During National Hurricane Preparedness Week, May 26^th through June 1st, therapists in the most vulnerable travel therapist states should take these apps into account.

• The Weather Channel: This is the most well recognized resource. It’s also a free app for just about all smartphones. It’s like having the weather channel on, but in your pocket. The app gives hourly updates—not only tracking the storm, but predicting what it will do next. The app also color codes regions most important to you by threat level.
• WeatherBug provides up-to-the-minute forecasts and alerts, plus Doppler views of the storm. For those in Florida therapy jobs, i.e.in Fort Lauderdale and Orlando, this app is terrific. It’s a nominal $1.99 fee for both iPad and Android users, and is ad free!
• Hurricane Tracker includes updates from the National Hurricane Center, tropical wave data, threat-level maps, audio and video news updates, plus push alerts for your mobile devices. Android and iPad users can also check out a similar app called Hurricane Software that is free.
• Sun Sentinel Sources for Florida Therapists: Since hurricanes tend to dominate the south Florida region, it makes sense to consult the South Florida Sun Sentinel News, Hurricane Headquarters and Ken Kaye’s Storm Center during the approach of any storm.
• Florida Radars HD: This app is 99 cents and for the iPad only. It tracks radar views from eight different areas across the state for up-to-the-minute information on building or approaching storm systems. You can modify the app so the default screen covers South or Central Florida.

Stay Well Connected in Your Travel Therapy Job by Treating Your Phone Right during the Storm  

What good are smartphone apps if your phone is damaged, or not charged on a regular basis during the approach of a storm? Therapists are encouraged to keep their phones safe, dry and in mint condition, whether they are at the hospital, in the process or evacuating or waiting out the storm in safe physical therapist housing accommodations. The best and first thing to do is program emergency numbers into your phone RIGHT NOW if you haven’t done so already. Make sure you print the list, so you don’t have to waste precious power looking numbers up when you need them. It’s also a good idea to save important websites to your phone’s browser.

Keep your cell phone dry by keeping it, and all its accessories, in a Ziplock bag. Remember, too, to conserve battery power by texting rather than talking; your text message is likely to be better understood than your voice during emergency weather. And last but not least, create a family communication plan. Designate a central contact, who can alert your loved ones that you are safe. Travel Force Staffing consultants hope you stay in touch in the event of a storm, and contact them for 24/7 round the clock client service. Hurricane season lasts from June through November, but your consultants are here for you, year round when you call 1-800-617-0608. Get more information on evacuation maps and shelters, should you need it. Keep safe, friends!

Footnote:

The following links will connect travel therapists with the smartphone apps discussed in this article: WeatherBug;

The Weather Channel;

South Florida Sun Sentinel News;

Ken Kaye’s Storm Center and

Hurricane Headquarters. Other app links include

Hurricane Tracker and

Florida Radars HD.

When it comes to helping patients recover or improve basic motor skills for daily tasks, occupational therapy is key, so it only stands to reason OTs are instrumental in helping patients drive. That’s why National Mobility Month this May snags the attention of allied health professionals, particularly occupational therapists who play a pivotal role in sport wheelchair assessments; these OTs help wheelchair athletes, looking for a chair that delivers functionality and comfort.

Transportation that is wheelchair friendly can require expertise and adjustments that occupational therapists may be specifically trained to give—inspirational stories worth sharing often come with the job. OTs who understand this may be interested in the National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association (NMEDA), and its contest that is looking to feature “local heroes” who thrive and excel in spite of handicap. If you are a therapist who knows someone deserving of a nomination, you can visit NMEDA’s site and enter them in a contest accepting entries throughout the United States and Canada. The prize is a custom wheelchair accessible vehicle.

This excellent idea, one that promotes the understanding that people with disabilities can live active, mobile lifestyles, was conceived of at the 22nd Annual NMEDA Conference in Phoenix; now in its 2^nd year, National Mobility Month has been designated in the Congressional Record by the U.S. House of Representatives. If they don’t already know, occupational therapists should learn about NMEDA; it’s a non-profit trade association of hundreds of mobility equipment dealers, manufacturers and driver rehabilitation specialists dedicated to improving transportation options for the disabled.

These are just a few facts occupational therapists might share with patients and the general public that promote awareness for National Mobility Awareness month:

• 6 million Americans with disabilities are veterans.
• People with disabilities constitute the 2nd largest minority in the United States.
• Over 18 million people in the U.S. and Canada have mobility issues and may someday require the expertise of an occupational therapist or other allied health professional.

Helping patients come up with automotive mobility solutions is a big part of OT jobs. For those patients who need guidance differentiating between safe and unreliable vehicles, therapists might consider disseminating information about National Mobility Awareness month and its ties to NMEDA.

Move Forward with Therapy Jobs During Mobility Month and Year Round

If you’re looking to touch the lives of patients in need of rehabilitation and a return to an active and mobile life, Travel Force Staffing has rewarding therapy jobs in all 50 U.S. states and would be happy to assist you when you call 1-800-617-0608 or apply online. Moving forward is what we’re all about!

The home modification process includes a needs assessment, solution options and evaluation, patient training, and an outcome evaluation. A full assessment includes ADL activities such as personal hygiene, dressing, eating, and functional mobility as well as IADL chores such as housecleaning, shopping, communications, and transportation. Hobbies and recreational activities should also be factored in for a well-rounded lifestyle.

Home Health Advancements

Occupational therapy practitioners work individually with patients and clients to devise adaptations to the home environment in order to increase independence, promote health, and prevent further decline or injury.

Home health occupational therapists can suggest the products that will most benefit physically-limited patients. Low-cost solutions may include grab bars in bathrooms, rearranging furniture, levered handles on doors and sinks, handrails installed on either side of the stairway, clutter removal, and assistive devices. Higher-priced options may include wheelchair lifts and ramps, stair lifts, roll-in showers, tub benches, and even home renovation such as expanded doorways or the addition of a first floor bedroom.

Home health OT practitioners understand the functional impact of acute and chronic conditions that affect performance skills and mobility and can serve as a consultant to contractors, builders, architects, and community groups that provide home modification services.

Travel Force Staffing provides travel, temporary, and permanent staffing services to Outpatient Centers, Rehab Centers, skilled nursing facilities, and top rehabilitation hospitals nationwide. Specialty positions include Physical Therapists, Occupational Therapists, Respiratory Therapists, PTAs, Speech Language Pathologists and other allied health professionals.

Source: http://physicaltherapy.about.com/od/typesofphysicaltherapy/a/Falls.htm

A recent study by the University of Wisconsin shows that hydrotherapy is beneficial for improving flexibility, sleep patterns and can relieve joint and muscle pain in adults that have a history of orthopedic discomfort. Proponents claim an increase in blood flow along with an improved flow of cellular breakdown byproducts to the lymphatic system for disposal.

A number of physical and occupational therapy techniques that have been developed are based on the buoyancy and resistant properties of water. Body weight is decreased while in the water and reduces stress on affected areas such as injured joints or muscles. It also is a resting place for muscles that would otherwise be used to support the body on land thereby relieving burden on the spine.

Stimulates Blood Circulation

Water temperature and pressure can be modulated in order to stimulate blood circulation to the injured area bringing fresh oxygen and nutrients to engage the healing process. Hydrotherapy, as employed by physical and occupational therapists, now involve the use of mineral baths, underwater massage, water jets, whirlpool baths, hot tubs, and cold immersion or cryotherapy depending on the type of injury.

Additionally, most aquatic therapy pools in hospital and rehab center settings have hoists for lifting patients in and out of the pool, as well as walking bars and specially designed handles for those who have difficulty or who find it painful to move around without added assistance.

As aquatic therapy has developed, physical appliances have evolved to enhance the rehabilitation process. Therapy pools can be equipped with aids such as underwater treadmills, therapy jets, movable floors for depth variations along with hydro massage and underwater cameras. There are a number of accessories available to assist with the program including flotation devices, kickboards, barbells and webbed gloves.

Occupational and physical therapists can utilize aquatic therapy to treat musculoskeletal and neuromuscular disorders in order to reduce pain and muscle spasm as well as increase range of motion, strengthen weakened muscles, induce blood circulation, improve balance and coordination, and re-educate paralyzed muscles.

Travel Force Staffing provides travel, temporary, and permanent staffing services to Outpatient Centers, Rehab Centers, skilled nursing facilities, and top rehabilitation hospitals nationwide. Specialty positions include Physical Therapists, Occupational Therapists, Speech Language Pathologists and other allied health professionals.

Source: www.hydroworx.com/research-education/research-studies/

Occupational therapists can play a pivotal role in selecting a suitable sports wheelchair that fits the user’s unique characteristics.

Fit, Performance, and Comfort

Occupational therapists and their patients have never had so many choices to consider when custom designing the optimum unit for their chosen sport. Whether the preference is basketball, tennis or even extreme sports, each athlete’s sport wheelchair can be custom made for efficiency and durability.

The use of titanium or aluminum in the composition of the frame offers a more mobile and versatile manoeuvrability. Built in shock absorbers reduce the impact on the body.

Special tires and tread configurations reduce the wear experienced on more standard wheelchair tires as well as increase speed, traction and mobility.

Video about Cory Yeung in his new Q7  sports wheelchair and hear what he has to say about his chair and his life.

The customization of the chair encompasses many factors to ensure the best fit and maximum performance. It starts with chair and body measurements, rollability including the proper tires for the sport, upholstery, frame configuration and ease of use.

Construction of the frame for lasting durability is based on the user’s center of gravity.  Wheels and casters are fitted strategically for greater mobility.  Alignment of the chair and proper axle adjustment are equally important to ensure accuracy of the intended action.  Rear non-tip wheels are installed based on the exertion of the desired sport.

There are many sports for mobility challenged athletes to participate in with confidence and reliability.  Rugby, racing, hockey and football are a few of the more popular choices.  Each chair can be configured to any sport or a generic chair may be best for the athlete that participates in multiple sports.

Assessments and Accessibility

Occupational Therapists can complete a sports wheelchair assessment including the size and shape of the patient, functional abilities, home and work environment, single- or multi-sport, indoor or outdoor recreation, and the need for special components such as head and backrests, extra padding, footrests, or wheel size and maneuverability. Occupational therapists can assist wheelchair athletes choose a chair that provides maneuverability and, more importantly, comfort.

In addition to the wheelchair assessments, occupational therapists can offer their expertise to making adjustments in the home to accommodate the sports wheelchair user. Accessibility issues such as ramps, storage, and transporting the wheelchair to events and games are some of the areas occupational therapists can advise their patients.

Wheelchair Accessible Home Video

Travel Force Staffing provides travel, temporary, and permanent staffing services to Outpatient Centers, Rehab Centers, skilled nursing facilities, and top rehabilitation hospitals nationwide. Specialty positions include Physical Therapists, Occupational Therapists, Respiratory Therapists, PTAs, Speech Language Pathologists and other allied health professionals.

In the world of physical therapy, PTs are treating more patients with unique and highly specific needs, creating a demand for therapists specialized in certain areas. The reason for the shift in patient groups has to do with more than Baby Boomers reaching retirement age, living longer and becoming more active. The Affordable Healthcare Act is bringing a much higher volume of patients into the fold; these include patients who emigrated to the U.S., as well as those who may have needed physical therapy in the past, and are finally able to access it. Physical therapists are well advised to continue education and training throughout their careers. Click the link to read more about the Top 8 physical therapy certifications!

Physical therapists are now seeing more patients with heart disease and pulmonary issues; in spite of this, patient recovery periods are getting faster. These are some of the reasons cited for the change:

• Early mobilization, including ICU patients who are encouraged to get up and moving
• New technologies in conjunction with therapy
• Educating patients about health and wellness topics that help prevent illness.

Changes in Physical Therapy Are Benefiting More People and Calling for More PTs!

Providing physical therapy to patients at the earliest date possible creates better long-term clinical outcomes.  Once a patient is receiving out-patient care, new challenges come to light, like pain management. PTs with experience using Manual Therapy Techniques (MTT) for the following illnesses are in high demand:

• MTT for patients with lymphedema. Therapists who know how to do manual lymphatic drainage ease patients’ swelling, pain and improve their mobility
• MTT for patients with Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV). Some patients with BPPV manage to resolve their dizzy spells after 1 or 2 sessions with a therapist trained in this specialty.

Travel Force Staffing: Keeping Pace with Changes and Writing Happy Endings to Job Searches

To make a long story short, one urban city may have an average of 350 licensed physical therapists, with a  need for 50 more than that to meet the needs of patients in that community. With this in mind, recent graduates from accredited physical therapy schools will want to pursue specialized training in fields of therapy that are popular among growing patient groups. An experienced staffing agency can help in the placement of allied healthcare professionals, destined to fill these therapy jobs—part of the 20 fastest growing occupations! Call 1-800-617-0608 or apply online, where consultants are standing by to help review your training and licensing and ensure it’s up to date. There is a predicted shortage of 41,000 physical therapists by 2020 and you need to be ready!

Footnote: Some of the statistics and information that appeared in this post were taken from the following articles: The New Face of Physical Therapy and With aging, active clientele, physical therapists in demand

Travel therapy jobs are a great way for OTs to flex their mental muscles, not only by working on the cutting edge of their professions, but by using the knowledge they’ve obtained from Board and Specialty areas of certification. Be sure to peruse the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) site to learn more about the online certification examination handbook and frequently asked questions of those preparing to master these areas:

Board Certifications

• Gerontology
• Mental Health
• Pediatrics
• Physical Rehabilitation

Specialty Certifications for OTs and OTAs

• Driving and Community Mobility
• Environmental Modification
• Feeding, Eating, and Swallowing
• Low Vision
• School Systems

Travel Force Has Competitive OT Jobs in These Exciting U.S. States

The Occupational therapist salary is driven by experience, credentials and the right resume—a trifecta that works in your favor once you align talents with an experienced healthcare staffing agency. Occupational therapists may be eligible for a $1,000 sign-on bonus and make as much as $90K annually. OTs and their assistants in COTA jobs are also earning handsome salaries, augmented by a full benefits package and free place to live, available to all full-time travel therapists. When you call 1-800-617-0608 or apply online, a consultant will be happy to confirm current and high paying occupational therapy jobs nationwide.

Included with the OT jobs information is a state board link that will help you better prepare. Therapists will want to make sure they have obtained licensure in the state where they wish to work.

• California occupational therapy jobs (Cal Board) are recession proof because of the high population of retirees who seek OT services.
• Maryland occupational therapy jobs (Maryland Board) let you enjoy the metro D.C. area on your days off!
• Georgia occupational therapy jobs (Georgia Board) enable the travel therapist to enjoy a low cost of living while reaping the benefits of a higher-than-average salary.
• North Carolina occupational therapy jobs (NC Board) are a perfect blend of urban and rugged southern charm.
• Texas occupational therapy jobs (Texas Board) are close to cities on the map for music, culture and art!
• Washington occupational therapy jobs (Washington Board) help patients in the Pacific Northwest live life to the fullest!
• Florida occupational therapy jobs (Florida Board) are an invitation to be warm in the winter, and a beach bum in the summer!

List of Occupational Therapy Associations

Go Where Continuing Education Can Easily Find You

Allied health professionals don’t have to work hard to ensure their continuing education; some healthcare employers place such a high premium on this, they offer unlimited, and free CEUs for their occupational therapy team members. It’s almost like the education comes to you, rather than the other way around. OTs can earn credits in the comfort of their homes, via their laptops. Learn more about CEUs and other benefits by visiting Travel Force’s career resources page and liking us on Facebook—where we advertise to the minute occupational therapy job openings!

Footnote: Occupational therapists looking for recent salary information, may visit the U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics online.

The Best Winter Work Spots for Therapists

This winter, the Golden State is a favorite among therapists for the high wages and recession proof careers. The same can be said of Texas, Ohio and Florida. Please read more on these U.S. hot spots!

• California therapy jobs run the high paying (average is $83,114 in LA) gambit between respiratory therapy jobs, OT jobs, physical therapy jobs and more! This is the country’s most populous state, and its high concentration of Baby Boomers mean allied health professionals are more necessary than ever! This time of year, the Golden State comes alive with world famous fancy food shows, concerts and more!
• Florida therapy jobs are particularly kind to allied healthcare professionals with PT specializations, offering sign on bonuses that let you make the most of mild winter weather, averaging in the 70s!
• Ohio therapy jobs pay the highest salary in Cleveland, averaging at $76,004. This is a state known for its comparatively low cost of living and high standards in the arts. Check out Arts In Ohio to see what we mean!
• Texas therapy jobs are especially well paying in Austin where PTs make an average of $72,181 a year. Make sure you click your way through this 2013 Austin events calendar to see what the city has to offer!

The Best Work and Play Destinations for Therapists on Spring Break!

California, Texas and Ohio therapy jobs were the best in winter and the best for Spring too! That’s why the focus is on Washington state and Oregon. Come read what’s happening in the Pacific Northwest.

• Washington therapy jobs offer salaries above the national average, with the annual income in Seattle clocking in at $81, 840. Neighboring cities run close to that figure. Daffodil Festival events in Tacoma, Puyallup, Orting, and Sumner will brighten your spring; look for a grand finish to the season in Seattle, with the Northwest Folk life Festival in May.
• Oregon Therapy Jobs in Portland offer PTs an average pay of $76,978; after factoring in the amazing benefits package that come with top travel therapy jobs, Oregon therapists can enjoy this coastal state and its hip environmentalism even more!

For Allied Health Professionals, These States Have a Cure for the Summertime Blues

High salaries and recession proof therapy careers are still available in Texas, California and Ohio this summer. Here are a few new U.S. states, with reasons that should snag the attention of travel therapists looking for a change in the hot months of 2013.

• New Jersey Therapy Jobs are surrounded by coveted vacation rentals. Everyone wants to be there; however everyone can’t make the average therapist salary in the Garden State of $91,000.
• Maryland therapy jobs are just a short drive from everything the Capitol City has to offer. In Baltimore, MD—known for being the best little city in the world, PTs earn an average salary of $78, 853!
• Michigan therapy jobs are the highest paying in collegiate and charming Anne Arbor, averaging $77,994 for PTs.
• Wisconsin therapy jobs allow you to spend an idyllic summer shopping or resting lakeside. Known for its low cost of living, the average salary of 72, 075 for Milwaukee PTs goes a long way!

“Fall” Into the Best Therapy Jobs Here!

Once again, the same hot spots for therapy jobs have followed this quarterly report into the end of 2013, with California, Texas, Florida, Ohio and Oregon topping the list. However two new stops on the map should brighten Autumn for therapist this year.

• New York Therapy jobs are in the epicenter of urban life in the U.S.—and the average pay’s not bad, either: $88,336 in the Big Apple!
• Arkansas Therapy Jobs may not top the list for highest paying in the U.S., but with scenery and wildlife fun beyond compare, and the lure of Little Rock, PTs will love their average pay of 65,048 per year.
• Massachusetts therapy jobs in the Fall are a leaf peeper’s delight; it doesn’t hurt that therapy jobs in Boston pay an average salary of $83,763.

Call Travel Force Staffing and Work in your Dream Location!

Our free private housing is a room with a view in so many of these talked-about cities. Call 1-800-617-0608 or apply online today to get going!

**Reference to the average salary per state was taken from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) site.

More popular than ever, The Combined Sections Meeting, or CSM, has decided to meet in a bigger venue this year, changing the location to sunny San Diego’s Convention Center, in the heart of the city. Therapists will be close to the Gaslamp Quarter, zoo and so much else that attracts California therapists to jobs in the Golden state. Physical therapists nationwide should be interested in registering for this year’s big event, expected to bring together more than 9,000 physical therapists for 4 days of programming and networking opportunities. Online registration is a snap via the APTA official site, where you can also download a printable application or call to register.

Why It’s worth it for Physical Therapists in these PT Specialties to Attend

More than just networking possibilities, CSM is also a wonderful opportunity for physical therapists to earn lots of continuing education credits—up to 2.2 CEUs per session. Here are the 18 physical therapy specialties covered by this year’s conference:

• Acute Care
• Aquatic Physical Therapy
• Cardiovascular and Pulmonary
• Clinical Electrophysiology and Wound Management
• Education
• Federal
• Geriatrics
• Hand Rehabilitation
• Health Policy and Administration
• Home Health
• Neurology
• Oncology
• Orthopedics
• Pediatrics
• Private Practice
• Research
• Sports Physical Therapy
• Women Health

For Therapists at CSM 2013, this Puts the “App” in Happy; Available for iPhones and Droids!

Since the conference will have so many speakers, special presentations, ceremonies and other events tied in with the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties, attendees will want to keep it all straight without the scraps of paper and flyers weighing down their pockets. For a brief but very thorough tutorial on how a free smart phone app designed for this year’s CSM works, click the ios app link. The CSM 2013 app puts every aspect, time table and communication opportunity into the palm of your hand, so check it out today.

Look for the Travel Force Staffing Booth at CSM 2013!

Our consultants are eager to meet new physical therapists and help them learn more about a career in travel therapy or permanent allied healthcare jobs nationwide. Look for us in booth #638 during the CSM Meeting. We’ll be giving away water bottles and freshly baked cookies, and plan on having every bit as much fun this year as we have at CSM Meetings in the past. We’d love to see our physical therapists in all 50 U.S. states come out to San Diego and benefit from everything 2013’s CSM Meeting has to teach us. Not part of our family yet? Please feel free to call one of our consultants at 1-800-617-0608 for more information on working for Travel Force, or simply apply online. See you in Cali!

Beth Beam, Regional Manager of Business Development, Travel Force

“Whereas at one time many therapists used to sign up for short-term travel therapy jobs because they wanted to visit family, friends or just see the country – which is still the case, more now are looking at physical therapist travel in terms of professional development,” said Beth Beam, Regional Manager of Business Development  for Travel Force.

With U.S. News reporting the highest paid therapy jobs in Texas and California – and with Florida, Arizona, New York and New Jersey close behind, said Beam, the time is right for practitioners to get experience working with diverse patient populations as healthcare reform enters into law. The recently enacted Affordable Care Act includes numerous provisions explicitly intended to reduce health disparities based on ethnicity and race.

In addition to having the increasingly-important doctoral degree in Physical Therapy, physical therapists are expected to possess cross-cultural communication skills. Beam notes, “Higher salaries will go to top educated therapists and those who can communicate effectively with all types of patients. Practitioners raised and educated in the U.S. now need to think in terms of treating naturalized citizens from India, the Middle East, Asia, Africa and South America as part of their duty as a practicing therapist.”

More insight into the recent growth in physical therapy travel jobs »