Hear the latest issues
affecting travelers in these podcasts.
• Be our fan on Facebook.
• Tweet with us on Twitter.
Yes
No
50%
0%
50%
0%
WEB POLL QUESTION
Visit healthcaretraveler.com
WILL HEALTHCARE REFORM OVERBURDEN THE SYSTEM?
Did you know …
If death and taxes
remain a constant,
so does the country’s
need to drive. However, more consumers
are jettisoning their
gas-guzzlers for more
economical vehicles.
TheDailyGreen.com
lists 2010’s top 21
fuel-efficient cars
and SUVs to get you
where you need to
go. Here are 10:
48
∣
1. Toyota Prius
2. Honda Civic Hybrid
3. Honda Insight
4. Ford Fusion Hybrid
5. Mercury Milan Hybrid
6. 2010 Smart ForTwo
7. Lexus HS 2010
8. Nissan Altima Hybrid
9. Toyota Camry Hybrid
10. Audi A3 TDI
Photo: Getty Images/Digital Vision/VisionsofAmerica/Joe Sohm (top); Getty Images/Flickr/Jodie Griggs (bottom)
We need to know! Visit us at healthcaretraveler.com.
Yiu’n
in Demand
&ee oeer woun dayenr tr
iun ltclusive tccounts
NovaPro is proud to welcome our newest managed services client in the Pacific Northwest.
Enjoy more opportunities at the nation’s best hospitals in great locations!
FREE iPad!
when you complete one
13-week assignment at
select exclusive accounts.
See website for details.
w w w.novaprostaffing.com
( 800 ) 347- 0583
NovaPro is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Where you can be miles away,
but still right at home.
AT BANNER HEALTH, IT’S WHAT WE SHARE THAT MAKES
IT SO EASY TO BE A PART OF ANY TEAM IN OUR SYSTEM.
Where to go next? Will you hear the call of Colorado’s majestic peaks, Alaska’s dazzling northern
lights or maybe the unique landscape of Arizona’s desert? As a travel nurse with Banner Health, no
matter what destination you choose in any of our seven states, you are welcomed. What will you find?
Friendly, out-going professionals, committed to providing outstanding patient care in an environment
that encourages collaboration. With safety and care as our top priorities, you will be trained on our
leading-edge patient care systems so when you arrive at any Banner facility, you will feel well prepared.
We have travel and registry openings in the following practice settings:
Angio, Behavioral Health, Case Management, Cath Lab, CVOPS, Dialysis, ED, ENDO,
ICU, L&D, Med/Tele, Med/Surg, NICU, OB, OR, PACU, Peds, PICU, Pre-Op, Rehab,
Special Procedures, and Telemetry
With Banner Health, no matter where your travels take you, you are always right at home.
Call 1-800-827-NURS(6877) or visit:
www.BannerHealth.com
Banner Health has been named as a Top 10 Health System in the U.S.
based on clinical performance according to Thomson Reuters.
Banner Health hospitals can be found in these locations:
ALASKA ARIZONA CALIFORNIA COLORADO
NEBRASKA NEVADA WYOMING
Connect with Banner Health Careers:
EOE/AA Banner Health supports a drug-free work environment.

Healthcare - Nxtbook Media

Transcription

Similar documents

Travel Nursing 101: Get the Facts

InBody720 Spec Sheet

Do you have joint pain? It could be Rheumatoid Arthritis.

CapnalOne" healthcare finance"

Vol3#10 - Mt Traveler

special package for international students studying at a

2014 Health Industry Threat Landscape Briefing

Understanding and Managing High Blood Pressure

Ambrotose® Products—

SHC Corporate Profile