Healthcare Information for Healthcare Professionals on the Move

TravelerHealthcare Information for Healthcare Professionals on the Move

facebook.com/HealthcareTraveler HealthcareTraveler.com twitter.com/HealthTraveler December 2013 Vol. 21 No. 6

2013 RECRUITERS OF THE YEAR page18

magentablackcyanyellow ES353818_hct1213_cv1.pgs 11.21.2013 01:24 ADV Travel Nursing Yes!

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magentablackcyanyellow ES352543_HCT1213_CV2_FP.pgs 11.16.2013 01:41 ADV HealthcareTraveler.com Healthcare ® YOUR VOICE Traveler facebook.com/HealthcareTraveler twitter.com/HealthTraveler DECEMBER 2013 | Vol. 21 No. 6

29 Paws for Thought COVER STORY ❯❯ Perspectives Gifts to consider for your pets 4 Your World Traveling takes many forms 6 Agency Insights ❯❯ Expanding Horizons How to determine if an agency is dependable Professional Development Tools for Travelers 32 Your shift Nurses are human, 30 Starter's Kit and humane Sometimes traveling isn't a bowl of cherries 31 Going the Distance There's online nursing options at University of Kansas page10

❯❯ Career Service Center ❯❯ Traveler Resources Matching Travelers Tips & Techniques with Job Opportunities to Enhance Life on the Road 26 Ad Index 27 In the Bag One nurse who keeps it natural while on the road 28 Tech Support Clever tools that simplify the traveling lifestyle page18

Articles in Healthcare Traveler are indexed in the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied if available: $23.00 in the U.S.; $25.00 Canada/Mexico; $26.00 all other countries. Include $6.50 want Advanstar Communications Inc. to make your contact information available to third parties Health Literature (CINAHL). per order plus $2.00 per additional copy for U.S. postage and handling. If shipping outside the for marketing purposes, simply call toll-free 866-529-2922 between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and Healthcare Traveler (ISSN 1077-5676 (print), ISSN 1946-1100 (online)) is published monthly U.S., include an additional $10.00 per order plus $2.00 per additional copy. 5 p.m. CST and a customer service representative will assist you in removing your name from by Advanstar Communications, Inc., 131 West 1st Street, Duluth, MN 55802-2065. Periodicals ©2013 Advanstar Communications Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this publication Advanstar’s lists. Outside the U.S., please phone 218-740-6477. postage paid at Duluth, MN and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical Healthcare Traveler does not verify any claims or other information appearing in any of the changes to Healthcare Traveler, PO Box 6000, Duluth, MN 55806-6000. Printed in the U.S.A. including by photocopy, recording, or information storage and retrieval without permission advertisements contained in the publication, and cannot take any responsibility for any losses Canadian G.S.T. Number: # R-124213133RT001, PUBLICATIONS MAIL AGREEMENT NO. 40612608. in writing from the publisher. Authorization to photocopy items for internal/educational or or other damages incurred by readers in reliance on such content. Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to: IMEX Global Solutions, P.O. Box 25542, London, personal use, or the internal/educational or personal use of specific clients is granted by Healthcare Traveler welcomes unsolicited articles, manuscripts, photographs, illustrations, and ON N6C 6B2 CANADA. Advanstar Communications Inc. for libraries and other users registered with the Copyright other materials but cannot be held responsible for their safekeeping or return. Healthcare Traveler is distributed free of charge in the United States and Canada to nurses Clearance Center, 222 Rosewood Dr. Danvers, MA 01923, 978-750-8400 fax 978-646-8700 or Healthcare Traveler visit http://www.copyright.com online. For uses beyond those listed above, please direct your Library Access Libraries offer online access to current and back issues of and allied healthcare providers who travel, or would consider travel as a career opportunity. through the EBSCO host databases. Single copies (prepaid only): $12.00 in the United States; $14.00 Canada/Mexico; $16.00 all written request to Permission Dept. fax 440-756-5255 or email: [email protected]. other countries. Healthcare Traveler is available on a paid subscription basis to nonqualified Advanstar Communications Inc. provides certain customer contact data (such as customer's To subscribe, call toll-free 888-527-7008. Outside the U.S. call 218-740-6477. readers at the rate of: U.S. and Possessions: 1 year, $39.00; 2 years, $78.00; Canada/Mexico: 1 name, addresses, phone numbers, and e-mail addresses) to third parties who wish to promote year, $54.00; 2 years, $108.00; All other countries: 1 year, $54.00; 2 years, $108.00. Back issues, relevant products, services, and other opportunities that may be of interest to you. If you do not

HealthcareTraveler.com December 2013 Healthcare Traveler ∣ 1

magentablackcyanyellow ES353098_hct1213_001.pgs 11.19.2013 23:41 ADV We want to hear from YOU Tell us what you think of Healthcare Traveler. YOUR VOICE Email us at [email protected] FaceBook Favorites

To address the nursing shortage, com Johnson & Johnson a few years ago launched Campaign for Nursing’s Future. This TOP 7 NURSING SPECIALTIES initiative dedicates $20 million 11.13 Question of the Month In our May issue, we to national advertising and profi led seven strong promotion to attract people to specialties in nursing: the nursing profession. On it’s Is the show “Scrubbing In” good or ICU, neonatal, dialysis, Facebook site, sponsors have OR, telemetry, labor “Ask a Nurse, “ which is geared bad for the image of travel nurses? and delivery, and ER to student nurses and those nursing. new to the fi eld. On the site, DANA-RAE DANCY Is there a specialty you have the opportunity to I also traveled as an RN and that we overlooked? ask seasoned nurses for career ALICE DZIMIERA fi nd this show repulsive to our Let us now at: tips and advice. Here are some I saw clips & i think it puts us in a profession. If these people wish HealthcareTraveler.com/Specialties bad light. to portray themselves in this recent questions and comments October 25 at 7:21pm via mobile ■ Like ■ 1 manner, that is their business, that were posted. but when they identify them- CYNDY MEEKS selves as RN’s and portray our I watched it and was embarrassed. profession in this manner, I fi nd RAICOLL GILBERT I traveled for 9 years and I never I it reprehensible. Nursing has a vast array of said never saw nurses act this way. ■ November 14 at 8:38am Like sub-specialties. As a student, This show does put a bad light on which specialized areas of our profession and the baby nurses ANDREW J VEITCH Nursing would a seasoned or that think this is how travelers act. Absolute fi lth. I trust that none Top veteran nurse recommend I Bad for recruiting and if I was a hos- of these individuals ever hope to states give some thought to? pital after seeing this show I would work in a reputable institution. for traveling • They are marked men now. November 15 at 12:56pm think twice before hiring travel Like • 1 nurses and that is very very sad to Absolutely disgusting and an em- me for something I cherish so much. barrassment to our profession. TOP 10 STATES TO TRAVEL October 25 at 7:51pm via mobile ■ Like ■ 1 November 14 at 10:22am ■ Like KRISTINA NOWAK RAICOLL- Some travlers like the big attitude I would defi nitely get a good of Texas. Otheres like the pristine medical surgical based experi- beaches of Hawaii. We published our ence before deciding on a DIGITAL EDITIONS top 10 states to travel. You may have specialty. Best of luck! your your own. November 15 at 2:28pm via Have a favorite state for an mobile • Like • 3 12.13 assignment? Let us know at: Question of the Month HealthcareTraveler.com/TopStates JEN DEMAY As a student nurse, One thing that we have talked about Does the TRAVEL TV briefl y but never have gotten a industry enable “Scrubbing In” is real experience (Due to state MTV’s new take law I believe) is that fi rst couple nurses to be on travel nurses, calls to physicians. Any advice? but is it reality? November 15 at 2:30pm via iPad and iTunes Check out our caring enough? mobile • Like November issue at Healthcare Download it for free today at Traveler.com HealthcareTraveler.com/HealthcareTravelerApp GINA INOKON What will make me a better HEALTHCARE TRAVELER NEWSLETTER and good nurse? Free weekly newletters off er timely November 15 at 5:23pm • Like information on nursing. PART OF THE

Answer at Facebook by going to Sign up! HealthcareTraveler.com/NursingHuman Healthcare_Traveler/main.html Healthcare Traveler is part of the ModernMedicine Network, a Web- based portal for health professionals oﬀ ering best-in-class content and Let’s Be Friends tools in a rewarding and easy-to-use environment for knowledge-sharing facebook.com/HealthcareTraveler among members of our community. facebook.com/HealthcareTraveler

2 ∣ Healthcare Traveler December 2013 www.healthcaretraveler.com

magentablackcyanyellow ES353674_hct1213_002.pgs 11.20.2013 23:54 ADV MEDSTAFF GETS ME MedStaff took the time to get to know me... beyond the job.

My Recruiter knows that on my days off I always have my camera in hand, looking for something unexpected to shoot.

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magentablackcyanyellow ES352531_HCT1213_003_FP.pgs 11.16.2013 01:40 ADV world

Information for Healthcare Professionals on the Move HealthcareTraveler.com your facebook.com/HealthcareTraveler twitter.com/HealthTraveler

24950 Country Club Blvd., Suite 200, North Olmsted, OH 44070 Traveling takes many forms (440) 243-8100 • (800) 225-4569 • Fax (440) 891-2735 For subscriptions, call (877) 922-2022 here are many in the traveling profession who make a positive impact T in the healthcare arena each day. There are still many others in the field CONTENT GROUP EDITOR Daniel R. Verdon who go beyond the boundaries of everyday work responsibilities, demon- PRIMARY CARE [email protected] (440) 891-2614 strating extraordinary dedication and commitment. CONTENT EDITOR David Bennett [email protected] Take for instance Marla Preader, RN, BLS, ACLS, PALS, who — as a new (440) 891-2744 traveler — was stuck down by cancer. Racked by the feelings that she wasn’t CONTENT COORDINATOR Miranda Hester fulfilling her agreement, she called her recruiter the day after her surgery to GROUP ART DIRECTOR Robert McGarr say she would be back at work promptly — never mind the pain. ART DIRECTOR Lecia A. Landis In honor of travel clinicians who go the extra mile during the course of PUBLISHING & SALES their mobile duties, Healthcare Traveler is pleased to recognize 47 outstand- EXECUTIVE VICE Georgiann DeCenzo PRESIDENT [email protected] ing individuals chosen as the 2013 Travelers of the Year. (440) 891-2778 We also acknowledge — along with many in the traveling industry — VICE PRESIDENT Drew DeSarle HEALTHCARE TECHNOLOGY [email protected] that travelers usually can’t do their jobs effectively if recruiting agencies SALES (440) 826-2848 NATIONAL ACCOUNT Joanna Shippoli don’t do theirs. Once again, we have gone through hundreds of nomina- MANAGER [email protected] tions to assemble a list of stellar recruiters nominated by appreciative trav- (440) 891-2615 LIST ACCOUNT Renee Schuster elers. These 51 staffing agency members named to the 2013 Recruiters of EXECUTIVE [email protected] the Year class not only demonstrated a willingness and capability to excel (440) 891-2613 • Fax (440) 891-2740 REPRINTS 877-652-5295 ext. 121/ at their jobs, but also the motivation to ensure that their travelers shone at [email protected] Outside US, UK, direct dial: theirs. 281-419-5725. Ext. 121 PERMISSIONS/ Maureen Cannon All of the professionals included INTERNATIONAL [email protected] YOUR VOICE in this issue have demonstrated the LICENSING (440) 891-2742 • Fax (440) 891-2650 flexibility to embrace change and keep on moving forward. Health- PRODUCTION & CIRCULATION 131 West 1 Street, Duluth, MN 55802-2065 care Traveler hopes to remain flex- PRODUCTION Karen Lenzen ible also by changing with times MANAGER [email protected] and keeping in step with our mo- (218) 740 6371 What way do AUDIENCE Wendy Bong bile audience. DEVELOPMENT [email protected] you prefer to As the healthcare travel indus- MANAGER (218) 740 -724 4 • Fax (218) 305 - 4218 try continues to serve its clientele get your news by adopting higher technology, Healthcare Traveler is pursuing a CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Joe Loggia plan to serve its core mobile au- CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER FASHION GROUP, EXECUTIVE VICE-PRESIDENT Tom Florio Answer at Facebook by going to dience by going to an all-digital EXECUTIVE VICE-PRESIDENT, format. CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER & Tom Ehardt HealthcareTraveler.com/DigtalNews. CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

This migration will include EXECUTIVE VICE-PRESIDENT Georgiann DeCenzo ending the printed version of EXECUTIVE VICE-PRESIDENT Chris DeMoulin Healthcare Traveler at the end of EXECUTIVE VICE-PRESIDENT Ron Wall this month. The move will allow the brand to continue to provide pertinent EXECUTIVE VICE-PRESIDENT, Rebecca Evangelou news and information as before, and be economically nimble. BUSINESS SYSTEMS EXECUTIVE VICE-PRESIDENT, Remember, it’s not goodbye. Rather, it’s “See you in the new year.” ■ HUMAN RESOURCES Julie Molleston SR VICE-PRESIDENT Tracy Harris

VICE-PRESIDENT, INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY Joel Horner VICE-PRESIDENT, LEGAL Michael Bernstein David Bennett VICE-PRESIDENT, MEDIA OPERATIONS Francis Heid Content Editor | [email protected] VICE-PRESIDENT, TREASURER & CONTROLLER Adele Hartwick

4 ∣ Healthcare Traveler December 2013 HealthcareTraveler.com

magentablackcyanyellow ES353366_hct1213_004.pgs 11.20.2013 20:29 ADV magentablackcyanyellow ES352532_HCT1213_005_FP.pgs 11.16.2013 01:40 ADV Agency Insights Information for Healthcare Professionals on the Move

BILL HELLER HealthcareTraveler.com

EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD Healthcare Traveler’s Editorial Advisory Board was established to provide the magazine with input from industry leaders to help develop editorial content. Members are chosen by the magazine’s editors to offer How to determine if an insight into the topics covered by Healthcare Traveler, and to provide a voice and leadership for the healthcare agency is dependable traveling industry. TRAVEL HEALTH ADVISORS he vast majority of travel healthcare traveler should ask detailed questions Tcompanies are ethical, reputable, about how a company delivers select- Pam Campbell, RN, and stable from a business standpoint, services, and – – how Trustaff this is important Barbara A. Craig, RN, director of surgical services, but it pays to be choosy when deciding they measure their own level of ser- Blue Mountain Hospital Karen F. Flaster, RN, COO, which agencies to sign with. We spoke vice, internally. All agencies say they HRN Services Inc. with Bill Heller, president of RN Net- deliver great service to their travelers, Tim Groves, RN, work about what traveling healthcare but what criteria do they base that American Mobile Healthcare Jennifer Hamrick, RN, CNOR, professionals should look for in a reli- statement on? NovaPro Staffing Lila Johnson, RN, able staffing career partner. Foundation Medical Staffing HT: So travelers should get down to Cynthia Kinnas, president, HT: What are some basic steps that level of detail when evaluating Randstad Healthcare Yvonne Lawson-Thomas, RN, travelers should take to determine a company? InteliStaf Travel Jeff Long, marketing manager, if a staffing agency is reputable and Medical Solutions Inc. suitable of signing with? Heller: Absolutely. Another thing to Jean Magnuson, RN, Soliant Health ask a recruiter is what their agency’s Michele M. Sacco, MS, executive director, Health Care Staffing Services Certification, the Joint Commission Heller: They should approach choosing biggest challenge is. How someone an- Candy Treft, RN, principal, an agency like they would with any swers that question can be very reveal- TheGypsyNurse David Whitesell, RN, board of directors, other business arrangement, by start- ing. They can also present a scenario Professional Association of Nurse Travelers Craig Wolf, vice president and general manager, ing with research. They should visit such as, “Tell me about a recent service Aureus Medical Group the company website to check for some failure and how your company rem- simple things like how long the agency edied it.” Once you’re with an agency, has been in business. there will be glitches from time to ALLIED HEALTH ADVISORS time. What’s important is how a com- Emily R. Brawner, OT, HT: If all that checks out, what’s pany addresses those glitches and American Traveler StaffingProfessionals Keith Carregal, PT, next? whether travelers are satisfied with the Sunbelt Staffing outcome when little things go wrong. Marsha Dexter Heller: InteliStaf Travel Once they have the basic sense Josephine Feldman, RT, of a company, they should contact a re- HT: What are some red flags that TeamStaff Rx David Garrard, BHS, RRT, RCP, CCEMT-P, PNCCP, cruiter to find out more, such as what healthcare travelers should watch Cirrus Medical Staffing the service structure is. For example, for when scouting an agency? Debora Janzen, RT (R)(T), ATC Travelers if they signed, would they always deal Paule Thomas, OT, with one recruiter, or would they Heller: Remember the old adage that, PPR Healthcare Staffing Kurt VanZandt, ASCP, BS, work with individuals in credential- “If it sounds too good to be true, it On Assignment ing, housing, and payroll separately to probably is.” If a company is offering Patti Witkiewicz, RPT, Cross Country TravCorps manage those pieces of the puzzle. something that’s far off the norm for Jodi Wolfgram, RDMS, RT, the industry standard in terms of pay Aureus Medical Group HT: What do you think differenti- or benefits, be careful. Be especially ates one firm from other? wary of a firm that offers tax-free compensation that is beyond what Heller: All travel healthcare agencies most other firms offer. It might make do pretty much the same thing — for a sweet deal now, but if you get in and say the same things about what trouble with the IRS down the road, they do. When considering a firm, a that’s not so sweet. ■

6 ∣ Healthcare Traveler December 2013 HealthcareTraveler.com

magentablackcyanyellow ES353126_hct1213_006.pgs 11.20.2013 01:23 ADV From all of us at Fastaf, we wish you the happiest of holidays and a prosperous New Year.

Join us as a Fastaf Travel Nurse and make 2014 the best year of your career.

Why Nurses Choose Fastaf: The industry’s Top Pay! Work with the best at top tier facilities Attractive loyalty incentives and bonuses Recruiters dedicated to your success

Congratulations

Traveler of the Year Sara Sidmore

800-736-8773 www.Fastaf.com Recruiter of the Year Rosa Garcia

magentablackcyanyellow ES352540_HCT1213_007_FP.pgs 11.16.2013 01:41 ADV News and Notes

More nurses tuning ing mobile applications and half say — account for 20 to 24 percent of the they are receiving mobile text alerts total workforce. into social media from recruiters, at their request. Half Despite their significant representa- Registered nurses (RNs), doctors, of the respondents who have opted tion in the workforce, foreign-born pharmacists, and allied professionals in to receive mobile job alerts from and foreign-educated health workers alike have increased their personal recruiters say this method has pro- say they often face problems such as and professional use of mobile devices duced results. unethical recruitment practices and since last year and expect access to discrimination in the workplace. ■ future jobs via mobile devices, according to a new study. Foreign nurses play big Legislative Corner Based on a survey of various role in U.S. healthcare healthcare professionals AMN Michigan looking to Healthcare’s 2013 Survey of Social A new study released by Rand Corpo- Media and Mobile Usage by Health- ration reports that foreign-educated grow nursing pool care Professionals: Job Search and Ca- and foreign-born health professionals To meet this shortfall Michigan must reer Trends, clinicians are more display a vital role in the U.S. healthcare ensure that people looking to choose cerning about the number, type, and workforce, but strategic shifts such as new career paths know the need we frequency of online and social media changes in immigration laws may be have in nursing, and have more op- resources they are using as compared needed to stabilize the nation’s health- tions to get the training they need. to prior years. care workforce, especially the nursing To help address the potential Among some of the findings: sector. shortages in nursing, our office has • About two-thirds of all clini- The study, published in the Novem- introduced legislation allowing com- cians surveyed said they have ac- ber issue of Health Affairs, outlines munity colleges to offer four-year tively looked for a job in the past two the contributions that foreign-edu- degrees in six areas of education, years, with allied professionals most cated and foreign-born professionals including nursing, to provide more likely to have looked (79 percent), make to the U.S. workforce. educational opportunities for local followed by pharmacists (68 percent), According to the data, foreign-born residents. RNs (54 percent) and physicians (53 registered nurses (RNs) account for 12 House Bill 4148 enables communi- percent). to 15 percent of the total RNs in the ty colleges to offer bachelor’s degrees Overall, there were significantly United States, with 5.4 percent both in nursing along with other fields of fewer RNs who reported looking for a foreign born and foreign educated. study, including allied health special- job in 2013 compared to prior years, Meanwhile, physicians educated ties and information technology. while there are significantly more outside the United States account for But our health-care industry is in pharmacists looking in 2013 than in approximately 25 percent of the U.S. for many challenges in the near-term, prior years. physician workforce and foreign-born including an upcoming nursing short- • Three-quarters of all health- direct care workers — including nurs- age. Baby boomers who are nurses care professionals report using their ing aides and home health aides who are reaching retirement age, and smart phones and tablets for access- work in the U.S. healthcare industry the millions of other baby boomers across the country will need healthcare services. CALENDAR OF EVENTS The need for qualified nurses will grow to 3.45 million in 2020 from 2014 Clinical Nurse Leader Summit exploring CNL education and practice. 2.74 million recorded in 2010, ac- Conference topics include the impact January 16-18, 2014 cording to the U.S. Bureau of Labor and value of the CNL role in achieving Hyatt Regency Orange County, Statistics. the “Triple Aim” of improved cost, qual- Anaheim, CA Figures indicate, there will be a ity, and service outcomes; new models need for 495,500 replacements in the The 2014 Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL) of care in today’s era of healthcare re- nursing work force, bringing the total Summit provides a national forum for form; and multi-professional practice. number of job openings for nurses to all healthcare and academic audiences 1.2 million by 2020. currently implementing or interested in www.aacn.nche.edu

8 ∣ Healthcare Traveler December 2013 HealthcareTraveler.com

magentablackyellow ES352779_hct1213_008.pgs 11.19.2013 02:55 ADV magentablackcyanyellow ES352530_HCT1213_009_FP.pgs 11.16.2013 01:40 ADV hat characteristics does the ideal healthcare traveler exude? Recruiters often cite flexibility, dependability, loyalty, professionalism, and an adventurous spirit as qualities that are most sought, especially when an assignment isn’t ideal, or workplace circumstances call for a level head. Read on as we present 47 travelers who have demonstrated the right stuff, according to those who nominated them. Some are fresh to the field, and others have been mobile clinicians for years. However, all seem to share something extra, earning them the

distinction of being named 2013 Traveler of the Year. COURTESY:GETTY PHOTO IMAGES/E+/07_AV 10 ∣ Healthcare Traveler December 2013 HealthcareTraveler.com

magentablackcyanyellow ES352955_hct1213_010.pgs 11.19.2013 22:13 ADV and many clients have requested her back for mul- they deserve. Heidi is the kind of person and nurse I tiple contracts. She has the utmost professionalism would want at my bedside.” Medical Solutions and is pleasant to deal with in all situations. We are Nominated by: Olivia Carper Senior, Recruiting Discipline: Catheterization proud to have her on board. She is an exceptional Specialist Lab therapist and her clinical knowledge is unmatched.” Years Traveling: 1 Nominated by: Caroline Morrison, Senior “ started traveling Healthcare Recruiter with Medical Solutions in January. He completed two contracts in Georgia trustaf and most recently, a position in Michigan. He Specialty: Medical became loyal to Medical Solutions during his f rst PPR Education Services Surgery/Telemetry assignment with us. He has consistently has a Discipline: Speech-Lan- Years Traveling: 6 positive attitude and is a great representative of guage Pathology “ is an exceptional Medical Solutions.” Specialty: Pediatrics nurse who always puts her Nominated by: Jackie Sleddens, Career Consultant Years Traveling: 1 patients f rst. She has been to many dif erent hos- “ is an exceptional pitals and is always welcome back to any facility SLP. Not only is she fantastic she leaves. We actually get requests to see if she is clinically, but also she is dependable, ethical, positive, available for assignments from some of the previ- Cross Country TravCorps f exible, and always goes above and beyond to help ous hospitals where she has completed contracts. Discipline: Physical others. She always gets wonderful reviews from Carolyn made a big jump after her f ve years with Therapy every school where she is placed. She is such an asset trustaf and decided to travel to California. Not Specialty: Home Health to PPR and I’m honored to work with her every day. “ surprising though, that the hospital loves her and Years Traveling: 7 Nominated by: Christina Kennedy, Senior Health- has already extended her.” “ is a great asset to care Recruiter Nominated by: Steve Hertsenberg, Lead Nurse Cross Country TravCorps, he Recruiter is wonderful and does a great job representing our company in the f eld.” Nominated by: Nicole Clarke, Recruiter Foundation Medical Specialty: Dialysis Advantage RN Years Traveling: 1 Specialty: Emergency “ works in both Room The Right Solutions chronic and acute dialysis Years Traveling: 2 Specialty: Operating settings. She has always “I think every ER would be Room been open to a variety of assignments and loca- better if they had a nurse like Years Traveling: 5 tions. Her work in Midland, TX was a phenomenal , and I wish I had more like him. Nigel, an ER “ has worked for TRS job in a less than desirable location and they’re nurse, has worked nearly a dozen contracts for the for 5 years and has always wanting her back. When her home — clear across company from Level 1 Trauma facilities to commu- given 100 percent ef ort in patient care. She has the state of Texas — was burglarized, she went nity hospitals in states such as Maine, South Carolina, always asked to go where she is needed the most. home for a few days to take care of all that needed Virginia and Rhode Island. This North Carolina She hits the f oor running and never complains. to be done and then returned to her assignment resident f nds the positive in every situation and his She always represents TRS well and exemplif es without complaint or hesitation.” facilities love him for that as well as for his profes- what it means to be a dedicated travel nurse. She Nominated by: Glen Ingram, Consultant sionalism, great work ethic, and caring manner.” is my hero.” Nominated by: Darin Mangione, Recruiter Nominated by: Caleb English, Director of Recruiting

Travel Nursing across America ADEX Medical Staf ng Accountable Healthcare, dba Specialty: Telemetry/ Specialty: Dialysis HGI Healthcare Medical Surgery Years Traveling: 2 Discipline: Speech-Lan- Years Traveling: 2 “It has been a pleasure guage Pathology “ embodies working with all these Specialty: Pediatrics/ everything that is essential in being a successful years. From North Carolina to Geriatrics traveler. She is a consummate professional when Wisconsin, he has never complained as he has aver- Years Traveling: 2 she is on assignment, has an amazing work ethic aged working over 60-plus hours per week. He has a “ is a very loyal and highly-respected and is always f exible to changes and challenges strong work ethic and is truly worthy of this award.” traveling speech language pathologist. She has that may come her way. She is a patient advocate Nominated by: Sonia Coers, Recruiting Manager worked in a variety of settings for our company, and works hard to ensure her patients get the care continued on page 12 HealthcareTraveler.com December 2013 Healthcare Traveler ∣ 11

magentablackcyanyellow ES352952_hct1213_011.pgs 11.19.2013 22:12 ADV continued from page 11 with time management, critical thinking, and quick decision making. In addition, he is very kind, Nightingale Nurses compassionate and knowledgeable man who is Travel Force Specialty: Intensive Care excellent nurse. He represents Rise Medical Staf ng Discipline: Occupational Years Traveling: 7 in a positive light and we are grateful to have such Therapy “ has completed a great representation of out agency.” Years Traveling: 1 six successful assignments Nominated by: Anastasia Rood, Senior Recruiter “ has been an OT with us at Nightingale. He for over 10 years and is has been asked to extend or go on permanent at currently on her f rst travel assignment. She is loving the end of almost every contract. He has always her assignment on the Gulf coast and has been had a positive outlook on each assignment. I have exploring what life along the beach has to of er. enjoyed working with him and hope to continue to TaleMed Jennie has a strong background in skilled nursing place him in the future.” Specialty: Medical/ facilities accompanied by fantastic references, which Nominated by: Lindsay Doherty, Senior Staf ng Telemetry led to her success on this assignment. She is reliable Manager Years Traveling: 1.5 and her professionalism shines, we look forward “I have been working with to working with Jennie for many, many more since March assignments.” of 2012. She has now successfully completed Nominated by: Shari Maniscalco, Senior assignments at 5 dif erent facilities where she was Consultant extended at nearly every one due to outstanding LRS Healthcare performance. Karimah has been an absolute rock Specialty: Emergency star. All Karimah does she does in the best interest Room, Intensive Care of her patients and the hospital and she always Years Traveling: 5 does it with a smile on her face no matter the Atlas MedStaf “ is wonderful, circumstances. I have very much enjoyed working Specialty: Emergency friendly, caring and professional. An excellent with Karimah and I really hope I get to work with Room nurse.” her for a long time to come.” Years Traveling: 10 Nominated by: Brian Scobee, Staf ng Manager Nominated by: Joe Bartoszek “I have known and worked with Elaine personally for 10-plus years now. She goes over and beyond her call of duty every time she works a contract for me. RTG Medical If you need an experienced, hardworking, well liked Trinity Healthcare Discipline: Speech- nurse, look no further than . If you’re a hospital Specialty: Stepdown/ Language Pathology and you need someone to pick up an extra shift to f ll Telemetry Years Traveling: 1 in, Elaine will be right there for you to help any way Years Traveling: 7 “ truly is amazing. she can. Elaine Golden has been great for Atlas as a “ has been travel- Besides being a fantastic traveling nurse because she takes a lot of pride in her ing with us since 2007. SLP, she completely job and loves saving peoples lives as an ER nurse.” She shows exceptional character, as well as epitomizes RTG’s core values. Mary has referred Nominated by: Todd Whitehouse, Recruiter knowledge in her f eld on a daily basis. Judy multiple other therapists and RTG has gotten a lot treats each contract as though it is a permanent of business that we might not have had it not been job. She is devoted to her patients and her unit. for Mary’s hard work.” She never complains and does what it takes to Nominated by: Keli Koepke, Senior Recruiter provide exceptional patient care. Judy is a perfect American Traveler Staf ng example of what a Trinity employee should be, by Professionals demonstrating our mission, vision, and values on Specialty: Emergency Room each shift.” Years Traveling: 2.5 Nominated by: Ashli Smart, Director of Marketing MedStaf “ is always up for Specialty: Pediatrics anything and is so f exible. Years Traveling: 16 She looks at every job of er as a new adventure. “Dedicated, passionate, Susan has even gone through some tough chal- Rise Medical loving, professional, and lenges with loss of loved ones, and always kept Specialty: Psych/Medical accommodating. These to her professional commitment. Patients, peers Surgery are just a few words that describe and sum up and management love her. Her zest for travel and Years Traveling: 1.5 . Rachelle has been a travel adventure go hand in hand with the voice that you “ is an outstanding nurse for 16 years. She has been with Medstaf her can hear smile over the phone.” RN that demonstrates entire traveling career. Over the course of her 16 Nominated by: Kristin Zandee, Senior Consultant true dedication and great years, she has completed a whopping 46 assign- patient care. His superiors say that Mark is great ments. Rachelle has been a part of EMR projects 12 ∣ Healthcare Traveler December 2013 HealthcareTraveler.com

magentablackcyanyellow ES352956_hct1213_012.pgs 11.19.2013 22:13 ADV Alaska • Arizon a • California • Colorado Nebraska • Nevada • Wyoming

as well as seasonal contracts. She has worked at many great hospitals over the years, including Children’s Hospital of Michigan, John’s Hopkins, Oregon Health & Science University, Lucile Salter Packard Children’s Hospital and Children’s Hospital and Clinics of Minnesota to name a few. I am privileged and honored to know Rachelle. She clearly goes above and beyond in her profession. In my opinion, she is a template of what other nurses should emulate. I look forward to many more years working with Rachelle and wish her continued success. Congratulations on being Medstaf ’s Traveler of the Year. You deserve it.” Nominated by: John Spadea, Recruiter

RNnetwork Specialty: Emergency Room Years Traveling: 4 “With a sparkling attitude and f exible nature, is truly an ideal traveler. She brings 16-years of nursing experience to each new assignment and is highly skilled and dependable—traits that do not go unnoticed. Time and again, hospitals make of ers to keep her on staf , but Synthia says, ‘I haven’t f nished seeing the country.’ Synthia adapts easily to changing conditions You want to be a and new opportunities. She’s proactive, willing to work overtime, open to extensions when needed, and loyal to her staf ng agency. What more could respected member a recruiter ask for?” Nominated by: Rachel Southworth, Recruiter of the team. You belong here. Medical Staf ng Network Discipline: Physical Therapy Specialty: Inpatient/Outpatient/and Skilled Care Years Traveling: 1.5 “ has traveled with Medical Staf ng Net- With Banner Health Travelers, you can take your work since she graduated with her degree. Courtney nursing career in many exciting new directions. has combined a fearless attitude with a driving With over 20 hospitals in seven western states, ambition to better patient care and go the extra mile. Courtney works extra long days to make sure everyone gets the care they deserve. She never leaves we offer unmatched clinical and lifestyle options. a chart unf nished or a patient unseen. She has worked consistently for use Through comprehensive training and system-wide through many challenging and exciting new experiences. Setting has never EMR, you’ll be able to hit the ground running at been a concern as she has accomplished herself in skilled nursing, outpatient any of these award-winning hospitals. No matter care, and inpatient care, handling transitions as short as two days like a pro where your RN assignment takes you, you’ll enjoy and always with a smile. Courtney is a great reminder of the resilient and competitive pay, completion bonuses, per mile dedicated spirit of a traveler and is a valued member of our Medical Staf ng travel reimbursement, private housing, with beneﬁ ts Network family.” Nominated by: Ryan Galli, National Recruiter package available and much more. We have key RN needs in these areas: ICU • ER • OR • Tele • PICU • NICU • Peds PPR Travel Nursing Specialty: Emergency Room Years Traveling: 6 “ has loyally traveled with PPR Travel Nursing for the past 6 years and is currently working on her www.BannerHealth.com/RNtravelcareers 28th travel assignment with us. Karen is a wonderful ER nurse who is ALWAYS asked by the hospitals to extend. We always get calls from hospitals where she has traveled with EOE/AA. We support a tobacco-free Connect with and drug-free workplace. Banner Health Careers: continued on page 14

December 2013 Healthcare Traveler ∣ 13

magentablackcyanyellow ES352957_hct1213_013.pgs 11.19.2013 22:13 ADV didate that represents our company the way George she is assigned. With her vast experience, she has continued from page 13 does. On a personal note, George is an all-around the ability to take on leadership positions, moving us before asking if she is available to come back- great guy and I am honored to work with him.” seamlessly from a staf nurse into a management she is in very high demand. PPR always hears Nominated by: Jered Furrh, Senior role as needed, often as the interim manager of amazing things about Karen from the hospitals Recruiter the ICU or ER. She brings a positive attitude and where she works such as: how wonderful she is, strong work ethic to each assignment.” what a team player she is, her excellent customer Nominated by: Brandice Petr, Account Manager service skills, her wealth of knowledge that she has as an ER nurse, and the compassion that she Fresenius Medical Care shows her patients and their families. Karen is so Specialty: Dialysis much fun to work with and I love hearing about Years Traveling: 4 CRU48 the new places she is on assignment and the new “ started Specialty: Labor and things she is experiencing while on assignment. working with the internal Delivery She is a true traveler that is traveling to see new travel division of Fresenius Years Traveling: 22 places and learn new things. Karen is always Medical Care long before I “ is extremely knowl- on top of everything that we need from her. We even joined the team. I was given the oppor- edgeable and professional could not ask for a better traveler. I love working tunity to work with Jeanne when her original RN. She has adapted to all with Karen.” recruiter left and have found she is one of the her assignments and maintains a positive attitude Nominated by: Mandy Maloney, Senior Health- best travelers I have on my team. Jeanne is an ex- while working with CRU48. She is always willing care Recruiter ample of a ideal travel RN. She is always friendly to help out in any way she can. She is part of the and in good spirits when we speak, she is willing team. Her evaluations have referred to her as a to be f exible when asked, doesn’t require much ‘gem’ and a ‘joy’ to work with.” while on contract, and is almost always asked to Nominated by: Stephanie Pucillo, Recruiter extend on her assignments. Jeanne knows what CoreMedical Group she wants and makes a recruiters work very easy. Discipline: Speech- She continues to be a asset to the FMC-Internal Language Pathology Travel Team. I look forward to working with her Years Traveling: 5 for many more travel assignments in the future.” Medical Solutions “ has Nominated by: Janeen Neale, Healthcare Specialty: Operating been working with me for Recruiter-Internal Travel Room many years now and the experience and reputa- Years Traveling: 1 tion he carries speaks for itself. He wouldn’t “ is a traveler that I be in this position without always getting have developed a strong high praise from every facility he works in. His respect and admiration for over the past year. She’s attitude is consistently positive and spreading NovaPro an excellent nurse that has proven to me that she it through his work environment does not stop Specialty: Labor and can work in a dif cult environment and come there. Roger does not just impact the lives of his Delivery through on the other end with the same positive co-workers and patients but their families and Years Traveling: 1.5 attitude. To summarize a long story, she was diag- friends as well. No matter where he ends up, I “You can just tell when nosed with breast cancer while on assignment for know he carries this amazing ability to shape someone loves what they me earlier this year. She took a short time of to get the lives around him and I can’t think of a more do and is enjoying the adventure, shines as her plan in place to f ght the disease and ended up useful tool in therapy.” a traveler with her positive attitude and hard work.” having surgery in late April. SHE ACTUALLY CALLED Nominated by: Jeremy Grimaldi, Recruiter, Nominated by: Lauren McManus, Recruiter ME THE NEXT DAY while still in the hospital after Allied Health surgery to discuss going back to work and complet- ing her contract. She had the character, integrity, and work ethic to feel obligated to complete the contract that she had to leave early during a time LiquidAgents Aureus Medical Group, when I would think most people would be ex- Discipline: Occupational Nursing Division hausted and in survival mode. How self ess is that?” Therapy Specialty: Intensive Care/ Nominated by: Jake Zoucha, Career Consultant Specialty: Inpatient, Emergency Room Outpatient Years Traveling: 11 Years Traveling: 3 “ is an experienced “ is one of my nurse who makes an immediate impact from day favorite travelers to ever work with. Professionally, he one. Her supervisors have called her “the perfect Cross Country TravCorps has received excellent feedback from the facilities he hire”, citing the great rapport she develops with Specialty: Operating works in and the directors always want to extend his staf , families, and physicians as well as her gifts as Room contracts. We have clients asking us about George and a compassionate and skilled healthcare provider. Years Traveling: 8 his availability all the time. It is great to have a can- Eileen is valuable asset to every hospital where “ has been 14 ∣ Healthcare Traveler December 2013 HealthcareTraveler.com

magentablackcyanyellow ES352954_hct1213_014.pgs 11.19.2013 22:12 ADV a traveler with Cross Country TravCorps (CCTC) hospital experience. Her references are excep- since July of 2005. Since she joined our team, tional and hospitals regularly request Elisabeth she has proven to be one of the kindest, most Randstad Healthcare to extend her contract. Throughout the nearly caring people you will ever hope to meet. She Specialty: Intensive Care 10 years that we have worked with one another, volunteers two weeks out of the year at a camp Years Traveling: 10.5 I can truly say she is a wonderful colleague and for handicapped children. She is the type of “ is the epitome friend.” traveler that reviews jobs and chooses to go of the perfect travel nurse. Nominated by: Amanda Bellof , Senior where there is the greatest need. In addition, She is a f exible team Recruitment Specialist this year Carol was also chosen to represent player and always willing to go the extra mile. continued on page 16 CCTC on a charity mission with Project Perfect She has 12 years of nursing experience, and is a World (PPW) to Ecuador. When the application highly skilled critical care nurse with large trauma processed was announced for PPW, Carol’s f rst reaction was ‘Whether or not I am chosen to go, what can I do to help?’ Carol is self ess and giving — she is the kind of nurse you would want looking after your family members. As her Recruiter, I couldn’t think of anyone more deserving than Carol to be “Traveler of the Year.” Nominated by: Dijana Lesh, Senior Client Manager

Supplemental Health Care Discipline: Speech- Language Pathology Specialty: Acute Years Traveling: 1 “I have been fortunate enough to work with since she started traveling at the beginning for 2013. Every time we speak you can hear the smile coming through even if the conversation is on the tougher side. She is always open to talking about new opportunities and goes into tough situations with an open mind. Every day I am able to work with her I count as a good day because I know she is representing Supplemen- tal Health Care in the best possible way in each and every circumstance.” Nominated by: Jim Burris Recruitment Manager

trustaf Discipline: Surgical Technician-Open Heart Specialty: Operating Room Years Traveling: 10 “ is a tre- mendous asset to trustaff – each and every assignment that he is on he is asked to extend. He gives 150 percent of himself each and every time. As soon as his profile is submitted – he is called within the day. I can always count of Donovan to make a lasting impression.” Nominated by: Marisa Pettinella, Recruiter

December 2013 Healthcare Traveler ∣ 15

magentablackcyanyellow ES352953_hct1213_015.pgs 11.19.2013 22:12 ADV but his peers cite the positive energy and continued from page 15 attitude he brings to the lab every day. His mood is always upbeat and his caring and LiquidAgents compassionate nature translates to his work. Specialty: Emergency Terry represents Aureus with the utmost CoreMedical Group Room respect and professionalism. He understands Specialty: Home Health Years Traveling: 8 the responsibility he has to each patient and Years Traveling: 1.5 “It’s with great pleasure that keeps that top of mind. He is the definition of “I know that it is not I nominate . a lab ’super star.’” always easy working as a She is true professional and I never have to worry Nominated by: Olivia Armenta, Senior Account Home Health RN because about her doing what she says she is going to do. She Manager you’re typically working in the patient’s home, has traveled all over the country with me and despite alone with little to no assistance at all, while the challenges she has faced on various assignments, caring for some of the sickest patients out she never complains. Patients and staf complement there. does this routinely everyday, her everywhere she goes. She has made my life and sometimes even evenings or nights. She much easier as her recruiter because I never have to RTG Medical is exceptional at what she does, is such a worry about her doing a great job. She has become Specialty: Operating compassionate person, and this career that more like family than an employee and I’m honored Room she has built is much more than just a job, it to have worked with her all these years.” Years Traveling: 10 is truly her calling in life. Betty is an amaz- Nominated by: Cindy Yates, Recruiting Manager “ is the epitome of ing, inspirational individual, and a standout what a traveling nurse amongst her peers with her critical thinking professional should be; not only is she dynamite in skills, and always positive attitude each and the OR, she’s is an amazing person. Upon accepting every single day. She’s just an old fashioned, Delta Healthcare Providers a position, Pam dives right into familiarizing herself genuinely nice person, and I am so proud of Discipline: Physical with the community and the hospital, she takes Betty. I cannot possibly think of anybody who Therapy great pride in getting alone with her co-workers, is more deserving of such a fine distinction Specialty: Outpatient, and understands the importance of putting her pa- as her.” Inpatient Acute, Skilled tients and their families at ease within the delicate Nominated by: Justin Federico, Recruiter, Travel Nursing, and Home moments before surgery. Pam’s love for being a Nurse Division Health nurse is undeniable and felt by all whom surround Years Traveling: 3 her. She is amazing. She’s f exible, extremely “ is a joy to work with and always handles knowledgeable, team orientated, willing to teach anything she does with perfection and positivity. I others, and adds a positive ENERGY to any place value having her work for our company. She always she goes. I’m proud to nominate Pam as Traveler of Fastaf Travel goes above and beyond to provide excellent patient the Year, she deserves it.” Specialty: Prenatal, care. Facilities consistently give us resounding en- Nominated by: Veronica Barnhart, Senior Neonatal Intensive Care dorsements for both her interactions with patients Recruiter Years Traveling: 10 and staf and her overall team player attitude. “ has been one of She did such a great job at a recent assignment in the most professional Alaska that she was personally asked to come back and pleasant nurses to work with. Both staf and by the rehab director. I am grateful to have the Atlas MedStaf opportunity to work with her and thank her for the patients praise her. It has been a pleasure to work Discipline: Surgical with her over the years.” fantastic job she always does.” Technology Nominated by: Natalie Notko, Principal Recruiter Nominated by: Scott Knox, Marketing Specialty: Operating Specialist Room Years Traveling: 2 “ has eight years of experience as an OR Tech, and is also a certif ed Aureus Medical Supplemental Health Care surgical instrument tech. He has traveled on Discipline: Histology Specialty: Interventional and of over the years. Mario has a passion Specialty: Medical Radiology/Long-term for martial arts, and enjoys world travel and Laboratory Acute Care experiencing other cultures. His openness and Years Traveling: 8 Years Traveling: 7 positive attitude shows in his performance and “ has “ has been a very commitment to his work. Mario is the quintes- continuously demon- dedicated traveler. Anyone who works with Andrea sential traveler- professional, reliable and a strated his commitment to patient care while knows that she is unique. Andrea is a special person, great communicator. He is a wonderful person traveling with Aureus. Laboratory directors an excellent nurse, a valuable team member. Once a to work with.” and managers have not only recognized his hospital has her as a traveler, they never take her for Nominated by: Elsa Meyer, Recruiter dedication throughout every assignment, granted. Everyone knows they are getting her best each and every day she is on assignment. We have 16 ∣ Healthcare Traveler December 2013 HealthcareTraveler.com

magentablackcyanyellow ES352951_hct1213_016.pgs 11.19.2013 22:12 ADV received more amazing letters from nurse managers and even families of the She is one of the most caring, compassionate and trustworthy people I patients she has cared for than any other nurse working for our company.” know. She is not only a great employee but a friend. I cannot say enough Nominated by: Tina Cindric-Osuch, Senior Division Manager about this young lady to express how much she deserves this. I would trust her with my life and the life of any of my family members. I am proud to know her and I feel MSN has the best traveler in the country in their hands.” MedSource Travelers Nominated by: James Thompson, Recruiter Specialty: Cardiac Catheterization Lab Years Traveling: 10 “After three years of trying to recruit , I was f nally able to get her on board with us, and it was so worth the 50 States Staf ng wait. I have now been working with her for more than f ve Specialty: Medical Surgery/Telemetry years and consider her to be a friend. She has an outstand- Years Traveling: 1 ing reputation, and is well respected by her managers, doctors, and co-workers. “ comes from a large teaching and trauma center She is always in high demand and asked to return. If I, or a family member, were in Chicago. After getting her two children of to college ever in need of a cath procedure, Phyllis is the nurse that I would want in the she decided to travel. She has been with 50 States for room. She is a true patient advocate and works well in emergent situations. I feel one year now and has been at several facilities in Texas. fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with such as wonderful person.” Julie is an ideal candidate for travel. She is always upbeat and willing to be Nominated by: Diana Minuto, Senior Recruiter f exible in order to help whatever facility her assignment is with. Her managers love that they know they can count on her as if she were a staf member and they appreciate all the positive patient and family feedback about her. Thank you Julie, we appreciate you too.” Advantage RN Nominated by: Edie Heyer, Senior Consultant Discipline: Radiation Therapy Specialty: Years Traveling: 9 “Flexible, hardworking, great attitude, and reliable are just four of the many positive accolades expressed about our Allied traveler of the year and radiation therapist, . She’s known to adapt quickly to all her new working environments and always makes the best of every situation.” Nominated by: Julie Beveridge, Recruiter

Club Staf ng Discipline: Radiation Therapy Specialty: Cat Scan Years Traveling: 13 “ has been loyal to Club Staf ng for 13 years. He has been asked back to almost every contract he has been on and has always extended, sometimes up to a year. Many account managers recognize his name and actively pursue him to work in their accounts. He is the traveler that you send in after a facility has had a particularly challenging time with travelers in general. He receives praise from patients and is always recognized by the facility for his patient care. His philoso- phy is that he is there to help the facility and that includes anything that they may need whether it is a dif erent shift, picking up call, volunteering to pick up overtime, or switching from CT to X-ray. He constantly exceeds our expectations.” Nominated by: Jodi Pascuzzi Regional Vice President

Medical Staf ng Network Specialty: Pediatrics/Intensive Care Years Traveling: 3 “ has been traveling with me since January 2011. In that time, she has been a shining representation of what an MSN Travel RN should be.

December 2013 Healthcare Traveler ∣ 17

magentablackcyanyellow ES352950_hct1213_017.pgs 11.19.2013 22:12 ADV SUCCESSFUL TRAVELERS DON’T DO IT ALONE

ost healthcare travelers would concur that trust is an essential ingredient in a successful traveler-recruiter relationship. M Valuable characteristics on the part of the recruiter that tends to nurture and grow that relationship is the willingness to listen, the capacity to empathize, and desire to help when things get sticky. Such things are big in the traveler-recruiter bond, but happen inside staffing agencies, in different cities, daily. This year, we congratulate 51 recruiters who helped their travelers get to their assignments, and beyond. PHOTO COURTESY:GETTY PHOTO IMAGES/E+/07_AV

18 ∣ Healthcare Traveler December 2013 HealthcareTraveler.com

magentablackcyanyellow ES352986_hct1213_018.pgs 11.19.2013 22:20 ADV Amanda Belloff she utilized the staf at MSN extremely well to have to follow her. I hope she doesn’t retire any Senior Recruitment get me help when she wasn’t available directly. time soon, that means I’ll have to retire too.” Specialist She got the ball rolling on me getting set up im- Randstad Healthcare mediately and was in contact with me daily until 2003-2004, 2006, I started traveling for my assignment. I couldn’t 2008, and 2013 award have gotten a better start as a traveler.” recipient Donna Dickson, “I’ve been traveling since Senior Recruiting Specialist 2006. I’ve had a few recruiters that have been Travel Nurse across very nice but I have to say that Ms. Amanda Bell- America o f by far has been the best recruiter that I’ve had Tina Cindric-Osuch 2006, 2008, 2012-2013 the pleasure of working with. She genuinely cares Senior Division Manager, award recipient about the individual that she is working with/for. Travel Nursing “Donna is the most I’m very blessed to have Amanda Bellof as my Supplemental Health knowledgeable and recruiter, may God continue to bless everything Care ef cient recruiter I have ever had the pleasure of that she does.” 2007, 2009-2013 award working with. I feel very lucky indeed to have her recipient taking such wonderful care of me, handling each “Tina Osuch has been an and every detail of my contracts with warmth amazing recruiter and is very welcoming for a f rst professionalism and a personal touch. Donna time traveler.” makes my life and my job as a travel nurse abso- Jason Brady lutely fantastic. She handles everything. I feel like Director of Traveling she is completely invested in me and in making Advance Med my travel positions the best match possible.” 2010 and 2013 award recipient Sonia Coers “I have worked with Recruiting Manager Jason for numerous ADEX Medical Staf ng years. He has always had “She is always there for Lindsay Doherty my interest at heart. I wouldn’t just call him my me day or night. I had to Senior Staf ng Manager recruiter, but I can count on him as a friend.” go emergency surgery Nightingale Healthcare while away from home, 2012-2013 award on assignment, she called recipient me several times a day and was my support “Lindsay is a fabulous until family got there. She knows my skills and recruiter and a wonder- Jim Burris personality and if an assignment is not a good f t ful person in general. I Recruitment Manager, for me, she will be honest and tell me that is not have heard horror stories during my travels Travel Allied for you and why. And when I was being worked about recruiters and have been very thankful Supplemental Health 70-plus hours a week, she went all the top to get to have Lindsay as mine. She is a caring Care it stopped. I trust her completely.” person who is always ready to help in any “Jim has been an way she can. I knew that any time I called exceptional recruiter. He her with a need or concern, it was as good as has played a major role done! She always handled every question or in the establishment of my career as a success- concern effectively and without delay. I have ful travel speech therapist. His professionalism, Regina Davis, used other agencies and have come to really knowledge and willingness to help have made a Senior Recruiter appreciate the competency and efficiency big dif erence.” The Right Solutions that Lindsay displays every day. If there were 2009-2010, and 2013 more recruiters like her, travel nursing would award recipient reach new levels. When I hear of other nurses “I’ve been with The Right having trouble with their agencies/recruiters Solutions for 8 years. I tell them to check in with Lindsay for future Megan Churnovic Although I love The Right assignments if they are looking to change. Recruiter, National Allied Solutions, it’s Regina that’s kept me happy and Nobody has been disappointed. I can’t say Services satisf ed to stay with this company, and only enough good things about her — she is one Medical Staf ng with this company. (I’ve worked longer for this in a million and the reason I have decided to Network company than I did for any of the permanent stay with Nightingale and travel nursing.” “Megan was absolutely places before becoming a traveler) She’s always an awesome recruiter and worked hard to get me what I needed in order for me to continue to be a traveler. If she leaves, I’ll continued on page 20

HealthcareTraveler.com December 2013 Healthcare Traveler ∣ 19

magentablackcyanyellow ES352988_hct1213_019.pgs 11.19.2013 22:20 ADV 2013 RECRUITERS OF THE YEAR

continued from page 19 Joyce Goldman, in the f eld of medical staf ng, and has helped Senior Consultant shaped the business of the ‘traveler’ environ- Ashley Franco ment in North America. At all times, his work is Senior Recruiting Manager 50 States outstanding - highly professional and always Club Staf ng “Joyce worked tirelessly to directed at solving problems, rather than blocking “Ashley is the best get me the exact position I progress.” recruiter I’ve worked wanted. I had worked with with, and that says a lot other recruiters in other because I’ve worked with companies that tried to four other recruiters from twist my arm to work night shift repeatedly after I four dif erent traveling companies. She is always told them I needed to be home with my family at night. Joyce was always happy, kind, and upbeat. Linda Hutson on top of things, cheerful, professional, sweet, District Manager-Hawaii and advocates for you. She gets things done I loved having her as a recruiter, and if I travel again, she will be the f rst person I call.” Region which makes my hectic life so much easier and Medical Staf ng Solu- doesn’t let the details slips through the cracks. tions I cannot say enough good things about her. “Linda is not only my re- She has made my life as a traveling healthcare cruiter, but my friend. She professional so much easier.” Sheila Groff is like family. Linda keeps Area Staf ng Manager in contact even though I’m not always with her NovaPro Staf ng company. She works hard to keep things as easy 2003, 2011, and 2013 for me as possible. She made my dreams come award recipient true and found me a job in Hawaii with beautiful Jered Furrh housing with a waterfall in the backyard. Linda Senior Recruiter “I’ve worked with several isn’t aggressive like most recruiters, but support- LiquidAgents Health- recruiter over the years, ive and even at times, mothering.” care but none compares to 2012-2013 award Sheila. She’s professional and kind without being recipient fake or ef usive. I never feel like she’s trying to “Who do I have as my mislead me and I’ve never been dissatisf ed with assignments she’s recommended. I never have to recruiter? I have an honest Jason Iannotti and dependable man of integrity. I have a good wait for a response (and she’s always forgiving when she has to wait for mine.) I think if she Senior Placement Coor- friend, who has a sense of humor and the ability dinator and desire to know and anticipate my needs stops recruiting, I might stop traveling. Thank you, Sheila, for all your good work.” MedStaf Healthcare — as a person as well as a travel professional. Solutions I have a good listener who listens more than he 2008-2011, and 2013 speaks and when he does speak, he does not award recipient make promises that he can’t keep. I have a great “I have worked with customer service representative who is always Karen Gurascio Jason since I started travel nursing. It is such a available to answer my questions and to help me Healthcare Recruiter, Travel blessing to have found a recruiter that not only solve problems that I confront while on the road, Division knows what he is doing but is trustworthy and both personal and professional. Jered was not my Parallon Workforce understanding. He inquires about what I want/ f rst recruiter. But I believe he will be my last.” Management Solutions need and f nds jobs that f t my needs. Any con- 2010 and 2013 award cerns or questions I have are quickly taken care recipient of by Jason quickly and ef ciently. I have worked “Karen is a class act. In with other recruiters in the past and am amazed at the dif erence.” Rosa Garcia all my years of traveling, she is far and away the Senior Recruiter most caring, helpful, and organized recruiter I Fastaf Travel Nursing have ever worked with.” “Rosa has been my recruiter for 12 of 13 Kendra Inness years I’ve been traveling. Account Manager, Nursing My loyalty to Fastaf has Jake Hahn Aureus Medical Group been due to her. She has Senior Account Manager “I never have to worry made traveling fun. Rosa is an amazing recruiter, Fusion Medical Staf ng about anything on the down to earth, and personable. It’s all about your “Jake puts the ‘advanced’ road. Kendra makes sure recruiter; I wish there were more Rosas.” in ‘advanced medical everything is taken care of recruiters. He is a veteran before I even have to start

20 ∣ Healthcare Traveler December 2013 HealthcareTraveler.com

magentablackcyanyellow ES352985_hct1213_020.pgs 11.19.2013 22:20 ADV to worry. She makes sure I take the time to take Donnie Kinsey Solutions. I refer her to anyone looking to travel care of my family too.” Recruiter and she is the top nominee for this award.” TotalMed Staf ng “Donnie has literally bent over backwards to get me the assignments Shelbie Kaytis I want in the locations I Charlyn Lynton Senior Recruiter/Team Lead want. He stays in close Recruiter Medical Staf ng contact with me which is something new. I’m Emerald Health Services Network not used to that at all. He has seen to it that “Charlyn represents everything a travel nurse “Shelbie has been a every detail of my assignments have been could expect from a recruiter. She has a sincere fantastic recruiter. She top-notch. For instance: On the last day of my interest in the lives of her recruits and an obvious is always available to assignment in Maryville, Tenn., an uninsured love for what she does.” answer any questions, driver hit me on my way to work. It took quite checks in with me frequently to ensure all is going some time to iron out the details and f nally get well and always replies and follows through in a my car into a local collision repair shop. The shop timely manner. She is reliable and trustworthy. I let me know that the repairs would take two have worked with other recruiters with dif erent weeks to complete. That would be impossible Elizabeth Maffey companies and have never had anyone as reliable because I had to be in Wisconsin in just a few Staf ng Specialist as Shelbie. She’s the best.” days to start another assignment. Donnie rented TaleMed a car for me out of his own pocket that I have “As a travel nurse, I’ve the been using ever since. I’ve been traveling for the most important aspect better part of thirteen years and NEVER have I to this career is f nding a had that kind of service. He even helped me get recruiter and company you Jennifer Kelley a wonderful hotel suite at a corporate rate. I just can trust and rely on, no Recruiter (Allied) can’t sing his praises enough.” Cross Country TravCorps continued on page 22 2004-2005, 2007, 2011, and 2013 award recipient “Jennifer has always gone Lee Kortus out of her way to ensure Account Manager, Allied Spend your Holidays in that everything has gone smoothly during and Health NEW YORK while earning between contracts. She is very professional but also Aureus Medical Group $$$! friendly and engaging. She routinely calls to check in “Lee is great. I love to with me to see if there is anything she can. I greatly work with Lee. He always White Glove appreciate the time she has spent talking with me checks up on me and Can Make Your and would highly recommend her to anyone.” makes sure I am having an awesome time on my assignment.” DREAMS come true! Many Travel Richard Kellogg, Nursing Travel Nurse Recruiter Jennifer Lyman Assignments Procel Nurses Senior Career Consultant in Major 2008, 2011, and 2013 award recipient (Nursing) “Rich is always pleasant and kind, and is in tune Medical Solutions NY/NJ to what I need and want in a travel assignment. “Jen Lyman is by far the Hospitals I feel Rich really works for what is best for me absolute best recruiter Med/SurgER ICU/CCU OR PACU and the facility, I feel appreciated and that I that I have ever worked L&D MB/PP NICU Pediatrics Peds ER make a dif erence. It’s a pleasure to work with PICUPsych Telemetry Hemo/Dialysis with. She is professional a professional that values me as a healthcare and personal. I have never worked with someone Oncology Endoscopy Radiology provider, that is so unusual in this travel nursing that I felt to close to. I always felt Jen would Immediate Placement Personalized Payment Plans business. Thanks Rich, for everything you’ve do anything she could to f x any problem. My done and continue to do. You deserve to be grandmother passed away in the middle of one WHITE GLOVE nominated recruiter of the year and I am lucky of my assignments. Jen’s compassion and support PLACEMENT, INC. to have you as mine. Rich is the reason I stay was impeccable. There are no words to express my You care for your patients.We care for YOU. with Procel.” gratitude to her. Jen is a def nite asset to Medical 85 Bartlett St., Brooklyn, NY 11206 866.387.8100 Apply Online: www.whiteglovecare.com

December 2013 Healthcare Traveler ∣ 21

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continued from page 21 Shari Maniscalco Miles Mattern matter what time of day. Liz has not only found Senior Consultant Senior Recruiter/Team Lead me amazing assignments in places I want to be, Travel Force Rise Medical Staf ng but has become a friend also. She’s always avail- “Sherri is a great recruiter 2010-2013 award able, organized, supportive, and has absolutely she really cares about recipient made the transition into travel nursing easy and her travelers and has an “When I think of “Re- fun. Thanks for all you do, Liz.” innate sense of what loca- cruiter of the Year” I can tions will be good f ts for only think of one person, her travelers. She goes above and beyond what a Miles Mattern. I had taken a break from normal recruiter would do. I have enjoyed work- traveling to purchase and run a small boutique ing with her a great deal and plan to continue hotel in Mexico and when I decided that I was Kristin Mallin working with her. While on my f rst assignment ready to go again, Miles was there to f eld the Senior Recruitment Special- in Florida I was struggling with changes that calls, answer all my questions and give me a bit ist (Allied) came as traveler versus a staf nurse and going of much needed guidance. He really listened to Onward Healthcare from a big teaching facility to a small community me and found a position that suited my skills 2012-2013 award hospital and it was Sherri who helped get me and personality. He was even brave enough to recipient through. I think Sherri is what every recruiter steer me away of assignments that, in his opin- “I nominate Kristine should be and feel lucky to get to work with such ion, were not right for me and I did and do trust for recruiter of the year an excellent person.” his opinion. Miles was also beyond helpful with because she is professional, energetic, and stays the state board of nursing as he streamlined true to her word. She is always available to assist my paper work so that I didn’t have to think with my needs, and checks in periodically just to too much ( I had a whole lot going on). Miles make sure the assignment is going well. It is a is both a motivator and a conf dant and I feel pleasure working with Kristine.” like I have known him for years even though we have never met. His professionalism and enthusiasm go way beyond his youthful age and I highly recommend him to other nurses whenever I can. I am so happy that Miles is my “Recruiter of the Year” and I really can’t imagine using anyone else.” WHO SAYS YOU CAN'T HAVE IT ALL? An amazing opportunity awaits you Jessica Meder in Southwestern Arizona . . . Placement Consultant We have year-round sunny weather and a great working environment for Cross Country TravCorps traveling healthcare professionals, plus lots of recreational opportunities to “Jessica Meder is an enjoy during your free time. We ofer the following comprehensive benefts: awesome recruiter. She treats me with respect; • Competitive wages, including peak pay. • Flexible scheduling and assignments always has my best inter- from three to nine months. • Housing or a $500/month housing est in mind and checks on allowance. • Arizona is a member of the Nurse me regularly. I am impressed by her caring and Licensure Compact ofering nurses • 401 (k) with matching employer funds professional personality. I always new she was the ability to practice in multiple up to 4%. an excellent recruiter, but never realized how states without applying for licensure much she really cared until I was 3,000 miles • Travel allowance of up to $800 each way in each new state. away from home on assignment with no family for actual miles traveled to and from around and fell sick and had to be admitted your assignment. into the hospital. She checked on my everyday she could and when she was not in the of ce 1.800.726.9862 she had the person standing in for her check [email protected] on me and this included the weekend (they www.yumaregional.org are closed on the weekend, but still checked on me). I know Cross Country TravCorps is a large company, but I am an individual person to them and not just a number. Jessica as been a def nite

We are an equal opportunity employer and support a drug-free and tobacco free work environment.

22 ∣ Healthcare Traveler December 2013

magentablackcyanyellow ES352982_hct1213_022.pgs 11.19.2013 22:20 ADV asset to my travel career and I am honored to have her represent me with Steve Pender Cross Country TravCorps. In addition, she always goes above and beyond to Senior Recruiter make sure I am comfortable and safe while on assignment. Thank you for RTG Medical considering her nomination. She will always be my recruiter of the year.” “Steve has been incredibly f exible to my changing requirements. Anytime there is a snag (whether it is car wrecks or cockroaches) he is right there with a solution. I always have a job when I need one and where I need with good housing and support in getting my next Diana Minuto license. Plus, I can refer friends to him and he will be there for them without Senior Recruiter – Cardiovascular Services ever becoming a pest if they are not ready to make the jump.” MedSource Travelers “Diana is the best recruiter that I have ever had the pleasure of working with. I have been a travel RN since July 2005 and in that time I have worked with no greater and more caring nurse recruiter. I have been Liza Price with MedSource Travelers and Diana Minuto for over Allied Healthcare Recruiter f ve years and she has earned my loyalty and respect.” Advantage On Call “Liza is always just a phone call away, checks in with me weekly, and attends immediately to any questions or concerns I have. Liza sends me motivational email and holiday greetings, which really make my day and Janeen Neale make me feel appreciated. She’s the best.” Healthcare Recruiter (Nursing) Fresenius Medical Services 2012-2013 award recipient “Janeen is an awesome recruiter. She loves what she does and it shows. I am so very fortunate that I continued on page 24 happened upon such a great recruiter who cares about her travelers.”

Blaine Odenweller Senior Recruiter Tailored Healthcare Staf ng “Blaine works hard to f nd a good placement. He is there to help me through the sticky spots, like helping with licensure, f nding places to get a required physical or immunizations while I am on the road, and helping with housing issues. He is upbeat, and calls regularly just to see how it’s going. It makes me feel better knowing he has my back, and I can call him anytime if I have a concern.”

Stacy Pavish Senior Healthcare Recruiter (Nursing) PPR Healthcare Staf ng 2004, 2011, and 2013 award recipient “Stacy ALWAYS has my best interest at heart when f nding assignments. She seems more like a friend than a recruiter.”

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continued from page 23 “She is on leave to have her child and she will still know she is always there for me through every call and check up on me to see if everything is assignment. Always available to lend an ear Jackie Sleddens going ok.” through good days and especially the hard Career Consultant (Allied) ones.” Medical Solutions 2011-2013 award recipient “Jackie is super organized Lori Taggart and always on top of Senior Recruiter, Travel Nathen Trigilio things. She is a step above Nursing Relationship Manager the rest. Thanks Jackie.” CoreMedical Group Springboard Health- “Lori has consistently care Staf ng assisted in my placement. “Nate has been the She is energetic and best recruiter I have ever supportive. She recently worked with. He always Rachel Southworth had a little time of to have her baby and then answers when I call or Recruiter jumped right back in. She listens to my needs and at least gets back in a timely fashion. Nate is RNnetwork concerns. Lori will always make time for me even pleasant, friendly, and always make you feel like “Rachel is fearless. She though there are time dif erences here in Hawaii. you are the most important traveler to him. I had not been a recruiter I will continue to travel with core because of Lori, have been a traveler for 11 years, so I do have a for long and took me on, and I have worked with other recruiters in your comparison.” which is saying a lot. Since agency a few years back. I did not travel at that I have been a traveler for a time. She keeps me motivated and ambitious. while and knew what I wanted, how I want it and Mahalo nui loa, Lori.” do not give a lot in what I expect from my recruiter. Anyone can get you a job, but to get the job you Rebecca Urtz want, and then be there for you — sometimes at Account Executive all hours — that takes dedication, attention, and Fortus Healthcare natural qualities. I’m blessed to work with her.” Tommy Taylor Resources Recruiting Consultant 2011-2013 award Delta Healthcare recipient Providers “I could not be happier “Tommy is always willing having Rebecca Urtz as Heather Sutherland to work tirelessly even my recruiter. As a f rst time traveler I had many Senior Staf ng Manager when having to deal questions and concerns. She answered all my LRS Healthcare with unreasonable and questions with ease. She prepared me well for my 2010-2011, and 2013 sometimes slightly psychotic therapists. He dem- f rst assignment. I could’ve chosen any company award recipient onstrates great integrity, warmth, and charisma, to travel with but I chose Rebecca because of “Heather has been my and is a great asset to Delta.” her interest in me wasn’t as just a number, but a savior for over a year now. person. She has made my f rst assignment a great She listens to me when I one. I would recommend her to anyone. I think say something and picks up on the little things that she is well deserving of the title.” I mention. Heather has been there for me through the death of my daughter and went above and be- Jennifer Tobin yond to accommodate my needs during this time. Recruiter, Allied Health There was never a question about my leaving my CoreMedical Group assignment, they asked when I was ready to return. “I’ve worked with Jen for Lauren Vause, She has been my saving grace as my recruiter and almost three years now, Recruiter my friend. Thanks Heather for all you do.” and as my recruiter, she Cirrus Medical has been nothing less 2007-2008, and 2013 than INCREDIBLE! She is award recipient always honest, available, prompt, understand- “Lauren came to my ing, supportive, caring, and she truly has my rescue when another Tina Swisher best interests in mind. Not to mention, she’s company left me high and Recruiting Manager AWESOME to work with! Being a traveler, it’s dry after a cancelled contract. She was able to get Advantage RN all about TRUST between the therapist and the me back to work in record time. Lauren is always 2011-2013 award recruiter, and I’ve never doubted that Jen has there for me anytime of the day, night, weekends, recipient my back and giving 110 percent all the time. I or holidays.”

24 ∣ Healthcare Traveler December 2013 HealthcareTraveler.com

magentablackcyanyellow ES352987_hct1213_024.pgs 11.19.2013 22:20 ADV Opportunity Showcase

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Erik Vik to keep me informed of my options. Travel enjoyed working with Kristin and feel that I’ve Senior Recruiter nursing opened doors for me through Ron and really lucked out with such a great and caring Flexcare Medical I appreciate his polite and professional way of recruiter in my corner.” Staf ng communicating with me. I think that makes him “Erik has been a delight to unique.” work with. He has always been there for me and has had my best interest f rst. Jennifer Endres He has guided me through some rough patches Zerhusen and I always come up the winner in the end. Erik Kristin Zandee, Lead Nurse Recruiter has gone completely above and beyond the call Senior Consultant trustaf of duty and I’ll always be thankful for what he has American Traveler 2012-2013 award done for me.” Staf ng Professionals recipient 2009, 2012-2013 award “Jennifer is such a great recipient recruiter. She always f nds “Kristin is wonder- me just the right contract, for the right pay, and ful! She is sincere, in the right place. I’ve enjoyed all the contracts Ron York patient, so helpful and truthful. This has been I’ve been on through her, and I feel like I’m never Senior Recruiter my f rst assignment working with her and alone; she always checks on me.” Trinity Healthcare American Traveler after a couple of unsuc- Staf ng cessful attempts and it has been such a great 2009-2010, 2013 award experience. I know when I speak with her I’m Special thanks to all of the travelers who voted for recipient getting the real deal. If there is something their favorite recruiters. And congratulations to every “Ron is an excellent that you need or feel may not be right she staf ng company representative who received a person to work with. He takes the time to investigate it and then really nomination. ■ gives me conf dence and makes every ef ort explains the reasoning behind the situation and what was done to f x the issues. So far, I’ve

HealthcareTraveler.com December 2013 Healthcare Traveler ∣ 25

magentablackcyanyellow ES352983_hct1213_025.pgs 11.19.2013 22:20 ADV Advertisers’ Index Find out about assignments, benefits, and more! Select from companies listed in the index below. Submit your request on http://www.healthcaretraveler.com/ travelnursingjobs to receive information from staffing firms and sign up for your free subscription!

Call 877-922-2022 when your mailing address changes, or visit our Web site at HealthcareTraveler.com

ADVERTISER NAME Phone Web link See ad on page

ADVANTAGE RN LLC 866-301-4045 www.advantagern.com 9

AUREUS MEDICAL GROUP 800-856-5457 www.aureusmedical.com 5

BANNER HEALTHCARE TRAVELERS 800-827-6877 www.bannerhealth.com 13

CROSS COUNTRY TRAVCORPS 800-697-9824 www.crosscountry.com CV3

FASTAFF 800-736-8773 www.fastaff.com 7

H R N SERVICES INC 888-476-9333 www.hrnservices.com 15, 23

MEDSTAFF INC 866-379-2162 www.medstaffinc.com 3

MOUNTAIN VISTA MEDICAL CENTER 855-702-4110 jobs.mvmedicalcenter.com/nursing-jobs 25

RN NETWORK 800-866-0407 www.rnnetwork.com CV2

RN DOCS RNDocs.com 25

ST.LUKE'S MEDICAL CENTER 602-251-8341 jobs.stlukesmedcenter.com/nursing-jobs 25

TAILORED HEALTHCARE STAFFING 866-871-0568 www.thstravel.com 17

TRUSTAFF 877-880-0346 www.trustafftravel.com [email protected] CV4

WHITE GLOVE CARE STAFFING 866-387-8100 www.whiteglovecare.com 21

YUMA REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER 800-726-9862 www.yumaregional.org 22

26 ∣ Healthcare Traveler December 2013 HealthcareTraveler.com magentablackcyan ES351656_hct1213_026.pgs 11.13.2013 02:42 ADV In the Bag

COMFORT ITEMS: One travel nurse who keeps it Speziali Fiorentini profumo ‘Olive and Sunflower’, natural while on the road is a unique Italian Travelers come in different forms — some are hard to label fragrance that makes me feel well dressed and some are luminescent. Christa Schulman, RN, even when I’m BLS, ACLS, is a diamond in the mist who’s been traveling wearing jeans and for two years. Originally from Missouri, Christa contracts a Tee. An old set of with Rise Medical Staffing. She explains her passion for Anichini linens in a wellness and helping others derived from her father’s shell colored damask pattern. They’ve been washed hundreds of times and long history of illness. The nurses who provided him are blissfully soft. Trader Joe’s Chocolate quality care impacted his recovery, inspiring her current Almond Horns are my new addiction. occupation of working in med/surg/tele units. There, she strives to be a positive strength for her patients. While on assignments, she FAVORITE ASSIGNMENT DESTINATION: enjoys studying precious gems and period jewelry, and has flirted with the I love California. It’s a grand state that idea of becoming a certified gemologist. “I’m wildly amazed by the beautiful features a diverse climate and geography. elements made by God and refined by man,” she says. “Collecting precious The bountiful farmers markets and beautiful weather keeps me healthy and sparkles is my serious hobby.” active. There aren’t many places where the beach and mountains #1 TRAVEL ESSENTIAL: are easily accessible. I’m never at Gas in the tank...and a a loss for things to do, like visiting lightweight cashmere the Monterrey Bay Aquarium. My sweater. time here remains personally and professionally rewarding. PERSONAL TOUCHES: I hang a Cross covered with Milagros in my bedroom as a symbol that with Faith everything is possible. I found this cross in a small Mexican shop in Tucson, Arizona. Milagros are small metal charms CREATURE COMFORTS (depicting body parts, : My beloved animals, houses, and other subjects) SuperCAT, a 14-year-old tortoise-shell that people carry for protection and good feline who exudes the epitome of luck. My wooden cross has a multitude of coolness and great company. We met in charms pinned to it. I consider it Spiritual MOBILE TUNES: Serge Gainsbourg, a vineyard in the Napa Valley. She was Insurance. Gillian Welch, Fugees, Best of Blue just a wee kitten then and obviously Also a must are lightly fragrant candles. Grass, Keb Mo, Andrea Bocelli, Harry homeless. We mutually decided to My favorites: Trapp ‘Bob’s Flower Shop’, Nilsson’s “Coconut” song is a must on keep each other and its been a grand Aquiesse ‘Tea Madarin’, and Kenneth any playlist. I recently watched “Searching adventure ever since. She adapts easily Turner-London ‘Original’. These fragrances for Sugarman” and want to hear more of to new environments, loves the smells soothe my soul after a long day. Rodriguez’s soulful sounds. of new vegetation, chasing small objects, and enjoys occasional trips to the beach and Redwoods. CHERISHED KEEPSAKES: Goofy videos created by my shameless friends prior to NIGHT STAND READS: ‘Inbox Messages’ my departure. They were made with a on my iPhone. Initially, I thought traveling cool app EIGHT-MM which turns videos would dilute my friendships back home. What’s in your bag? into vintage style footage. Images are You know, Out of sight-Out of mind. faded in color, flickers, and have scratchy Instead, I’ve noticed the distance has Healthcare Traveler would like to hear sounds just like those you’d find in a 50s brought me closer to many of friends as about the personal and practical items you or 60s reel-to-reel film. I giggle every we now text frequently. Reading their take on assignment. Contact David Bennett time I watch them. My friends are nuts. heartfelt words and of their happenings at [email protected]. removes the time zones between us.

HealthcareTraveler.com December 2013 Healthcare Traveler ∣ 27

magentablackcyanyellow ES351440_hct1213_027.pgs 11.13.2013 01:51 ADV Gear & Gadgets CLEVER TOOLS THAT SIMPLIFY THE TRAVEL LIFESTYLE

pack comes complete with a carrying case and four adapters JUICEBAR MULTI-DEVICE POCKET » that fit most small electronic devices. It can be plugged into a SOLAR CHARGER USB port for a quick boost if you need charging on a cloudy Battery-powered day. There are no batteries to recycle, so it’s environmentally gadgets rule, and friendly and will reduce your carbon footprint. it’s almost impos- www.manhattan-products.com sible to find anyone who hasn’t » DATAWIND’S POCKETSURFER3 experienced the Datawind’s Pocket Surfer lets you thumb through websites, inconvenience and complete with graph- aggravation that ics and javascripts the untimely death on a checkbook-size of a cell phone bat- device. For $199, tery can cause. The Juicebar, $49, stores its internal antenna 2000mAh of clean solar power or even indoor lighting in its allows you access battery, effectively charging all of your popular mobile devic- from just about any- es on demand. Contains a standard USB port that allows where while its back- you to use your own charging cable, unlike other solar char- lit display ensures gers that require you to purchase an arsenal of expensive web surfing at any adapters. Ideal for travelling with cell phones, handheld game hour. systems, and MP3 players. www.datawind.com www.juicebarchargers.com »TRACKSTICK II FT80WD POLAR » Have you gotten lost while driv- FITNESS MONITOR ing only to wonder later where For fitness enthusiasts who want you took a wrong turn? The to improve strength and cardio. Trackstick, slightly larger than a The monitor guides your strength USB thumb drive, can help you training with heart rate based retrace your steps by copying recovery periods between sets. your travel route to GoogleEarth It creates a training program all for the terrestrial price of based on your personal goals $199. and sets new weekly train- www.trackstick.com ing targets. The Polar Fitness, $319, measures your aerobic fitness at rest and tells you »YOGA-SYZ’S YOGA your progress. Comes with Polar FlowLink for effortless data PAWS transfer to your online training diary at polarpersonaltrainer. Those who don’t like lugging around their yoga mats when com via both Mac and PC. they travel may want www.polar.com to look into Yoga- SYZ’s Yoga Paws, MANHATTAN » $29.95. Lightweight SOLAR PACK and breathable, the The Solar Power Pack mitts slip on over your by Manhattan delivers hands and the balls of the power you need to your feet, making for charge your small elec- travel-friendly exer- tronics just by using a cise. renewable energy source www.yogapaws.com – the sun. For $40, the

28 ∣ Healthcare Traveler December 2013 HealthcareTraveler.com

magentablackcyanyellow ES353486_hct1213_028.pgs 11.20.2013 21:01 ADV Paws for Thought

KIM KILMER Gifts to consider for your pets icture when you come home from a long shift to find and can fit for all dogs, your pets waiting at the door to greet you. but with canine athletes P Now, you can reciprocate. in mind. The technology Christmas is around the corner, so you want to treat that used here is similar to fabulous feline or dedicated dog, there many gift options climate specific outerwear out there to a make everyone happy. I am certain your kit- for humans. ties would love new catnip toys and the dogs will be happy Available from www. to chew on another bully stick, but here are some positively soggydoggydoormat.com inventive new products on the market worth a look. these mat acts as a combo This Cat Crib from The Grommet grime grabbing door mat, promises comfort. Making happy cats dog food and water place- Available from www.thegrommet.com, this kitty hammock mat, crate mat for dogs is sure to be the best resting place in the house. The fleece past the destructive chewing phase of puppyhood or a great and nylon Cat Crib is sturdy, washable and comfy. It is well travel pad. This is an easy item to wash, store, and pack for suited for small space living offering secure Velcro straps any adventure. ■ that allow the crib to be attached in unused spaces such as the undersides of stools, end tables, and chairs. If you travel Kim Kilmer is a canine behavior consultant and freelance with your cat, this is a perfect travel bed for under $30, and writer. She has over 25 years of experience in the field of all takes up little space in your suitcase. breed dog training and behavior modification. Some great handmade options are available at www. etsy.com like a 8-inch long jumbo shrimpie toy. Made to order by RustCraft, the shrimpie is a substantial toy, available in a variety of colors and is budget friendly. Classifieds Doing for dogs There are so many innovative dog products available For Recruitment, Products & Services Advertising Information each year, it can be overwhelming to find “the one” that contact Joanna Shippoli: will provide good service and keep your dog comfortable 800-225-4569, ext 2615 or e-mail [email protected]. or entertained during long hours away from home. I’ve VISA, MASTERCARD, AMERICAN EXPRESS accepted. done a little homework for you, so you can narrow down tax services your search for the perfect dog gift. HealthcareTraveler.com The Grommet also offers the Rad Dog Release and TravelTax Run Leash. This is a dog collar with holds its own re- tractable leash and handle. The “leash” disappears away Started by a former Traveler into the collar when not in use and pulls out easily when with you in mind. U.S. or Canadian tax preparation you are ready to resume control of your dog. It’s the per- Audit assistance fect companion for mixed on and off lead activities and, www.TravelTax.com • 866.272.7871 like the Cat Crib, is a spacesaver. The combo is available in four sizes ranging from a neck measurement of 14 inches to 25 inches and is adver- tised as suitable for dogs weighing up to 110 pounds. Keeping your dog comfortable for outdoor activities can be a challenge based on the nature of your travel. Classified Works It’s nice to be able to move from warm to cold climates, Explore great Career and knowing you have gear the will keep your dogs toasty or PlaCe your ad in cool. Travel Opportunities with HealtHCare traveler! all the leading companies, For Products and Services and The high tech vests and coats available at www.clean- Recruitment, Call all in one place! Joanna shippoli: run.com are perfect for dogs and owners on the go. These 800-225-4569

Photo courtesy of TheGrommet.com courtesy of Photo items are outerwear with form and function in mind December 2013 Healthcare Traveler ∣ 29

magentablackcyanyellow ES353430_hct1213_029.pgs 11.20.2013 20:58 ADV Starter’s Kit DAVID MORRISON Sometimes traveling isn’t a bowl of cherries hile most of my Healthcare other hospital within their Tips from a Traveler W Traveler columns cast a posi- system. My contract didn’t ➤ Stay in constant contact with your tive spin on the travel nursing cover this, and although I recruiter. profession, I try to inform travelers didn’t really care for where ➤ about the pitfalls of the healthcare they were floating me, I Be aware that the scope your travel industry that can arise because went. The next day, I called responsibilities may change when your there’s something to be learned from my recruiter immediately arrive to work. negative experiences. to clarify the situation. This ➤ Know what is and isn’t spelled out in Actually, I don’t have to draw from was two weeks ago, and as your contract. the travel problems of others—not of this writing, the situation when I’m facing challenges on my cur- still isn’t resolved. rent contract. It goes to show that even Remember that your travel contract recruiter has been great and we have after almost 20 years of traveling, you is with your travel company, not the even had honest discussions with me can never fully ensure a contract will hospital. If I was contracted with the about walking away from the contract guard against unexpected problems. hospital and I wanted to dispute the (not something travel companies like My current assignment has me at float to another facility, I could simply to do). She has also helped me look hospital for an eight-week contract. point to my contract and say, “This for other assignment opportunities After renewing for another eight- is not what I agreed to.” However, I should it become necessary. Again, I week contract recently, the facility have no idea what the language of the can’t emphasize enough the impor- requested an additional 13-week com- contract between my travel company tance of having a great recruiter. mitment from me, placing me on site and the hospital might be and how it I think my latest contract demon- until next March. defines my obligations. strates how proactive a travel nurse I was thrilled to have a steady as- At the first sign of a discrepancy, must be, and how important it is to signment for the period, and I was involve your recruiter because a great choose good staffing firms to work also able to write into my contract recruiter can navigate most concerns. with. time off during Christmas to return Due to a continued low census, With Healthcare Traveler changing home (something that any traveler my next problem arose quickly. I was to a all-digital format, I hope to con- can do with any dates during an up- canceled the night after floating and tinue to be able to bring travel nurses coming assignment). Everything was then placed on-call the next night. Per the information they need to establish good, or so I thought. my contract, I’m guaranteed at least an ongoing career in travel nursing. An issue began with my first pay so many hours per pay period. Not all In 2014, look for my second edi- period when my travel company travel companies (or hospitals) will tion of the Travel Nurse’s Bible and a didn’t have my time record. At the put this in your contract. So, when revamped website (travelnursesbible. hospital, I swipe in using a badge and exploring assignments, it’s always im- com) to allow that information to be then administrators input the time. portant to ask. viewed on any computer or smart- Actually, in this case, the hospital uses I have no idea the amount of my phone. a third party to track travel contracts paycheck since the facility has now Also please feel free to contact me and all hours that travelers work. told my travel agency it doesn’t guar- anytime (david@travelnursesbible. Because of some miscommunication antee hours. To confuse things, an- com) for assistance in getting started about my hours, I’ve had to contact other traveler I spoke to on site related in travel nursing, answering ques- the correct hospital personnel, (and that the same hospital told him they tions, or referring you to stellar re- then having to contact their bosses) to would honor the guaranteed hours cruiters whom I’ve worked with if you have my hours inputted for each pay outlined in his contract. So, my total have questions. ■ period. This has been constant so far. pay is still to be determined. Next, because of a low unit census, While my current contract seems David Morrison is the author of the the hospital asked me to float to an- a mess, my communication with my Travel Nurse’s Bible. 30 ∣ Healthcare Traveler December 2013 HealthcareTraveler.com

magentablackcyanyellow ES352867_hct1213_030.pgs 11.19.2013 19:06 ADV Going the Distance ONLINE LEARNING PROGRAMS There’s online nursing options at University of Kansas Karin Marcus RN-to-BSN The program was created to build For More Info ecently, University of Kansas (KU) upon nurses’ existing skills, knowl- was ranked number 23 on the US edge, and experiences and help them KU School of Nursing RNews & World Report’s 2013 Best acquire a baccalaureate degree. The Mail Stop 2029 3901 Rainbow Blvd. Online Graduate Nursing Programs. program incorporates nursing theory, Kansas City, KS 66160 The university’s School of Nurs- evidence-based practice, and technol- (913) 588-1619 ing has been designated a Center of ogy to establish the proper nursing in- Excellence in Nursing Education by terventions. The program is delivered the Washington, D.C.-based National through a variety of methods including League for Nursing (NLN). In fact, KU streaming, text, and video platforms. Technical Requirements: is the only nursing school in the region Participants can earn their degree KU uses the Blackboard learning and one of just 26 nursing schools in on a full-time or part-time basis. management system to delivery the country to earn this designation Classes are held during the spring, its online programs. Participants since the NLN offered the distinction fall, and summer sessions are vary in must meet minimal computer nine years ago. length, from eight weeks during the requirements including a computer The KU School of Nursing’s Bachelor summer semester, to 16 weeks during and Internet access (DSL/Cable of Science in Nursing, Master of Sci- the spring and fall sessions. RN-BSN 512kbps is recommended). ence in Nursing, and Doctor of Nursing students must have completed a total of In addition to an active KU Practice programs are accredited by 60 credit hours of prerequisite liberal email account, PC users will the Commission on Collegiate Nursing arts and sciences courses. require a Windows operating Education and approved by the Kansas RNs can transfer up to 90 credits from system (XP, Vista, and 7), word State Board of Nursing. a university or college previously at- processing software (Microsoft A major public research and teach- tended, including up to 25 nursing credit Word is recommended), Microsoft ing institution, the has been a mem- hours from an accredited Associate’s pro- PowerPoint or PowerPoint Viewer; ber of the prestigious Association of gram. Admission to the KU program is Microsoft Word or Word Viewer; American Universities since 1909. open to anyone with an unencumbered Windows Media Player, QuickTime, Since its founding, KU has consis- RN license and an overall GPA of 2.5. Flash player, Acrobat Reader, Java tently earned high rankings for its Graduates must complete 120 credit plug in, Web browser (Internet academic programs. Moreover, KU hours with a cumulative grade-point Explorer, Firefox, Mozilla, or Google is home to a nationally recognized average of at least 2.0. Also, the final 30 Chrome are all functional with University Honors Program and hours must have been taken through KU. Blackboard). nearly 50 nationally ranked graduate To enroll in the RN to BSN degree Mac users will need a Macintosh programs. program, candidates must have a cur- (10.5 or higher) operating system. rent RN license, either a diploma or Online program Associate’s in nursing, and a mini- Opened in 1905, KU’s School of mum grade point average of 2.5. In- For further information about the Nursing is one of three schools at the terested nurses can complete the online RN to BSN program offered University of Kansas Medical Center. online NursingCAS application, found through the University of Kansas, call Today, the school’s online programs on the School of Nursing’s website, (913) 588-1619 to speak with an admis- foster independent, organized, and self- nursing.kumc.edu. sions advisor or email jhofmeister@ motivated students looking to advance Applications must be accompanied kumc.edu. ■ their careers. KU currently offers an by official transcripts from all other RN-to-Bachelor of Science (BSN) option certified schools, three letters of rec- Karin Marcus is a freelance writer for nursing students. ommendation, and a $45 service fee. living in North Woodmere, N.Y.

HealthcareTraveler.com December 2013 Healthcare Traveler ∣ 31

magentablackyellow ES352866_hct1213_031.pgs 11.19.2013 19:06 ADV reality of death. Most Americans are nearly completely removed from the reality of shift death. “We go see Uncle Jimmy in the hospital or nursing home and there he is, looking great and managing for that hour or so. your Then we leave. The rest of the week, Uncle Jennifer L.W. Fink, RN, BSN, is a registered nurse Jimmy doesn’t look so hot, but we don’t and freelance writer from Milwaukee, Wis. Her work has see that, so we make bad decisions, saying, appeared in a variety of publications, including RN, Nursing Spectrum, Scholastic Parent & Child, and Ladies’ Home Journal. ‘he looks great,’” Jones says. “We give him another antibiotic; give him a feeding tube because most of us have lost touch with the concept of death.” Nurses are human, and humane Nurses, Jones believes, can help right our healthcare system by sharing the real- ou might not think you have extraor- white portraits and interviews with nurses, ity of illness and death with patients and Ydinary insight into the human condi- was published in 2012 to critical acclaim. family members. Through their actions, tion, but you do. (New York Times columnist Theresa nurses can show patients, family members As a nurse, you’ve spent time with peo- Brown called it “a beautiful and moving and society how to engage with people on a ple who are suffering. You have been pres- testament to the soulful, selfless caregiving deeply personal level. Nurses often seem to ent at the beginning of life, at the end of life that nurses work hard to provide.”) The intuitively know when to cry or pray with a and at all the signposts and detours along documentary, an expansion of the book patient, but that ‘intuition’ is really the result the way. You have helped families rejoice, project, will hit the film festival circuit in of finely honed experience. Nurses know and helped them to grieve. early 2014. when to listen and when to share, and they You’ve seen some families disintegrate When Jones began “The American can share that knowledge with others. under stress, while others come together Nurse Project,” she, like many Americans, “A nurse will say, ‘My job is to care for during times of challenge. You’ve seen the believed that “a nurse is a nurse is a nurse.” my patients,’ which sounds so simple,” truth and raw emotion beyond the shiny, Nurses, she learned, are experts at under- Jones says. “But the net result is a respect for happy faces most people present to the standing and accepting humanity. Because one another as human beings that the rest public, and kept that knowledge, deep they understand that their patients’ needs of us have lost touch with. Nurses’ ability inside. extend far beyond IVs, bed baths and med- to understand humanity is so rich and so That knowledge infuses your practice ications, nurses often tap into their per- valuable. It can help us all make decisions and your personal life — and has the power sonal reservoirs and share their strength, about bigger issues in this country.” ■ to change someone’s world. stories and souls with patients in an effort Filmmaker Carolyn Jones believes that to heal hurting humans. YOUR VOICE nurses’ knowledge of humanity gives them Think about that for a minute. The unique insight and power. Nurses, she says, importance of our work can easily be lost, are “a unique group of people who have even to us, as we hurry through demanding amassed knowledge about all of us that is shifts, but the truth is that we are in inti- Does the absolutely essential. If we were smart, we mate contact with the souls of other human industry enable would turn to them for answers.” beings on a regular basis. And while we’ve Jones is the artist behind “The American upgraded our tech skills to keep pace with nurses to be Nurse Project,” a book and soon-to-be a world that is increasing technical, we’ve caring enough documentary that explores nursing in also managed to hold onto our humanity. America. The print version of the project, Consider death, for a moment. Most Answer at Facebook by going to HealthcareTraveler.com/NursingHuman a coffee table book featuring 75 black and nurses know, understand and respect the THINGS NURSES SHOULD KNOW

It’s OK to cry. Death is not defeat. Personal beliefs matter. Don’t beat Be proud. Many people (even Modern medicine Textbooks are of limited yourself up. You are programmed healthcare professionals) offers a lot of value in the real world. You are going to to be a nurse believe that crying in treatment options What a patient “should” do make mistakes and even if you front of someone who is and cures, but and what they will do may Nursing is a highly don’t feel like one grieving will somehow every single life vary widely, depending charged, pressure- sometimes, you make things worse. Nurses will end in death. on the patient’s culture filled occupation. But, are. Feel good that know that honest tears Nurses understand and beliefs. Nurses listen mistakes happen. you’re able to change sometimes help others feel death as a process to patients and tailor Learn from them so someone’s life. and move through pain. and part of life. treatment to their lives. you continue to grow.

32 ∣ Healthcare Traveler December 2013 HealthcareTraveler.com

magentablackcyanyellow ES353122_hct1213_032.pgs 11.20.2013 01:20 ADV Our unmatched commitment to quality saves lives.

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800.697.9824 / crosscountry.com Cross Country TravCorps is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

magentablackcyanyellow ES352542_HCT1213_CV3_FP.pgs 11.16.2013 01:41 ADV Celebrate the holidays with great bonuses from trustaff.

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magentablackcyanyellow ES352541_HCT1213_CV4_FP.pgs 11.16.2013 01:41 ADV