Choosing to travel is an exciting career and life choice. It will present you with many positive life experiences that you would not have had the opportunity to experience otherwise. You will also be pressed into new situations and challenges that you will have to learn to overcome. When you know your purpose, it’s much easier to take these challenges head on. I suggest to all of my travelers to know their WHY, and re-evaluate this annually. Below is a list of the most common reason people choose to travel.

1. Money
2. Explore the country
3. Learn new and different ways of patient care
4. Keep things fresh and escape career burnout
5. New stories and life experiences
6. Visit family and friends for extended periods of time
7. Weather

We’d love to hear what your why is! Comment below!

Bill Payson is an Account Manager for the Advanced Practice division of Aureus Medical Group. 

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Extra Income

Let’s be honest. If you’re going to travel then you want to make it worth your while. Luckily, traveling as a provider pays well. The median pay for a PA in 2017 was $104,000 per year with the top 10% earning over $146,000. While the median pay is just over $100,000, some states average much higher pay rates. California, Alaska, and Massachusetts are some of the highest paying states with a median salary over $117,000 and are all great travel destinations as well. In 2017, the average medical school debt was $190,000. Providers are commonly paid more in areas with higher patient loads or under-served populations.

Expand in your Scope of Practice

Providers can often times be burnt out with their current work, putting in over 40 hours and struggling to have any kind of work-life balance or normalcy. Travel work allows providers to work in the same specialty, but expand their knowledge by working in different clinics and settings that may operate differently. Connecting with different clinics and hospitals through traveling gives providers more autonomy to determine what fields of practice are most interesting to them and allows the ability to further pursue those.

Providers thrive in all areas of care, which means you can travel and work in many different settings (Emergency Medicine, Urgent Care, Oncology, Pediatrics, Women’s Health, and Acute Care). This can be convenient for a provider who’s been working in the same field and wants change, a provider who loves what they do but wants a lighter work load, or simply a provider who’s interested in venturing to places they haven’t been while still advancing in their career.

New Experiences

Do you like to explore new areas of the country?  Locum positions in particular allow for enough time to enjoy and explore a new environment while still avoiding the commitment of a permanent position. Many people dream of exploring areas they’ve never been while also continuing their career; traveling as an advanced practice provider allows the option to do both. I have a current traveler who is crossing off the states as she travels around the country. Her goal is to work in or visit every state. I love that traveling as a provider has allowed her to work towards this goal! While working you can visit the Grand Canyon, go on a trip out east to run the Boston Marathon, or visit your favorite baseball field (Wrigley Field).

Great Benefits

Traveling as an advanced practice provider also comes with some great benefits. As a traveler with Aureus, you receive competitive compensations, housing provided, travel provided, PTO, holiday pay, tax free per diems, medical / dental/vision, 401k, and professional liability insurance coverage. We also cover license reimbursement and CMEs. With us paying your housing and travel as well as providing benefits, that great compensation package is going straight into your pocket to help with bills or pay down those student loans. This is one of the huge advantages to traveling.  Many providers put their personal belongings in storage and utilize company paid housing since it is a tax free benefit!

Personal Fulfillment

Lastly, traveling offers the opportunity for personal growth. Moving to a new location isn’t easy. Understanding a new environment, working with new people, and exposing yourself to a new job are all challenges to overcome but the personal fulfillment you’ll gain at the end of a new travel position will far outweigh the initial discomfort. Providers often times seek work in underserved areas, which allow them to provide care to patients that would otherwise not have received any. A career as a physician assistant is very rewarding; 89% of physician assistants reported having very high levels of job satisfaction. Regardless of the location or specialty, there’s a lot to love as a PA and also a lot to go out and experience.  I hope you have now gained some insight into traveling as a provider. So, I want to know what travel location is on your bucket list?

Dana Hosier is an Account Manager for the Advanced Practice division of Aureus Medical Group.

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If spring decides not to make an early debut, we can all still take comfort in the fact that we are getting close. The entire United States will start to see an increase in temperatures as we welcome the month of March. The warmth brings travel possibilities in all 50 states and no scooping snow required. To break up the monotony of winter, it is common for people to think of the usual places to travel such as Florida, California, and Arizona. But where does one go when the whole U.S. is experiencing desirable temperatures? The options are endless! Here are some uncommon travel ideas that offer a little something for everyone that we hope you will think twice about.

Missouri

Kansas City is a sports fanatic’s dream with a rich athletic history. Every March, KC hosts more college basketball games than anywhere else in the country! This year, 66 teams are expected for 61 games in just 25 days. The city is prepared all month long to host teams and fans alike. If your love is for America’s pastime, get yourself to Kauffman Stadium to cheer on the Kansas City Royals. If you find yourself in KC during the fall months, you will find another fan base cheering on the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium, which is said to be one of the loudest sports stadiums in the world. Sports truly bring out the best in KC!

Ohio

Calling all thrill seekers! Located in Ohio on Lake Erie’s shore is Cedar Point, the roller coaster capital of the world. Here you will find an amusement park that features 70 rides and 18 world-class rollercoasters. Voted “Best New Ride” in 2018, “Steel Vengeance” is the tallest, fastest, and longest rollercoaster in the world. Those who aren’t adrenaline junkies can enjoy the 18-acre water park next door. Both attractions are located on Lake Erie’s waterfront allowing guests to explore a variety of experiences nearby.

South Dakota

The western portion of South Dakota alone is home to Mount Rushmore, Badlands National Park, the Black Hills, and more! Mount Rushmore is one of the most recognized American landmarks across the country. The monument depicts the faces of four former American presidents which are carved and blasted from the side of a rock at 60 feet. On the way to Mount Rushmore, don’t forget to make a pit stop in the Black Hills to see what is considered “Bear Country”. You can observe wildlife such as black bears, elk, mountain lions, buffalo, and others all from the comfort of your own vehicle.

Wyoming

Yellowstone National Park is primarily located in Wyoming, although parts of it do spread into Montana and Idaho. This park holds some of the most beautiful sites in the country. Nature lovers can rejoice as there are over 300 different species of animals on-site. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy this playground full of vast canyons, hot springs, dense forests, and geysers, including the famous “Old Faithful”. Yellowstone National Park is one of the best rated attractions in the U.S.

Still not sold? Consider this: Because there are some parts of the country that don’t necessarily rank high on a bucket list, you could possibly experience less competition for well sought after positions. Think about it! Where do you want to travel? Chances are others in your field want to go there too. Speak to your Aureus representative today and consider something a little less obvious for your next assignment! It may surprise you.

Katey Stork is a Team Lead for the Advanced Practice division of Aureus Medical Group.

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As you are packing your car and your bags, ask yourself if you are prepared in case of a thunderstorm, a snowstorm, or even a tornado. Some of the items to keep in a safe place would include:

• Flashlight
• Portable phone charger
• First aid kit
• Bottled water
• Non-perishable food items
• Blankets

Once you arrive to a new destination make sure to keep an eye on weather patterns daily and be prepared. If you do not see a storm shelter nearby, make sure to ask the apartment complex or facility where you work where you should go in case of emergency weather. When spring weather arrives, often times you will have very little warning and therefore very little time to prepare, so know what to do, where to go, and have items on hand before it happens.

While preparing for your next contract, don’t forget to also prepare your own home for spring weather. Depending on where you live, you may need to board up windows, get your air conditioning checked, or make sure your sump pumps are working properly in your basements. Make sure you have someone you trust watching your house and your things and letting you know if or when a storm hits. Lastly, have fun and enjoy the new facility and new co-workers you will meet and become friends with over the next few weeks!

Staci Neneman is the Branch Manager for the Advanced Practice division of Aureus Medical Group.

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Since you all work so hard, this begs the question, how will you celebrate PA week? Will you take time to celebrate you? Most of you won’t want to put down your stethoscope long enough to enjoy this special week because it’s in your blood (no pun intended) to take care of people. However, if you decide to lay low this week, here are five ways that you can enjoy your week:

1. Take a vacation. There are several locations to visit this time of year just in time for winter.  A lot of you don’t live in a location that has much of a winter (lucky you) but make sure that you enjoy as much sunshine as you can.
2. Go see a movie. Several blockbuster hits are making their way into a theater near you this fall.  Take time to go by yourself or with a friend or a family member and enjoy the silver screen.
3. Go camping. Not much is better than sitting by the fire keeping warm with the great outdoors to keep you stress free.
4. Spread awareness. What you do day in and day out is important.  Make it known what PAs do and why you are so important to the medical industry
5. Create a hashtag. Hashtag?  Yep, that little number sign is a new way to see what everyone is talking about. Spread the word about PAs on social media.  Everyone’s doing it.

However you end up celebrating your week, remember, you are appreciated. Take some time out for you, your family, sports, recreation, or even some R&R.  Until next year, cheers!

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Our Advanced Practice Team has been using the suggested exercises from The Washington Post twice a day at 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. While participation is not 100% quite yet in our group, it has been a good take a break tactic for some of us that feel restricted to our desks.

Even more importantly, our parent company, C&A Industries, is adding Healthy Parking at our Omaha offices! All three locations will have designated “Healthy Parking” stalls in an effort to encourage people to take a few more steps to our desks and see the benefits in doing so. With this project, the farthest parking stalls will be painted with the Healthy Parking logo and be displayed with a corresponding green sign.

What fun ways does your company challenge you to be healthier?

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CRNA (Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist) credentialing became available in 1956 and has grown significantly across America since then. There are many people that do not understand completely what a CRNA does so let me explain. A CRNA is a licensed practitioner that goes through many months of extra schooling while working toward their graduate level education in nurse anesthesia. They are responsible for the patient safety and anesthesia before, during and after surgery of any kind depending on where they are working. They can work independently or with other physicians.

CRNAs are the primary providers of anesthesia to many rural American facilities. They provide care in all areas that anesthesia may be administered including dental offices and pain management facilities. Before a provider can become a CRNA they must first complete a BSN in Nursing from an accredited school and pass the boards. There are many RNs today that look into the CRNA program once they finish with their nursing schooling, as it is wonderful job to have!

In many facilities, the CRNA may be the sole provider caring for patients. This usually occurs in rural towns across America. They hold a very important role when a patient is going into surgery, so this week and throughout the rest of the year, we want to make sure they are recognized and appreciated. Thank you for all you do!

Staci Neneman is the Branch Manager for the Advanced Practice division of Aureus Medical Group.    

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With a goal to educate physicians quickly and efficiently for military service, Dr. Stead first set out to develop a fast-track physician curriculum at Emory University during World War II. The war was creating shortages of people and resources all over the United States, and our nation was short on physicians as well. During this time, he utilized residents to staff Emory University Hospital, which laid the groundwork for the PA curriculum that he eventually developed for Duke University.

The shortage of healthcare providers continued to be an issue in the US long after World War II had ended, which led the American Medical Association to call for the expansion of the use of “mid-level” providers. In an answer to this call, Dr. Stead wrote a letter to the Administrator of Duke Hospital announcing his intention to develop a program for the “physician assistant.” And who better to train to fill this critical need than former military corpsmen, as they had been being informally trained to perform in similar roles for decades.

The first PA program was inaugurated at Duke in 1965, and consisted of a class of four former Navy medical corpsmen. Today, there are more than 100,000 certified PAs across the country. They can be found in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and the majority of US territories. Physician Assistants continue to fill a vital need in the healthcare industry, allowing more patients critical access to care.

Because of this, and because of the wonderful PAs we have worked with in the past and continue to work with today here at Aureus Medical Group, we celebrate National Physician Assistant Week!

Liz Lord is an Account Manager with the Aureus Medical Group Advanced Practice division.

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From National Parks to sporting events, Nebraska has something for everyone. Because I could endlessly talk about Nebraska, I decided to condense this post to the top five attractions that will have you begging for a placement in Nebraska.

1) Henry Doorly Zoo

The number one Zoo in the World according to TripAdvisor, (August 2014) is The Henry Doorly Zoo, located in Omaha. The zoo hosts thousands of animals from all over the world. Visit the Desert Dome to observe animals from Africa, Australia, and the Southern United States in the world’s largest indoor desert. Stopover at Kingdoms of the Night to view a nocturnal exhibit that allows you to see animals that come alive in the night time. If water intrigues you, check out the Suzanne and Walter Scott Aquarium and stand just feet away from penguins, fish, and sharks. The Henry Doorly Zoo is a wonderful experience for adults and children alike.

2) The Niobrara River

The Niobrara River, located near Valentine, Nebraska (300 miles NW of Omaha), is part of the National Wild and Scenic River System. While visiting the Niobrara River you will have the opportunity to appreciate an abundance of nature. The river has more than 230 waterfalls, including the prominent Smith Falls, which is approximately 63 feet tall. Whether you are interested in canoeing, kayaking, or simply floating on a tube, the Niobrara is for you. No matter which form of transportation you choose, a trip down the Niobrara River will not disappoint.

3) Nebraska Cornhuskers Football

Nebraska fans proudly claim the title of the best fans in the nation. We claim this title for a variety of reasons, but a large part is due to the fact that every home Husker Football game has been sold out since November 3, 1962. After all, Memorial Stadium, in Lincoln, Nebraska, converts into the third largest city in Nebraska during home games. It’s nearly impossible to beat the energy generated at Memorial Stadium on game day. Native Nebraskan or not, witnessing the famous tunnel run and being engulfed in the sea of red is something you will remember forever!

4) Aksarben Village

Aksarben, Nebraska spelled backwards, is an area as unique as its name. Aksarben has superb dining and shopping. Aksarben is home to Jones Bros. Cupcakes who competed on Food Networks hit show Cupcake Wars. I feel confident stating that it is impossible to be bored at Aksarben Village. Take a stroll through the park, explore your artistic capabilities while sipping wine at Village Canvas and Cabernet, see a movie at the theatre, or enjoy live music in the park. Every Sunday from May 3 to October 18, the Omaha Farmers Market is open and selling fresh, local food. Whether you are in the mood to dress up to hit the town or rent a bike and enjoy the view, Aksarben Village will exceed your expectations.

5) College World Series

Do you crave the combination of sunflower seeds, an ice cold beverage, and great baseball? Then Omaha in June is the place to be. Omaha has had the pleasure of hosting the College World Series since the 1950’s. TD Ameritrade Park quickly fills with baseball enthusiasts as downtown Omaha awakens with excitement. The College World Series starts off with opening ceremonies consisting of a variety of activities including a player autograph session and a stunning fireworks show. The remainder of the event brings over 20,000 electric fans from around the country to witness the national phenomenon. The College World Series is something you won’t want to miss.

Besides offering fun events and beautiful sights, the best part of Nebraska is the people that inhabit it. I have travelled to seventeen states and eleven countries throughout my lifetime, and I have yet to visit a friendlier place than Nebraska. Don’t be scared to ask for directions or recommendations for a restaurant, people here will go out of their way to make sure you’re enjoying your stay. Are you considering taking a placement in Nebraska yet?

Tess Dugan is an Intern for Aureus Medical Group. She works with both the Physicians and Advanced Practice Divisions. She has greatly enjoyed and benefited from working with these dynamic teams.

She is a senior at the University of Nebraska at Kearney pursuing a Bachelor of Science Degree with a major in business administration and a minor in psychology. At UNK, Tess is involved in the Honors Program, Honors Student Activities Board, Honors Student Mentoring Program, and Beta Gamma Sigma.

Tess was bit by the travel bug while studying abroad. She daydreams about all of the remarkable places she will visit in the future. As the self-proclaimed #1 fan of The Daily Show, Tess is struggling with the news of Jon Stewart’s departure.

She has a passion for learning. Evolving from having no understanding of a subject to being educated is an unparalleled feeling for her. She is a visionary and hopes to make a positive impact on the world.

The post Location Spotlight – Nebraska! appeared first on Aureus Medical Group’s healthcare blog provides articles and information regarding careers in travel nursing, travel therapy, allied health and more..

Physician Assistants, as well as all medical professionals, must maintain their CMEs.  The NCCPA recently announced a new PA certification maintenance process.  Click the link below to see how this maintenance process is outlined.   While this is specific to PA’s, all medical professionals should be checking in regularly with their national accreditation boards for any new or updated standards. 

Aureus Medical would like to again thank all of the dedicated Physician Assistants for their hard-work.  

http://www.aapa.org/cme/picme.aspx

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