Round and round, your mind spins so making a choice to take the right job becomes clouded by all of the self-sabotaging!  Relax and take a breath.  Remember, you started to look for a reason.  You didn’t take all this time to hunt for a job and interview for nothing; you were committed to start something new so let’s get going on a decision!

First things first…write down all of the reasons you are looking for a job.  This could be a change in location or wanting to branch out.  These are YOUR reasons so you should know why you began the search in the first place.  Then, list what you hope you will find in the next position (i.e. team accountability, great pay, vacation time, etc.).  Your recruiter is a great resource for this since he/she will have the requirements you’ve discussed.  Once you completed the lists, begin to compare each potential job against them.  Try using a points system where each item on your job “wish list” has a value.  This may sound silly but if you tend to be a person that has a tough time making a decision, having a clear cut process may be just the answer.    

When rating each job, make sure to list basics such as location, pay, and hours.  Your checklist could look something like this:

 ____   Location (+1)                                        ____   Flexible Hours (+1)

____   Team Environment (+2)                  ____   Desired Pay (+2)

____   Benefits (+3)                                        ____   Vacation Time (+1)

It’ll be up to you as to how much each factor will be valued since you know what’s truly important to you.    After grading each job, tally the numbers and see which position scored the most.  This ideally will be the job that most closely meets the requirements you set forth.  However, before you pull the trigger, you still need to do a gut check.   

No matter who you are there’s always one job that you lean towards… that secretly you are hoping to get because it’s the company or the setting you’ve always wanted.  If it’s the same job as the one that had the most points, bonus, you’re done!  If not, then think of what factors prevent you from coming on board, although you are drawn to it.  If it’s pay, can you make budget cuts or is it just too much of a difference?  If its location, is the commute doable or does it require a complete relocation? No matter what the reason is, evaluate whether or not you can feasibly make it work (and this means without putting yourself in financial or emotional jeopardy).  If you’ve looked at everything and you still can’t find a way to make it work, then maybe you have to let that position go and move on to your 2^nd choice.   If you can’t seem to turn it down, then your decision has already been made, so there is no need to consider other options.

When choosing a job, remember to look at each position for the long term value that you will gain from it.  Sit down and go over every detail, talk with your family, friends and your recruiter to get some different perspectives.   Each job should be considered an investment into you and your career.  Once you’ve considered every angle, the decision you make will bring relief and also excitement.  You’ll know when the right one is made the instant you say, “I accept the offer.”  Although the job hunt can be nerve racking, this should be an exciting time for you.  Using a game plan helps to make the tough decisions a little easier if not, a little more enjoyable.

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. In 2011, 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

This does not even begin to explain everything a nurse is or does!

All across the country this week (May 6-12), hospitals, clinics and the like will do all they can to recognize and thank the millions of nurses that do their very best each and every day to save lives, heal wounds, and rehabilitate patients.  No thank you card, duffle bag, or coffee cup could ever fully explain the amount to which we lean on these professionals in one of the most intense and demanding fields.  We at Aureus would like to thank each and every one of you for your dedication, perseverance, and caring hearts.  Thank you.

Brannen Betz, General Manager - Aureus Medical Nursing Division

Brannen Betz is the General Manager for the Nursing division at Aureus Medical Group. He started with Aureus in 1999 as a Recruiter. He worked his way up to Branch Manager in Allied Health in 2002. He stepped into his current role as General Manager for Nursing in 2003. Brannen was born and raised in Denver, CO. He attended the University of Nebraska at Kearney, where he played collegiate baseball. Brannen has two children, daughter Ellee (10) and son Nate (8). He spends his free time coaching youth sports, playing hockey and wakeboarding.

BBetz@aureusmedical.com / 800.856.5457, ext. 2210 / www.aureusmedical.com

If you haven’t been to Hawaii before, you are in for a wonderful surprise. This is one of the most beautiful places on earth andHawaiians are truly kind.  The population is made up of a blend of Caucasian (“Haole”, pronounced “how-o-lee”), Hawaiian, Japanese, Chinese, Filipino, Samoan, Portuguese and other Polynesian cultures.  None dominate and all have positive traits that the islands have adopted with the best being celebrations and food.

Here are some other fun facts about Hawaii:

• The state of Hawaii consists of eight main islands: Niihau, Kauai, Oahu, Maui, Molokai, Lanai, Kahoolawe and the Big Island of Hawaii.
• Located 2,390 miles from California, 3,850 miles from Japan, and 4,900 miles from China, it is the most isolated population center on Earth.
• Under-sea volcanoes that erupted thousands of years ago formed the islands of Hawaii.
• Molokai is known as the most Hawaiian Isle.
• The island of Lanai is considered Hawaii’s most secluded.
• The Big Island is Hawaii’s largest at 4,038 square miles. It is twice the size of all other Hawaiian Islands combined.
• The island of Oahu draws more visitors than any other to Hawaii. One-third of the state’s best surfing beaches are on Oahu.
• Hawaii was the 50th state admitted to the union on August 20th, 1959.

Yes, Hawaii has big bugs. Geckos are lizards that eat cockroaches and other bugs. They are your friends. There may be one in you apartment/hotel and you’ll hear him chirp at night. Just name him Fred and make him your pet and tell him good night. And then sleep well knowing you are in paradise!

Make sure to stay in touch with your Account Manager and let them know if Hawaii is on your bucket list for a travel destination. They will do their best to make it happen!

Loni W., Registered EEG Tech
Loni has been awarded the honor of Employee of the Quarter for the Cardiopulmonary Division of Aureus Medical Group.  She is incredibly knowledgeable and an excellent representative for our company.  Loni has completed three assignments with Aureus so far and is currently expanding her skills by working in intraoperative monitoring in New Mexico.  All three contracts started as 13-week assignments but they were all extended to six-month terms because of Loni’s skill level, professionalism and attitude. She has received nothing but rave reviews from her managers and from her Account Manager.  Loni represents Aureus well in all she does, even recruiting a few other travelers to join the Aureus family.

Julie D., General and Vascular Sonographer
Julie has been awarded Employee of the Quarter for the Imaging Division of Aureus Medical Group.  An easygoing healthcare professional, Julie has been described as one of the most caring and compassionate techs one client manager had ever worked with. She has received rave reviews from every facility she has worked for and her Account Manger often receives requests to have Julie return. Currently on her 11^th assignment with Aureus, Julie is always most concerned with how she can help the facility and where she can make an impact. Thank you, Julie, for your continued dedication and for representing Aureus so well.

Connie S., Medical Technologist
Connie has been awarded Employee of the Quarter for the Medical Laboratory Division of Aureus Medical Group.  Connie is a fantastic traveler, always flexible with shifts and gets rave reviews from the client facilities.  Her managers say she is always upbeat, a great worker, and willing to help out wherever and whenever she is needed, often extending her assignments.  Connie is consistently asked to stay on full time, but enjoys traveling. Thank you, Connie, for your dedication and commitment to your profession.  We appreciate all you do!

Janice B., RN
Janice has been awarded the honor of Employee of the Quarter for the Nursing Division of Aureus Medical Group. Kim has worked for Aureus for over two years and is the blueprint of what a travel nurse should be. She is dependable, positive, organized, and a great communicator. According to one client, “Janice had done a contract for me before and when I had a need again, I sought her out due to the excellent reputation she earned while here. She is a true joy to work with.” We are fortunate to work with Janice and Aureus is proud to have her as part of the Aureus Medical team.

Joe T., Occupational Therapist Assistant
Joe T. has been awarded the honor of Employee of the Quarter for the Rehabilitation Therapy Division of Aureus Medical Group. Joe is the type of traveler we all wish for, and would give anything to be able to have a 1000 more just like him.  He is incredibly reliable, missing work only a few times in the last 5 years of contracts, with little to no time off.  Joe exudes positivity wherever he goes, and tends to bring everyone around him up to his level of fun.  More than once, Joe has heard that more than anything the employees and residents of a facility miss his bellowing laugh upon his departure.  Joe has a special ability to motivate the unmotivated, brighten the day of all those around him, and turn once tense situations into easy going interactions.  Joe has completed 14 consecutive assignments with Aureus, and is currently in route to complete his 15th.  While on assignment, Joe has repeatedly been asked to stay or come back, proves to be incredibly flexible and willing to do whatever he can to help out, and is always willing to take the most difficult patients for the good of the team.  We are extremely proud to have him representing Aureus Medical in the field.

No matter your employment capacity (full time, contract traveler, per diem), each facility requires you to keep up with your compliance status. Staying compliant with your license, certifications, CPR, immunizations (TB), skill sheets, annual training and much more, show your strong commitment and integrity towards your profession.

It’s not always easy to keep track of the numerous items to keep current. My suggestion is to set up reminders in your email calendar, in your iPhone, BlackBerry, Android or just the plain old wall calendar / planner.

Most professionals have varying time frames where their documents / certifications come due. Be sure to give yourself enough time to get your items renewed without missing your deadline. For example, continuing education might be one of the most time consuming. For Aureus Medical you may complete up to 27 modules. Each module can run from 3 – 10 questions. For state licenses, it’s going to vary from state to state (possibly 1 to 6 weeks). For immunizations, appointments must be scheduled and completed.

Our commitment to compliance is to be the best. Let’s prove our commitment to quality together.

CPR – Almost every healthcare professional is required to be certified in CPR and some must be certified in advanced life support. To help ensure the safety of patients, it’s essential to maintain your CPR and advanced life support certifications. Most facilities only accept life support certifications from the American Heart Association or American Red Cross. Remember if you take an online test you will also need to complete a skills test in person with a CPR instructor. Visit the American Heart Association to locate a class.

State License – There’s no way around this requirement! Healthcare professionals need to renew their state license as soon as they know of it expiring. Contact the state licensing board and make sure you maintain this important credential!

TB Skin Test – It’s important to be tested each year since healthcare providers can be placed in situations where it’s possible to contract and spread tuberculosis. You cannot let your TB test expire beyond one year! Most times you can update your TB prior to expiration at the facility you are assigned to. If this is not an option, contact your Aureus Account Manager promptly to help you find another location close to you.

Annual Training -Healthcare facilities and professionals take the safety of patients very seriously. To help ensure you stay up-to-date on healthcare policies and Joint Commission requirements, Aureus Medical offers an annual training program to cover various topics including HIPAA, substance abuse recognition, legal issues, and infection control. An email will be sent with instructions when your Annual Training is due. Follow the instructions to login and complete your testing.

Skills Checklist – It’s important for us to be aware of any new skills since the last time your checklist was completed. It’s equally important to know if you’ve become more proficient in any skill over the past year. We forward your checklists to potential employers when you are presented to jobs, so it is critical they are an accurate reflection of your abilities! It’s very easy to update your checklists – just login anytime to www.aureusmedical.com.

• Exercise is key to relieving stress.  “After the initial shock of getting over something new, I was fine.  Working out is my answer to everything…getting a good sweat.”  When starting to travel, the hardest part for him was getting immersed into a completely different environment.  So listening and asking questions help but when the day is over, heading to the gym to burn off stress really did the trick.
• Balancing work, family and relationships when away is difficult, but not impossible.  “It was harder on me because she’s busy…so when I wanted to talk, she couldn’t.  It’s easy to get frustrated when you worry about bills, work, no time with girlfriend…Since I was by myself, I could relieve some of my frustrations by going for a run.”  Fill your time with activities that you enjoy so that you’re not sitting around waiting for the next day to start.  It’s important to be active, whether you are exercising, sightseeing, or simply taking in a movie.  Schedules will differ for you and your family so budget your time to adjust for their schedules and for yours.  Setting a time to call will help reduce the likelihood of becoming upset because you can’t connect. 
• Take advantage of the time to yourself.  “I used the time away from friends to get healthy, eat right…develop good habits.”  While on his first assignment, Matt took it as an opportunity to become focused, including training for his first half marathon.  Not only did Matt complete the half-marathon, he beat the time he had set for himself.  “Finishing the marathon was the coolest sense of accomplishment.”
• Stay mentally balanced. “It’s easy to get frustrated when you don’t have [an assignment] locked up or you thought you had something locked up…talking to you guys helped me out.”  There’s a certain degree of uncertainty with traveling which isn’t for the faint of heart.  Talking regularly with your recruiters so that you are abreast of the situation helps but knowing that the assignment may not work out can take its toll.  Times like these require you to kick it up a notch in the coping skills department. Maintain communication with your recruiter including coming up with a backup plan with a drop dead date in which it takes effect.  Keep up your healthy eating habits, be active and get plenty of rest.
• Eat healthy.  “Cooking for one wasn’t really the problem, it was shopping for one.  I realized quickly that I had to buy in smaller portions.”  Matt made sure to cook more often and eat out considerably less because he could control what went into his food.  He made it a point to try new foods and to look up recipes online to add variety.  When eating out, try researching the nutrition info ahead of time so when you get to the restaurant, you know exactly what you should order.

Developing healthy habits and effective coping skills are important for everyone.  Make sure to take time every day to lessen stress and increase your fitness level.  As always, I would love to hear what works for you so feel free to comment so that we all learn something new!

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. In 2011, 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

We need sonographers in all areas, cardiac cath, and EP techs to help us fill the demands of our clients. We also need RNs, Physical Therapists, Respiratory Therapists, Occupational Therapist, Medical Technologists, and more.

We pride ourselves on our team of travelers – YOU – and so who better to help us find other techs like yourselves.  If you know someone that has expressed an interest in traveling, used to travel, or travels with another company, and think they’d be a good fit for the Aureus team, have them give us a call.  We are offering up to a $750 referral bonus for anyone you send our way that we can put to work for at least five weeks.  Excellent pay, full benefits, paid housing, per diem and a chance to see the world are just some of the GREAT reasons to join the travel team of Aureus Medical. 

Click here to submit your referral.

Being a healthcare traveler can definitely take its toll, both mentally and physically.    However, there are an astounding number of travelers and they love what they do but how do they keep themselves mentally and physically sound while on the road?  I thought I would ask a few of our travelers to share their insight or tips so I can pass it along to you in short blogs over the next couple of months. 

Catherine T., a traveling physical therapist, starts us off with some insight on what her and her husband does while on the road: 

“As a physical therapist, my job focuses on exercises to help improve the body’s function.  Exercise is better than medicine in many cases, not only for physical health but mental health as well.  While most people recognize the importance of fitness, many find it challenging to keep up with an exercise program.  In my own life I have found a few key aspects of maintaining fitness. First of all, you have to find something that is interesting to you. I enjoy lifting weights, but a lot of people think weightlifting is boring.  Hiking and outdoor activities might be more enjoyable for some.  One of the great advantages of working as a traveling PT is the variety of outdoor settings that I have been able to experience.  My husband, a traveling OT, and I have hiked in North Carolina, Pennsylvania and New Mexico, and we took advantage of outdoor activities in Florida as well.  The change of scenery keeps the outdoor exercise exciting. 

Depending on your location you might have access to gyms with yoga, Pilates or other exercise classes.  The key is to find something that you enjoy, because you will be much more likely to stick with it. Another important consideration is establishing a routine.  My husband and I go to the gym every day before work because we have found the routine to be successful for us.  After work sometimes we have to go grocery shopping or run errands, so it’s best for us to get the workout done early in the day.  I usually get my workout clothes out the night before so I don’t have to think too much in the early hours of the morning.  If you are able to integrate exercise into your routine, it can become part of your lifestyle.

Accountability is another factor that influences your exercise habits. I find it very advantageous to have a husband to support me in my exercise routine.  We wake up together and go to the gym together. Even though we go our separate ways once we get to the gym, it’s still good to have a partner to help motivate me to get out of bed and hit the gym.  If you don’t have someone in your home to help keep you accountable, you could use online social networking sites to share your challenges and successes with friends and gain support. We have both benefitted from making fitness a priority in our lives.”

Catherine and her husband, Ryan, have been traveling with Aureus Medical for almost 4 years.

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. In 2011, 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