by Rob Berton | Dec 7, 2017 | Locum Tenens |
Maintaining your own health as a Locum Tenens medical provider is critical for many reasons. Poor health habits can lead to dangerous errors while doing your job, which in a healthcare role could have significant consequences for patients. If you gain considerable weight or become visibly unhealthy, your credibility as a medical professional might be called into question by other physicians and patients. Finally, it takes its toll on your personal health. While working as a traveling Locum Tenens provider, whether for private employers or government programs like the Indian Service, apply these tips to keep yourself in top shape.
Take Advantage of Hotel Equipment
Most hotels offer some kind of exercise facility for their guests. These facilities are often equipped with common workout machines, such as treadmills. There is usually no additional cost to use them, so getting in the habit of spending time in these facilities for an hour or so every night will kick-start the hobby of exercising even as you travel. You can also do exercises in your room that require no equipment.[1]
Walk Hallways or Malls
Some hotels, particularly business hotels, make walking or even jogging the halls easier by having each floor in the shape of a square. Others just have straight hallways down each floor, but you can still get some steps in by walking up and down them as well as climbing the stairs. Malls have become the destination of “mall walkers” for good reason. It’s relatively easy to just do laps around a mall and get some exercise while remaining indoors. If the weather is nice and you are sure you won’t get lost, exercising outside is always an option as well. Your recruiter can tell you more about the area in which you’ll be staying.
Eat Healthy While Eating Out
While traveling, you likely won’t have the time or resources to cook your own well-balanced meals, although you can certainly bring your own food.[2] This means you will be eating out more frequently and need to watch your diet due to the unhealthy nature of certain foods served in restaurants. Smartphone apps can assist you with this, and many restaurants now list calorie counts next to all of their menu items. Choosing light options is usually helpful. If you can order off the children’s or senior menu, that is something to consider as well because portion sizes are generally smaller. Watching your food intake will have a lot of benefits for your waistline and your overall health.
References
[1] https://www.huffingtonpost.com/smartertravel/10-hotel-room-exercises-y_b_11224854.html
[2] https://www.nytimes.com/2017/09/25/travel/healthy-eating-while-traveling.html
by Rob Berton | Oct 10, 2017 | Blog, Locum Tenens, Opioid Crisis, Opioid Epidemic |
The Opioid Epidemic in the United States
In 2015, the number of Americans killed by guns was exceeded by those killed by heroin overdose. [5] According to the Drug Enforcement Administration, overdose deaths from drugs including pain killers and heroin have now become the “leading cause of injury death in the United States.” [4]
“Pill Mills” and Cartels
This phenomenon can be attributed, in part, to prescriptions made in haste by reckless physicians. Clinic after clinic has been observed and often prosecuted for excessively prescribing painkillers to patients. Though law enforcement efforts have succeeded in lessening their presence, “pill mills” still exist across the country. Established for the purpose of distributing painkillers for illicit use, these pill mills have been a highly significant contributor to the ongoing epidemic. [4]
While physicians at more reputable clinics often cut patients off when they suspect painkiller abuse, this approach can often result in undesired consequences. Drug abusers, and even legitimately sick people, find themselves forced to cope with withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal from opiates can be intensely painful without a controlled drawdown, leading these people to immediately seek relief. They can find relief in the alternative to prescription painkillers – heroin. [9]
Made plentiful by drug traffickers, cartels and other criminal organizations, heroin use has steadily increased since 2007. [4] As it is far cheaper than painkillers and no prescriptions are required, heroin is fast becoming the drug of choice for those who would previously only use pills. [9] A synthetic opiate known as fentanyl, which is even more powerful than heroin, has also been observed making waves in the nation. Drug overdose deaths resulting from this toxic substance have skyrocketed since 2014. [8]
The breadth of the issue can be observed most clearly with one startling statistic. Drug overdoses have increased to the point that they are a significant factor in the recent reversal of the longstanding upward trend in American life expectancy. This has not occurred in more than two decades. [2] Furthermore, emergency care units have seen sharp rises in cases regarding overdose victims. [3] With such sharp increases, medical facilities are being strained, and calls have been made for action to be taken to reverse the trend. The economic costs alone are staggering: Health and social costs are estimated to be $55 billion with an additional $20 billion in medical care. [6]
Government Response
In response to the ongoing opioid epidemic, the federal government plans to contribute increased funds to the CDC and other health agencies. The hope is that these agencies can help reverse the disturbing trend of abuse and overdoses by implementing stricter regulation of prescription drugs. [6] Federal policies also aim to ramp up law enforcement efforts, both on the federal and local levels, to fight drug trafficking organizations. [1]
References
- https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/wonk/wp/2017/07/31/white-house-opioid-commission-to-trump-declare-a-national-emergency-on-drug-overdoses/?utm_term=.b2dfbd3c46b5
- https://www.cbsnews.com/news/drug-overdose-deaths-heroin-opioid-prescription-painkillers-more-than-guns/
- http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/885013
- https://www.dea.gov/docs/2015%20NDTA%20Report.pdf
- https://www.nytimes.com/2017/01/06/us/opioid-crisis-epidemic.html
- https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/Factsheet-opioids-061516.pdf
- http://hightimes.com/news/jeff-sessions-drug-overdoses-are-top-lethal-issue-in-the-u-s/
- http://www.cincinnati.com/story/news/2017/08/30/ohio-drug-overdose-deaths-more-than-double-thanks-fentanyl/618778001/
- http://www.cnn.com/2014/08/29/health/gupta-unintended-consequences/index.html
by Rob Berton | Oct 10, 2017 | Blog, Locum Tenens |
Great Opportunities in Home Health as a Nurse Practitioner
The opportunities as a nurse practitioner are endless and rewarding as you work to help others in need. Nurse practitioners are in high demand all over the world because these trained professionals help patients who need care on a daily basis.[2] It is a wise a choice to consider the benefits of careers in home health.
Benefits for Nurse Practitioners in Home Health Care
Nurse practitioners are in high demand, and so is the salary to compensate a professional whose job is to look after elderly or sick patients. You will not be required to work in a high-pressure environment, and you will also have the chance to enhance your skills in your career field as a caregiver. Usually, you will be the only person responsible for taking care of your patient. This means that you have the chance to create a special bond between you and your patient, which you may not find working in a hospital.
What to Expect as a Nurse Practitioner
If you want to take up a career in home health care, you should first ask yourself if you are ready to commit to the responsibility. You will need to rely on your own skills, knowledge and self-sufficiency [3]. Another factor to consider is the emotional stress you may gain from this occupation as you will be working very closely with your patient, perhaps on a daily basis. You will need to be prepared for anything at any time. You will need to rely on your mental and physical strength to handle any situation that may occur while remaining calm at all times.
Expectations of a Nurse Practitioner
One of the main reasons why nurse practitioners are in high demand is because of the level of personal care they provide and their extensive training. The hours may be long and hard at times, but that is expected with this line of work. It is your duty to take on the challenge when caring for your patient. You’ll need to follow specific procedures that your patient will require and be professional even when faced with tasks that may be uncomfortable at times.
A Career Path to Consider
It is important to consider all of these factors before diving into careers in home health. Although being a caregiver is difficult and takes a tremendous amount of sacrifice, you will extend a patient’s life for all the hard work you do. A nurse practitioner’s profession is honorable and a great challenge in itself. If you are dedicated, compassionate and kind when taking care of elderly or terminally ill patients, this career path may be for you.
References:
[1] https://www.nursepractitionerschools.com/faq/what-is-np
[2] https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/001934.htm
[3] https://www.workitdaily.com/nursing-skills-practitioner/
by Rob Berton | Oct 4, 2017 | Blog |
What to Do on Your First Visit to Locum Tenens USA Website
Whether you are the human resources manager of a government agency or university, a hospital administrator or a clinician seeking employment, Locumtenensusa.com is the right destination for all of your staffing needs. With a solid commitment to patient care, we help employers to connect with skilled clinicians who are seeking an opportunity to provide patients with essential health care services. Use these four guidelines to make the most of your first time on the website.
Establish a Recruiter or Agency Account
We have made it easy for a recruiter or agency to set up an account with us. To begin, recruiters may enter their location and type of practice, such as telemedicine or mission work. You can enter multiple locations to reflect where you are in need of clinicians. Search through the candidates, post jobs and more with your free recruiter or agency account.
Set Up Your Candidate Account
We have also made it easy for clinicians to set up a candidate account. With a free candidate account, clinicians can upload a resume or a curriculum vitae. These documents can then be reviewed by recruiters, who may wish to communicate with you and see if you would be a good fit for a job opening in their organization. If you do not already have a curriculum vitae, you can build one in minutes. Our online tools allow you to create an easy-to-read document that will make it possible for recruiters and human resources managers to search for candidates and choose you based on your skills, experience or education.
Peruse the Listings of Job Openings or Upload Openings at Your Organization
Once you have set up a recruiter, agency or clinician account with us, you can get started right away with perusing the listings of job openings. Jobs as therapists, home health aides and nurse practitioners are expected to increase up to 34 to 43 percent between 2014 and 2024.[1] Search based on specific criteria, such as the location of the job opening, experience and more. If you are a human resources manager or government agency administrator, you can start uploading your job openings right away.
Communicate With Clinicians or Agencies About Opportunities
Once a candidate has responded to your job opening or you have found an opening that excites you, you can communicate directly with the clinician or agency about the opportunity. You can choose to communicate anonymously. If you prefer to reveal your identity, you can communicate by name, too. Our straightforward communications system simplifies the process of applying for a job, setting up an interview and learning more about a candidate or position.
Reference
[1] https://www.bls.gov/ooh/fastest-growing.htm
by Rob Berton | Oct 4, 2017 | Blog, Locum Tenens, Nurse Practitioner |
How to Choose the Right Locum Tenens Company
If you are occasionally or frequently in need of locum tenens medical professionals, starting a relationship with a locum tenens staffing firm is an excellent option. This is often a very strategic decision as a locum tenens staffing firm can provide your organization with specialized staff when you need them to fill in critical positions. A locum tenens staffing company will be an important and trusted partner of your facility, so choosing the right one that fits with your needs and work culture is paramount. When looking into locum tenens companies, these are the questions you need to ask.
Are They Specialized?
Locum tenens are a very specialized kind of professional, so any staffing agency your organization is looking at should be similarly specialized in providing locum tenens professionals. You should find a company that specializes in the kinds of professionals you are in need of. For example, if your service is at-home nursing, a locum company with a good track record of placing skilled nurses in that kind of work environment would be preferable. However, a larger company might be advantageous if your organization is also large and has many different roles that might need to be filled, such as a major hospital.
What Support Do They Provide?
A good locum tenens firm wants their placements to succeed, so they maintain a good relationship with the healthcare facilities that sustain them. Reputable companies should have good resources for their temporary staff to ensure success. For example, does the locum tenens firm you are looking at provide or take care of hospital privileges, travel arrangements, housing arrangements and licensure credentials?[1]
Are They Insured?
All locum tenens firms need to carry adequate liability insurance, both what a regular staffing firm needs and the specialized insurance that traveling doctors need.[2] Even if they are a completely reputable firm, mistakes happen, and good staffing firms want to keep themselves covered as much as they want to keep their clients covered. When considering a locum tenens company, ask what kind of insurance coverage they have and ask for a copy of their insurance certificate. If you choose to work with them, keep a copy of that certificate on record. Another insurance element is for the physicians and staff they provide. Does the company provide malpractice insurance for them?
What Have Other Healthcare Professionals Said About This Company?
What other hospitals, clinics, care facilities or other medical organizations have used this locum tenens company in the past? Are there any facilities with which your organization is affiliated already? Have they liked the service and the staff they have received? Referrals from trusted medical providers can go a long way toward helping you choose the right firm for your needs. Traits to ask about include high ethical standards, experience and an established network with a variety of healthcare facilities.
Finding and choosing the right locum company is a lot like choosing any other staffing firm for your temporary staffing needs, although there are special considerations because of the highly specialized and sensitive nature of the medical field. You should do your research, meet with representatives of the company and speak with other facilities that have used them. If they have a good reputation, are a member of professional organizations like the National Association of Locum Tenens Organizations (NALTO) and cover their staff adequately, they are likely a good choice.
References
[1] https://www.nalto.org/about/choosing-a-locum-tenens-firm/
[2] http://blog.soliant.com/careers-in-healthcare/choosing-a-locum-tenens-company/
