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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!

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Lots of RN’s choose travel nursing so that they can meet new people: new co-workers, new neighbors, sometimes even a new life partner! A recent review of nearly 150 studies on social ties confirms that these RNs have the right idea. A lively circle of close friends results in greater physical and mental health, say experts at Johns Hopkins University. Supportive relationships help keep memory sharp, reduce stress and boost immunity – all factors associated with aging.

And let’s not forget that not only does travel nursing allow you to meet new people (a great way to keep the ol’ gray matter active), it also allows you to reconnect with friends and family. Got a favorite cousin in the midwest who you rarely get to see? Don’t hesitate to ask your Consultant if there’s a travel nursing job available nearby.

Sometimes traveling with a companion is the way to go. Many RN’s have gone on assignment with a spouse or a fellow travel nurse. Anyway you slice it, travel nursing can be a great way to keep your social calendar booked and your lifestyle rewarding!

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American Traveler Staffing hosted a “Travel Nurse Appreciation” party for Florida travel nurses this spring.  The travel nurse agency staffing team was delighted to meet some of of their great local travel nurses, some first-timers and some long-time travel nurses too.

Florida travel nursing jobs reveal the true meaning of “another day in paradise.” Florida nursing jobs on the Gulf Coast allow for convenient access to Sanibel Island and Captiva while South Florida travel nurse jobs in Ft. Lauderdale, Palm Beach and other east coast Florida cities make it easy to day cruise to the Bahamas, the Caribbean and U.S. Virgin Islands. There’s so much to do and see as a Florida travel nurse you’ll keep coming back for more!

Read about our Florida travel nurse party

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What better day to start thinking about a romantic travel destination than Valentine’s Day? This year, instead of just spending a weekend and hitting a few of the high points, consider a travel nursing job in one of these sizzling spots — and giving yourself enough time to really get to know your new location. According to Travel and Leisure magazine, these cities are among the most romantic in the U.S., and there are travel nursing and therapy jobs in and around all of them.

Honolulu – A perennial favorite of honeymooners, Hawaii’s lush scenery, tropical climate and relaxed culture make Honolulu travel nursing one of the most dreamed-about professions … and let’s face it, is there a more romantic notion than living and working in paradise?

San Francisco – Tony Bennett left his heart here, and so will you. Trendy, food-loving, surrounded by glorious seaside views, San Francisco is a city with heart — and soul. Plus, California therapy jobs and nursing jobs are among the highest-paying in the country, another incentive to give the “City by the Bay” a try.

New Orleans – Now cementing its status as the “comeback kid”, New Orleans is once again a bustling center of music, food and celebration. Picturesque and quirky … New Orleans nursing jobs are so unique, you won’t be able to decide if you’re in the heart of the heart of the South or if you’re in another country.

Miami – Maybe it’s the miles of beautiful beaches, the year-round sunshine or the exotic and fun-loving people of South Florida, but Miami has become a global destination for romance seekers of every kind. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventure, fusion cuisine, or just a quiet bit of shade under a palm tree, Miami nursing jobs could be an idylllic choice for you.

Las Vegas – Vegas has a world-wide reputation for glitz, glam and 24-hour tourism, but believe it or not, it’s also a city with over half a million permanent residents, and RN jobs and PT jobs here are plentiful right now. Nevada travel nursing jobs mean you’re never far from exciting nightlife and some of the most dramatic landscapes in the West.

Boston – With boat races on the Charles River, historic walking tours, and Red Sox games, Boston will sweep you off your feet in the summer and — yes!– even in the winter. Boston nursing jobs mean there’s a cozy fireplace, mug of hot apple cider, and a picturesque view around every corner. There’s no shortage of fine dining in this sophisticated city, but there’s also a thriving street pizza culture — a great way to meet up with friends, old or new. As the song says, “When the moon hits your eye, like big pizza pie — that’s amore.”

We could go on and on about enchanting destinations like Santa Fe, San Diego, New York, Seattle and San Antonio. When you’re traveling with a special someone, hoping to meet a someone there, or just looking to experience the romance of the city itself, what’s your favorite?

Get Tips for Working and Living Better Here

For registered nurses across the board, the benefits of self-compassion include sleeping better at night, a clearer calmer mind, increased job satisfaction and better rapport with patients; this is the upside of cultivating emotional intelligence, of which self-compassion is a key component. A study published in the International Journal of Nursing Practice discusses the importance of empathizing with yourself first, before relating well to someone else. The study postures that a positive internal dialogue helps registered nurses perform better—not just on the job, but in their personal lives, too.

So what is said in this internal dialogue, and when is it necessary? Examples cited by participants in the study revealed that when errors were made, or registered nurses received criticism from patients, their first instinct was to beat themselves up over it; however, with self-compassion, they were able to reframe the incident, rectify it and remind themselves that all human beings make mistakes.    

How to “Reframe” the Incident that’s Upsetting You

In the permanent staff and travel nursing career path, R.N.s rub lots of shoulders, and sometimes, however unintentionally, they rub them the wrong way. These questions help “reframe” an event and begin the process of self-compassion: 

• Is there anything that could have been done differently?
• Was reconciliation with the offended party attempted?
• Has everything humanly possible been done to ensure the error won’t happen again?
• Was the incident put in writing, critical and negative comments included, so it could be taken and reevaluated at face value? Was the way the incident might have unfolded with better results also penned down and considered?
• Did the registered nurse take ownership of the mistake, then confront and deal with the reason(s) it most likely occurred?

 What Happens if Nurses Fail to Cultivate Their Emotional IQs

A good travel nursing blog helps R.N.s blend personal and professional aspects of their lives and, in the case of this installment, reminds, not just of self-compassion’s benefits, but the pitfalls of ignoring emotional intelligence. Since empathy is a critical part of a nurse’s role in caring for patients and their families, an R.N. without compassion for herself may be unable to give it to someone else; this can lead to nursing career burnout and physical repercussions, like increase in stress hormones that may weaken the immune system, prevent a good night’s sleep and ultimately impact the nurse’s ability to perform well.

It’s a given that highly trained nurses already possess cognitive intelligence, but career advancement is in danger of slowing should emotional intelligence fail to make the grade! Our contributors hope the best for our readers, wishing them success and compassion in all endeavors.

Footnote: Access the full article, Self-compassion and emotional intelligence in nurses in the July issue of the International Journal of Nursing Practice.

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Top Healthcare Blogs, Nursing News and Therapist Information

Mousing along the Internet superhighway of crowded Nurse Talk, Doctor Talk and one therapy jobs blog after the next, it’s easy to get lost in the chatter. For every five healthcare blogs one publishes researched articles and, for every nurse and doctor blog that inspire dialogue on clinical matters and education, five more on the fiber optic freeway speak to lifestyle, healthcare travel, nurse jobs, therapist’ and physician job listings.

What’s the solution to getting around this traffic jam of healthcare prattle and avoiding a healthcare blogs crash?

You found it! The “I Love Travel Nursing Healthcare Blog Recommendations 2010.”

No, we didn’t use fancy metrics in determining healthcare blog popularity. We relied on nurse blogs and doctor blogs and that publish sound, usable posts and rehab blogs that offer relevant therapist information.

Take a few minutes to review our Top 5 healthcare blog recommendations for this year. Bookmark and return often.

Top 5 Healthcare Blogs 2010

1. Nursing News & Views – This nurse blog by American Traveler proves useful when searching for the latest in travel nurse trends, nursing news, nurse health and DNP education. American Traveler staffs top hospitals across the U.S., so they’re constantly posting articles on nurse jobs search and professional development.
2. Official Nursing Blog – 50 States Staffing publishes this healthcare blog focused on career news, nursing news insights, Nurse Talk, lifestyle trends and nurse jobs search. Find out more about the Top 5 Fittest Cities to work as a Travel Nurse!
3. Official Therapist Blog – This rehab blog from therapist staffing agency, Travel Force, is a superb career resource and portal to high-paying therapy jobs. Therapist information on this healthcare blog is timely, relevant and covers a multitude of therapy disciplines. This rehab blog is a great resource for Foreign PTs!
4. Healthcare Staffing Blog – Readers find useful information on staffing trends and medical procedures on this new healthcare blog from Candidate Direct. Learn more about TB and infectious disease control and how to remedy hospital complaints, a constructive article on ways to respond to some of the most commonly voiced hospital complaints.
5. Healthcare Career Blog – A Doctor Blog from Candidate Direct focused on new medical procedures, Doctor Jobs, medical gadgets and best places for doctors to work. Check out this resource page dedicated to physician jobs and locum tenens.

Don’t take our word for it. Click through our Top 5 Healthcare Blogs for 2010 and read for yourself. In just five minutes, you’ll know more than you did before you logged on.

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2010 Marks the Centennial of Florence Nightingale’s Death and International Year of the Nurse

A reflection on nursing career role models and significance of gender

International Nurses Week recognizes the worldwide contributions of the nursing profession while honoring the most famous nurse of all time, Florence Nightingale. The “Lady of the Lamp”, as Florence was known for her famous evening rounds, died on August 13^th, 1910—and it was on that date last week that nurses around the world observed a moment of silence in her honor.

One century later, her legacy is still burning bright. Leading associations of the nursing profession have joined together to sponsor The International Year of the Nurse, celebrating, this 2010, nurses who show leadership, compassion and innovation in healthcare.

The centennial of Florence Nightingale’s  death gives cause to reflect on the contributions of all nursing career role models, both past and present, men and women, improving not just patients’ lives, but leaving a ripple effect on each of the families, students and colleagues their talents touch.

No one ever forgets a good, kind nurse, which is what honoring Florence Nightingale’s legacy was about at its inception—during the first International Nurses Week in 1965—right on up to the Year of the Nurse the world is celebrating now.

Women and men in nursing jobs total 15 million strong around the world, and we’d like to take a moment to trace the time line of history’s first nursing jobs. Did the first nurse resemble Florence Nightingale? Hardly. Currently, men in nursing jobs, though highly paid, represent a small fraction of nurses as a whole, but this was not always so.

At the dawn of nursing jobs, men were the world’s first and only nurses, treating patients as early as about 250 B.C, in India and going on to provide what was, exclusively, male-administered healthcare in ancient Rome, the Middle Ages and into America’s first record of nurses, reported by historians as 70 years before the Pilgrims landed on Plymouth Rock.

It wasn’t until the post Civil War era—when many women, widowed and unable to continue farming on their own moved to cities to work in military hospitals—that the cycle was broken and the world saw women, as well as men, in nursing jobs. And it was good to see more Florence Nightingales in the world. The Lady of the Lamp, while still remarkable amidst the male orderlies who greatly outnumbered her during the Crimean War of the 1850s—was no longer an anomaly because of her flowing skirts.

Eventually, gender roles flipped in nursing jobs; the cause was attributable to the draft and enlistment of all able bodied men in World Wars I and II; however, men were still making profound and enduring contributions to healthcare. The Alexian Brothers, for instance, built the first hospital in Chicago and opened a second in St. Louis Missouri in 1869. The legacy they began is still going strong and impacting nursing jobs today.

Men also played a great part in nurse education. A Nursing School for Men came to New York in 1914; as did a separate school for male nursing students, affiliated with the women-only Pennsylvania Hospital, a most distinguished institution. But integration of male and female students in nursing schools was a long road, with some state supported nursing schools adhering strictly to a “women only” admittance policy until 1982—almost 30 years later and things have definitely changed. Men in nursing jobs now account for 10% of RNs working today.

And they are happy to do so, as the demand for nurses has exceeded supply. Hospitals and out-patient care centers across the U.S. are willing to pay a high premium for nursing skills whether your chromosomes are X or Y.

Are you man enough for the job?