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Who You Gonna Call This Halloween?

In the Fall, when the dust comes off your copy of Sleepy Hollow and you begin to crave Halloween adventures, the Buck Eye State stands out as a hotbed of paranormal activity! In fact, there’s an urban legend that Ohio has its own haunted hospital attraction, so scary that no one has ever made it all the way through. This is false, but here’s the truth for R.N.s looking to ghost hunt: there are plenty of real haunted hospitals for those in Ohio travel nursing jobs—you just need a reliable treat—cheat!—sheet!

Top 5 Ohio Hospital Haunts

• Area C of The Heather Hills Hospital in Chardon: Every R.N. hears her share of patient complaints, but none so interesting as the ones lodged here. Are they really complaining about “knicker boy” (boy ghost in old-fashioned pants) again? Why not come to Chardon, Ohio—home of the Geauga County Maple Festival—and find out!
• Athens Ridges: The Ultimate Spooky Collegiate Tour! Ever visit Athens Ridges, part of the Ohio University Campus? You’ll find more than autumn leaves; this former insane asylum closed its doors in 1980 after a girl, a patient there, disappeared and was later found dead. The tour guide will explain everything.
• Columbus, Ohio is the state’s biggest city, with many draws…and ghosts! The Children’s Hospital in this fair city was purportedly built on top of an old cemetery, and patients there claim to feel that someone—not the night nurse—is watching them at night; hospital staff also report unseemly things moving in the shadows.
• The Dayton Heart Hospital Will Have Your’s Pounding Madly: Located in what is nicknamed the “Gem City” of Dayton, Ohio, travel nurses in this town are also within minutes of Cincinnati’s incredible dining and shopping. In Dayton’s haunted hospital, people walk through strange cold spots, and see elevator doors opening and closing arbitrarily. The Hospice center there is rumored to have the ghosts of children haunting it.
• Travel Nurses Will Love Toledo for Its French Heritage…and Haunts! This city is the most populous in the state, and therefore draws many healthcare professionals for its sheer number of high paying nursing jobs. It helps that there’s plenty to see and do in the downtown district, where greats like Art Tatum learned to tickle the ivories. For haunts, check out The State Hospital in Toledo; it’s rife with reports of moans and groans from the unearthly, and unexplained dark shadows flickering across the walls.

Even More Reasons to Explore Ohio Nursing Jobs This Fall Season

Don’t miss your chance to take an Ohio nursing job in a state that has given us great jazz, writers and last but not least, EIGHT U.S. Presidents! For those R.N.s who prefer a more subdued Halloween, Ohio nursing jobs can still help you finish the year with a bang and not a whimper. When you call 1-800-996-2206 or apply online, you can talk to a consultant in just enough time to leaf-peep or enjoy the Christmas season in one of America’s most beloved states. They didn’t put the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame or the world’s tallest, fastest roller coaster here for nothing! Happy trick or treating everyone!

Footnote: Travel nurses interested in a complete list of Ohio haunted hospitals are encouraged to click the link!

Anchorage, Alaska

Are these two of the best cities for travel nursing? Well, we think so. Even though some might consider them to be polar opposites, they have one thing in common: an abundance of terrific travel nursing jobs.

If you love nature and the great outdoors, there is absolutely no place like Alaska. From the crystalline waters of Cook Inlet to the Chugach Mountains, Anchorage offers a larger-than-life travel nursing experience. And contrary to common belief, Anchorage is quite liveable in terms of climate, with ocean currents and weather patterns that mellow out the northern weather. Besides all the glorious natural attractions, Anchorage is also a lively city, the state’s most populous, and offers travel nurses plenty of “indoor” options. Residents are diverse and independent-spirited, known as a welcoming and warm-hearted group. Many Anchorage travel nursing jobs, like these, pay well, and Anchorage travel nurses often renew and renew these unique and rewarding assignments –they’re really something to write home about!

Las Vegas, Nevada

Though it may be said that “What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas,” there’s no reason to keep quiet about the lure of Las Vegas travel nurse jobs. If you’ve ever vacationed in this city that never sleeps, you know it’s got enough attractions to keep you busy for months. And if gaming’s not your thing, there’s world-class dining, shopping, shows and just plain people-watching. Besides being an entertainment mecca, Las Vegas is smack-dab in the middle of some stunning western scenery. Rock climbing, biking, ballooning and more await the travel nurse who is willing to venture off “the strip.” Las Vegas is the most populous city in Nevada, with almost 2 million residents in the greater metropolitan area. And, as in lots of tourist destinations, healthcare employers in Vegas are hiring travel nurses. If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to live and work in one of the nation’s most lively locales, why not give one of these Las Vegas travel nurse jobs a try?

Ever taken a travel nursing assignment in either of these spots? Let us know what you thought of them …

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Ok, we know you’ve got your list of the best cities for travel nursing. And we’re not here to change your mind. We’d just like to tell you about a few more of the best places to travel nurse that deserve to be on your travel “to-do” list. And they’re all hiring, right now.

Fresno is known for its fabulous foods.

1. Fresno, California.

Fresno, California, you say? Isn’t that a punch line from a Jay Leno monologue? Well, maybe. But Fresno is also  located in the beautiful San Joaquin Valley in central California and is within easy travel distance of Yosemite and Sequoia National Parks — plus L.A. and San Francisco. Here travel nurses will find world-class farmer’s markets, hiking and biking trails, and some of the state’s finest outdoor sports facilities.

If your tastes run to the more “indoorsy,” you’ll want to visit the popular concert venue at Fresno State. Not to mention the endless spots for enjoying the area’s legendary garden-fresh cuisine. And be sure to check out the shopping and nightlife in the Tower District. Fresno is home to several major healthcare providers, and is frequently seeking to employ travel nurses in a variety of specialties.
See Fresno travel nursing jobs here »
Browse more healthcare jobs in California »

2. Houston, Texas

Downtown Houston Skyline

Houston is the fourth-largest city in the U.S., so it’s no wonder that travel nurses are often in demand here. With over two million residents, this town’s bustling economy is based in manufacturing, oil production, and –yes– healthcare. Though it’s sometimes compared to its publicity-friendly neighbor Dallas, Houston has its own unique allure.

Known as one of the most culturally diverse cities in the South, Houston has a performing arts scene that rivals those of New York and L.A. And we don’t need to tell you about the shopping scene — it’s world-class! And should you find yourself in need of some sea breezes, travel nurse jobs here put you in easy driving distance of the laid-back resorts along the Gulf Coast. Great southwestern-style food, friendly natives, and tons of entertainment options: that’s Houston travel nursing jobs in a nutshell.
Browse travel nursing jobs in Houston »
More healthcare jobs in Texas »

Seattle’s Pioneer Park at dusk.

3. Seattle, Washington

Do you find yourself “zigging” when everyone else is “zagging”? Well, it’s certainly not a pre-requisite for enjoying this locale, but if you consider yourself to be a free spirit, Seattle could be an idyllic place for your next travel nursing job. Seattle is one of the epicenters of the “green” movement; all things organic and earth-friendly are welcome here, in no small part because of the awesome west-coast scenery that emerges around every bend in the road.

As granola-crunchy as it can be at times, Seattle is still a big city — the largest in the Pacific Northwest — and home to growing aerospace and tech industries, along with healthcare employers who are increasingly looking to hire travel nurses. A travel nursing job in Seattle provides access to a renowned music scene: jazz, grunge, alternative, classical. And when the show’s over, you can head out for some of that famous Seattle coffee. (It’s said Seattle residents drink more coffee here per capita than anywhere else in the U.S.)
View featured Seattle travel nurse jobs here »
More healthcare jobs in Washington state »

4. Washington, DC

The serene Jefferson Memorial.

It’s just the nation’s capital, right? Nope, this city is much more than the White House and the Air and Space Museum. (By the way, see both of these attractions if you can; they’re fantastic!) Washington DC is actually part of the seventh-largest metropolitan area in the country. With over 5 million residents and a government-based economy that is stronger than most at the moment, this area is increasingly in need of travel nurses to supplement its healthcare workforce.

Like history and cobblestone streets? Head over to historic Georgetown or Old Town in neighboring Virginia. Like cozy restaurants and one-of-a-kind galleries and boutiques? Try Bethesda and Chevy Chase, just over the city line in Maryland. Like rolling hills and classic horse country? Drive out to Middleburg or the Skyline Drive for spectacular views. A travel nurse job in Washington, DC will put you in touch with the best of the country’s past, present and future.
Check out these featured Washington DC travel nursing jobs »
More healthcare jobs in Washington DC »

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Should a friend or family member still be driving? It’s a tough question. You might even need to ask it of yourself one day.  After all, the ability to drive is a major component of personal independence. In the US, you can hardly get to the mailbox, much less visit friends and family without jumping in the car and tooling on down the road. Understandably, many people cling to their driver’s licenses well beyond the point of safety.

Occupational therapists, whose goal it is to evaluate and improve function in the activities of daily living — driving included — are well positioned to bring clarity to this stressful decision. OT’s regularly treat individuals whose ability to drive may have been impaired by traumatic injury or by a chronic physical condition such as arthritis. Driving ability can also be affected by neurological disorders or age-related impairments. Either way, an OT may be able to help.

Occupational therapy professionals with specialized training in driver rehabilitation, such as CDRS (Certified Driving Rehabilitation Specialists), are frequently asked to administer driving evaluations. The assessment usually includes two parts: one part in a clinic or rehab center, and the second part behind the wheel of a car. The purpose of the evaluation in the clinic is to examine the physical, visual, and mental abilities required for safe driving. Primarily:

• Reaction time, needed for crash avoidance
• Basic visual acuity
• Decision making, judgment, and planning (merging, making left turns, etc.)

How does a patient get referred to occupational therapy for driving?

Patients may undergo a driver evaluation for a number of reasons. One of the most promising situations is when patients take a proactive approach themselves, and seek occupational therapy for help with driving before outside intervention takes place.

On occasion, a decline in vision, hearing, physical strength, or reaction time may be noted during a regular physical exam. After consulting with the patient and family members, the physician may recommend occupational therapy as an alternative to giving up the keys to the car.

Similarly, rehabilitation therapists who have been providing treatment for more general conditions may focus on specific task functionality as the patient’s therapy progresses. Once basic mobility is established, it is time to assess whether or not the patient is capable of more complex tasks, such as driving.

After a few too many “near-misses”, family members may refer a loved one to an OT for a driving evaluation. (It’s a delicate situation; here’s a few tips from the AOTA on how to approach the conversation »)

A state drivers licensing authority may require a medical assessment of the patient’s driving ability, as a legal prerequisite to retaining a license. Driving records, physician reports, or the individual’s demeanor during an in-person renewal may trigger such a requirement.

What can an occupational therapist do to improve a patient’s driving skills?

Occupational therapists who provide treatment for drivers have a variety of options.

• They may provide physical and cognitive rehabilitation to sharpen motor skills and improve mental awareness.
• They may suggest adaptive equipment for vehicles based on the patient’s impairment.
• And, if driving is no longer a safe option, OT’s can help patients feel comfortable with alternative transportation such as buses, van pools, and taxi cabs.

Seniors are certainly not the only group who turn to occupational therapy to improve driving skills. Still, with the population of aging drivers growing each year, along with an increased reliance on occupational therapy as effective medical treatment, this specialty area in occupational therapy is positioned to become highly sought-after in the coming years. For those just starting to think about a career in occupational therapy, here’s a starting point for browsing academic programs »

A rewarding occupational therapy career, that can include OT jobs like these, can also mean helping patients realize that they can still be active and mobile, even without a car.

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Want to travel the world? Meet new people? All while practicing the healing arts? Could there possibly be a more elite posting for a physical therapist than joining the medical team that looks after the U.S. athletes at the Olympic Games? A physical therapist’s job at the Olympics, as it is back home, is to maintain fitness, prevent and treat injury, and to provide support in treating other medical conditions that may arise.

The host country provides a range of free medical services for the Olympic athletes, while the well-financed delegations, like the U.S.’ more than 700 athletes who will compete in the London 2012 Games, also hire their own specialists. In the spirit of international cooperation, the U.S. medical team will provide treatment to athletes from other nations when and where they are able. As you can imagine, there’s lots of paperwork to be filled out — for the PT’s as well as for the athletes. Physical therapists must provide extensive documentation in order to practice in another country.

Traditionally, each Olympic team brings along physical therapists, physicians and other medical professionals who are familiar with the particular demands of their sport. Judo specialists accompany the U.S. judo team; running specialists accompany the track and field team, and so on. In many cases, the selected rehab therapists have worked with the athletes during their training phase, so they are intimately familiar with the needs of the sport and the individual athletes.

And let’s face it, serious injuries do happen at the Olympics. Maybe you remember gymnast Kerri Strug’s dramatic ankle injury in the 1996 games. (She successfully landed a vault with a third-degree lateral sprain and tendon damage.) Faced with an anxious coach, thousands of fans, and an adrenaline-filled athlete, giving the clearance to “return to play” can be a high-pressure gig.

Depending on the resources available, the costs of the physical therapist’s travel may be shared by the Olympic delegation, the practitioners themselves, the healthcare practitioner’s employer, or outside sponsorship. It’s no surprise that many healthcare facilities, including physical therapy clinics, are proud of their staff members who serve in this high-profile position — and are happy to support their role. It can only be good for the physical therapy profession when the benefits of this rewarding career are spotlighted on an international stage.

Sports rehabilitation is a popular physical therapy specialty, and the option of sports therapy has attracted many PT graduates to the field. Many talented athletes chooseto pursue a physical therapy career in order give back to the sports that have enriched their own lives. Gain experience in this specialty, maybe even try a travel pt job or two, and someday you, too, could be in the running for the Olympic “team”.

See Also: Read more about » Sports Physical Therapists in High Demand

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The mobile phone has quickly become one of the most important tools in the travel nursing career toolbox. When you’re a travel nurse, your phone is likely be one of your most reliable resources. You find yourself on a travel nursing job in a new location, where everything is changing around you, but you always know how to find that vital info on your mobile. There are thousands of nursing apps out there for your phone — and new ones coming on the market every day. Nothing’s ever going to substitute for your RN training or those essential nursing instincts, but phones are a great way to access tons of data, fast. So they’re a natural for medical dictionaries, calculators, procedural guidelines and diagnostic references.

Here’s just a few of the most frequently downloaded nursing apps, according to the iphone appstore and the android marketplace*. Used well, these apps can make your travel nursing experience even more productive.

1. Epocrates Essentials: A complete drug reference, disease database, pill identifier, drug interaction guide, lab test reference and infectious disease guide. Limited reference edition also available as free download.

Available for: iphone android blackberry, palm, windows mobile
Cost: Free basic download, add-on modules approximately $160/year

2. Skyscape Medical Resources: Basic free app provides drug information and medical calculators. Additional modules such as the Nursing Therapeutic Manual, Netters Atlas of Human Anatomy, and the Merck Manual can be purchased

Available for: iphone, android, blackberry
Cost: Free basic app, additional modules $10 to $100+

3. MedCalc: Medical calculator provides online equations, criteria sets, dose converters and decision trees

Available for: iphone, android, blackberry, windows mobile
Cost: $10

4. Nursing Central: Disease, drug, and test information for nurses. Includes literature searching, study system, drug guide, lab and diagnostic test reference, diseases and disorders reference, handbook of nursing diagnoses and Taber’s dictionary.

Available for: iphone, android, blackberry, windows mobile
Cost: $160/year

5. Critical Care ACLS Guide: A guide to current ACLS guidelines and emergency procedures for use by ED or EMT

Available for iphone, android
Cost: $8

6. Lab Values Pro: Lab reference values, medical abbreviations, medical prefixes and suffixes. Links to Clinilab Navigator, Lab Tests Online, WebMD and other resources.

Available for iphone
Cost: $3

7. iPharmacy Pill Identifier and Medication Reference Support: Pill identifier, prescription reference, pharmacy locator and ratings and comments for consumers and medical professionals. Basic app is free (or almost free).

Available for iphone, android
Cost: $0-$2

While healthcare employers have grown used to nurses referring to their phones for on-the-spot-info at work, travel nurses aren’t always on the hospital floor … after all there’s the “travel” part of the job, too. When you’re on the way to your travel nursing job –or exploring your new location– you may find these popular mobile apps handy:

8. iExit Interstate Exit Guide: Say you’re traveling from a texas travel nursing job to a California travel nursing job. This app lets you know about gas stations, restaurants, lodging, and attractions at freeway exits along your way. Includes customer ratings, comments and online maps to make your trip as pleasant as possible.

Available for iphone, android
Cost: $0-$1

9. MotionX for GPS Drive: turn-by-turn voice guidance, traffic advisories, fastest route planning. Free initial basic download, after free 30 day trial purchase of additional add-ons available – from $1 to $30 per year

Available for iphone
Cost: Free trial, paid add-ons available

10. TripAdvisor: Info on hotels, flights, restaurants, and attractions nationwide. Loads of customer reviews and photos. Make reservations and find entertaining things to do wherever you are.

Available for iphone, android
Cost: Basic app is free. Upgrades available.

Got a favorite app when you’re at work — or just out enjoying yourself? We’d love to hear about it.

Related Stories: App Helps RN’s Track Ovarian Cancer Symptoms; Top ipad medical apps

*Costs and availability are approximate according to manufacturer and vendor websites, as of June 2012,

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2012 AOTA Conference, April 26-29th

April 1st kicked off National Occupational Therapy Month and puts events like the AOTA 92nd Annual Conference & Expo in the spotlight. The event will be held April 26th-29th, 2012 in Indianapolis. If you think your occupational therapy job could be enhanced by the networking, peer presentations, keynotes and more during these 4 important days, don’t hesitate to take advantage of online registration which ends on April 11th, 2012. Register at AOTA and watch videos about the conference venue and exciting schedule—it’ll motivate you to pack your suitcase!

Conference headquarters at the JW Marriott Indianapolis offers views of Victory Plaza and White River State Park. For those who work outside of Ohio and Indiana therapy jobs and are unfamiliar with the Hoosier State, the AOTA provided a hotel & travel link that’ll help you find a nice place to stay.

For those OTs who already registered, spread the word among colleagues about what you’re looking forward to! Here’s a shortlist of things the conference offers:

• Mingle with over 3,000 occupational therapy colleagues
• Earn up to 24 contact hours
• Choose from hundreds of Continuing Ed sessions
• Attend SIS buzz sessions and round table discussions
• Network with over 300 exhibitors
• Learn what’s cutting edge in your field via poster sessions
• Network at dozens of social events and receptions

Your Healthcare Staffing Agency Hopes to See You There!

This conference, held every year for nearly a century, is one of the most formidable gatherings of occupational therapists today. Healthcare employers are looking for allied health professionals like you—focused, inspired and confident of your expertise in what has been described by the American Occupational Therapy Association as a “high-definition-in-three-dimension” profession. Spread the word amongst your OT peers.

Are You Living the AOTA’s Brand and Promoting the Profession?

Want to keep your momentum going and morale high? Your brand of allied healthcare helps patients across their lifespan get back in the game of life, and succeed at the very things that make our world go round. Matching your clinical expertise to an ideal healthcare employer is what we do best. Call 1-800-617-0608 or apply online today for some of the highest paying occupational therapy jobs on the map.

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This Registered Nurse is enjoying her travel nurse assignment in the beautiful island of Maui, HI. Read more about Hawaii travel nursing with Tara, RNFA.

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Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to celebrate with the special someone in your life (not to mention your kids or parents, maybe even some treasured friends and neighbors). Deliver a card, a cake, a bouquet … or plan a romantic night out.

February 14th is a great day to acknowledge the people you love. And it’s also a good time to reconnect with something else that you should love: your nursing job. It’s said that some people live to work, but that the lucky ones work to live.

Ideally, an RN job should be challenging and exciting, and it should also provide the flexibility that you need to do the ‘other’ things that you love. Like spend time with those special someones mentioned earlier.

This is the perfect time to ask yourself some questions about that all-important work/life balance:

• Are your relationships fulfilling?
• Are your stress levels manageable?
• Is your nursing salary where it should be?
• Are you challenged intellectually? Are you trying new things? Are you meeting new people?
• Do you have time for hobbies, fitness, travel?
• Do you feel like you have enough control over the balance between your work and your life?

Many RN’s have discovered that travel nursing jobs can reinvigorate their careers — and their personal lives — giving them the control and flexibility they seek in their work. For those of you who like a structured approach to personal planning, you might enjoy this “Wheel of Life” exercise, a favorite of professional life coaches — or this simple work stress quiz from WebMD.

And for those RN’s among you who have decided that it couldn’t hurt to investigate some nursing career improvements, check out this travel nursing video  from a practicing traveler. For some folks, everything changes when they change their locale. In the spirit of this romantic holiday, how about looking into San Francisco nursing jobs or Honolulu travel nursing, just for starters.

More reasons for RN’s to love the month of February (It’s National Heart Month!), here »

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Help Us Help Us Honor OR Nurses From Coast to Coast during Perioperative Nurses Week

On the short list of best vacation spots for R.N.s touring America, California travel nursing ranks high on the west coast and New York travel nursing and Florida travel nurse jobs are beloved on the East; what do nurses in these well staffed hospitals from metropolitan areas to smaller suburban towns have in common? From coast to coast their OR nurses are buzzing with one of the biggest healthcare highlights of the season: National Perioperative Nurses Week, November. 1-7^th.  Be sure to leave us a comment about where you are during PNW, and how your facility is celebrating this important week in healthcare.

For their part, The Association of Perioperative Nurses (AORN) has created a special website that makes raising awareness about OR nurses a snap, with a fun photo contest that R.N.s can enter until November 15^th.   Just make a display that celebrates Perioperative Nursing Week, group together your nursing colleagues and take a creative photo. The winner’s photo lands on the website and other publications by AORN, but every nurse’s entry makes it onto the organization’s Facebook album. Speaking of Facebook, travel nurses who “Like” 50 States Staffing are privy to the latest news and hot jobs announcements, so we hope to hear from you soon!

When you visit AORN to learn more about Perioperative Nurses Week, consider sending a donation or shopping their online store for a gift that honors a deserving colleague, or helps you better promote this special week where you work. You’ll want to pay close attention to the free webinar they’re offering on patient safety and read more about the free and unlimited CE credits offered by your favorite travel nurse staffing company.

Perioperative Nursing Week Is an Ideal Time to Begin Your OR Travel Nurse Job!

The consultants at 50 States Staffing would like to remind potential applicants that our OR nursing jobs pay up to 20 percent more than permanent positions. We staff prestigious university teaching hospitals as well as small quaint rural facilities located throughout the 50 states. Wherever you choose to travel, our dedicated staff of professionals will strive to make it the best assignment ever!

Our travel nurse jobs and therapy jobs also include free housing and health insurance as part of a generous benefits package. The perfect operating room job is just clicks away when you call 800.996.2206 or apply online! In the mean time, enjoy the Fall and what it means to segue into a brand New Year as the best OR nurse you can be!