Rehab Therapy Team
Keeping Travelers Mentally & Physically Fit
When people talk about stress, you generally conjure up negative images, typically involving someone with red-rimmed eyes, crazy hair, clenched teeth and maybe, just maybe, the word “postal” comes into the vocabulary. However, stress isn’t the bad guy; it’s more or less how we choose to handle (or don’t handle) our stress that becomes the problem. Changing jobs, moving, and major life changes are typically the main causes of stress which unfortunately, as a traveler, two out of those three comprise the nature of what you do.
A Year of Reflection
It’s been one crazy year…well, for me, and I thought this holiday season would be the best time to reflect on my experiences. First and foremost, I have to say, that life isn’t a bowl of cherries. In fact, there are oranges, apples, bananas and a whole basket of other fruits. I’ve started the year with a new role where I’m able to interact with students and new graduates coming into the healthcare field and it’s been fantastic. No one is the same, of course, and no matter the field (PT, OT, or SLP), everyone has their own “flavor”, if you will, that they bring to the table. I just love it!
Starting the Job Hunt
Whether you are a new graduate or just needing a change, hunting for a job can be a daunting experience. Searching takes time, persistence, and let’s face it…some confidence. Arm yourself by knowing what to do while looking for a job. We have provided a few tips to help.
How to Make or Break a Contract Interview
During the course of any hiring process there are many factors that can set you apart from your fellow travelers. With the job market constantly shifting and new needs showing up at any given time, travelers must present themselves in a manner that will make the decision maker want to hire them and nobody else.
Hidden Travel Gems
Being a healthcare traveler means having the freedom to explore new places that you’ve always wanted to see. Our most common requests usually involve popular destinations such as Florida, Alaska, California and Colorado. However, we are often pleasantly pleased when our travelers send us photos of their assignments in the locations not often listed as a traveling hot spot. Whether it’s hiking in Wyoming, or exploring the many caverns in Virginia, our travelers constantly remind us that there are less known gems throughout this great land of ours.
Healthy Eating Habits as a Traveler
Being on the road can be killer on your eating habits, especially when you are adapting to a new environment every 13+ weeks. This revolving lifestyle requires you to be even more attentive to a healthy diet so that you are keeping up those energy levels and delivering peak performance. However, if you’re anything like me, there are some days that the kitchen can seem very daunting. The biggest drawback about cooking at home seems to be the amount of time spent preparing the meal before you get to eat. Let’s face it, after work, we want…no, we need some downtime. Although running through the nearest drive thru seems like the best route, we both know that your body isn’t going to feel its best and usually you’re going to feel those effects by the time you throw the wrappers away.
Social Media and the Healthcare Traveler
You can’t avoid it…you’re surrounded. Everywhere you turn there is a blip, icon, image, app, joke, discussion, or posting about social media. Whether you are being harassed by family and friends to join Facebook or following your favorite celebrity on Twitter, social media is a definite presence. As overwhelming as the entire buzz can be, there are benefits to being aware of the many forms of social media that are out there. More importantly, as a healthcare traveler, you can find a world of resources at your fingertips.
Stress Management
With several graduates prepping for their board exams (Congrats Addie!) or others starting a new job search, I thought it was a good time to talk about stress management. In recent conversations, I found myself continuously reminding the students and the travelers that I work with to slow down and take a breather. Usually this piece of wisdom was greeted with a chuckle and “I know, Sunny”.
Insights from the APTA Conference
Taking on this new role as Student Outreach Coordinator for Therapy has taken me to new adventures and the latest led me to National Harbor, MD for the annual APTA conference. Erika Swertzic, Account Manager for Maryland, joined me on this trip and together we met some great people and took in some great sights.
Acclimating as a Healthcare Traveler
Getting acclimated to a new environment can be tough but it’s a necessary skill for successful healthcare travelers. Unlike those switching from one perm position to another, travelers usually have 13 weeks at an assignment before moving on to the next. Therefore, adapting has to occur at a much quicker pace while also maintaining high quality of care.
Recent Comments