We at Aureus do not want you to stress over the little things! As a contract employee, you should be enjoying your assignment instead of dealing with the unexpected. However we all know the unexpected is inevitable, but how do you plan for it? We have compiled a list of helpful items your fellow travelers swear by. Here are a few items to take on your next assignment so that you can be better prepared for what life can throw at you!

Laptop and printer – You never know when you may need to print out last minute instructions or documents related to your assignment.  It’s definitely better to be safe than potentially delaying your start date or getting lost your first day!

Manila Folder – A simple solution to a common problem.  Put copies of your certifications, state licenses, immunizations, lab work, contracts, anything that is critical to a contract healthcare employee in the folder.  It will always be at your fingertips and ready for your next assignment.

A large suitcase with wheels – Save money and haul your own housewares such as linens, dishes, towels, etc. from one assignment to the next.

Blackout Sheets – These are essential for day sleepers.  Hang over your bedroom window and you’ll be good for those 8 hours!

Credit card – Emergencies seem to always happen at times when we’re strapped for cash.  Expect the unexpected and have a credit card stashed away in your wallet for that rainy day.

An electric fan – Air conditioning can go out in any building at any time.  Be prepared and stay cool!

Pictures from home – Surrounding yourself with loved ones can help alleviate the stress a new environment can bring.

GPS – Have you ever needed to travel a thousand miles from assignment to assignment and stop along the way for a drug screen?  Did you get lost?  This gadget can save you lots of headaches (and heartaches).  Consider a smart phone that has a GPS system available.  Keeping all of your technology in one device is simple and affordable.

Digital Camera – Take pictures of your new adventures to send to your family, friends, account managers, even the Aureus Advisor!

Photo credit: Kaliyoda 

The Aureus Medical blog was created with a mindset to better serve you – so with that in mind I am writing this as a thank you to our readers and contributors of the blog over this past year. What have we covered on a weekly basis over the last 12 months?  A variety of subjects to keep you informed like financial planning, tax lessons, tips for traveling with pets, how to maintain a healthy lifestyle while working on a contract assignment, preventing back injuries, helpful web sites for travelers, weight loss, embracing change, and recognition of our staff are nine subjects out of the 50-some that our staff has written for you this past year.   

Working in the industry of healthcare is a special place to be.  It’s a very noble profession.  Not everyone can do it – nor do many people have the will to help their fellow man in a time of dire need.  Each of you in the healthcare profession should be saluted for giving of yourselves to help each sick person in need.  As Winston Churchill said, “We make a living by what we get – we make a life by what we give.”  Thank you to each of you that give of yourselves so that others may live a healthy and full life. 

Craig Wolf, Vice President & General Manager, Aureus Medical Group

 

Craig Wolf is the vice president and general manager of Aureus Medical Group.  He directs the business strategies and the day-to-day management of the division. Craig began his career as a recruiter, advancing to a division manager before being promoted to the position he now holds.  Prior to joining Aureus, he served in the Air Force in a law enforcement capacity and spent one year with the elite guard.  He’s very active in the community and with numerous charitable organizations.

Hurdle #1 – First Time Travelers – If you are pursuing your first contract travel position, you must remain open and flexible, in all facets of your job search. Finding that first travel contract is the most difficult. You may have to take a lesser desired contract in order to obtain that “resume building”  first contract assignment. Getting your first assignment under your belt will provide that stepping stone and eliminate the possibility of losing out on a job because the client is not open to “first time travelers”.

Hurdle #2 – Gain Leverage through Certifications – Many hospitals are looking for ways to separate all the applications they are receiving. One way they do this is to eliminate applications by years of experience. Unfortunately, this is out of your control. One thing that is in your control is earning certifications and continuing your education. Certifications are a great way to separate yourself from your competition and get into the “interview” stack of resumes, instead of being passed over.

Hurdle #3 – Find a Recruiter You Can Trust – There are a lot of medical staffing companies out there and it is important that you find a recruiter and a company that you feel comfortable with and trust. Once you do, stick with them.  Recruiters know the market better than anyone as they talk with hospitals and contract employees throughout the country all day, every day.  If your recruiter is suggesting a location or encouraging you to get more experience or a certification, consider the possibilities and take their suggestions seriously.  A good recruiter is a great advisor when it comes to finding your next job.

Your expertise and abilities contribute to the future and well being of countless patients. We’re grateful for the extraordinary work you do on behalf of those who lives and well-being depend on you.

Aureus Medical understands what it takes to deliver quality healthcare. That’s why we’ve been a national leader in staffing for more than 25 years.

Finish your paperwork ASAP! In the beginning there is a handful of items and paperwork which need to be completed. Look at it as if you are filling out paperwork for a new full time position. Most paperwork needs to be submitted to the facilities at least a week prior to your start date. Set aside some time to get it done. 

Make sure to allow plenty of travel time to your destination. Pending weather and traffic you never know what might happen. MapQuest your necessary routes (housing, hospital, etc). Leave early – you never want to be late on your first day.  Do a dry run to the hospital before your first day.

Ask in the interviews about scrubs and colors so you are dressed properly on your first day.

Bring your credentialing with you on your first day.  If you need to obtain a new license, make sure to follow up with the Board of Nursing because you never know what road blocks might occur. Check with your Account Manager on requirements for the hospital (i.e testing).

Last but not least, enjoy your adventure!

Focus on the situation – not the person
If you focus on the person, they may see it as a personal attack. When it gets personal, there is less willingness to change.

Focus on the positive
People may tune out when all they are hearing is negative. By focusing on something positive about the situation, the other party may be more receptive.

Look for “win-win” opportunities
Look for opportunities where both you and the other person can benefit. 

Strive for open communication
Speaking in a direct and clear manner shows respect for the other person. Clear expectations provide direction.

Share information
Understand that you are all on the same team. Being better informed can provide better customer service and happiness on the job.

Among the five tips noted above, “Strive for Open Communication” really jumps out as a necessity when it comes to communication.  Whether you’re struggling to tell your recruiter that you’ve accepted a job with another company or telling the hospital manager that another employee is not following protocol, open communication is always the best method. It’s better to be up front and honest rather than procrastinating and having the situation blow up in your face at a later time. 

Hopefully these tips will help make your current assignment and job search even better.

Tyler Bliemeister, Sr. Account Manager, Cardiopulmonary Division

About Tyler Bliemeister
Tyler Bliemeister has been with Aureus Medical Group for just over five years and is currently a Senior Account Manager in the Cardiopulmonary division. About his job, he says he likes that every day is never quite the same and through working with candidates and hospitals he gets to talk and know all types of people. Tyler and his wife, Amy, have a 6-week old daughter, Rylee. In his free time, he enjoys anything sports related (especially golf).

Contact: 800.456.5857, ext. 6096 / tbliemeister@aureusmedical.com

• Do use social media to highlight your strengths. Showcase your talents, abilities, and accomplishments on sites such as LinkedIn. Think of these sites as your online business card.
• Do use social media to network with potential employers.  Follow companies you like.  Ask people who work there about their experiences and work environment. 
• Don’t talk badly about your boss, co-workers, company, or anything that has to do with your job. Privacy settings won’t always protect you.  All it takes is a co-worker or somebody who knows somebody who works with you to see the comment and mention it to someone else. 
• Don’t post anything that wouldn’t pass the “Grandma” test – would your Grandma approve of the post, whether it be a status, picture, or video? “Untag” yourself from any of photos on your friend’s site that may portray you in a negative light. A picture from a wild night out with friends may not give a prospective employer the right impression. Remove any comments from your wall that may seem inappropriate.
• Do set your privacy controls. You can change your Facebook privacy settings so only certain people, like your friends, can view your profile.

The main thing to remember when using social network sites is to use common sense. If you think it’s questionable – it probably is! You don’t want to limit your future employment opportunities because of something posted on Facebook!

Sonia D., Polysomnographer
Sonia has been awarded the honor of Employee of the Quarter for the Cardiopulmonary Division of Aureus Medical Group. Sonia has been with Aureus for only two years but has made a huge impact during that time. She has completed 3 assignments and is just starting her 4th after being at the last hospital for a year. Sonia has great clinical skills and is extremely hard working, but what sets her apart the most is her attitude. She has never complained about a hospital and will do whatever it takes to help out the lab when needed. Several times hospitals she used to work have asked when she will be available again and they rave about her work. Sonia has been a great asset to the Aureus Medical Group.

Penny H., Sonographer
Penny has been awarded the honor of Employee of the Quarter for the Diagnostic Imaging Division of Aureus Medical Group. Penny has completed nine assignments for Aureus.  She always makes a big impact on our clients with her superior customer service skills and outstanding patient care.  She finished an assignment in March of this year, and the hospital was so impressed with her, they immediately asked her to commit to a maternity coverage that didn’t start for another 6+ months. Penny has been at her current assignment for 16 weeks and will not be extending. She went so far as to email me details of what I really need in finding her replacement. She told me what exams they did most of the time and what things were expected when on call. Penny is a true example of a loyal, ethical, hard working traveler and exemplifies everything we value as a company and in our Mission Statement.

Brian T., Phlebotomist
Brian has been awarded the honor of Employee of the Quarter for the Medical Laboratory Division of Aureus Medical Group. Brian is a leader in his field and sets the bar high for those who follow in his footsteps. He has completed five assignments for Aureus and has impressed the clients so much that he has been offered training responsibilities and other advanced opportunities, extensions, and permanent positions. Not only does he work for us, but he serves our country while on assignment and balances these responsibilities well. Brian stands out by going above and beyond the call of duty by helping out wherever he can be of assistance. He brings his disciplined background to each and every assignment. Brian strives to be the best at what he does and takes pride in working for and representing Aureus and our company’s mission statement.  He communicates well with his account managers and the client to help serve both to the best of his ability. His attitude is fantastic and he leaves an impression with the patients and coworkers.  Brian is our go-to person and we are honored to have him work for Aureus.

Mindy R., RN (ER)
Mindy has been awarded the honor of Employee of the Quarter for the Nursing Division of Aureus Medical Group. Mindy has been traveling with Aureus since April 2006 and is a positive RN who exudes excellence. In her time with us she has completed 8 contracts and is on her way to her 9th. She has been working in Rolla, MO for the past 1 ½ years in a pretty hectic ER. Mindy kept a positive attitude throughout and was rewarded by being promoted to be a preceptor of the hospitals new hires. Mindy has since been promoted to the Day Charge nurse position and the hospital wants to bring her back full time after her she completes her next assignment. She is a true asset to the hospital and Aureus!

Rebecca S., Occupational Therapist
Rebecca has been awarded the honor of Employee of the Quarter for the Rehab Therapy Division of Aureus Medical Group. Rebecca is an excellent Occupational Therapist who is currently on her 8th assignment with us. She is always professional and able to adapt to many situations. In her current assignment, she has stepped in as a DOR while the current one was on vacation and performed without a hitch. Rebecca has not once complained about anything and instead continues to thank Aureus for everything. She is a great worker and her evaluations are indicative of this whether she is in a SNF environment or hospital. Rebecca is an all around excellent employee and a great representation of what Aureus stands for.

This is the perfect time to start planning and thinking about your fall/winter travel destination for your next assignment! In order to be prepared by having the required license and certifications and being available for when our seasonal winter needs become available, now is the time to start talking with your recruiter about where you are interested in going. 

Some seasonal areas, such as Florida, can have a lengthy state license process, up to 6 weeks. We are already in communications with our hospitals about what their expected needs are for this coming fall/winter.  We are anticipating needs from North to South and from the Gulf to the Atlantic in all modalities – no one will be left out!  These needs will start being released in August and can last thru Spring.

We are already getting some needs for Arizona with some starting as early as August and going thru January.  Arizona is a compact state or you can obtain a license in approximately 2 weeks.They are asking for help in all nursing modalities.

Another great spot to be? Southern California! This is another state where you need to look ahead as the licensure can take up to 5 weeks to obtain. This is a highly desired area and the assignments are anticipated to start in October! 

As always, it is our goal to keep you on assignment continuously. The best way to ensure that is to be in constant communication with you and informed on where you want to go next.  The more time we have to work with, the faster we can go to work in finding your desired position. Being able to plan your fall/winter assignment, especially in planning around the holidays, is a huge advantage.

Suzanne Trogdon, Senior Account Manager, Cardiopulmonary Division

About Suzanne Trogdon
Suzanne Trogdon has worked for Aureus Medical Group for seven years. She currenty works as a Senior Account Manager in the Cardiopulmonary division. What does Suzanne love most about her job? It would be working with people from all over the country and the relationships she has built internally at Aureus while working in a team atmosphere.

Contact: 800.456.5857, ext. 6540 / strogdon@aureusmedical.com