It is amazing what you can learn when you are in the most random situations. I was at the hospital with my mother as she was being prepped for surgery. I have this habit of talking nonstop, especially when I’m nervous, and so proceeded to talk to all of the medical staff about what they did and how they liked their jobs and so on until they politely managed to get rid of me. After the surgery, while mom was in recovery, I took a short break to visit the cafeteria and refuel. Some of the staff that I’d talked to before the surgery were there and were also taking a snack break. Apparently, I hadn’t annoyed all of them too much, because they invited me to sit with them. The surgical technician and I really hit it off, and she told me all about a job I never knew existed.

Surgical technicians are basically the oil that keeps the operating room machine going.They set up all of the surgical items such as equipment, instruments, drapes, and solutions. The check to make everything is just the way it is supposed to be and where it is supposed to be so the surgeons and nurses don’t have waste time trying to find something during the middle of an operation. They often are also responsible for getting the patient ready for the surgery by prepping the surgical site, positioning them on the table, and draping them with sterile drapes. They may check vital signs, replace items, count items after surgery, and assist the surgical team as they prepare for the procedure.

The surgical technician has important jobs to do before, during, and after a procedure, and yet most patients never realize that one person is doing all of these activities in order to ensure the surgery proceeds smoothly. I know I certainly never thought about it before, and when I asked my mother later if she had noticed what the girl, who I identified for her as the surgical technician, was doing, she admitted she wasn’t sure. She had assumed the lady was a nurse of some sort.

Interestingly, surgical technicians do not undergo the same sort of training as nurses. In fact, training programs range in length from approximately nine-month to two-year accredited programs. However, it is also possible to receive accreditation through on the job training and an accreditation test. I think I would find this to be one of the few jobs in the medical field that I might enjoy. Putting things in order appeals to me, as does the procedure and precision required by the job. Of course, the fact that a surgical technician remains in the operating room does ultimately make me a bit squeamish.

What do you like about being a surgical technician? How did you decide on this career path?

What is a Surgical Technician? is a post from: Sunbelt Staffing

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There are many reasons you may be looking for another job such as divorce, layoff, or boredom. All of these are perfectly valid reasons why people begin looking for new jobs. Lately though, people have been looking for new jobs because of the slowing economy and shrinking business budgets that have led to workforce reduction. Unfortunately, most people tend to look for the same type of job in the same area. This can be a huge mistake. Instead of looking in the exact same field and geographic location, consider broadening your horizons and you may be pleasantly surprised to find there are is an abundant and booming job market just around the corner, figuratively speaking.

Geography

People often feel limited by the geographical location in which they live. Someone who has lived in the same area all of their life may feel that a big move to another area is beyond the realm of possibility. However, traveling to a new area can have an invigorating affect on one’s life. If you have lived your entire life in the south, for instance, and suddenly find a job opportunity along the Pacific would you take it? Many people immediately say no, because they don’t want to leave their familiar surroundings, weather patterns, friends, and family. But what if it didn’t have to be a long term commitment? What if you could try out different regions of the country before settling on one? The job equivalent of a rent to own car.

Temporary

This is where the term temporary comes in. When I say temporary I am not referring to an agency looking for unskilled workers. I’m talking about agencies who look for specifically skilled workers to fill the need of businesses with severe shortages. There are several types of working arrangements that can all be classified loosely as temporary such as per diem and travel. Per diem means you accept a position with a company, usually a staffing company, and then work for various businesses in your field on a per day basis. There can be all sorts of benefits to this including travel expenses, and a flexible schedule. A travel position is much like the per diem experience in that you will have to travel away from your home location to accept the position. Typically one is offered a position in a distant city and would then work there for a set period of time. Sometimes these positions will include travel expenses as well as living expenses in the new area.

If you have found yourself in a job rut, or jobless altogether taking a position in another city on a temporary basis allows you to visit locations you otherwise might not have considered, meet new people, and obtain employment. All of these are great reasons to look outside of your comfort zone.

Job Search: Look Outside Your Comfort Zone is a post from: Sunbelt Staffing

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The downturn in the economy has caused many businesses to trim their employee budgets. Some have done this by reducing their workforce, while others have begun limiting hours.

While limiting hours certainly has drawbacks, such as fewer benefits and less money for the worker, there are also numerous benefits.

Education

One of my friends who was recently downsized decided to take a position for a hospital working part time. While she was initially worried about the reduction in her salary, she soon saw a golden opportunity. With a lower paycheck, she became eligible for several education grants. For years, she had wanted to go back to school but had neither the time nor the money. With her new part time job, she now had both. While working part time as an LPN, she went back to school and became an RN. A year later, she had a full time job she loved that paid more than the job she was downsized from.

Family

A special education teacher I know was recently let go from the school she had been teaching in because of budget shortfalls. She had put off having children for several years, at first because she was completing her degree, and then because of her new job. After she was let go, she had difficulty finding work in her field. Instead, she became a part time advocate for special needs children. This allowed her to set appointments when she was available and gave her the freedom to focus on starting a family. She now has a son and a daughter on the way.

Personal Revelation

Another friend of mine did not immediately see the up side of her part time status. After she was let go from the clinic where she worked she was unable to find a job in her field at all. Instead, she took a job at a local craft store working part time. For many months, she was miserable about her reduced income and the loss of benefits. Slowly, however, she began spending the new free time doing things she loved. As a trained therapist, she had become too busy to engage in the artwork that she loved. As she became more involved in the local art community, she became more joyful. She realized that she had been incredibly unhappy at her previous job and began casting a wider net in her career search. She eventually found an opening for a part time art therapist at a rehabilitation center. This perfectly combined her love of art with her educational and work experience.

Even if the circumstances that have led you to a part time job were not what you would have wanted for yourself, you may find it is a blessing in disguise. Use the time to further your education, strengthen ties with family, or learn about yourself. You may be amazed at what you discover.

Do you work part time? What benefits have you found in your new position?

The Benefits of Working Part Time is a post from: Sunbelt Staffing

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These days, depending on where you live, finding a job may be a difficult task. I remember being very anxious whenever I’ve had to go on an interview. Instead of getting nervous and worrying over your nursing interview, take some time to prepare for it – and calm yourself – with these tips.

Remember your passion.

This is the most important part of a successful interview. As the information you provided on the application landed you the interview, it’s time to shine. Let them see your passion through an enthusiasm for the job. Showing passion is easy when it’s there – show it with your word choices and your behavior during the interview.

Consider your attitude.

Your attitude will greatly impact the impression you give the interviewer. Make sure that you’re positive, sincere, and let them know that you are willing to put forth the most effort and work hard toward success with the position. A “can do” attitude is best.

Practice your interview.

Take time to sit down with someone and practice your questions and answers. This practice session will give you time to work on your nerves so you’ll be calm during the actual interview. It will give you time to practice your wording and to prepare yourself for any difficult questions you may face. If you have time, run through the mock interview again, after you’ve pinpointed any areas you believe need improvement. Don’t overdo it, because you don’t want to sound rehearsed during the real thing.

Research the company you’re interviewing for.

Interviewers are impressed when their candidates know about the company. This doesn’t mean you should flaunt what you know or that you should recite it at random; but, take time to look at information on the company so you’ll be educated on anything the company is currently dealing with, as well as where the company comes from.

Dress nicely and arrive early.

First impressions are everything, and you need to be appropriately dressed and arrive on time to make yours a good one. If you’re not sure what to wear, here are a few pointers:

• Dark suits and long sleeved shirts are best. Men should always wear a tie.
• Keep body piercings and tattoos concealed. Men should not wear their earrings, and women should only wear one set. Keep all other jewelry to a minimum, limited to one ring on each hand.
• Keep pockets empty, as bulges and sounds of items moving around will be a distraction.
• Women should use a clear or conservative color of nail polish, and nails should be neatly trimmed.
• Shoes should be clean and polished.
• Hair and face should be well-groomed. No beards; if you wear a mustache, keep it neatly trimmed.
• Carry a briefcase, not a purse.
• Do not wear hose with a run in them, and keep them close to your skin color.
• Keep makeup, perfume, or cologne to a minimum.

The most important thing to remember is: relax. A job interview is important, yes, but you should remain calm enough to handle anything the interviewer may throw at you. Good luck!

Preparing for a Nursing Interview is a post from: Sunbelt Staffing

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You can’t watch the news or read the headlines online without hearing about the economy. Housing prices continue to drop. Even people with great credit are unable to get financing for new cars and new homes.  Banks and corporations are failing, and workers are getting laid off every day. The gloom and doom is everywhere. It’s a great time to start a career in healthcare travel.

Did I just lose you? Hear me out.

1. Job security. If hospitals are closing due to lack of funding, and people are losing jobs in your hometown, a travel job will put you where the action is. You’ll go where you’re needed. When you’re not needed anymore, you’ll go somewhere else that needs you. I like the sound of job security, don’t you?
2. Great benefits. While many companies and institutions are slashing benefits to minimize worker layoffs, travel healthcare jobs offer excellent benefits. Benefits can include health insurance, dental and vision coverage, a matching 401(k) program, life insurance, reimbursement for continuing education and licensing fees, travel money, bonuses, and many other things you’re probably not getting from your current job.
3. Housing assistance. Can’t get a home loan? No problem! With a job in travel healthcare, your staffing agency will help you secure housing for each of your assignments.  No worries!
4. Free travel. With so many people having financial problems, few people can afford to travel for pleasure.  You’ll be traveling for work, but you won’t be working 24 hours a day. Enjoy each new city as you work your way around the country.
5. Freedom. With a travel healthcare job, you’ll be able to work in a variety of settings, perhaps in different specialties.  In an unsteady employment market, employees aren’t always able to make a job change when they find they’re unhappy with their current situation. In the travel healthcare field, you’re free to try your hand at new things until you find where you’re most comfortable without having to worry about getting stuck in a job you don’t like.

While state and local governments cut healthcare funding and put jobs in jeopardy, the world of travel healthcare affords you opportunities that many other workers don’t have.

Five Reasons to Consider Travel Healthcare Jobs in a Poor Economy is a post from: Sunbelt Staffing

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