Sunbelt Staffing » Healthcare Jobs

Holiday Blues

Howard Gerber — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 13:00:47 +0000

While it may not be true that suicide increases around the holiday season, it is true that many people do experience what has become known as holiday blues. This may be because people are more aware of their feelings at this time of the year or because their expectations of happiness are higher during the holidays and so they feel like they are sadder than they “should” be. Regardless, the triggers for these feelings seem to be similar regardless of the patient and many of the non-medical treatment options are viable for most patients as well. Of course it is important to remember that not all patients who feel depressed will have these “holiday blues” and may be in need of more intense treatment.

Causes

Some of the most common triggers for an episode of holiday blues include the pressure to feel happy, memories of past holidays, loneliness, and financial difficulties.

Pressure – the pressure to feel merry and bright dramatically increases during the holidays. Everyone is speaking of good will and those who are naturally more somber or who do not enjoy the holidays may feel worse during the season simply because more people are telling them the way they feel is wrong.

Memories – Memories of both good and bad holiday experiences can lead to the holiday blues. Individuals may feel that their good experiences in the past cannot or will not be replicated this season leading to a feeling of dissatisfaction. Memories of bad holidays can lead to trepidation of upcoming festivities.

Loneliness – Many people must spend the holiday season alone for any number of reasons such as relocation, military service, or a death of a loved one. For a season that is supposed to be devoted to family and friends this can be especially difficult.

Finances – Financial problems have become more common over the past few years. People who are accustomed to spending freely during the holiday season may feel the pressure to do so again this year, even if they know they cannot afford it. Whether they decide to spend on credit or to trim their budget, the necessity of doing either can lead to feelings of inadequacy and sadness.

Support

While there are several things the patient can do on their own to overcome the holiday blues, what they really need is an enhanced overall support structure during the holiday season. You may want to consider increasing therapy sessions prior to and immediately following the holiday. Another option is to include group therapy sessions for patients who seem receptive to the idea.

Do you see patients suffering from the holiday blues? What do you do to help them cope with the added stress during the holiday season? What treatments have been most effective?

Holiday Blues is a post from: Sunbelt Staffing

National Hand Washing Awareness

Howard Gerber — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 21:00:25 +0000

National Hand Washing Awareness Week was December 4-10 this year. This was a health holiday every business and school can get behind and support. No matter what your profession, you can help spread the message throughout the year that will benefit all of your clients, patients, or students as well as their families and your entire community.

Schools

First, bring in speakers who can help students understand the importance of washing their hands on a regular basis. Sure, they know they are supposed to wash their hands, but how many of them really understand why? Use microscopes to show them germs, have a history lesson on how mortality declined once hand washing became mandatory in hospitals, or have someone explain just what some of the really nasty bugs can do. Be sure to make the experience fun and interactive rather than a lecture format to keep students interested.

Offices

Whether you are in a physical therapy office or a medical office, you have plenty of opportunites to talk about the importance of hand washing. While most medical professionals wash or sanitize their hands between each patient, how many patients think about doing the same thing when they leave the office? Provide a large container of hand sanitizer for patients to use, and explain how it will kill most germs and is a great option for when they don’t have access to soap and water.

Pharmacies

This is a great time of year for a giveaway! Give each customer a pocket sized bottle of hand sanitizer along with a booklet explaining the benefits and the dangers of not keeping hands clean. During flu season especially, it can be devastating to neglect hand hygiene. Customers will appreciate the gift and may purchase more in the future once they become accustomed to using it on a regular basis. If you have time you may even be able to purchase personalized labels that have the name and information for your pharmacy included to remind them how much you care.

Time to Sing!

Singing a song can be one of the best ways to keep those hands under the water for the right amount of time. If you have a captive audience remind them they should be actively scrubbing their hands for about 20 seconds. This is the length it takes the average person to sing the ABC song, however, that can become quite monotonous. Ask people to think of their favorite song and time the chorus – if it fits, use it!

How do you make sure those you work closely with are aware of the importance of hand washing? What do you think is the best way to get clients or students to wash their hands more frequently and thoroughly?

National Hand Washing Awareness is a post from: Sunbelt Staffing

Pulmonary Nursing

Howard Gerber — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 13:00:17 +0000

Pulmonary nursing, also known as respiratory nursing, is one of the many specialties available to nurses. Choosing a specialty is a great choice for those who really love a specific field. It can also be a good way to find higher paying positions.

Job Expectations

A pulmonary nursing specialist will work with individuals undergoing pulmonary care. Patients with any sort of problem with the respiratory system or lungs may enter into their care. Diseases that affect these areas of the body include asthma, tuberculosis, cystic fibrosis, emphysema, and pneumonia.

Experience and Education

The only way to become a pulmonary care nurse is to first be a registered nurse. For those still in nursing school, focus on the classes that center around respiratory care. Once degree work has been completed students will need to pass the NCLEX-RN. Look for positions that offer experience in the respiratory field to help move into the field permanently.

Outlook

In the next decade the need for registered nurses is projected to increase. As the population ages, the need for pulmonary care specialists will grow as well making this an excellent specialty to consider.

Environments

There a number of areas a nurse specializing in pulmonary care can work such as doctor’s offices, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and nursing homes. Allergy and asthma specialists have a special need for pulmonary nurses to help as they diagnose and treat their patients. Nursing homes are filled with patients who have difficulty breathing for a variety of reasons and nurses in this field must be well versed in respiratory treatments. There are also positions overseeing transplants and clinical trials.

Associations and Social Media

The primary association for pulmonary nurses within the United States is the Respiratory Nursing Society. They offer a wide range of professional development opportunities and a chance for colleagues to network. The counterpart in the United Kingdom is the Association of Respiratory Nurse Specialists who provides continuing education opportunities, host conferences, and make networking within the profession easier.

Twitter has several accounts worth following if you are interested in pulmonary care.

@PulmonaryReview This account is maintained by the Pulmonary Reviews publication, an invaluable resource for physicians and those who specialize in pulmonary care. The account is updated several times a week.

@RTmagazine This account is maintained by RT, a respiratory care publication. The account is updated several times a day.

@ADVANCERespCare This account is maintained by the free trade publication, ADVANCE for Respiratory Care & Sleep Medicine.

Are you a pulmonary nurse or are you interested in specializing in this field? If so, what made you decide on this field?

Pulmonary Nursing is a post from: Sunbelt Staffing

So you Want to be a Perioperative Nurse

Howard Gerber — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 13:00:35 +0000

How many people have watched hospital dramas on television like ER or Grey’s Anatomy and wondered what it would be like to work in a high energy hospital setting? Probably most of the people watching the shows, but they are probably thinking about being the doctor or surgeon. The background cast of nurses and orderlies are hardy a blip on the radar. This can even be true when patients are in the operating room or emergency room. Everyone is focused on the physician, but without the nurses just how much would get done?

A perioperative nurse is one who has been specifically trained to work with surgeons and the medical team within the operating room environment. They are an integral part of the surgical team. It is a demanding and rewarding career in a high energy environment. There are several perioperative nursing positions including circulator, scrub, patient educator, and RNFA.

Circulator Nurse

A circulator nurse manages the patient’s care while in the operating room, as well as the needs of the attending surgical team. The circulator nurse maintains overall perspective of the environment and does not usually assist directly with the surgery.

Scrub Nurse

The reason most people call a perioperative nurse a scrub nurse is because they scrub in. He or she uses the same soap and sterile garments as the physicians so they are able to work within the operative field and assist in the surgery. They hand the sterile instruments to the physician as they are called for and may assist in monitoring the condition of the patient.

Patient Educator

A patient educator works with the patient and the family to provide information prior to the surgery to allow them to make informed decisions. This role is filled by a registered nurse with experience in surgical cases.

RNFA

An RNFA, or Registered Nurse First Assistant, is a nurse who has gone through additional surgical training. The RNFA assists by controlling bleeding during the procedure, using medical devices, cutting tissue, and suturing. An RNFA may also be instrumental in patient care before or after the procedure.

Environment

Perioperative nurses are not relegated to hospital operating rooms. They may also work in outpatient surgery centers or in the office of a physician who performs procedures on site. Other health care facilities such as health departments and emergency care centers may also employ perioperative nurses.

Many nurses find once they begin working in a hospital setting that they want to delve further into a specialty. Surgical nurses are no different. Have you found a home in the OR? Do you love working in a surgical environment? What advice do you wish someone had given you before you became a perioperative nurse? What would you tell a nurse new to this specialty?

So you Want to be a Perioperative Nurse is a post from: Sunbelt Staffing

Autism and Occupational Therapy

Howard Gerber — Thu, 21 Jul 2011 13:00:13 +0000

Autism, or autism spectrum disorders, is used to describe a variety of developmental disorders and is usually diagnosed around the age of three. Because there are so many different conditions this broad term is used to describe, it may be difficult for patients of the “same” condition (or their parents) to understand why the occupational therapy regimes may differ so widely. It is important that occupational therapy be tailored to each individual patient, rather than a single regime be applied to all patients indiscriminately because each patient faces his or her own unique challenges.

The Role of Occupational Therapy in Autism Treatment

The initial role of the occupational therapist will be to evaluate and quantify the needs of the patient. If the patient is a child this information can be made available to teachers, family, and other caregivers so everyone involved in the child’s life can use the techniques to help implement therapeutic treatments.

Once a therapeutic plan has been created and goals have been outlined, the therapist will work with the child on his or her specific needs. This will usually happen in an office setting although some therapists work in schools or in the home. Periodic evaluation will continue to help identify skills that have been mastered and address additional skills that require additional attention.

Benefits of Occupational Therapy for People with Autism

There are a variety of skills that can be addressed in an occupational therapy environment. Typically, a therapist will decide on a specific set of goals to address first based on the initial evaluation. As those skills improve, additional goals will be added based on additional evaluations. Some of the skills that may be addressed include fine motor skills, gross motor skills, sensory processing, and life skills.

Specific skills that are commonly addressed through occupational therapy include self-feeding and dressing, handwriting, running, climbing stairs, accepting new textures, and processing new sounds and images. However, it is important to note that not all people with autism will benefit initially from the assistance of an occupational therapist. For patients with a more severe form of autism it may be necessary to begin treatment with a physical therapist to address difficulties that may prevent advancement in an occupational therapy setting.

As an occupational therapist, do you find it difficult to explain the wide variety of needs a patient with autism may need to address? What do you find to be the most rewarding aspect of working with autism patients? Have you considered working only with autism patients?

Autism and Occupational Therapy is a post from: Sunbelt Staffing

What is a Surgical Technician?

Angela Stevens — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 13:00:48 +0000

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

So you Want to be a Perioperative Nurse

Job Search: Look Outside Your Comfort Zone

Angela Stevens — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 13:00:31 +0000

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

The Benefits of Working Part Time

Angela Stevens — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 13:00:36 +0000

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

Stability Ball Benefits

Preparing for a Nursing Interview

Angela Stevens — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 14:00:09 +0000

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

Five Reasons to Consider Travel Healthcare Jobs in a Poor Economy

Angela Stevens — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 13:00:34 +0000

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.

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?
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.
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!
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.
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