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Information for Healthcare Professionals on the Move HealthcareTraveler.com Looking through the lens June 2013 Volume 20 Number 12 Travel Nursing

Alabama • Alaska • American Samoa • Arizona • Arkansas California • Colorado • Connecticut • Delaware District of Columbia • Florida • Georgia • Guam • Hawaii • Idaho • Illinois • Indiana • Iowa • Kansas • Kentucky • Louisiana • Maine • Maryland • Massachusetts • Michigan • Minnesota • Mississippi • Missouri • Montana • Nebraska • Nevada • New Hampshire • New Jersey • New Mexico • New York • North Carolina • North Dakota • Northern Mariana Islands • Ohio • Oklahoma • Oregon • ennsylvania • uerto Rico • Rhode Island • South Carolina • South Dakota • Tennessee • Texas • Utah • Vermont • Virginia • Virgin Islands • Washington • West Virginia • Wisconsin • Wyoming

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magentablackcyanyellow ES252096_HCT0613_CV2_FP.pgs 05.18.2013 04:24 ADV ® YOUR VOICE

JUNE 2013 | Vol. 20 No. 12

COVER STORY ❯❯ Perspectives ❯❯ Traveler Resources 4 Tips & Technology Your World to Enhance Life on the Road Travelers know best 26 6 In the Bag Agency Insights On the road again Demand for travelers varies 8 28 Tech Support Housing Hints Useful apps, sites, softward, and Parking costs are often part of more overall housing expense 18 Two for the road Travel partners rely on the buddy system ❯❯ Expanding Horizons page 32 Your shift Professional Development Tools for Travelers 30 Starter's Kit ❯❯Travelogue Housing high on most lists Snapshots from Across 31 Going the Distance Town & Across the Country 22 On Assignment Twilight is right for this traveler Long before she was a travel nurse, Sherry Atwell, had an eye for photography. Now, she uses travel assignments as an opportunity to create destination art. page14

Articles in Healthcare Traveler are indexed in the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied issues, if available: $23.00 in the U.S.; $25.00 Canada/Mexico; $26.00 all other countries. you. If you do not want Advanstar Communications Inc. to make your contact information Health Literature (CINAHL). Include $6.50 per order plus $2.00 per additional copy for U.S. postage and handling. If ship- available to third parties for marketing purposes, simply call toll-free 866-529-2922 between Healthcare Traveler (ISSN 1077-5676 (print), ISSN 1946-1100 (online)) is published monthly ping outside the U.S., include an additional $10.00 per order plus $2.00 per additional copy. the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. CST and a customer service representative will assist you 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 in removing your name from 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. in writing from the publisher. Authorization to photocopy items for internal/educational or or other damages incurred by readers in reliance on such content. 40612608. Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to: IMEX Global Solutions, P.O. Box 25542, personal use, or the internal/educational or personal use of specific clients is granted by Healthcare Traveler welcomes unsolicited articles, manuscripts, photographs, illustrations, London, ON N6C 6B2 CANADA. Advanstar Communications Inc. for libraries and other users registered with the Copyright and 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 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. Traveler 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 cus- 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: tomer's name, addresses, phone numbers, and e-mail addresses) to third parties who wish 1 year, $54.00; 2 years, $108.00; All other countries: 1 year, $54.00; 2 years, $108.00. Back to promote relevant products, services, and other opportunities that may be of interest to

HealthcareTraveler.com June 2013 Healthcare Traveler ∣ 1

magentablackcyanyellow ES252605_hct0613_001.pgs 05.21.2013 02:30 ADV We want to hear from YOU Tell us what you think of Healthcare Traveler. YOUR VOICE Email us at [email protected] Twitter Talk Other people & organizations tweeting about issues that matter to you. Find out who com was saying what about National Nurses Week that happened in May.

05.13 Question of the Month STEVE P RICHTARITSCH @STEVERMT I’m at St. Mary’s Hospital in Given the chance, is there a nursing Kitchener Supervising my Top students for #nurseweek specialty that you would pursue? states #massagetherapy. An excellent way to give back for traveling to nurses! JOYCE HEBBERT Labor and. Delivery YOLANDA HAND TO HOLD RICHMOND April 29 at 4:25pm via mobile · Like TO 10 STATES TO TRAVEL Nephology..my Dad AMY REYNOLDS Most healthcare travelers will tell you @ATX_HANDTOHOLD Sending virtual hugs to the was a dialysis patient and hated been an RN since ‘86. that they have the unique opportunity #NICU nurses who cared it! He often skipped treatment worked fl oors, tele, ICU/CCU, to experiment with diff erent cities, for our babies. We love you! and fussed about the staff . I often ER. last 15 years in the OR. towns, and environments.However, #NurseWeek wondered could they really be that’s the great thing about some states stick out more than others that bad, nursing- you should never for assignments. I wanted to make a diff erence. get bored, there’s always Have a favorite state for an THE JOINT COMMISSION April 29 at 11:02am via mobile · Like the opportunity for a new @TJCOMMISSION challenge! assignment? Let us know at: VALARIE WONDER HealthcareTraveler.com/Top States Did you know many #TJC April 29 at 6:58pm · Like employees are nurses? Home care. Its just my niche. TINA MEADOR I love every minute of being We’d like to honor them for I would like to try my hand #NurseWeek 2013 pic.twit- a home care nurse. at ICU April 29 at 11:16am · Like TOP 7 NURSING SPECIALTIES ter.com/CkuFw5AARz April 29 at 10:48pm · Like Last month we profi ls seven stong performers in the nursing industry: ICU, neonatal, dialysis, OR, telemetry, SEN. ROBERT labor and delivery, and ER nursing. MENENDEZ @SENATORMENENDEZ DIGITAL EDITIONS Is there a specialty that we It’s Nat’l #NurseWeek overlooked? Let us now at: & we must cont boosting HealthcareTraveler.com/Specialties nursing workforce. Signed 06.13 letter recently abt nursing development prgms: 1.usa. Question of the Month gov/10j8OxK YOUR HEALTH A recipient of the What travel prestigious IDEA MY LEG, MY CHOICE Lifetime Achieve- @MYLEGMYCHOICE industry issue is ment Award, Kathy Eight Types of Nurses You most important Smith has enlight- Never Knew Existed ened millions about ow.ly/kSFJt #woundnurse to you? iPad and iTunes the virtues of physi- #NurseWeek cal fi tness. You can catch her column in Download it for free today at the next issue of Healthcare Traveler. HealthcareTraveler.com/HealthcareTravelerApp YALE-NEW HAVEN HOSP @YNHH HEALTHCARE TRAVELER NEWSLETTER It’s National Nurses Week. Free weekly newletters off er timely Let us know how a nurse information on nursing. PART OF THE has made a positive impact on your life: on.fb.me/ Answer at Facebook by going to Sign up! HealthcareTraveler.com/TravelerIssues Healthcare_Traveler/main.html Healthcare Traveler is part of the ZKUzTe #nurseweek 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 twitter.com/HealthTraveler facebook.com/HealthcareTraveler among members of our community.

2 ∣ Healthcare Traveler June 2013 HealthcareTraveler.com

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magentablackcyanyellow ES252098_HCT0613_003_FP.pgs 05.18.2013 04:24 ADV Your World

InformationInformation for for Healthcare Healthcare ProfessionalsProfessionals on on the the Move Move HealthcareTraveler.comHealthcareTraveler.com facebook.com/HealthcareTraveler Travelers know best twitter.com/HealthTraveler

24950 Country Club Blvd., Suite 200, North Olmsted, OH 44070 (440) 243-8100 • (800) 225-4569 • Fax (440) 891-2735 he old idiom of “Mother knows best” is a maxim that can be For subscriptions, call (877) 922-2022 applied to almost any situation except when you’re referencing Content TFather’s Day. GROUP EDITOR Daniel R. Verdon PRIMARY CARE [email protected] Basically the lesson is: If you want an expert on a subject, go to (440)-891-2614 CONTENT EDITOR David Bennett the person that knows best. In the world of healthcare traveling, [email protected] travelers know best, especially issues that impact their careers the (440) 891-2744 DIGITAL & INTERACTIVE Brandon Glenn most. CONTENT MANAGER [email protected] (440) 891-2638 They know what salaries are competitive, what staffing firms CONTENT COORDINATOR Miranda Hester deal squarely, what hospitals are considered good assignments sites, GROUP ART DIRECTOR Robert McGarr and what specialties hold the best opportunity in the market. ART DIRECTOR Lecia Landis In our main story, “Travelers tap hot-button issues,” we queried Publishing & Sales EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT Georgiann DeCenzo readers about the professional topics that they considered the most [email protected] (440) 891-2778 pressing. Once a list was tallied, we asked six travelers to provide VP MARKET DEVELOPMENT Drew DeSarle their take on on a range of top- SALES [email protected] LIST ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Renee Schuster ics including: [email protected] YOUR VOICE (440) 891-2613 • Fax (440) 891-2740 • pay REPRINTS 877-652-5295 ext. 121/ [email protected] • education, and Outside US, UK, direct dial: • licensure 281-419-5725. Ext. 121 PERMISSIONS/INT’L LICENSING Maureen Cannon What happens within nurs- [email protected] What travel ing during the next 20 years (440) 891-2742 • Fax (440) 891-2650 is anyone’s guess. There’s the Production & Circulation philosphy that many nurses are 131 West 1 Street, Duluth, MN 55802-2065 industry issue is PRODUCTION MANAGER Karen Lenzen old and will retire soon, just [email protected] (218) 740 6371 most important when the wave of baby boomers AUDIENCE DEVELOPMENT Wendy Bong MANAGER [email protected] hits retirement age themselves, ( 218) 74 0 -7 24 4 • Fa x ( 218) 3 0 5 - 4 218 to you? requiring more nursing care. Some staffing experts believe Answer at Facebook by going to this trend will spur high de- HealthcareTraveler.com/TravelerIssues mand for qualified nurses — both permanent staffing and traveling. Of course, nothing is simple for long. The Patient Protection CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Joe Loggia and Affordable Care Act places increased emphasis on a competent CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER FASHION GROUP, EXECUTIVE VICE-PRESIDENT Tom Florio healthcare corps that includes better-educated nurses playing more EXECUTIVE VICE-PRESIDENT, prominent roles in patient care. Education, credentialing, and li- CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER & censure are part of a growing nursing industry, as travelers know. CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER Tom Ehardt Opinions vary, however. The hot-button issues that one traveler EXECUTIVE VICE-PRESIDENT Georgiann DeCenzo finds pressing, might leave another traveler cold. Is there an issue EXECUTIVE VICE-PRESIDENT Chris DeMoulin that affects your livelihood as a healthcare traveler? Let us know at: EXECUTIVE VICE-PRESIDENT Ron Wall HealthcareTraveler/TravelerIssues. ■ EXECUTIVE VICE-PRESIDENT, BUSINESS SYSTEMS Rebecca Evangelou

SR VICE-PRESIDENT Tracy Harris

VICE-PRESIDENT, MEDIA OPERATIONS Francis Heid

VICE-PRESIDENT, LEGAL Michael Bernstein David Bennett VICE-PRESIDENT, HUMAN RESOURCES Nancy Nugent Content Editor VICE-PRESIDENT, ELECTRONIC | [email protected] INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY J Vaughn

4 ∣ Healthcare Traveler June 2013 HealthcareTraveler.com

magentablackcyanyellow ES252702_hct0613_004.pgs 05.21.2013 03:06 ADV Interested? Circle Career Card No. 611 or go to www.healthcaretraveler.com/readerservice magentablackcyanyellow ES252099_HCT0613_005_FP.pgs 05.18.2013 04:24 ADV Agency Insights BECKY KAHN Information for Healthcare Professionals on the Move HealthcareTraveler.com

Demand for travelers Editorial Advisory Board Healthcare Traveler’s Editorial Advisory Board was established to provide the magazine with input from varies near and far industry leaders to help develop editorial content. Members are chosen by the magazine’s editors to offer he demand for travelers in both normal levels. They can use travelers insight into the topics covered by Healthcare Traveler, and to provide a voice and leadership for the healthcare specialties and locations changes when their need is at a peak, and then traveling industry. T regularly, from year to year. We return to their usual staffing levels asked Becky Kahn, division president when the census drops back down. Travel Health Members

of local staffing and strategic accounts Pam Campbell, RN, Trustaff

for AMN Healthcare, to weigh in on What states have you seen decreased Rose Cousineau, RN, Medical Express

where healthcare traveling opportuni- demand? Barbara A. Craig, RN, director of surgical services, ties are thriving. Kahn: There seems to be fewer orders Blue Mountain Hospital coming out of the Midwest. We expect Karen F. Flaster, RN, COO, HRN Services Inc. Geographically, where are nurses and itÕs because of the unemployment rate; Tim Groves, RN, American Mobile Healthcare other travelers currently finding the hospitals are able to hire and keep Jennifer Hamrick, RN, CNOR, NovaPro Staffing most career opportunities? more permanent nurses. Glenda Hardy, RN, PPR Healthcare Staffing

Kahn: We track where our travelers are Lila Johnson, RN, Foundation Medical Staffing

placed by state, and it varies depending What nursing specialties are seeing Cynthia Kinnas, president, Randstad Healthcare

on the time of year. Right now the top more travel opportunities now? Yvonne Lawson-Thomas, RN, InteliStaf Travel Kahn: four states are Florida, New York, Cali- Currently the top five are: ICU, Jeff Long, marketing manager, Medical Solutions Inc.

fornia, and Texas. In part thatÕs because ER, OR, telemetry, and med/surg. ItÕs Jean Magnuson, RN, Soliant Health

those areas have large populations, but interesting that med/surg has made Michele M. Sacco, MS, executive director, Health Care with Florida and Texas, itÕs also because its way into the top five, because thatÕs Staffing Services Certification, the Joint Commission those are states that retirees flock to usually where hospitals have been able David Whitesell, RN, board of directors, Professional during the winter months. This sum- to place new grads. We think this is Association of Nurse Travelers mer, weÕll probably see more orders for an indicator that more nurses who places in the Northeast like Boston and have been working permanently are Allied Health Members

New England as retirees return home returning to traveling. Emily R. Brawner, OT, American Traveler Staffing and people vacation in those areas. Professionals Does demand fluctuate seasonally Keith Carregal, PT, Sunbelt Staffing Let’s single out Arizona, which has when we are talking about nursing Marsha Dexter InteliStaf Travel seen a steady stream of retirees go specialties? Josephine Feldman, RT, TeamStaff Rx there in the winter the last few years. Kahn: Somewhat. We didnÕt have a big David Garrard, BHS, RRT, RCP, CCEMT-P, PNCCP, Is demand for travel nurses in that re- flu season this year, but sometimes Cirrus Medical Staffing gion following that trend? thatÕs a factor. WeÕre starting to see Debora Janzen, RT (R)(T), ATC Travelers Kahn: While we have seen some slight an increase for labor and delivery Erika Lee, PT, Supplemental Health Care increases in Arizona, demand is still because more babies are born in the Richard Mahnke, PT, Soliant Health relatively low there, as the economy summer. And, weÕre getting a lot of Dawn Morse, PT, Trinity Healthcare Staffing Group and other state issues have lessened orders for ER nurses. We think thatÕs Apollone Reid, MPH, PT, Destination Healthcare Staffing the number of visitors going to Ari- due, in part, to more unemployed and Joel Sauer, CNMT, Favorite Healthcare Staffing zona for the winter. Texas has become uninsured patients using the ER as Paule Thomas, OT, PPR Healthcare Staffing the new Arizona and Florida, and de- their entry into the healthcare system. Kurt VanZandt, ASCP, BS, On Assignment

mand there has increased overall. Patti Witkiewicz, RPT, Cross Country TravCorps

What areas are nurses in especially Jodi Wolfgram, RDMS, RT, Aureus Medical Group So these seasonal fluctuations are nor- short supply which travelers can fill mal for the travel industry? the void? Kahn: Yes. Using travelers makes Kahn: In some of the very highly spe- perfect sense when they know their cialized areas such as PICU, NICU, census is going to increase for three and pediatric OR, itÕs very hard to find or four months, and then fall back to travelers to fill positions.■ 6 ∣ Healthcare Traveler June 2013 HealthcareTraveler.com

magentablackcyanyellow ES252080_hct0613_006.pgs 05.18.2013 03:27 ADV News and Notes

Nurse communication and improve hospital performance on Legislative Corner other pay-for-performance incentives. can improve other For more on the benefits of positive Nurses welcome measures, says study communication in nursing, go to Jen- nifer Fink’s column in he May 2013 RN-to-patient A new study released by Press Ganey issue of Healthcare Traveler. staffing ratio bill Associates indicates that hospitals could potentially affect 15 percent of National Nurses United, the nation’s their value-based purchasing (VBP) ANA pushes agenda largest organization of nurses, today incentive payments by focusing on greeted the re-introduction of a bill in bettering nurse communication. to solve nursing staff the House of Representatives by Rep. In the second of its Performance challenges Jan Schakowsky of Illinois – appropri- Insights series, Press Ganey identified ately during Nurses Week – that would nurse communication as a “rising tide The American Nurses Association set specific limits on the numbers of measure.” According to the company, (ANA) is convening a staffing con- patients each RN can care for in hospi- when hospitals improve nurse com- ference, Fostering Innovative Staffing tals throughout the U.S. munications with patients, they will Solutions, later in the year to help HR 1907, the Safe Nurse Staffing for likely see associated gains in other empower nurses to discover, learn, Patient Safety and Quality Care Act, es- scores: responsiveness of hospital and create inventive solutions to the tablishes minimum RN ratios for every staff, pain management, communica- complex challenge of determining hospital unit at all times. It proposed tion about medication, and increased and delivering appropriate nurse legislation also provides whistleblower overall patient experience scores. staffing. protection to assure that nurses are free The report, The Rising Tide Mea- Co-hosted by the American Nurses to speak out for enforcement of safe sure: Communication with Nurses, Foundation, the conference in Wash- staffing standards. is based on an analysis of more than ington, D.C. will provide attendees The bill complements Senate legis- 3,000 U.S. acute care hospitals using with new tools, strategies, approaches, lation, S 739, re-introduced last month publicly available data. and other practical solutions to help by California Sen. Barbara Boxer. The company says there is a grow- nurses develop staffing plans that will Both bills are modeled on a California ing body of evidence that suggests elevate patient care and foster more ef- law that studies have documented has performance on the Hospital Con- ficient, affirming work environments. saved patient lives, improved the quality sumer Assessment of Health Care The day and a half conference takes of care in multiple other ways, and re- Providers and Systems survey, which place November 8-9 at the Wash- duced nurse burnout keeping the most includes a Communications with ington Hilton. Conference attendees experienced RNs at the patient bedside. Nurses dimension, is strongly associ- can expect engaging multimedia “Rep. Schakowsky, Sen. Boxer, ated with hospital performance on presentations on nurse staffing ex- and the co-sponsors have earned the other Centers for Medicare and Med- perts on real-life examples of specific thanks of patients and nurses through- icaid Services payment programs. staffing solutions. Attendees will also out the country for standing up for The report focuses on improvement learn about the latest technological the one staffing reform that has the efforts on the communication with advances in staffing designed to opti- greatest immediate impact on protect- nurses dimension is an opportunity mize staff, reduce costs, and improve ing patients and saving lives. In Cali- to maximize VBP incentive payments patient outcomes. ■ fornia we have seen the results,” says Deborah Burger, a California RN and co-president of NNU, which is the lead CALENDAR OF EVENTS sponsor of both HR 1907 and S 739, in a prepared statement. AHNA’s 33rd Annual Conference: influence in all healthcare settings, pro- In addition to the two national Oceans of Possibilities June 5-8, vide information on the role of nurses bills, NNU is sponsoring or support- 2013 — Marriott Waterside, Norfolk, Va. in the Affordable Care Act and point to ing patient protection act, nurse ratio innovative strategies for transforming a This annual conference of the American campaigns in the District of Columbia, nursing practice. Holistic Nurses Association will explore Florida, Illinois, Massachusetts, Michi- www.ahna.org possibilities for nurses to deepen their gan, and Texas.

HealthcareTraveler.com June 2013 Healthcare Traveler ∣ 7

magentablackyellow ES252707_hct0613_007.pgs 05.21.2013 03:12 ADV Housing Hints NORA ADAMS

Parking costs are often part of overall housing expense

inding a rental home or apart- what is the cost? sider parking search engines. There ment that includes monthly park- · Can the assigned space accommo- are many easy to use websites available F ing can reap considerable savings. date both my car and motorcycle? nationwide, such as; ParkingSpotter. For many renters living in con- · Can I utilize my parking space for com and BestParking.com where park- gested, fast moving cities, including storage? ing lot and parking garage owners post healthcare travelers on assignment, · Are there height/length restric- available spaces by the day or month. paying for a simple concrete space tions in the garage area? Most department of transportation costs almost as much as leasing an · Are parking spaces assigned to agencies offer online maps that show apartment. A parking space is con- each tenant? the approximate location of city park- sidered an amenity and can cost any- If you find an apartment or sub- ing lots, too. Motorists can search by where from $150 to $500 per month, let you are interested in and it does address or region. For example, San per car. not offer parking, discuss with your Francisco has a program from SFM- Before you commit to signing your landlord or broker if there is competi- TA [San Francisco Municipal Trans- lease while on your next assignment, tion with nearby street parking and if portation Agency] called SF Park that confirm if parking is free for all. parking permits are needed. assists drivers with real time informa- Many communities offer one parking tion about where parking is available option per rental, usually an assigned In the parking zone so drivers can find open spaces. There space. A lack of curbside parking in many is even a free app where you can If you were renting a larger two- cities leaves automobile owners driv- check parking availability and pricing bedroom apartment, you would need ing around neighborhood blocks for right from your smartphone. to discuss if an additional space is hours. If you are lucky to land a spot I recently housed an RN in San available at no charge. If the building with or without a meter, look for Francisco who was flabbergasted by you are moving into offers parking, posted signs and know that each sign’s the high parking garage rates. He is discuss what sort of parking facility enforcement zone extends for 100 feet living in a beautiful studio apart- the community has. It is very impor- in each direction. ment in the Pacific Heights area; the tant to get the answers to some key In Los Angeles, they replaced the monthly parking [attached to build- questions: older coin meters with new smart me- ing] is more than $375 a month, which · Is the parking facility an enclosed ters that accept cash and credit cards. does absorb a chunk of his housing garage or an outdoor lot? These smart meters are programmed budget. However, he sees this costly · Does the outdoor lot offer cov- to not accept payment during restrict- parking space as a worthy investment ered parking? ed parking times and will alert you if as he doesn’t have to park blocks away · How safe and secure is the park- you happen to park during a tow-away from his residence and he doesn’t have ing structure? time period. to park at the hospital, which charges · How far away is the parking from If you want to avoid the possibility a high daily parking rate. my apartment? of multiple parking tickets or get- · Are private garages offered? If so, ting your car towed, you may need to Parking at the workplace buckle down and find a nearby garage If you want to make your daily com- that offers monthly parking. Most mute less stressful, leave your car in Attention travelers parking lots are open to negotiation the garage and take public transporta- Have a question for Nora about housing? on pricing. tion into work. Check with your em- Send it to [email protected] Many garage or lot signs have you ployer if the hospital you are assigned and it could appear in the next edition of inquire within for the monthly rate. at charges for daily parking. Some of “Housing Hints.” To avoid circling the blocks for hours the medical centers can charge up to looking for an available garage, con- $22 per day. 8 ∣ Healthcare Traveler June 2013 HealthcareTraveler.com

magentablackcyanyellow ES250512_hct0613_008.pgs 05.16.2013 20:31 ADV Check with hospital’s website for Urban parking rates vary parking details and rates. As with most hospitals, they do offer details Midtown and downtown Manhattan were the two most expensive on public transportation to the facil- places in the United States to park in 2012, with median monthly rates ity, as well as route and site maps. at $562 and $533, respectively, according to Colliers International’s The problem of parking has become annual survey of parking rates in North America. To simplify the list, we more difficult as populations expand omitted all Canadian cities. in both big and small cities. While The next most expensive U.S. city to park is Boston at $405, 28 percent less per month than midtown Manhattan and well above the you can try to get lucky with off street national average of $166.26 per month. The top 10 U.S. cities with the parking, invest in a nearby parking top monthly parking rates are: garage that will not only guarantee a spot for you, but save you time and New York (Midtown) $562.00 Chicago $289.00 make your commute less stressful by New York (Downtown) $533.00 Seattle $285.00 cutting down on your driving time. ■ Boston $405.00 Washington, D.C. $270.00 San Francisco $375.00 Honolulu $230.00 Nora Adams is director of corporate Philadelphia $313.25 Los Angeles $220.93 housing for Emerald Health Services in Marina del Rey, Calif.

Circle #602 or go to www.healthcaretraveler.com/readerservice HealthcareTraveler.com June 2013 Healthcare Traveler ∣ 9

magentablackcyanyellow ES250513_hct0613_009.pgs 05.16.2013 20:31 ADV Today, healthcare travelers must be better-educated, more versatile professionals. With change comes challenges, as our panel of travelers explains.

Anne Baye Ericksen

ith only six months left until the Patient Healthcare Traveler wanted to know travelers’ take on Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) these and other relevant topics so we asked six healthcare Wis put into practice, the healthcare industry travelers from different parts of the country to weigh in is preparing to adapt. on where the traveling industry stands now, and what hot- For example, over several years, hospitals nationwide have button topics loom on the horizon. Some topics They also been analyzing and installing electronic medical records voiced their concerns regarding: (EMRs) systems — based on the principle that electronic records provide the combined benefit of securing patient ■ salaries, information and cutting down healthcare costs — ahead of ■ EHRs the 2014 deadline. ■ their own health insurance needs, As a result, administrators are trying to gauge whether ■ education, and current staffs will be capable to accommodate the new tech- ■ licensure. nology, not to mention the prospective influx of new patients that the ACA is expected to usher into the country’s How would you describe the vitality of the healthcare travel healthcare rolls during the next decade as health insurance market today? mandates take effect. Brian Koetkemeyer: The recession hit surgical technologists Hospitals and health systems continue to equip and staff very hard. But since the economy started to pick up about themselves in the wake of a slowly rebounding economy, two years ago, the travel market has been fair. which pushed hard at operating budgets and shifted hiring Judy Starr: I personally have not had an issue of finding jobs, trends. The healthcare industry continues to deal with com- but when I talk with seasoned travelers, they say business is plex and evolving circumstances, including the employment picking up. of healthcare travelers who remain on call due to staffing Vicki Moore: The market does seem to be growing. I took a shortages in most regions. permanent position when opportunities dropped off a few But what does it all mean for individual healthcare travel- years ago. The reason I came back to traveling last year is be- ers? Will ACA implementation boost your earning potential cause there seemed to be more assignment availability in my or create a conundrum for career advancement? Have EMR specialty. I think there will continue to be a trend of filling projects created opportunities or an extra burden of hav- short-term positions because hospitals may not want to fill a ing to learn even more technology when moving from one full-time position until they can prove that long-term staff- hospital to the next? ing need. 10 ∣ Healthcare Traveler June 2013 HealthcareTraveler.com

magentablackcyanyellow ES252373_hct0613_010.pgs 05.21.2013 00:55 ADV Panel participants

Brian Koetkemeyer Staffing firm: Accountable Jody Prestine, RN Staffing firm: CRU48, Boca Healthcare Staffing, Boca Raton, Fla.; Home state: Raton, Fla.Home state: Michigan Specialty: Kansas; Specialty: surgical technologist; Years in progressive care and telemetry Years in practice: practice: 30; Years as a traveler: 15 27; Years as a traveler: 12 Vicki Moore, RN, PALS, ACLS Staffing firm: Anna Siwczak, RN, ACLS, PALS, TNCC Staffing Medical Solutions, Omaha, Neb.; Home state: firm: HRN Services Inc., Glendale, Calif. Home Wisconsin; Specialty: post-anesthesia care unit, state: Michigan; Specialty: emergency Years in pre- and post-operative, same-day surgery; Years practice: 7; Years as a traveler: 4 in practice: 34; Years as a traveler: 4 Judy Starr, RN, BSN, CPN Staffing firms: Medical Maggie O’Leary, RN, BSN Staffing firm: On Solutions, Omaha, Neb., and Randstad Healthcare, Assignment, Calabasas, Calif.; Home state: Woburn, Mass. Home state: Pennsylvania; Illinois; Specialty: neonatal intensive care unit; Specialty: pediatrics Years in practice: 9; Years as Years in practice: 5; Years as a traveler: 3 a traveler: 2

Maggie O’Leary: Even though they continue to be short staffed, deductibles postpone and wait to come in until it’s almost too hospitals are not taking the time to train new graduates because late. Like with total joint surgeries, a lot of people will wait it costs so much money. I think they would rather have a traveler until they qualify for Medicare, and by then, they are in such fill in temporarily than hire new grads they have to train. pain that it’s affected their quality of life. O’Leary: I also think it will be a positive thing. I work with a In your opinion, what is the biggest concern for travelers to- lot of parents who don’t have insurance or not enough insur- day? ance and hospitals have to pick up the slack because the NICU Koetkemeyer: Consistency in pay; I would say there’s been a 5 is incredibly expensive. to 10 percent drop in pay rates. Jody Prestine: Most travel assignments do not pay much more How do you think the ACA will directly affect you? than what I could earn as staff. I could hire onto a local hospi- Prestine: I’ve been wondering how the insurance requirement tal at the top of the pay scale because of my 27 years of nursing will work. I took six weeks off last summer so I lost coverage experience. It’s the flexibility of the traveling that keeps me through my staffing company. Then I had to wait another six on the road. weeks to get insurance again because it didn’t kick in on the O’Leary: Pay rates have gone down so much. The rate for a first day of my next contract. It would make me feel better if job I applied for last year dropped by almost half six months I had uninterrupted health insurance. later when it opened up again. Of course, location and cost of O’Leary: I’m young and healthy, but if you have diabetes or living have something to do with the rates. The majority of live with chronic medical conditions and you’re not covered, people who choose urban contracts do so because they want you can’t get the things you need. Also, anything could hap- to experience city life, but it’s expensive. Also, if you want to go pen that you need that insurance. Some companies offer in- to a popular area, hospitals will receive dozens of applicants to surance on Day One, but not everything is covered. Others choose from because everyone wants to be there, and as a result, continued on page 12 they may not pay top rates. Meanwhile, smaller community hospitals are paying more. I took a contract in Oceanside, north of San Diego, because it paid so much more than the contracts in San Diego, almost double. YOUR VOICE Generally speaking, do you expect the Affordable Care Act to What travel industry issue be a positive or negative change? Koetkemeyer: I think it will be a good thing for healthcare. I is most important to you? have friends who work all their lives and can’t afford health insurance the way it works now. Answer at Facebook by going to Moore: Everywhere you go, people with good insurance get HealthcareTraveler.com/TravelerIssues surgeries, but those who do not have insurance or have high HealthcareTraveler.com June 2013 Healthcare Traveler ∣ 11

magentablackcyanyellow ES252370_hct0613_011.pgs 05.21.2013 00:55 ADV continued from page 11 Is there anything new with licensing that affects your ability offer it after a 30-day period, but by then, your contract is to secure assignments? halfway over. There’s going to be a change for a lot of travel- Starr: In fact, the biggest issue I have about traveling is find- ers when everyone is required to have health insurance at ing an assignment in a state I have a license for or a state that all times. We’ll see how that develops. would help me obtain a license quickly. Starr: I had insurance through my spouse, and when that Prestine: What gripes me is that there ought to be a national ended, I had to figure out a different method. We went nursing license. We’re all held to the same standards. a couple of months without it, but I decided to purchase Moore: My home state is a Compact state, but I have found my own policy. It’s portable and not as expensive as you that a lot of Compact states don’t have travel jobs for my might think. practice area. Some states are going to border opportunities, Koetkemeyer: When you are between contracts or switch like Wisconsin and Minnesota . Within 24 or 48 hours, you staffing companies you either go without or sign up for can get a border license so Wisconsin nurses can work in COBRA coverage, which can be ridiculously expensive. I Minnesota. pay out of pocket for a personal policy. It’s easier for me be- Siwczak: I’m not part of the Compact so I have to apply for cause sometimes I use different agencies. Some companies a license wherever I go. Massachusetts was easy and I had will reimburse you and I appreciate that. In a perfect world, it within four weeks. Some places are more difficult, like though, I think staffing companies should come together to Texas and California. offer one type of health insurance for the whole industry. That could keep costs down because all travelers would be Recently, the traveling industry received a significant black covered by the same carrier. mark when a radiologic technologist traveler was charged with exposing patients to hepatitis C. Since then, have you More and more hospitals are installing electronic health noticed any change in permanent colleagues’ attitudes to- records. Has that influenced the demand for travelers? ward travelers because of the negative press? O’Leary: Conversions are a hard thing. Regular staff is pulled Starr: When I heard about that, I thought, whoa! However, off bedside duties to train and the hospital needs extra staff to there have been no accusations or strange looks. In fact, I keep treating patients. I think more travelers will be needed have not heard it mentioned by any staff nurses. as more hospitals go online. Siwczak: What I have heard is that some hospitals are laying Moore: Two of my recent assignments were because the or- off nurses and bringing in travelers. That can create hostility ganizations were changing to new computer systems—one because the staff sees you taking a job. You may have cer- was just going electronic from paper charting and one was tifications, years of experience, and have worked with kids switching programs. It might take a few more years for all and adults, but they just see you as someone else coming in facilities to officially convert to EHRs, and once they all have, where their friend used to work and they consider you, as a the need for travelers could decline. traveler, to be expensive. Moore: One hospital I worked at never had travelers, and at There’s been a national push for nurses to be bachelor’s first, the nurses were afraid we were there to take their jobs. (BSN) degree-prepared. Has that movement hit the travel When they realized we were there to help them get through industry, too? a difficult time, we became friends and good co-workers, Starr: I knew hospitals would be pushing for it, so I was and they begged us to stay. In fact, a couple of travelers did proactive before I left my permanent job and I got my cer- stay. tification and BSN. Koetkemeyer: There has always been some animosity when Anna Siwczak: I’m still in school for my degree, so some you’re coming in for a short time. For example, doctors can hospitals won’t take me because I don’t have it yet. The push get frustrated that they have to train new people every three for nurses to go back to school for their degrees may become months. But that’s not in all places, and most negatives are a bigger problem for some travelers in the future. overcome by the many positives. Prestine: I don’t know of one BSN nurse who makes more Prestine: I have been fortunate that I’ve been warmly re- money than I do, and I’m not BSN. Nor have I had a bit ceived everywhere I’ve gone. I’ve never been dumped on of trouble getting a job because of my years of experience. with the worst cases. I’ve never been ostracized or ignored. Also, at 55 years old, I would never recoup the thousands of The only time that happened was when I went back to being dollars I would spend going back to school. a staff nurse at the same hospital where I previously worked. Moore: Getting the degree for us older nurses is frustrating; As a staff nurse, I had awful treatment. however, one great thing about travel nursing at our age is that our years of experience make us more marketable. Have orientations associated with new assignments changed in terms of better information and detail? Any suggestions 12 ∣ Healthcare Traveler June 2013 HealthcareTraveler.com

magentablackcyanyellow ES252368_hct0613_012.pgs 05.21.2013 00:55 ADV on how they can be improved, or recruiters can better pre- don’t ask for help because they don’t want any extra service pare travelers before they set out? to be deducted from their pay. I think it’s more a matter of Koetkemeyer: It’s hit or miss. Some places have no orien- talking to your agency and they will probably be happy to tation whatsoever, while others give you the full hospital help. orientation. I would liked to see a structured traveler ori- Starr: Right now what they are doing is good, but maybe entation that’s an abridged version of the staff orientation. they could offer a little more incentives. One company I Moore: I think some hospitals struggle with just how much worked with initiated a bonus program based on the hours information to give travelers. With my current assignment, you work. Incentives like that help. I received some policy and procedure and departmental in- Koetkemeyer: I do wish they offered sick and vacation days. formation before I started the job. I even got paid 10 hours to have the paperwork done before I arrived, which was Finally, how confident are you in the future of the healthcare good because I had to hit the floor the first day. Being a travel industry? traveler, though, it’s your job to be able to come in and hit O’Leary: It’s a great field. I get to see different hospitals and the ground running. different ways people do things. Prestine: The repetition used to bother me. Then I got Moore: There will always be a need for travelers. to thinking, this hospital doesn’t know me. I know I’m a Prestine: We’re a well-trained source of support for hospi- damned good nurse, but they need to know that I can do tals needing a short-term staffing boost. There can be a lot a good job. of reasons for a short-term bump, so a supply of well-trained clinicians who are willing to be flexible and share their ex- How would you rate your company’s benefits? Is there pertise will always be in demand and appreciated. ■ something you’d like to see added or expanded? O’Leary: A lot of agencies don’t understand how hard relo- Anne Baye Ericksen is a freelance writer who has cating is. They pay for flights or reimburse travel expenses, contributed to Healthcare Traveler since 1996. She resides but it never covers everything. Then again, a lot of travelers in Simi Valley, Calif.

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Circle #601 or go to www.healthcaretraveler.com/readerservice HealthcareTraveler.com June 2013 Healthcare Traveler ∣ 13

magentablackcyanyellow ES252367_hct0613_013.pgs 05.21.2013 00:54 ADV Sherry Atwell combines her work as a travel nurse and a professional photographer to produce lasting memories.

David Bennett

or some, work can be relaxing. For others, hobbies can turn into work. Sherry Atwell, ACLS, PALS, TNCC, BLS, has been a healthcare traveler for almost two years. During that time, the emergency room nurse has mostly worked assignments in southwestern United States, which seems to hold her imagine and provide a creative foundation for her photo-

Sherry Atwell graphic pursuits.

Want to hear Sherry Atwell explain more about the photos shown? Go to HealthcareTraveler.com.

14 ∣ Healthcare Traveler June 2013 HealthcareTraveler.com

magentablackcyanyellow ES252348_hct0613_014.pgs 05.21.2013 00:54 ADV Atwell likes black and white imagery; an example is the Cloud Gate in Chicago (left). For more color, here’s the majestic forms of Georgia O’Keeffe’s home at Ghost Ranch in Abiquiu, N.M.; and the Old Mesilla Village, Las Cruces, N.M. (lower); (opposite page) a decorated barn in Door County, Wis.

In her spare time, Atwell, a professional photographer when she isn’t working emergency, captured the es- sence and diversity of the rural region on film. The richness and diversity of the land’s ruggedness, which comes in the form of flat and grassy plains found in Texas, and Oklahoma, or the Rocky Mountains that run through New Mexico, have been natural photo backdrops for Atwell. She has explored small towns and national parks, and the region is also home to some of the oldest Hispanic communities in the United States, many of which date to the 16th and 17th century. Depending on where you go, southwestern architecture and culture is on equal display, which Atwell has captured in a growing portfolio. She explains that her work as a travel nurse has provided a great opportunity to grow her second occupation. Atwell, who got into serious photography while in college, launched Atwell Photography in her hometown of Austin, Texas in 2009. Recently she

All photos by Sherry Atwell. continued on page 16 Circle #605 or go to www.healthcaretraveler.com/readerservice June 2013 Healthcare Traveler ∣ 15

magentablackcyanyellow ES252144_hct0613_015.pgs 05.20.2013 19:44 ADV Atwell makes the simple unique, like her take on this Good Friday cross (left) erected at Tome Hill, N.M.; a welcoming sign in Austin; authentic footwear of El Paso; a balloon festival in Albuquerque, N.M. and turtles resting in Honolulu.

continued from page 15 “I really don’t have a preference,” Atwell says. “I enjoy taking came back from a visit to Istanbul, Turkey, where she says she pictures of anything that catches my eye. I do love to capture peo- “got some amazing shots. Very interesting place to visit.” ple in their natural form and doing everyday activities though.” The travel nurse, who is also into painting and mountain She explains that one advantage of photography is cap- biking, shared some of her work with Healthcare Traveler. She turing a spontaneous moment for all time. However, to get says because the traveling lifestyle provides opportunities to the detailed images suitable for framing, some planning and take in different assignment locations, and their individual preparation are in order. The more complex the subject, the visual appeal, the chances for travelers to sharpen their skills more time you should plan ahead for the optimal photograph. behind the lens are abundant. “I usually have an idea of what I want to snap, but what re- Atwell began her photography career ally makes a better picture is when you discover something due to a keen interest that began at an unexpected to take a picture of,” Atwell says. “Of course, early age. bringing all your equipment with charged batteries always “Photography has always been a passion helps too. If your battery runs out, you’re not taking any pic- of mine,” she says. “I bought my first cam- tures that day. era when I was 14-years-old with my first “I usually carry a zoom lens for far-away subjects and a few paycheck that I earned. I then went on to different filters,” she continues. “The camera I am using right take classes while in college and seriously now is a basic Nikon D3100 that is easy for anyone to use. It considered it as a full-time career choice.” doesn’t cost a lot of money and is easy to travel with.”

Travel snaps Up to Alaska According to Atwell, balancing her travel assignments with her While she has explored the rural outlay of the southwestern photography agenda is manageable as long as she plans ahead. United States, Atwell longs to take her practice and camera gear “I always use my time off to go and explore my surroundings, up north where the country is even more rugged and picturesque. and the places that I think would be great picture taking sites,” “Alaska has been on the top of my list for a while now. I am she says. “If I happen to have a stretch of days off, a road trip is hoping to get an assignment there this summer, or during the not out of the question and I will jump in my little gypsy wagon Iditarod dog races,” she says. and explore different parts of the state that my assignment is in.” Whether you are a healthcare traveler who likes to stay close Once on location, her subject focus runs from architecture, to home or go to the outer edge of civilization, Atwell explains to cultural icons, to natural wonders. However, people acting that taking photographs on a serious basis isn’t always fun, and ordinary tops her list of preferred subjects. can even be stressful at times. 16 ∣ Healthcare Traveler June 2013 HealthcareTraveler.com

magentablackcyanyellow ES251839_hct0613_016.pgs 05.18.2013 00:14 ADV Her photos feature the bright and the bold including (left) the Fremont Casino in Las Vegas; Ryan Braun taking a swing with the Milwaukee Brewers; and the cultural wonder of this mission in San Antonio.

“I was recently in Taos, New Mexico and traveled six hours “Buying a good basic camera is a must first off and then to get pictures of the Taos Pueblo and find out when I was there signing up for a basic photography class to learn how to use that is was closed for pictures because a ceremony was going on that camera,” Atwell says. “Then after that, go out and take at the time,” she says. “I decided to drive up and just take a look LOTS of pictures. The more practice you get, the better pho- from my car. I was able to snap a few pictures from the backside tographer you will become.” of the Pueblos. Unfortunately as I was leaving the reservation, This holds true if you’re a more experienced shutterbug I was stopped to have my camera checked for pictures. I was also. asked to delete the two pictures I took. Just glad they didn’t take “Just practicing your picture taking skills and having my camera, which they have a right to do, apparently.” good composition is a must. Looking at other photogra- So after developing a creative eye, and taking thousands phers work also helps to make you a better picture taker of photographs, what advice does she have for the beginner by seeing how they created the make up of that picture,” interested in travel photography? she says. ■

Circle #612 or go to www.healthcaretraveler.com/readerservice HealthcareTraveler.com June 2013 Healthcare Traveler ∣ 17

magentablackcyanyellow ES251837_hct0613_017.pgs 05.18.2013 00:14 ADV FOR THE

If there’s a profession that accommodates the buddy system, it’s traveling. Denene Brox

or many healthcare travelers, traveling to a new “Since most travel assignments are 13 weeks long, we get destination and a new work environment every to start doing things right away, maximizing our time.” 13 weeks is exciting, but is full of uncertainty. For the past year, Angela Leonardo, RN, and Courtney Some travelers decrease the anxiety by travel- Shelton, RN, have traveled to assignments together, sharing with a friend (or two); many pairs or small ing shared their own adventures along the way, including groups of fellow nurses and therapists work with the horseback riding, hiking trips, and motorcycle rallies. same recruiter and take assignments in the same city and They’ve also shared simple things together like attend- even the same hospital.“When you go to a strange place ing concerts. where you don’t know anyone, it’s great to have someone However, traveling with a partner is still new to a ma- to do something with from the start,” says Justin Beal, jority of travelers, according to one recruiter, who says RN, an emergency travel nurse, who travels on assign- that that only a few travelers that his company assigns ments with girlfriend Julie White, RN, an ICU travel request to travel with another person. nurse. The pair has traveled together for 18 months.

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magentablackcyanyellow ES251680_hct0613_018.pgs 05.17.2013 21:09 ADV “I find most RNs travel alone. However, there is a “Since one of my small percentage, about five percent, that prefer to travel former PT school with someone else,” says Miles Mattern, senior recruiter roommates and at Rise Medical Staffing in Sacramento, Calif. “Half of best friends was those people are open to taking a contract by themselves thinking of trav- if needed; the other half won’t accept any contract un- eling as well, we less they can travel with someone, be it a friend or sig- decided we both nificant other.” would rather Alison Hensel, regional director of recruitment for have someone else Justin Beal, RN, and girlfriend Julie White, RN, Advantage RN, a healthcare staffing firm based in West with us. This way have found adventure on the road. Chester, Ohio, finds that about 10 percent of her travel- we could explore ers ask to be placed with friends or loved ones on as- more and feel signments. She recalls sending one pair of “Southern comfortable.” Belles” to Alaska for 13 weeks. “They had a ball,” she Shelton feels there are some things she would never says. “Plus, they were able to leave their husbands back experienced without Leonardo, and others that she in North Carolina.” would have done alone. If you’ve never considered partnering up with a fel- “I wouldn’t have gone horseback riding or hiking low nurse or therapist on travel assignments, it may be alone,” she says. “But I would have gone to see Mount worth considering. Those who do pair up find that it Rushmore alone without a problem. Having a friend not only makes their assignments less solitary, but en- to travel with most definitely pushes you to do more hances them socially. things. I’m more of a homebody while Angela is always saying ‘let’s go here, let’s go there.’ Pros of paired traveling But, it was my idea to go horseback While having a wing man or woman riding.” there to explore a new city with is For Beal and White, traveling a big reason why travelers like to paired increases the potential for travel with a friend, security is also meeting even more new people at a major incentive. each new destination. “My mom was so glad when she “We always seek to make new found out I was traveling with a Angela Leonardo, RN Courtney Shelton, RN friends everywhere we go,” Beal friend,” Leonardo says. “You always says. “Our coworkers always know have someone to depend on. Second- where the hot spots are and the best ly, you can save more money.” spots for sightseeing. Plus it’s nice to Shelton also enjoys the instant make friends from all over the coun- companionship in each new city. try; a lot of the friends we’ve made “You don’t feel so alone in strange from past assignments, we still keep places. If you want to go out to eat, in touch with to this day.” like Angela always does, you have Justin Hopkins, RN, who often someone to do it with. Also, we love Kelley O’Dell, PT, DPT Laura Matson, PT, DPT travels with two close friends, says he our movie dates. I figured that since doesn’t feel that traveling with another it was a new beginning, to do it with a friend would be friend or two prevents him from interacting with new co- perfect.” workers or people in another location. Beal agrees that there is comfort in having his girl- “If anything, I feel that it makes it easier to con- friend there on assignments. “The plus side is you nect with more people,” he says. “Many people are in- always have someone you can trust in a strange new trigued by travel teams and want to connect to learn city,” he says. “Even if you do make friends, they are more about it. Also, traveling with two other people still complete strangers. So it’s nice to know someone’s many times means that we are connecting with two there to count on.” to three times the amount of people that one person Another traveling duo, Laura Matson, PT, DPT and could.” Kelley O’Dell, PT, DPT, also enjoy the security of trav- None of the sets of friends feel that there are any eling together. negatives to partnering up for assignments – as long as “I like to travel, however when in a new place, it you choose your travel companions carefully.

Photos courtesy of Courtney Shelton, Kelly O’Dell, and Justin Beal can be intimidating to explore alone,” Matson says. continued on page 20

HealthcareTraveler.com June 2013 Healthcare Traveler ∣ 19

magentablackcyanyellow ES250520_hct0613_019.pgs 05.16.2013 20:35 ADV continued from page 19 Combining assignments So, you and a fellow nurse have decided to travel to- Teaming up gether. How do you go about getting placed together? If traveling with a friend sounds appealing, there are When reviewing assignments, remaining flexible is some things to consider before hitting the road together key. “I have always been able to book my travel pairs either in the same “My travel companions facility or in the same city,” says and I were good Melanie Douglas Major, recruiting manager with Nurses Rx, a health- friends for a few years care staffing firm based in San Diego. “They need to be open to go where before we decided to two positions are posting and be willing to take them both.” travel together.” Leonardo says that sometimes it’s -Nathan Campbell, RN been easy to find assignments with Shelton, while other times have been Justin Hopkins (left), Randi Lickliter, and Nathan more challenging. “It just depended Campbell often travel together. on the needs [of the client],” she says. “There were times when we easily found an assignment and times when we had – especially if you plan to share housing. to wait a few weeks, which was fine because we got to “Make sure you know the person’s personality. You spend time with family and friends.” would hate to travel with a person who loves to party It can be more challenging if you and your travel part- and invite different people over when your personality ner have different specialties. If this is the case, “you isn’t like that,” Shelton says. definitely have to be open with your location selection,” Beal adds that a potential travel buddy should be Beal says. “Plus we made sure to let them [our recruiters] someone you trust and get along with well because know it wasn’t a necessity to be at the same hospital, just “you’ll be spending a lot of time together” on an as- the same location. So, we gave them a couple different signment that typically lasts 13 weeks. city choices we wanted to go, and it’s worked out so far.” “If your friend is someone you can only take in small It can prove challenging when a pair wants the same doses, it’s not going to work,” Beal says. “And make sure facility and schedule, Hensel says. “It’s easier if they are you want to go to the same places together, and what you flexible with schedules and shifts. Hospitals don’t want plan on getting out of these experiences is the same. For travelers making demands.” example, if you like to go hiking, and your friend is a Mattern says that placing pairs can be more challeng- couch potato you don’t want to find yourself hiking alone ing because of the variables involved. all the time, that’s why you’re traveling with a friend.” “Certain hospitals won’t allow travel pairs because of Nathan Campbell, RN, who travels with friends Hop- the number of issues it can create,” he says. “Just as with kins and Randi Lickliter, RN, agrees. any travel contract, timing has a lot to do with every- “Make sure you travel with a true friend,” he says. thing and the success of making a travel pair work. The “My travel companions and I were good friends for a few biggest thing I look for in a travel pair is how flexible years before we decided to travel together. You may not they are. The more flexible the travel pair is (location, get the first assignment in the location you dreamed of, shifts, unit, pay, housing, etc.) the easier it will be to but having someone to share the experience with is even place them. If the travel pair is more demanding in better. You definitely need to be compatible on multiple their requests (need to have the same shift, same sched- levels with your travel buddies. You need to be able to ule, amazing location or pay) the less likely they are to live with this person and interact with them on a daily be placed somewhere together. As a recruiter, this sim- basis.” ply isn’t worth your time as there is a pool of RNs out Finally, think about how flexible you’re willing to be there who are much more flexible and easier to place.” about which assignments you take. You’ll have far greater On the flip side, Mattern says that the process for success working with your recruiter if you’re open-mind- pairs signing up for a recruiter together is just as simple ed. But if you’re committed to a certain city or type of as applying solo. assignment, there may not be room for a friend on your “They would go through the same hoops as if they were

travels. traveling alone (resume, references, checklist, and certifica- Photo courtesy Randi Lickliter 20 ∣ Healthcare Traveler June 2013 HealthcareTraveler.com

magentablackcyanyellow ES250523_hct0613_020.pgs 05.16.2013 20:35 ADV with only one taking the available assignment. Urtz says that For Your Information housing can still be arranged for both friends. “If the eligible traveler was to take on an assignment, · One defining quality of a successful traveling pair our housing specialist would arrange accommodations for is flexibility. the traveler and his/her friend. This way, the in-eligible partner would be able to travel to the destination together,” · Housing for two can be arranged easily through a Urtz says. recruiter. While shared housing is a big incentive for some trav- · Traveling partners should ensure that their el partners, others choose to occupy their own quarters. personalities mesh. “We have always had our own places,” says Beal. “Since our schedules are never the same and some of the places that you can find yourself living in are small, it’s best to tions). Assuming it looks like they both qualify to be placed, have the space, especially because we both travel with pets.” it’s then a decision from the hospital or client as to whether If you do share housing, Leonardo urges pairs to take they are both suitable for the positions that are open. It’s an inventory of their housing items before leaving. “It’s easier when the travel pair has similar experience versus good to know what the other person is bringing so you one RN having 20 years of experience and the other only don’t bring duplicate items,” she says. having two years of experience. You may run into a situ- Shelton adds: “We didn’t pack lightly for the first as- ation where they want to take one RN and not the other.” signment but the next two assignments we did. But it Mattern suggests thinking through what you both worked out. Angela had items I didn’t bring and vice want in terms of assignments, locations, and types of versa.” positions before working with a recruiter in order to Traveling with a friend can be one of the most reward- save time. He also suggests that pairs think through ing decisions you make in your traveling career. Having a what things they are willing to “bend” on in order to companion to keep you company while exploring differ- make it happen. ent parts of the coun- “Flexibility is important,” Mattern says. “Unrealistic try has made traveling expectations will only lead them to working with the a more enriching ex- unrealistic/inexperienced recruiters.” perience for many. So, Have You Ever Rebecca Urtz, an account executive with Utica, N.Y.- if you’ve ever found based Fortus Group, advises traveling pairs to tell their yourself lonely on Dreamed of Visiting recruiter up front that they are hoping to take assign- assignments, or new New York & New Jersey? ments in tandem. to traveling and find “The recruiter will require the partner’s contact in- the open road daunt- White Glove formation in order to assess the skills of that person as ing, grab a friend and Can Make Your well,” she says. share your next as- Several factors could make it possible that one may not signment. ■ DREAMS qualify. If that is the case, the traveler who qualifies would come true! be able to take on an individual assignment. If one traveler Denene Brox is a Many Travel gets an offer and the other doesn’t, then there is a decision freelance writer Nursing to be made. One option is for the pair to still travel together based in Kansas City. Assignments in Major NY & NJ Hospitals YOUR VOICE Med/SurgER ICU/CCU OR PACU L&D MB/PP NICU Pediatrics Peds ER PICUPsych Telemetry Hemo/Dialysis Do you think traveling with a friend OncologyEndoscopy Radiology Immediate Placement would be difficult or welcome? Personalized Payment Plans Why? WHITE GLOVE PLACEMENT, INC. Answer us at Facebook by You care for your patients.We care for YOU. 85 Bartlett St., Brooklyn, NY 11206 going to HealthcareTraveler.com/BuddyTravel 866.387.8100 Apply Online: www.whiteglovecare.com

Circle #614 or go to www.healthcaretraveler.com/ HealthcareTraveler.com June 2013 Healthcare Traveler ∣ 21 readerservice

magentablackcyanyellow ES250522_hct0613_021.pgs 05.16.2013 20:35 ADV On Assignment

BELLEVUE, WASHINGTON POPULATION 122,737

Twilight is right The city of Bellevue exudes a rustic charm that Latoa Leeks, CST, found hard to resist during for this traveler a recent assignment.

Inspired by the books, ever to land an assignment Latoya Leeks loved in the Pacific Northwest, I would absolutely go to absolutely everything about Forks,” states the certified her recent assignment in surgical technologist who accepts mobile positions Washington state. with On Assignment, a staffing company based in Average high temperature Calabasas, Calif. (July): 76º Anne Baye Ericksen The drive out to the peninsula definitely set a “ n the Olympic Peninsula of northwest Washington Average low temperature dramatic mood. “I drove State, a small town named Forks exists under a (December): 36º through a rain forest and Inear-constant cover of clouds. It rains on this in- a Native American reser- consequential town more than any other place in Average annual precipitation: vation, and it was beauti- the United States of America.” 36.27 inches ful,” Leeks recalls. “Then “It was beautiful, of course; I couldn’t deny that. Every- I went to the beach in La thing was green: the trees, their trunks covered with moss, Push and just sat on some their branches hanging with a canopy of it, the ground cov- CITYSCAPE logs and looked around. ered with ferns. Even the air filtered down greenly through The waves were rolling At fi rst glance, Bellevue, the leaves.” Wash., may appear to be in and it was so colorful. —Twilight by Stephenie Meyer just another suburb on the I remember thinking, no It was that description outskirts of a metropolitan wonder she wrote about Visitors can stroll Bellevue center, in this area, Seattle. of Bella’s arrival in Forks, Botantical Garden, where flora Upon closer look, however, this place. I felt like you Wash. that pulled Latoya grows in abundance. you’ll fi nd that this city has could fall in love with the Leeks, CST, into the super- a personality all its own. first thing that walked up With a population of more natural world of Twilight than 120,000, it’s the fi fth to you.” (she’s Team Jacob if you’re largest city in the state Of course, the whole wondering). So when she and home to a variety of Twilight experience industries and big-name was presented a contract at businesses, including wouldn’t be complete Overlake Medical Center Microsoft and Expedia. The without heading into in Bellevue, Wash., less retail and service sectors downtown Forks. “It’s lit- contribute greatly to the than half a day’s drive local economy, which has erally the tiny town Meyer from the real-life Forks, fared well during the reces- described,” Leeks says. she was ecstatic. sion. According to Census “From what I could figure ACS, the median household “I’m a huge Twilight fan, income for the area was out, many of the towns- which is one of the rea- more than $13,500 greater people had never heard sons why I wanted to go to than the national median of the books until visitors Washington state. I prom- income in 2011. started showing up asking

ised myself that if I was about places named in the Photos courtesy of Visit Bellevue Washington and Latoya Leeks

22 ∣ Healthcare Traveler June 2013 HealthcareTraveler.com

magentablackcyanyellow ES250898_hct0613_022.pgs 05.17.2013 01:35 ADV Local businesses like Belle Pastry offer travelers all the OUT & ABOUT tastes of home.

If you’re idea of a great adven- stories,” she says. “Now nourishment of all that ture is less about submersing even the smallest stores rain. On a sunny day, it yourself in nature and more have made Twilight some just comes alive. Also, about surrounding yourself with unique dishes or spirits, part of its name or sell the there’s so much to do, both then you’re in luck. Bellevue merchandise.” indoors and outdoors,” boasts a thriving entertain- Although the latest says the traveler, who has ment district with a variety of restaurants and clubs. movie installment, The been on the road for nearly Of course, you can’t go to Twilight Saga: Breaking three years. the Paciﬁ c Northwest without Dawn-Part 2, had come Very early in her con- tasting the local seafood. Sea- star Restaurant and Raw WEEKEND EDITION and gone by the time tract, Leeks took in some Bar highlights seasonal menu at Leeks began her contract of the more famous attrac- items like Dungeness crab or Shop ’til you drop Bellevue Square, or for high- in February, she made tions in Seattle. Alderwood plank salmon. end swag, go to The Bravern. Get dressed up and enjoy sure to rewatch all the “I went to the Space a night on the town, starting www.bellevuecollection.com DVDs after her excursion. or www.thebravern.com Needle and Pike Place Fish with dinner and drinks “Having been to Forks Market where they toss the at Pearl Bar & Dining. Stop and smell the ﬂ owers, Whether an intimate dinner hundreds of them, at the Bel- made the movies more ex- big fish,” she says. for two or a big group, the levue Botanical Garden. citing somehow,” she says. One of her favorite menu is sure to please all http://www.bellevuebotani- experiences was a cruise palates. But if you are going cal.org CAPTIVATED around Puget Sound, in- with a bunch of folks, reserve You have been summoned the Chef’s table for a culinary to the Bellevue City Hall for However, Leeks’s interest cluding passing through showcase. the latest art exhibition. in the Evergreen State ex- the Ballard Locks that If the night’s still young, http://www.ci.bellevue. tended beyond the Twilight separate the Pacific Ocean check out the Blue Martini wa.us/8495.htm Lounge for an after-dinner references. She had long from Lake Washington. concoction. There are 42 heard from fellow travel- “I had never traveled martinis on the menu. Go on a Thursday and partake in the ers about how wonderful through a locks system free Salsa dancing lessons. the area was in terms of before,” Leek says. “It was More likely to drop in on a natural wonder and as an pretty amazing to see how weekend? Dance to DJ music on Saturdays or listen to live overall mobile experience. the water rises and lowers entertainment on Sundays. “Until you come here, you to allow ships to move into Right around the corner is don’t really get it. Even the Sound. Parlor Billiards & Spirits, ranked No. 1 in the country by though it can be mist- “Then we went out on Billiards Digest, boasting 17 ing or raining frequently, the open water, which pool tables. beauty comes through the gave us an amazing view of Seattle,” Leeks continues. “It was a completely The Bellevue Arts different perspective of Festival Weekend, the skyline. For a split- usually held in July, offers visitors second, a lighthouse a ton of creative looked like it was sitting expression to satisfy their directly if front of Mount palette. Rainier. The best part, though, was when we saw a sea lion sitting on a buoy eating a salmon. As we went by, it raised its head to look at us as if we were the tourist attraction. That was pretty cool.”

COMMUNITY MINDED Beyond sightseeing and occasionally dropping into Seattle to visit museums

continued on page 24

HealthcareTraveler.com June 2013 Healthcare Traveler ∣ 23

magentablackcyanyellow ES250900_hct0613_023.pgs 05.17.2013 01:35 ADV On Assignment

continued from page 23 and other cultural venues, Leeks was content to hang out in Bellevue. For one MEDICAL DIRECTORY thing, it satisfied her need to watch the latest Hol- Although its medical lywood releases. “There profi le isn’t as expansive were at least 10 theaters as Seattle’s, Bellevue residents don’t have to within 15 minutes of my head into the city to fi nd apartment and another 10 full-service healthcare. within 30 minutes,” says With approximately 350 beds, Overlake Medical the self-professed movie Center ranks as the city’s buff. largest hospital. The center Leeks also enjoys live is a Level III trauma center and often the fi rst line of theater and made a point care for patients transport- to go to the local com- ed in from eastern Wash- edy club. “I saw Michael ington state. In addition to emergency, medical/ Winslow’s show. He’s the surgical, and intensive care comedian who did all the departments, the facility noises in the off ers heart catheteriza- Police Acad- tion, neonatal intensive emy movies, and he was care, and psychiatric care. great,” recalls Leeks. Outpatient services include But it’s the city’s diver- chemotherapy, physical Circle #609 or go to www.healthcaretraveler.com/readerservice rehabilitation, and wound sity that really struck a management. chord with her. “There’s a Seattle Children’s Hos- melting pot culture here. pital runs the Bellevue Clinic and Surgery There are people from Center for families in east everywhere and they all King County. Children blend together,” she ex- and teens needing treatments in everything from plains. “For example, just audiology to nephrology, in my apartment building, otolaryngology to vascular my neighbors are Russian, anomalies — a total of more than 30 special- there are Canadians down ties — can fi nd the care in the hall, fellow travelers Bellevue. Physicians from are staying here as well as the parent hospital also practice at this campus so some elderly and young patients and families don’t people. It’s a friendly com- have to compromise qual- munity.” ity for convenience. Group Health Coop- That friendliness erative is one of a handful extended into the work- of healthcare organiza- place, too. Leeks says the tions where its customers have a say in its manage- staff at Overlake Medical ment. For more than 65 Center was more than years, the cooperative has generous in helping her been governed by a board consisting of its own acclimate. “I have not health plan members. been treated like an out-

Tthe Group Health Bel- sider here. They even levue Medical Center is staﬀ ed by Group Health helped me study for my Physicians, an acclaimed certification exam, and medical group that when I passed, we all cel- represents 75 specialties and subspecialties. ebrated with cake and ice cream,” she says. Photos courtesyPhotos Visit Bellevue Washingtonof

Circle #610 or go to www.healthcaretraveler.com/readerservice 24 ∣ Healthcare Traveler June 2013

magentablackcyanyellow ES250899_hct0613_024.pgs 05.17.2013 01:35 ADV The indoor climbing gym Stone Gardens offers the most gripping experience in Bellevue. The site caters to expert and novices climbers alike.

FAN FAVORITE Between breathtaking scenery, a plethora of activities — including her Twilight quest — and the neighborly residents, Leeks cites this assignment as one of her favorites. Indeed, she didn’t hesitate when offered a contract extension so she could experience the region in a whole new light during the summer. “My coworkers have all volun- What teered to help me do something fun every weekend this summer. assignment I really want to fully explore ev- have you erything the area has to offer,” she says. ■ found

Anne Baye Ericksen is a freelance inspiring? writer who has contributed to Answer at Facebook by going to Healthcare Traveler since 1996. She resides in Simi Valley, Calif. HealthcareTraveler.com/IdealAssignments

Celebrating 30 Years! PARKING IT

If you want to see the splendor of the Pacifi c Northwest, there’s no better jumping-off point than Bellevue. Are you a nature buff ? RESOURCES You have a choice of three national parks and a National Recreation Area within a Visit Bellevue Washington, 11100 NE 6th Street short drive. There’s hiking, camping, and Bellevue, WA 98004, visitbellevuewashington. fi shing in North Cascades National Park. com If you want a more laidback day in the Where the Washington State Department of Health, mountains, climb aboard the Lady of the Town Center East, 101 Israel Rd SE, Tumwater, Lake for a scenic transport to Stehekin, a NURSES WA 98501, (360) 236-4580, doh.wa.gov neat little town stashed away in the middle of the Lake Chelan National Recreation Call the Department of Health Nursing Care Area. Quality Assurance Commission, P.O. Box To the east sits Mount Rainier Na- 47864, Olympia, WA 98504, (360) 236-4700, tional Park. The active volcano is the most SHOTS doh.wa.gov/LicensesPermitsandCertifi cates/ glaciated peak in the Lower 48 states and NursingCommission.aspx its melt-off feeds six major river systems. Washington State Department of Health, Summertime on the mountain is a colorful Surgical Technologist Credentialing, P.O. landscape of wildfl owers. But don’t waste 1.800.886.8108 Box 47877, Olympia, WA 98504-7877, (360) time; by late August, frost extinguishes the 236-4700, http://www.doh.wa.gov/Licens- hot hues. However, it’s right about that time esPermitsandCertifi cates/ProfessionsNewRe- when the foliage begins its magnifi cent neworUpdate/SurgicalTechnologist.aspx transformation into fall colors. Washington Board of Physical Therapy, Between Bellevue and the Pacifi c Coast P.O. Box 47877, Olympia, WA 98504-7877, lies Olympic National Park. If you’re not (360) 236-4700, doh.wa.gov/LicensesPermit- a mountain person, there are ocean tide sandCertifi cates/ProfessionsNewReneworUp- pools to explore. Or maybe you’d like to be date/PhysicalTherapist/Applicationsand- enveloped by the awesome grandeur of the Forms.aspx most ancient forest in the country.

Circle #606 or go to www.healthcaretraveler.com/ HealthcareTraveler.com June 2013 Healthcare Traveler ∣ 25 readerservice

magentablackcyanyellow ES250901_hct0613_025.pgs 05.17.2013 01:35 ADV In the Bag

MOBILE TUNES: I listen to all kinds of On the road again music, but have found country music to be my main stay. You can pretty much A healthcare traveler for nine years, Ron Evans embraces find a country station everywhere you the mobile lifestyle fully. He prefers to haul a 5 x 8 utility go in the country, except in Stamford, Conn., I spent seven months there and trailer behind his Nissan Armada to every assignment. never found one. But for those times I This gives me all the comfort features of home. He’s often can’t pick up a radio station — like out in toyed with the idea of getting an RV, but so far has found the desert of Nevada between Las Vegas his set-up satisfactory. A Michigan native with three and Reno — I will listen to several of my tours in Vietnam under his belt, Evans works either ER or ICU contracts, CDs. I enjoy listening to Zydeco, Cajun, which, he says, provides him a variety of choices when it comes time to scout oldies from the 50s and 60s, Enya, and of course some of my country favorites like a new assignment with his current company, LiquidAgents. When Evans isn’t Reba, Shania Twain, and Tim McGraw. on assignment, you’ll still find him somewhere on the road.

#1 TRAVEL ESSENTIAL: That’s a toss up between my laptop and my GPS. I’d be lost without either. I must have my GPS to get me where I’m going and get around while I’m there. Also, I need my laptop to let me know what’s going on in the world and to stay in touch with family and friends throughout the country.

FAVORITE ASSIGNMENT DESTINATION: I’ve been an RN for 26 years, traveling for about a little over 9 years now and have worked 27 different assignments in 20 different states, so it varies. I’m currently headed to Wisconsin in a couple weeks PERSONAL TOUCHES: I travel for my next assignment,in my 21st state. with everything I own so I guess (This includes Washington, D.C. and the everything is a personal touch. But, I Vietnam War Statue.) have eight house plants that go from place to place with me, plus a chime wall clock is always hung on the wall, TASTE OF HOME: Well traveling with no matter what type of housing I have everything I own, I pretty much have a — be it an apartment or extended- stay hotel.

CHERISHED KEEPSAKES: Because I have limited room when I travel, I don’t have a lot of large objects. I collect refrigerator magnets from each state I have worked in and they are on NIGHTSTAND READS: I enjoy reading my refrigerator at every place I go. This gives John Sanford’s “Prey” and “Virgil Flowers” me a little something to remember every taste of home everywhere I go. But I have series. I got hooked on them while place by and familiarity at the same time. some recipes that I pull out and fix; it’s working in Minnesota as he writes about always nice having your favorite foods. I murder mysteries in that area. It was fun enjoy crawfish étouffée and sometimes to read about locations I was familiar What’s in your bag? it’s a little hard to come by, so I pick on with, not to mention the locals turned the old standby of steak, lobster, and me on to him. I also read J.D. Robb’s “In Healthcare Traveler would like to hear shrimp. I have some great recipes for Death” series about futuristic murder about the personal and practical items you a variety of foods. I fell in love mysteries. As both of these authors put take on assignment. Contact David Bennett with Cajun foods while I was working in out two books a year in these series, it at [email protected]. New Orleans. gives me four new books to read.

26 ∣ Healthcare Traveler June 2013 HealthcareTraveler.com

magentablackcyanyellow ES249972_hct0613_026.pgs 05.15.2013 03:31 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

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WHITE GLOVE CARE STAFFING 866-387-8100 www.whiteglovecare.com 21 614

HealthcareTraveler.com June 2013 Healthcare Traveler ∣ 27 magentablackcyan ES250276_hct0613_027.pgs 05.16.2013 01:24 ADV Tech Support

EBOOK WEBSITES Let’s Explore Diabetes icufaqs.org with Owls • This ICU help site is David Sedaris considered a long-time and • If you’re a David Sedaris fan, reputable resource within any new book from the hu- the critical care community. morist is cause for celebration Materials found on icufaqs. and his newest offering, Let’s org include most ICU Explore Diabetes With Owls, nursing topics like EKG is no exception. Some essays reading, vents, chest tubes, you’ll recognize from The sedation, and bedside emergencies. New Yorker, but most are new. • One of a few sites routinely mentioned by the American While he’s a great writer, Se- Association of Critical Care Nurses. daris is best experienced live. Or at least in audio form like one essay where Sedaris is on mission to find a taxidermied owl for a Valen- tine’s Day gift. APPS • $10.99 MediSafe Project • davidsedarisbooks.com • MediSafe Project is the first-ever cloud- 101 Money Saving Travel synced pillbox app that not only reminds Tips you when it’s time to take your medica- Daniel Davidson tion, but also sends your family, friends • Travelers like tips, the more and caretakers alerts if you miss a dose, the better. This one has more leveraging the power of your support sys- than 100 to whet your appetite tem to keep you healthier. on saving traveling bucks. The • Compatible with the FDA’s drug database, author’s money-saving tips on generic and brand name medications au- everything travel, from get- tocomplete as users enter them – automatically record- ting cheaper flights, to saving ing the correct pharmaceutical name, manufacturer and on car rentals, paying less for medication strength. Or, use your smartphone’s camera your hotel room, to getting the most for your money on to snap the FDA’s universal National Drug Code num- cruises and package tours. ber, found on all original pharmaceutical packaging, to • $0.99 enter a medication. iPhone and Android. • abouttravelbooks.blogspot.com • Free. • www.medisafeproject.com Saunders Nursing Drug Handbook 2013 EveryoneEat! Barbara Hodgson, RN, OCN, and Robert Kizior, BS, RPh • EveryoneEat! helps the 150 million Americans living with • An easy-to-use reference for thousands a chronic condition or dietary restriction find restaurants of medications, Saunders Nursing Drug serving meals appropriate for them. Handbook 2013 promotes safe patient care By partnering with nationally recog- by outlining clinical priorities and providing nized health associations, clinical and comprehensive coverage of IV drug admin- registered dietitians, and thousands of istration. your favorite restaurants, the app finds • This E-book has enhanced navigation, dishes that meet your dietary needs and which allows users to search and find drugs displays them by cuisine type or restaurant name. by Generic and Trade names. Also included • Simply enter your age, height, weight, gender, and activ- is a linked, comprehensive list of all drugs found in the ity level, and the app is ready to use. iPhone and An- book. droid. • $24.48 • Free. • www.barnesandnoble.com • foodcare.com 28 ∣ Healthcare Traveler June 2013 HealthcareTraveler.com

magentablackcyanyellow ES252596_hct0613_028.pgs 05.21.2013 02:28 ADV Opportunity Showcase

WebMD Pain Coach

• WebMD Pain Coach Top pay equals more play helps people with chronic pain conditions make daily health and wellness choices, so they can manage their pain smarter. From back pain to migraines, the app lets you record daily pain levels, export your pain his- Great money and tory to PDF and email it to your doctor. the fexibility to • You can also select doctor-approved goals from five lifestyle categories related to your pain condition(s): enjoy it. Food, Rest, Exercise, Mood, and Treatments, view ‘bite- sized’ tips matched with your goals and organized into the same five lifestyle categories, and read hundreds of articles, videos, slideshows and quizzes on pain management related to your condition(s). iPhone only. • Free. • www.webmd.com

Emotion Select • Part of the ‘Spotlight Autism’ app series, Emotion Select helps children on the Autism Spectrum Disor- der or those suffering other social delays practice learning and iden- tifying emotions. After reviewing illustrations for joy, sadness, As the leader in Rapid Response RN stafng, Fastaf anger, surprise, and fear, children is your connection to extraordinary job satisfaction. are given the chance to anticipate and apply them in ‘real life’ social Enjoy a challenging and rewarding assignment? situations. Then become part of our elite group of travel nurses. • Includes statistical analysis Fastaf is Joint Commission Certifed and a member for parents, teachers and therapists to track specific of the National Association of Travel Healthcare strengths and weaknesses of children’s learning pro- Organizations. gression. iPhone only. • $9.99. Fastaf has immediate opportunities for all specialties, • www.zbrainy.com including PICU, NICU, Peds, Peds ER, ICU, CVICU, OR, CVOR, Peds OR, L&D, PACU, M/S, and Case Managers. Emergency Kit • Emergency Kit is an easy way to ag- Fastaf has the best referrals in the industry. Refer gregate all of your most critical in- a nurse and earn up to $3,000! formation – and could save your life in a medical emergency. Emergency 800-736-8773 technicians will be able to view your www.Fastaf.com vital stats including blood type, al- lergies, medications, and emergency contacts within the app. • It can also turn your phone into an SOS light beacon, send out an emergency text message or email with your GPS co- ordinates, or look up how to treat different injuries. Windows Phone. • Free. Circle #604 or go to www.healthcaretraveler.com/readerservice June 2013 Healthcare Traveler ∣ 29

magentablackcyanyellow ES252544_hct0613_029.pgs 05.21.2013 02:09 ADV Starter’s Kit DAVID MORRISON

Housing high on most lists o me, there is no feature more important on your recruiter or housing get there, call ahead and my assignment than where I will be living. rep. see if a manager can allow T When I first started in travel nursing service people in before years ago, it was common for staffing com- Open to options you arrive. panies to house two travelers together in a two- Two primary housing op- bedroom apartment. tions are extended-stay Beginning with stipends Of course, some travelers like the buddy system. hotels and one-bedroom Many travelers like to (See Denene Brox’s apartments typically lo- take a stipend and then TIPS FOR YOUR KIT article “Two for cated within an apartment find reasonable places to 1 Know your housing the Road, page 18) complex. rent and pocket the extra options up front However, for most Extended-stay hotels are income. Sites like housing- 2 Pack wisely individual travelers, exactly what they imply, a travelnurses.com and cer- not all housing is the Two primary housing hotel room, but with ame- tainly Craigslist have made 3 options are extended-stay same and you should nities like full kitchens, finding affordable housing hotels and one-bedroom be vigilant in express- flat screen TVs, washer/ much easier for the travel apartments ing your needs to dryer service, and weekly nurse. maid service. Your linens I recently saw a useful and cookware are often post on Healthcare Trav- provided, ideal for nurses elbook by a travel nurse Classifieds who prefer to fly to their named Dori., who stated destination and with just she often posts an ad, in a few suitcases. the area where her assign- For Recruitment, Products & Services Advertising Information Many have free local ment will be — something contact Kelly Hall:: calling and WiFi, ser- like: “Travel nurse needs 440-523-8211 or e-mail [email protected]. VISA, MASTERCARD, AMERICAN EXPRESS accepted. vices that nurses staying temporary housing.” She in one-bedroom apart- touches on the possibility TAX SERVICES HealthcareTraveler.com ments must typically of a canceled contract or arrange for themselves. extending her stay, and TravelTax You will have to check avoiding the chance of be- each residence site to ing held to a lease. Started by a former Traveler with you in mind. gauge amenities like Doris pays weekly and U.S. or Canadian tax preparation workout rooms or pools, states that she isn’t willing Audit assistance but extended-stay ho- to pay first or last month’s www.TravelTax.com • 866.272.7871 tels can be fine for light rent due to all the refer- travelers. ences she retains. Despite I prefer companies that her stipulations, she told arrange one-bedroom me she always has tons of apartments for their trav- replies. ■ elers. On average, these accommodations will be a David Morrison, RN, is a Explore great Career and bit nicer. Phoenix-based travel nurse PLACE YOUR AD IN Travel Opportunities with You will be responsible and the author of the book HEALTHCARE TRAVELER! for having a phone line, “The Travel Nurse’s Bible: For Products and Services and all the leading companies, Recruitment, Call cable TV, and internet ac- A Guide to Everything on Kelly Hall: all in one place! 440-523-8211 cess. The week before you Travel Nursing,”

30 ∣ Healthcare Traveler June 2013

magentablackcyanyellow ES250482_hct0613_030.pgs 05.16.2013 19:17 ADV Going the Distance ONLINE LEARNING PROGRAMS

Lamar University For More Info Lamar University Karin Marcus anytime. Students select clinical proj- 4400 MLK Boulevard, PO Box 10009, ects in one of three areas: leadership Beaumont, TX 77710, (409) 880-7720 ounded in 1923, Lamar University and management, compromised health is one of the fastest growing uni- states, and community health. Fversities in the Lone Star State. Re- Graduation requires the completion Technical Requirements: cently, Lamar ranked #2 on U.S. News of 120 credit hours, 30 of which must Lamar uses Blackboard, an integrated & World Report’s Best Online Graduate be earned through Lamar. Students web-based course management and Nursing Programs for 2013. seeking entrance to the BSN program delivery system. To fully participate in must first be admitted to Lamar Uni- web-based courses, distance learners Online programs versity. Prospective students must have should meet Lamar’s basic computer Offered through the JoAnne Gay Dish- an unencumbered RN license, a mini- hardware and software requirements man Department of Nursing, Lamar’s mum GPA of 2.5, and completion of including Internet access (DSL, cable, online nursing programs offer adult all prerequisite courses. Students apply or satellite are suggested). PC users learners the flexibility to meet their online at ApplyTexas.org. In addition, need Microsoft Office (Word and educational goals. Providing alterna- official transcripts from all colleges PowerPoint) and a computer with a tive options for working RNs, the uni- and universities must be provided for browser. Required software includes versity’s Center for Distance Education acceptance purposes. Transfer credits Mozilla Firefox, Adobe Reader, Adobe and the Center for Academic Partner- from other institutions will be evalu- Flash Player, and Java. ships, have tailored the online nursing ated on an individual basis. programs to meet the emerging needs Master of Science in Nursing. Lamar’s of working nurses. MSN degree program prepares RNs development, and evaluations. Practi- Currently, the university offers a for advanced specialty roles in today’s cum experiences provide opportunities Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) swiftly changing healthcare environ- for students to work with expert faculty degree and a Master of Science in ment. This 36-hour program can be and gain more clinical experience. Nursing (MSN) degree program. Stu- completed on a full or part-time basis. Candidates for the Master’s program dents at the MSN level may choose The university offers two MSN spe- must have a BSN degree from an ac- from one of two specialties: Nursing cialties: Nursing Administration and credited program, an unencumbered Administration or Nursing Education. Nursing Education. RN license, and a GPA of 3.0 or higher. Lamar’s nursing programs are ap- The Nursing Administration track GRE or MAT scores are not required proved by the Texas Board of Nursing focuses on imparting information es- unless the GPA is below 3.0. Comple- and accredited by the National League sential to organization, management, tion of a college statistics course within for Nursing Accrediting Commission. leadership, health care policy, and eco- the last five years, with a grade of C or RN-to-BSN. An ideal avenue for the nomics. The supporting courses from better is required. career-oriented nurse, this program the College of Business (economics, Candidates apply online at Ap- was developed to assist RNs in earning marketing, and financial accounting) plyTexas.org. In addition, official a baccalaureate degree. The program’s can also be completed online starting transcripts from all colleges and uni- curriculum builds upon previous in Fall 2013. Students work with expert versities attended must be provided education and experience by further administrators in a clinical setting. for acceptance purposes. Graduate developing students’ leadership and Graduates will be prepared to take on students may transfer up to six hours problem solving skills. Graduates are management positions at hospitals and from another university or college with prepared to deliver care to individuals other healthcare organizations. approval of the graduate director. and families in a wide range of health Teaching vital skills, the Nursing Edu- For further information about care settings. cation track provides registered nurses the online nursing programs offered Offered in the fall, spring, and sum- with the knowledge to become skilled through Lamar, visit dept.lamar.edu/ mer, the program can be completed in educators in academic settings or in nursing/ or call (409) 880-7720 so as little as 13 months. Coursework is staff development areas. The plan of speak to an admissions adviser. ■ delivered via an online management study focuses on measurement and system allowing participants the flex- evaluation, curriculum development, Karin Marcus is a freelance writer ibility to log on and access material learning strategies and theories, role living in North Woodmere, N.Y. HealthcareTraveler.com June 2013 Healthcare Traveler ∣ 31

magentablackyellow ES250348_hct0613_031.pgs 05.16.2013 03:24 ADV shift a nursing basic, meant everything to a daughter who wanted to help her mom. yourJennifer L.W. Fink, RN, BSN, is a registered But what was meaningful, and to my nurse & freelance writer from Milwaukee, mom, was the way the nurses anticipated Wis.. Her work has appeared in a variety of publications, including RN, Nursing her needs and made her comfortable. Spectrum, Scholastic Parent & Child, Sure, the nurse kept a close eye on my and Ladies’ Home Journal. mother’s oxygen saturation, and worked closely with the respiratory therapists to make sure that her vent settings were optimal and appropriate. But she also carefully cleaned my mom’s mouth and applied petroleum jelly to her sore lips — Low-tech care is just a low-tech touch that I knew my mom, a former nurse, fully appreciated. The ICU nurses gently bathed my good nursing basics mom each evening, timing their evening care for when we, her family, had t’s the little things that often make my mother alive. But as a family mem- returned home. Although she couldn’t a difference, especially when we’re ber, I was impressed less by her nurses’ express her gratitude at the time, she told Iconsidering the rudimentary nursing technical skills than by their bedside us after her breathing tube was removed principles of patient care. manner. how wonderful her bed bath and back My mom recently spent five days in High-tech modern medicine may be rub had been the day before. an intensive care unit after a bowel ob- responsible for saving my mother’s life, When my mom first expressed shock, struction nearly took her life. but low-tech nursing skills helped pre- grief, and anger over her brand-new, When I first visited her bedside, she serve my family’s sanity during a crisis. unwanted colostomy, it was a nurse who was completely dependent on the techni- Before I flew to my mom, I was des- provided essential emotional support — cal prowess of the nurses caring for her. perate for information. My dad had and called a chaplain to provide further An endotracheal tube and ventilator phoned earlier. “Bad news,” he said. comfort to my mom and dad. controlled her breathing. A nasogastric “Your mom is in intensive care.” Drips and tubes and high-tech sur- tube sucked out the secretions pooling in A caring and compassionate nurse gical intervention may have kept my her stomach. Three different IV medica- called me later that day (with my par- mother alive, but low-tech nursing care tions controlled her blood pressure, an ents’ permission) to fill me in on the kept my mom comfortable and helped arterial line measured the ever-changing details. I later learned that he’d spent his us cope. ■ results, EKG leads telegraphed her entire day responding to alarms in my heart rhythm, and a line of loose staples mom’s room and pushing medication to partially closed her midline abdominal keep her organs functioning. YOUR VOICE incision. When I arrived at the hospital a day She — and the rest of our family — later, her nurse introduced herself and depended on her nurses to monitor and greeted me warmly. She updated me on Do you have your respond to her vital signs. To control her my mother’s condition and answered own low-tech pain, to change her dressing, administer every question I asked. her medications, and keep her physi- She involved me in my mother’s care nursing cians informed of any changes in her by allowing me to tuck the pillow behind techniques? condition. my mom’s back when she turned my As a nurse, I well understood the mom onto her side. While that may seem Answer at Facebook by going to work going on behind the scenes to keep like a little thing, that low-tech touches, HealthcareTraveler.com/NursingTechniques

TIPS FOR LOW-TECH NURSING 101

Let them know you’re Provide personal care. Use personal touch. Respect personal No substitute for 1 there. 2 It’s tough to prioritize bed 3 The power of human 4 boundaries. 5 quality care. Even if the patient is baths and mouth care touch cannot be Some people aren’t Technical advances unconscious. Even – when you’re juggling a overestimated. I’ve held comfortable with physical have been a boon especially – if the family full load of patients. But patients’ hands and touching, so take your to patient care, but is overwhelmed. Smile, such non-essentials are offered hugs to patients cues from the patient aren’t substitutes for ask what they need, essentially important and family members. and family — but don’t solid nursing basics, and let them know how to patients who have assume. It’s always a including essential you plan to help. spent the day in bed. good idea to ask. emotional support.

32 ∣ Healthcare Traveler June 2013 HealthcareTraveler.com

magentablackcyanyellow ES249220_hct0613_032.pgs 05.13.2013 20:19 ADV Our unmatched commitment to quality saves lives.

Become part of the Cross Country TravCorps team today! We pride ourselves on placing outstanding, highly credentialed RNs who are well respected by our hospital clients. But most importantly, our nurses deliver the very best in patient care and that’s what quality is all about.

800.697.9824 / crosscountry.com Cross Country TravCorps is an Equal Opportunity Employer Interested? Circle Career Card No. 603 or go to www.healthcaretraveler.com/readerservice

magentablackcyanyellow ES252097_HCT0613_CV3_FP.pgs 05.18.2013 04:24 ADV Where do you want to go next?

Jobs you want. Beneﬁts you deserve. People who care.

Let us help you ﬁnd your next adventure.

For over ten years trustaff has been placing healthcare professionals at the best facilities across the country. With outstanding beneﬁts, great pay, and dedicated, personal service, it’s easy to see why trustaff continues to be one of the fastest-growing stafﬁng companies in the nation!

• Leading Pay - Up to $2,200 /week • Full Beneﬁts Package • Nurse and Allied Professional Openings • Day One Major Medical Coverage • 4 to 13 Week Assignments Nationwide • 401k with Employer Match • Weekly Pay with Direct Deposit • Paid Time Off • Guaranteed Hours • Licensure Reimbursement • Clinical Liaison Support Available 24/7 • Loyalty, Extension, and Sign-On Bonuses • Non-Proﬁt Housing Department • Referral Bonuses up to $1,500!

www.trustafftravel.com trustaff has earned The Joint Commission’s 877.880.0346 | [email protected] Gold Seal of Approval Interested? Circle Career Card No. 613 or go to www.healthcaretraveler.com/readerservice

magentablackcyanyellow ES252100_HCT0613_CV4_FP.pgs 05.18.2013 04:25 ADV