1. Fill out your W-4 correctly.
Even though you may be working outside your state of residency, you may still be obligated to pay state tax in your working and primary state.  Some states have reciprocal agreements with each other and some do not.  The safest approach is to speak with your tax advisor ahead of time.  If you find yourself in a state that does not have an agreement with your home state, he or she may advise you to withhold additional monies for each state, so you are covered come April. 

2.  Track your expenses.
This is an absolute must. Rest assured if the IRS audits your file, they would need documentation of the expenses, when they occurred, and where they occurred.  So, keep your receipts as proof of payment.  Here are some means to achieve that:

• Keep a folder for each assignment and place ALL your receipts in there. Your tax preparer can go through them and let you know what you can and cannot deduct.
• Use a single credit card dedicated solely for expenses on your assignments. You will then have one place you can access all your expenses. Online statements are a click away and you can go back quickly and view a long amount of time and transactions.  
• Keep track using a spreadsheet.  This method requires some time for input, but can be an effective way of tracking all your expenses. Again, keep your receipts; a simple spreadsheet is not documentation of expense, just a helpful tool for organization. 

3. Enjoy your deductions.
As a travel nurse, there are many. That’s the great news. Cell phones, excess mileage costs that exceed what your company reimburses you, uniforms, license fees, and many more may be deductible.  

Although the above are absolutely great strategies to prepare for the tax season, there is one important piecing that ties this altogether, a CPA.  Unless you are a traveling CPA (and yes they do exist), have your taxes prepared by a professional.  We’re not talking turbo tax or another online service. Although those are great tools for lots of people, your situation is not common. Try to find a CPA that has experience working with traveling contractors. The difference may amaze you.

For a few more helpful tax sites, click here. Good luck and happy tax season!

One option you might have is to request the time off prior to starting your assignment. Now not every facility will agree to this, but it depends mostly on your approach.

Let’s say you were offered an assignment starting in mid-January. You might be able to say, “Yes, I would like to accept the contract, but I have already planned time off to spend with my family in early February.” It would then be the facility’s job to decide whether or not this was a deal breaker.

Now if you do take this approach, be aware that some facilities will not go for this and might even rescind an offer. However, if it is approached right, it’s rare that you will encounter problems.

The best time to mention that you need specific time off is in the interview before the hospital makes an offer. This way, you can often feel them out about the possibility of having that time off. If you mention it and their response is “that’s no problem at all”, then you are good. If you mention it and they hesitate and say something like, “I don’t know if that would be possible”, then you have to decide how important it is to you.

If you do have an agreement with regard to any time off, always have it written into your contract.

Another option to allow for time off on a holiday is to work a half shift with someone (if the facility permits this). One person will cover from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. and then go home to spend the holiday with their family, while the other person comes in to cover from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. Shifts that are “halved” like this often need to be approved by the manager or staffing office, so plan ahead.

Make sure to speak with your Account Manager if you should have any questions or concerns about requesting time off.

• Make time!  A job isn’t going to land in your lap so make sure to take at least 15 minutes out of your day to work toward your career goal.  Update your resume, check on your online profiles or if working with a recruiter, call in to check on progress.
• Sell yourself!  You know you better than anyone so make sure you are putting your best foot forward.  Your resume should have your accomplishments and outline your best attributes.  Make sure to point these out to your recruiter so he/she is marketing you to the fullest. 
• Stay positive.  Looking for a job can be tiresome but also draining.  Keep your outlook in the right direction, meaning that you know the right job will come eventually.  A positive attitude shines through and people, even hiring managers, are drawn to that type of appeal.
• If looking on your own, check local newspapers, web ads, and online communities.  Networking is huge so don’t neglect to make connections where you can.  Be careful of putting your resume out on various job boards or search engines as that may lead to constant barrage of unnecessary phone calls or emails, even spam.
• Attend job fairs.  Research who will be there and make a point to visit their booths.  Some fairs can be overwhelming so targeting those you want to make an appearance to is essential.  When there, make sure to ask questions and to set up a follow up time in which you and the person can speak further.  Be careful of “over marketing” yourself and make sure to be selective as to who receives your resume.  If wanting to use a recruiter, make sure you understand their processes because the last thing you want is for someone to blindly submit you everywhere. 
• Be organized.  Know who you have spoken with or applied to and keep a list.  Have a portfolio with your resume and references ready to go, especially when attending fairs.   Keep a list of your accomplishments and certifications on your resume.  If there are quite a few (good for you!), select the most important and relevant and leave the rest on a separate list. 
• When working with recruiters, make sure to have a frank discussion on the ground rules of the relationship.  Talk about how often and what type of communication is preferred, but more importantly, make sure your recruiter understands what you are looking for, your needs and overall, who you are.  Make sure that your recruiter provides you with the information you need to know of the company you are being submitted to and more importantly, make it clear that you want to know where your info is going prior to it happening.  On the flip side, your recruiter also needs to know where you have applied.
• Know your requirements and be flexible.  Try this math:  # of students graduating in your program + # of students graduating in another nearby university’s program + # of those already looking= total # of those looking for a J-O-B.  The number one statement I make to students all over the country, “your degree does NOT guarantee you a job in the place YOU want to be”.  You may be in a great field but needs are relative to the job market and to the supply.  I suggest looking at where you want to be, outline the universities within that area, and then apply outside of that radius.  Usually aiming for 50 miles out is a good rule of thumb, but keep in mind, this is just a suggestion.  This is where having a recruiter can come in handy because if he/she is good, you will know what your chances are in finding a position and what steps you need to take.

The job search can be arduous but with a little patience and research, you’ll soon get results.  Over the years, you will probably look for a job at least once or twice for various reasons, learning some basics now will stick with you.  If choosing to work with a recruiter, make sure that you develop a very collaborative relationship.  Your recruiter should understand what you are looking for and what your needs will be on the job. 

Good luck on your search and if I can be of any assistance, you can reach me at ssnook@aureusmedical.com.

Sun Hui (Sunny) Snook graduated with a B.A. in Psychology from Truman State University and received a Master’s in Human Services from Bellevue University. She has been in the healthcare staffing field for 11 years, first working with nurses before moving to a nationwide work strategies consultant where her key responsibilities were to coach staffers and hospital managers on effective staffing. In 2009, Sunny started with Aureus Medical as an Account Manager in the Rehab Therapy division, working with both clients and prospective employees. Most recently, she moved to Student Outreach Coordinator. Sunny was named the 2011 Employee of the Year for C&A Industries, the parent company of Aureus Medical Group. Prior to working in healthcare staffing, she served as an addictions therapist and residential treatment coordinator for five years.

Sunny Snook / 800.456.5857 ext 6578 / ssnook@aureusmedical.com / Facebook / LinkedIn / Twitter

During the interview, ask questions such as, “How can I be the best traveler I can be at your facility,” and “What are your expectations of me while I’m there?” They will set clear expectations and determine what, exactly, the client is searching for in the traveler they hire. Use that to your advantage and talk yourself up – without bragging, of course. Most hiring authorities will review a resume for applicable skills, but what they are concerned with the most is how well you will fit in to their environment, including their full-time staff. More and more interviews take place in which the hiring authority is joined by a trusted person, or group of people, to help them determine if a traveler is the right fit. This is the time to toot your own horn!

I always recommend people just ‘be themselves’ during the interview, but it goes deeper than that. Be sure to have a few questions prepared to ask them, such as those mentioned earlier, including “What is the general atmosphere like in the department” and “How would you describe the culture here?” These tend to show a general interest, rather than just a factual description of the job and the facility. If you are interviewing on the phone, be positive and upbeat – those who show a personable demeanor usually get the nod. Use the phone interview as a way to enhance and supplement your skills. If you interview in person, dress appropriately, make and maintain good eye contact, sit up straight, and don’t be afraid to smile. All too often, extremely qualified candidates will show up to an interview and seem to be underdressed, underprepared, and possibly even uninterested. If you want the job, let it show!

Matt Feller, Sr. Account Manager, Rehab Therapy

 Matt Feller has worked for Aureus Medical Group since 2008. He began as an Account Manager in the Cardiopulmonary division and currently works as a Senior Account Manager/Team Lead in the Rehabilitation Therapy division. Matt earned a B.A. in English: Writing & Linguistics from the University of Nebraska – Omaha. Prior to coming to Aureus he worked for CitiGroup for five years. Matt and his fiancée, Laura, are busy planning their June 2012 wedding. He has a passion for homemade BBQ and would eventually like to enter competitions. He also enjoys golf, summer league softball and is a huge Nebraska Cornhuskers fan.  

800-456-5857, ext. 6492 / mfeller@aureusmedical.com

“We’re not in Kansas anymore.”  You don’t have to move to another country to learn about the importance of cultural acclimation.  Respecting and acknowledging the diversity of any new environment is an important life skill and essential.  Locations set themselves apart by different regional tastes, preferences and language—even within the same state.  Do a little homework by researching the area you are going to, but more importantly, go without any preconceptions.  Being open to a “new world” is your best tool in adapting and quite frankly, you will probably have a lot of fun in the process.

“Different strokes…”  Yes, you may be in the same field but that doesn’t mean everyone practices in the same way.  Enjoy learning the little nuances that your new locale has to offer and you may find that your skillset will broaden.  Be open to what you may be exposed to (within ethical standards, but that’s another topic) because learning, no matter what field you are in, never stops.  You’ll be surprised at how many new techniques you can pick up.

“Leave it as you found it.”  Coaching travelers to not push their ways of treating onto their new environment is one of the most common coaching opportunities I’ve had.  As mentioned earlier, everyone has their own style so be respectful of it.  Travelers are hired for certain reasons such as covering for a medical leave or accommodating for census growth, not to revamp how things are currently run.  Your time there should be seamless and beneficial to the existing team.  The best way to acclimate to an environment is by letting everyone get to know you through your skills, not by the changes you are trying to push.  Doing this will only put you in an uncomfortable position and you won’t enjoy walking around on eggshells for 13 weeks!  When you show a strong work ethic along with a team-friendly personality, those around you will be more welcoming. 

“The pot boileth over.”  Frustration at some point during an assignment is inevitable.  Everyone reaches that point but letting it cross over into your work can be detrimental.  Being flexible is important and will also reduce the amount of frustration you feel when entering in a new environment.  Reduce feelings of frustration by making sure to take time out for yourself every day.  Make sure to get enough rest and to maintain a healthy diet.  Take walks or treat yourself to a massage or nice meal while on assignment.  Don’t skip breaks and take the opportunity to vent to your recruiter, NOT your coworkers.  Just remember to heed the advice that may be given as well.

“A rainbow of fruit flavors.”  Part of the benefits of traveling is getting exposed to other cultures and to other personalities.  Remember that everyone has something positive to offer so be open to what you may encounter when out on assignment.  There are so many amazing sights, sounds and people around you to experience that will lend themselves to be great stories for you to tell later!  There may be times when personalities clash and if this occurs, stay professional, positive and courteous.   

No matter where you are, enjoy yourself… truly enjoy yourself.  Make sure to hunt out the local adventures or taste the regional cuisine.  Open yourself to new experiences and be accepting of what you will find and who you will meet.  Being able to adapt is essential and understanding that there’s a world of beautiful differences out there is the first step.  Traveling is marvelous and grants you a perspective most people don’t have the opportunity to do so reap the many benefits this industry offers.  Happy Travels!

Sun Hui (Sunny) Snook graduated with a B.A. in Psychology from Truman State University and received a Master’s in Human Services from Bellevue University. She has been in the healthcare staffing field for 11 years, first working with nurses before moving to a nationwide work strategies consultant where her key responsibilities were to coach staffers and hospital managers on effective staffing. In 2009, Sunny started with Aureus Medical as an Account Manager in the Rehab Therapy division, working with both clients and prospective employees. Most recently, she moved to Student Outreach Coordinator. Prior to working in healthcare staffing, she served as an addictions therapist and residential treatment coordinator for five years.

Sunny Snook / 800.456.5857 ext 6578 / ssnook@aureusmedical.com / Facebook / LinkedIn

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.  What are your strengths?  What do you bring to the table?  Being a new graduate doesn’t mean you come empty-handed, absolutely not!  You may need to develop and hone the skills you acquired seeking your degree, but you also have some natural-born talent that can be put to good use.  Start with your peers, co-workers or clinical supervisors.  What compliments do they give you i.e. self-starter, congeniality, etc?  Those are all great assets to add to your repertoire.  Make sure to think of how they can be useful in your future role. For example, if everyone complimented you on being sociable and friendly, then your strength can be:  “My ability to build rapport quickly allows me to gain confidence from patients and their caregivers.  Nurturing those relationships help in the progression of care I provide.”  Wow!  You didn’t know how important rapport building is in patient care, did you?  Of course, you did!  You just have to learn to identify your strengths and put them to good use.

Don’t be afraid of what you need to improve on either. Everyone has had that dreaded interview question, “list a weakness…” I may be crazy but I love that question, it’s my favorite.   For me, it’s delegation.  I can’t say “no”, I always tell people that I can handle this task or that favor.  When starting your career, you should always be aware of what you need to work on because you want to make sure you put yourself in situations that will help you IMPROVE on them.   Be ready to ask for feedback and during interviews, turn that “weakness” into a soon-to-be strength.  Such as, “Because I have a strong desire to please others, I may not delegate when necessary.  I’m working on this by increasing communication with those around me, thus allowing others to take part in what needs to be accomplished and also take ownership.”  By being ready to identify an area of improvement, you show your potential employer that you are coachable and approachable. 

Next, make sure your resume strongly reflects what you have acquired thus far.  List what you have done in your clinical fieldwork and what your accomplishments are in the field you are going into.  Don’t clutter your resume with fluff especially in healthcare.  Hiring managers need to see what you were exposed too quickly because they need to be back out on the floor.  If resumes aren’t your strong suit, enlist the help of a career counselor or resume writer.  If using a recruiter, make sure he/she is talking to you because they can’t represent you, if they don’t know you! 

Research is a key component in jumpstarting your career.  It’s hard to get started in a job market that doesn’t need your services.  Yes, that’s right folks, you may not be needed and a degree, no matter how much you invested, doesn’t guarantee you a job.  So, find out what the market is like in your geographical area.   If not there, where are the jobs and are they in areas you are willing to relocate? Your university career center will be helpful in this or can direct you.  If not, use a recruiter. Their services are free to you and they are the subject matter experts so pick their brains!  A good one will tell you what you need to know, the good and the bad.  Let them do the work so that you can redirect your focus to other things.   In addition, and this is very important, join a social network or group.  There are plenty of social media networks out there that will have hundreds of people willing to jump in with advice or opinions.  It never hurts to build that network because you will use it for a very long time.   

Starting your post-school career is a fantastic and overwhelming time.   Make sure to do your prep work and you will be absolutely fine.  Always feel free to contact me on LinkedIn or Facebook under Sunny Snook!  I’m always willing to help in some way.

Sun Hui (Sunny) Snook graduated with a B.A. in Psychology from Truman State University and received a Master’s in Human Services from Bellevue University. She has been in the healthcare staffing field for 11 years, first working with nurses before moving to a nationwide work strategies consultant where her key responsibilities were to coach staffers and hospital managers on effective staffing. In 2009, Sunny started with Aureus Medical as an Account Manager in the Rehab Therapy division, working with both clients and prospective employees. Most recently, she moved to Student Outreach Coordinator. Prior to working in healthcare staffing, she served as an addictions therapist and residential treatment coordinator for five years.

Sunny Snook / 800.456.5857 ext 6578 / ssnook@aureusmedical.com

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. 

If you are seriously considering travel as a career choice and setting is your priority, then being open to other variables like location will help.  This doesn’t mean you can’t have both but I suggest working with a recruiter who will be able to tell you what your odds are. There are limitations, of course, because new graduates need to be properly supervised.  Some settings will be better than others.  A good recruiter will make sure to find out all aspects of the position including how many therapists and assistants are working and the amount of mentoring that is available.  This rule applies even when the recruiter is finding a direct hire (perm) job for you.  If you are set on a particular location and setting, a direct hire option will probably be a better fit.  If undecided, then try a temp or match hire (temp-to-perm) position.  The great thing about taking a travel assignment as a new graduate is the fact that you can choose to work across different settings or to work the same setting across different locations.  It’s your choice! Either way, it helps add tools to your tool box.

Pay is a motivator to everyone, even those who say that they are looking for the experience.  If you are a new graduate telling me it doesn’t matter, then I have to wonder if you have student loans or if you won the lottery!  Either way, I want to know about it.  Salary is sticky because it differs across region and by setting.  Going full time in a direct hire position is always a great choice because of the extensive benefits that are offered.   As a traveler, you can have benefits but the real draw is the amount of money that can be made, especially if you are not tied to a lease or a home.  Staying with family or friends in between assignments is common since housing is paid for while the traveler is working.  Therefore, any part of your paycheck that was budgeted to housing is now budgeted to other areas or savings (which is the big bonus of being a temporary employee).  Even if you are paying a monthly housing bill, the higher wages alone are a big plus.  The important thing to remember if you are considering travel is to make sure you are aware of proper IRS guidelines. Some agencies may choose to let the traveller keep track of receipts, tax rules, etc. so it’s up to you to stay on your toes.  If you are unsure, check with your personal accountant.

Deciding to travel right out of school is truly a personal decision.  Location, pay, setting and mentoring are just a few of the driving factors in making the choice.  Whatever your reasons, make sure to do your research.  Also, once you decide to work with a recruiter, make sure to keep communications tight so that your needs are always understood.  There is a big world out there and for a new graduate, it truly can be your oyster. Using a recruiter is a great way to help navigate those waters, no matter if it’s for a direct hire or travel position.

Sun Hui (Sunny) Snook graduated with a B.A. in Psychology from Truman State University and received a Master’s in Human Services from Bellevue University. She has been in the healthcare staffing field for 11 years, first working with nurses before moving to a nationwide work strategies consultant where her key responsibilities were to coach staffers and hospital managers on effective staffing. In 2009, Sunny started with Aureus Medical as an Account Manager in the Rehab Therapy division, working with both clients and prospective employees. Most recently, she moved to Student Outreach Coordinator. Prior to working in healthcare staffing, she served as an addictions therapist and residential treatment coordinator for five years.

Sunny Snook / 800.456.5857 ext 6578 / ssnook@aureusmedical.com

First and foremost, let’s discuss one glaring concern by all new graduates, “Will I receive the proper mentorship if I travel?”  Great question and absolutely a valid one to address!  My answer is a resounding yes with a big emphasis on IF you have a great relationship with your recruiter. Your recruiter should be able to identify your needs and relay them to your potential employer. Quite frankly, not all matches are perfect and it’s our job to make sure that both the therapist and the facility are happy. Ensuring this fit is an essential role by the recruiter whether the new graduate chooses to travel or to take a full-time position.

Another option for ensuring proper mentorship is to extend the length of stay. Typically a travel assignment is 13 weeks in duration but asking for a longer stint such as 18 weeks may be more beneficial to the new graduate as well as the healthcare facility.  For SLPs, the situation is a little more difficult if you are completing a CFY. 

Keri Janousek, Branch Manager for the Speech division at Aureus Medical, recommends asking your recruiter if the client would be open to a 9 month commitment.  “This will help remove both the need to find another CF Supervisor and securing another contract in order to meet the hourly requirement to complete your Clinical Fellowship.”  

Bottom line, travelling as a new graduate is definitely an option, but make sure the company you work for has your best interest in mind. 

A second common motivator in deciding to travel is location (i.e. close to home, being near a beach, etc.) Several new graduates like the idea of travelling but when asked where they want to go, they pick their hometown.  Well, that can be a great decision, if where you are from is in demand for a therapist.  However, if you are a therapist wanting to be in a town where there is a university or two in the surrounding area, then your luck of travelling or finding a full time job will decrease due to saturation.  As they say in real estate, location…location…location.  Getting a degree in a high demand field doesn’t mean that it’s high demand in the location you want to be in. 

Deciding whether to travel or take a full time job in your area of interest really depends on the industry need coupled with how flexible you are.   If you want to stay put and not be far from home, direct hire is an obvious choice.  Local travel is too, but you have to make sure the area can support it.  If the world is your oyster, then travelling is a great way to find a location where you want to be, especially since more companies are choosing to do a temp to hire option.  It can also be a viable choice while waiting for a position to open in the area you want to be.  Keep in mind, whether for travel or direct hire, the amount of need varies based on setting so be flexible if location is your top priority.  Do your homework, or better yet, ask your recruiter to find out what the job market is like in your area of interest.  Recruiters are the subject matter experts on the job search so use their expertise to your advantage. 

Stay tuned for my next blog: Pay and Setting as Motivators

Sun Hui (Sunny) Snook graduated with a B.A. in Psychology from Truman State University and received a Master’s in Human Services from Bellevue University. She has been in the healthcare staffing field for 11 years, first working with nurses before moving to a nationwide work strategies consultant where her key responsibilities were to coach staffers and hospital managers on effective staffing. In 2009, Sunny started with Aureus Medical as an Account Manager in the Rehab Therapy division, working with both clients and prospective employees. Most recently, she moved to Student Outreach Coordinator. Prior to working in healthcare staffing, she served as an addictions therapist and residential treatment coordinator for five years.

Sunny Snook / 800.456.5857 ext 6578 / ssnook@aureusmedical.com

With spring upon us, we will be able to enjoy longer days, warmer weather, and the sights and sounds of spring.  Along with the joys and wonders of this new season come new challenges, including tornadoes, floods, earthquakes, and tsunamis.

Because of the recent force of nature that spread from Japan to Hawaii to the mainland, I think this is a good time for us all to review some of the important safety tips and resources available to us.

Remember to create your own emergency preparedness plan for your area.  This will help to keep you and your family safe. Better safe than sorry!  

Tornadoes
Tornados are natures’ most violent storms. Spawned from powerful thunderstorms, tornadoes can cause fatalities and devastate a neighborhood in seconds.

•  If you are inside, go to the safest place you can find: a safe room, basement, storm cellar; if no basement the lowest level of a building interior room.   Any safe place where you can protect yourself from glass and other flying objects is ideal.
• If you are outside, hurry to the basement of a nearby sturdy building or lie flat in a ditch or low-lying area.
• If you are in a car or mobile home, get out immediately and head for safety.
• Get under a sturdy table and use your arms to protect your head and neck.
• Do not open any windows

 For more details see Tornado Safety: FEMA.  

Floods
Floods are one of the most common hazards in the United States. Flood effects can be local, impacting a neighborhood or community, or very large, affecting entire river basins and multiple states and coast lines.  There are many different types of floods. 

• Listen to the radio or television for information.
• Be aware that flash flooding can occur. If there is any possibility of a flash flood, move immediately to higher ground. Do not wait for instructions to move.
• Be aware of streams, drainage channels, canyons, and other areas known to flood suddenly. Flash floods can occur in these areas with or without such typical warnings as rain clouds or heavy rain.
• Prepare to evacuate if necessary.

 For more info see Flood Safety: FEMA.  

Earthquake
It’s important to take “quake-safe” action at the first indication of ground shaking. Don’t wait until you’re certain an earthquake is actually occurring. As the ground shaking grows stronger, danger increases.

Steps to take if at home:

• It is safer to stay inside than to get out or try to hide in another place.
• Hide under a table, stay in a doorway, or stand in the corner of a room.
• Stay away from windows, balconies, hanging wall & ceiling objects, free-standing cabinets and bookshelves – anything that can fall or topple onto you.
• Cover you neck unless you need to hold onto an object to keep from moving. 

For more tips, visit FEMA’s Earthquake Safety page.  

Tsunami
Earthquake-induced movement of the ocean floor most often generates tsunamis. If a major earthquake or landslide occurs close to shore, the first wave in a series could reach the beach in a few minutes, even before a warning is issued.

•  Turn on your radio to learn if there is a tsunami warning if an earthquake occurs and you are in a coastal area.
• Move inland to higher ground immediately and stay there.
• Stay away from flooded and damaged areas until officials say it is safe to return.
• Stay away from debris in the water; it may pose a safety hazard to boats and people.

Visit FEMA’s Tsunami Safety page for more information.

Cindy Shea, National Sales Manager - Cardiopulmonary Division

Cynthia Shea is the National Sales Manager for the Cardiopulmonary division of Aureus Medical Group. She joined C&A Industries, the parent company of Aureus Medical, in July 1987 where she began her career with AurStaff (a division of C&A Industries, Inc.) as a staff supervisor.  Since then she has received promotions to Assistant Manager, Division Manager, and National Sales Manager, the position which she currently holds. Cynthia has extensive experience in recruiting, hiring and developing work teams, performance counseling, problem resolution as well as creating strategic divisional plans and executing operational programs, all of which have resulted in an explosion of growth that has positively impacted the company’s bottom line.  She is a master at creating innovative ways to generate new business. She also possesses outstanding sales and people development instincts, along with superior communication skills.  

Contact info:
Telephone: 800-456-5857, ext. 6061 / Fax: 402-895-7812 / E-mail: cshea@aureusmedical.com

Sound familiar? One of the most stressful parts of being a contract employee is the “what next”.  In today’s economy, there is no question that it is much tougher then it was just a few years ago. Is there anything that you can do to help your odds of getting another contract quickly? The answer is YES!  Here are a few pointers to help you stay out:

1.  Keep in close contact with your Account Manager or Recruiter. This does not mean you need to check in four times per day, but as your end date comes closer, you may need to speak with them daily or every other day.

2.  Speak with your Account Manager about what the market is looking like 30 days before your end date. Ask specifically about your modality, not just the market in general. Even though the market is constantly changing, this will give you an idea what to plan for. 

3.  Do your absolute best on your current contract. Your assignment appraisals and references are part of your permanent file. Account Managers look for contract employees that have a great track record and want to send the best candidates to their open jobs.

4.  Make sure that your Aureus online profile has accurate information about the states where you want to travel and the types of positions you are interested in. Are you only interested in contract assignments or would you consider a direct hire position??  The more accurate you information is in our system, the better chance you will be alerted of job openings.

5.  Open up your options. Geographic areas, shifts, call, job duties – these are all things that could prevent you from getting calls about positions. The more limits you give your recruiter, the fewer the doors will be open for you.

6.  Talk to more then one Account Manager or Recruiter. Even though you may already be working with an Account Manger or Recruiter, it’s ok to ask who markets a particular state or states you are interested in. Most Account Managers are assigned territory that they market daily.  If you are interested in a particular state, they can market you into that area or keep you top of mind for any positions that may come open within that state.

Hopefully these points will help take some of the stress out of finding your next contract and keep you on the road to a successful travel career.