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.

Prepping for Your Post-College Career

OK, it’s game time. Pomp and circumstance is approaching fast, which means, you are now about to start your post-school career. A whirlwind of questions and decisions will be coming your way, but no fear, help is definitely here.

First and foremost, preparation! You wouldn’t walk into boards without cracking a book so why would you start your career without first doing some basic homework. Preparation starts with you and that means knowing all about what you have to offer your potential employer.

Motivators for Rehab Therapy Students

The top question reported by our recruiters: “Do you have a position in (fill in the blank with OP/IP/SNF…)?”

This is followed by the top statement: “I don’t feel comfortable in (fill in the blank with OP/IP/SNF…)?”

The point is that most new graduates want to be in a specific setting. More often than not, a student or new graduate will tell you what an area of interest is and will then focus on finding a job in that setting only. There isn’t anything wrong with this method, but please know that not all settings are readily available just because you are.

The Great Dilemma of Rehab Therapy Students

“Should I travel as a new grad?” is one of the most asked questions I receive when talking to students. Choosing a travel job versus a full time position is truly based on what your goals are or what motivates you. When you identify those factors, making a decision becomes fairly easy. I’ll address a few of the common motivators that can influence the ‘to travel or not to travel’ question in this and the next couple of blogs.

Partnering with PT and OT Students

Did you know that Aureus Medical can place physical and occupational therapy students in both travel and direct hire (full-time) jobs right out of college? Educating student therapists and new graduates on where the jobs are is a key strategic approach that our Rehab Therapy division is taking on. As a Student Outreach Coordinator, I will work with these students to help them better understand the job market and job search process while also introducing them to employers looking for great therapists.

Managing the Winter Blues

It hits around the same time every year. The buzz of the holiday season is behind us, the days are shorter, the weather colder, and many people start to experience changes in their mood, behavior, and overall demeanor. These symptoms are usually associated with the “winter blues” and may be an actual medical condition known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).

How Will You Spend Your Holidays?

The holidays are upon us and as the year has flown by I find myself torn between all the people I want to see and the things I need to get done before the end of the year! This year I’ll be spending time away from my family for the first Christmas in my 28 years of life. It’s going to be strange and exciting at the same time. This travel away from my family for the holidays really got me thinking about all you travelers out there spending time away from your families as well! I’m taking the approach of starting new traditions this year that I can continue during the years I won’t be with my family over the holidays.

Celebrate National Physical Therapy Month

October is National Physical Therapy month! This is a great opportunity to step back and pat yourself on the shoulder for all of the work you do and for the good that comes from it. As many healthcare workers do, we focus so much on pushing ourselves to help others with their own treatment and wellness, that we often times neglect ourselves. Take time this month to not only take pride in your career choice, but to make sure your patients get the healthiest and most focused you. With all of the stressors in life (family, money, and work to name a FEW), it’s easy for us to overlook ourselves as a priority.

Get a Slimmer Waist by “Nixing” Sit-ups and Crunches?

OK travelers, spring is over, and summer is here! It’s time to get settled into your assignment and work on your beach body. There are opportunities in each of our days to get that little bit of extra burn to lose some weight.