TravelMax Allied Blog

Facts about The Joint Commission

9/22/2009 10:58:00 AM

Facts about The Joint Commission

Mission: To continuously improve health care for the public, in collaboration with other stakeholders, by evaluating health care organizations and inspiring them to excel in providing safe and effective care of the highest quality and value.

Vision: All people always experience the safest, highest quality, best-value health care across all settings.

The Joint Commission evaluates and accredits more than 16,000 health care organizations and programs in the United States. An independent, not-for-profit organization, The Joint Commission is the nation’s predominant standards-setting and accrediting body in health care. Since 1951, The Joint Commission has maintained state-of-the-art standards that focus on improving the quality and safety of care provided by health care organizations. The Joint Commission’s comprehensive process evaluates an organization’s compliance with these standards and other accreditation or certification requirements. Joint Commission accreditation and certification is recognized nationwide as a symbol of quality that reflects an organization’s commitment to meeting certain performance standards. To earn and maintain The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval™, an organization must undergo an on-site survey by a Joint Commission survey team at least every three years. (Laboratories must be surveyed every two years.)

The Joint Commission is governed by a 29-member Board of Commissioners that includes physicians, administrators, nurses, employers, a labor representative, health plan leaders, quality experts, ethicists, a consumer advocate and educators. The Board of Commissioners brings to The Joint Commission diverse experience in health care, business and public policy. The Joint Commission’s corporate members are the American College of Physicians, the American College of Surgeons, the American Dental Association, the American Hospital Association, and the American Medical Association. The Joint Commission employs approximately 1,000 people in its surveyor force, at its central office in Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois, and at a satellite office in Washington, D.C. The Washington office is The Joint Commission’s primary interface with government agencies and with Congress, seeking and maintaining partnerships with the government that will improve the quality of health care for all Americans, and working with Congress on legislation involving the quality and safety of health care.

Accreditation and certification services

The Joint Commission provides accreditation services for the following types of organizations:

General, psychiatric, children’s and rehabilitation hospitals
Critical access hospitals
Medical equipment services, hospice services and other home care organizations
Nursing homes and other long term care facilities
Behavioral health care organizations, addiction services
Rehabilitation centers, group practices, office-based surgeries and other ambulatory care providers
Independent or freestanding laboratories

The Joint Commission also awards Disease-Specific Care Certification to health plans, disease management service companies, hospitals and other care delivery settings that provide disease management and chronic care services. The Joint Commission also has a Health Care Staffing Services Certification Program and is developing a certification program for transplant centers and health care services.

Benefits of Joint Commission accreditation and certification

Strengthens community confidence in the quality and safety of care, treatment and services
Provides a competitive edge in the marketplace
Improves risk management and risk reduction
Provides education on good practices to improve business operations
Provides professional advice and counsel, enhancing staff education
Enhances staff recruitment and development
Recognized by select insurers and other third parties
May fulfill regulatory requirements in select states

For more information, see the fact sheets on “Benefits of Joint Commission Accreditation” and “Benefits of Joint Commission Certification.”

Standards and performance measurement

Joint Commission standards address the organization’s level of performance in key functional areas, such as patient rights, patient treatment, and infection control. The standards focus not simply on an organization’s ability to provide safe, high quality care, but on its actual performance as well. Standards set forth performance expectations for activities that affect the safety and quality of patient care. If an organization does the right things and does them well, there is a strong likelihood that its patients will experience good outcomes. The Joint Commission develops its standards in consultation with health care experts, providers, measurement experts, purchasers, and consumers.

Introduced in February 1997, The Joint Commission’s ORYX® initiative integrates outcomes and other performance measurement data into the accreditation process. ORYX measurement requirements are intended to support Joint Commission accredited organizations in their quality improvement efforts. Performance measures are essential to the credibility of any modern evaluation activity for health care organizations. They supplement and help guide the standards-based survey process by providing a more targeted basis for the regular accreditation survey, for continuously monitoring actual performance, and for guiding and stimulating continuous improvement in health care organizations. Some accredited organizations are required to submit performance measurement data on a specified minimum number of measure sets or non-core measures, as appropriate, to The Joint Commission through a Joint Commission listed ORYX vendor (also known as a performance measurement system). For more information, see “Facts about ORYX.”

Education and information

Joint Commission Resources is a global, knowledge-based organization that provides innovative solutions designed to help health care organizations improve patient safety and quality. An affiliate of The Joint Commission, JCR is the official publisher and educator of The Joint Commission. JCR provides expertise on the many issues organizations face in a challenging health care environment through a variety of product and services including: education programs, publications and multimedia products, its Continuous Service Readiness program, comprehensive health care consulting and custom education, and accreditation and consulting for organizations abroad. The Joint Commission and JCR maintain strict policies that prohibit The Joint Commission from sharing any confidential information about accredited organizations with JCR. The fact that an organization has obtained services from JCR is kept completely separate from Joint Commission accreditation decisions.

The Joint Commission’s Quality Check® Web site, www.qualitycheck.org, is a comprehensive guide to health care organizations in the United States. Joint Commission accredited and certified organizations are easily identified by The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval™. Quality Check includes each accredited organization’s most recent Quality Report. This report provides: detailed information about an organization’s performance and how it compares to similar organizations; the organization’s accreditation or certification decision and the effective dates of the decision; programs accredited and certified by The Joint Commission, and programs or services recognized by other organizations; compliance with The Joint Commission's National Patient Safety Goals; special quality awards; and, for hospitals, performance on National Quality Improvement Goals. For more information, see “Facts about Quality Check® and Quality Reports®.”

For more information

The Joint Commission Web site includes an extensive directory; just click on “Contact Us.” The general phone number is (630) 792-5000 and the Customer Service number is (630) 792-5800.

Facts about the Health Care Staffing Services Certification

9/21/2009 3:22:00 PM

Facts about Health Care Staffing Services Certification

The Joint Commission’s Health Care Staffing Services (HCSS) Certification Program provides an independent, comprehensive evaluation of a staffing firm’s ability to provide qualified and competent staffing services.

Health care staffing firms are eligible for Joint Commission certification if they:

Place temporary clinical staff in other organizations that direct or provide direct patient care.
Place temporary clinical staff under the direct supervision of another organization's personnel.
Collect and present four months of data for each of the three standardized performance measures.
Place at least 10 individual clinical employees on assignments by the time of onsite review.

Certification process

HCSS firms undergo an announced initial review. Re-certification reviews are unannounced and are conducted on-site every other year. The review focuses on a firm’s ability to provide competent staffing services and evaluates performance, continuing education and training, placement criteria, and other areas. The standards, contained in the Health Care Staffing Services Certification Manual, are divided into four sections:

Leadership
Human resources management
Performance measurement and improvement
Information management

Performance measurement

Joint Commission-certified health care staffing firms and firms seeking initial certification are required to adopt a set of three standardized performance measures. These include:

Do Not Return Rate for Clinical Reasons
Do Not Return Rate for Professional Reasons
Completeness of Personnel File

Certified health care staffing firms are required to collect monthly data for each measure in the set, which is submitted quarterly to The Joint Commission. nformation about performance measures is provided in the Health Care Staffing Services Performance Measurement Implementation Guide, 2nd Edition.

Information available to the public

Quality Reports for Joint Commission certified health care staffing firms are available on the Quality Check™ Web site, www.qualitycheck.org. They include:

Certification decision and effective date
Last full review and last on-site review dates
Demographic information
Certified locations of care
Commentary (optional)

For more information, go to the Health Care Staffing Services Certification section of The Joint Commission Web site or contact Michele Sacco, executive director, Health Care Staffing Services Certification Program, at msacco@jointcommission.org.

reprinted from http://www.jointcommission.org/CertificationPrograms/HealthCareStaffingServices/hcs_facts.htm

Perm Placement Opportunity in Everett, WA - Pharmacists

2/3/2009 3:15:00 PM

A small community health center organization in Everett, WA is seeking a Pharmacy Services Manager for a perm placement opportunity.

Pharmacist would oversee pharmacy operations for 4 locations.

Pharmacy Services Manager - Direct Hire Opportunity

ASAP Start

Days: varying shift times, no Sundays, little to no patient interaction

Relocation Assistance: No

Yearly Salary of $116-120K

Credential Req’s:

Graduate of Accredited School of Pharmacy
Prefer Doctor of Pharmacy Degree

Experience Req’s:

-Five years experience as a pharmacist, preferably in a community health care pharmacy setting
-Two years of supervisory/management experience at the department level
-Experience working with low-income, multi-ethnic populations
-Experienced working with MS Office products: MS Word, Outlook, Excel
-Active WA State Pharmacy License
-CPR/BLS or ability to obtain within 90 days of hire

Job Description:

The Pharmacy Services Manager assures that pharmacy services operate in conformance with state laws and professional standards. The manager supervises pharmacy personnel and acts in the capacity of a Pharmacist in accordance with the State of Washington Department of Licensing and professional scope of practice.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Skills & Abilities

· Effectively communicates orally and in writing across all levels of the organization.
· Ability to effectively and professionally represent the organization.
· Works independently and is self-directed.
· Ability to work in a team environment.
· Organizes, prioritizes, and coordinates multiple activities and tasks.
· Applies skills in employee relations: scheduling, hiring, firing, progressive discipline, and etc.
· Demonstrates leadership and basic management skills.
· Remains calm and effective in high pressure and emergency situations.
· Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office applications; Word, Excel and Outlook.

Experience

· Five (5) years of experience as a Pharmacist, preferably in a community healthcare pharmacy setting.
· Two (3) years of supervisory/management experience at the department level.
· Computer proficiency, which includes intermediate (3-4 years) knowledge and experience with Microsoft Office applications; Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook etc.

Credentials

· Active Washington State Pharmacy license.
· Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers (CPR/AED). Certification must be obtained within ninety (90) days of employment.
· Successfully completes credentialing review upon hire and maintains professional credentials throughout employment.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS / PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS:

The essential functions and performance expectations described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the basic functions of this job. An employee may be required to perform other functions as assigned, which are not listed. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions and performance expectations.

I. General Functions/Performance Expectations

A. Attendance/Time Management:

1. Follows ’s policies and procedures: attendance and punctuality standards, hours worked and timekeeping, time off and leaves of absence. Uses accrued time off hours appropriately.

2. Manages, plans and adjusts work time to effectively meet work responsibilities and objectives.

3. Attends required meetings, in-services, etc.

B. Customer Service:

1. Adheres to customer service standards.

2. Dresses appropriately for respective position; dress and appearance reflects positively on the individual. Name tag is visibly worn above the waist at all times.

3. Demonstrates professional interactions with internal and external customers. Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with individuals of various cultural, ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds. Represents positively to the Community.

C. Teamwork and Communication:

1. Understands how job interrelates with other positions and departments within . Coordinates activities appropriately and effectively with other individuals, departments and outside agencies.

2. Communicates verbally and in writing with a clear, concise and appropriate manner.

3. Keeps immediate supervisor, and other staff accurately informed as appropriate. Seeks assistance, guidance and counsel from supervisor and/or coworkers as needed.

D. Quantity and Quality of Work:

1. Generates work in quantities sufficient to meet the needs and expectations of the position.

2. Produces accurate, clear, neat, and concise work.

E. Health & Safety:

1. Complies with ’s health and safety programs, policies and procedures.

2. Performs work in a safe manner while on premises or company business off-site. Notifies supervisor of any incidents, accidents or safety issues and completes paperwork in a timely manner.

F. Attitude and Professionalism:

1. Maintains positive, constructive, collaborative, cooperative and professional working relationships with coworkers.

2. Sustains a cooperative, helpful, respectful and professional working relationship with supervisor.

3. Keeps behaviors, communications and other outward expressions regarding in a positive manner.

G. Self Development:

1. Attends mandatory and elective training courses (internal or external), according to standards.

2. Obtains continuing education (CE) credit hours to maintain any professional credentials or association memberships. Seeks out additional educational opportunities to continuously improve skills, education and knowledge.

H. General:

1. Functions in accordance with and in support of facility’s mission, vision, values, policies and procedures.

2. Handles confidential information and materials appropriately and maintains a secure work area.

3. Performs other duties as assigned.

II. General Functions/Performance Expectations

A. Leadership and Management:

1. Performs work related responsibilities with initiative, taking ownership and responsibility when appropriate.

2. Delegates responsibility and authority to subordinates clearly and appropriately.

3. Is approachable, receptive and responsive to feedback and suggestions from coworkers, subordinates and supervisor.

4. Is fair, equitable, positive and constructive in managing others; actively promotes teamwork and positive staff morale.

5. Ensures compliance with policies and procedures as applicable to area(s) of responsibility.

B. Personnel:

1. Demonstrates knowledge and understanding of ’s Personnel Policies and Procedures.

2. Demonstrates understanding and good judgment in scheduling, hiring, progressive discipline, performance evaluations, etc.) in accordance with standards.

3. Provides subordinates with guidance regarding standards of performance, which are clear, concise, equitable, appropriate and timely.

C. Budgetary, Equipment and Supplies:

1. Controls and monitors use of funds in accordance with company standards.

2. Manages and controls staffing schedules, overtime, etc. (including the use of temporary staff and externs).

3. Uses sound judgment in the ordering, purchasing, consumption and maintenance of supplies and equipment.

III. Job Specific Functions/Performance Expectations

A. Job Specific Functions/Performance:

1. Assures that pharmacy services operate in conformance with state laws and professional standards governing the delivery of pharmacy services.

2. Provides leadership and supervision to the following positions: Pharmacists, Pharmacy Technicians and Pharmacy Assistants.

3. Coordinates facility’s pharmacy services with requirements of Community Health Plan of Washington and other insurers.

4. Sets up systems to enroll patients without pharmacy benefits in indigent drug programs for which they are eligible and tracks the value of drugs provided through these programs.

5. Coordinates systems to assure that uninsured patients are enrolled in insurance programs for which they are eligible.

6. Assures that pharmacy services are operated cost-effectively, contribute to ’s goals of consistently higher quality of care and service, and operate with sound business principles.

7. Performs all duties and responsibilities contained in the job description for a pharmacist.

WORKING CONDITIONS AND ENVIRONMENT:

The working conditions and environment described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the basic functions of this job. An employee may be exposed to other working conditions and/or environment which are not listed. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions and performance expectations of this job.

1. Employee generally works within the interior of a healthcare clinic/office environment. Employee may travel locally between multiple worksites and be responsible for own transportation. Out of area travel may be required on occasion. Hours of operations and specific staff scheduling may vary between worksite based on operational need.

2. The general environment is clean with a comfortable temperature and moderate noise level. Employee may be required to use computers and other office equipment and participate in communication through typing, reading, writing, telephones etc.

3. Employee is subject to contact with patients under all conditions and circumstances, e.g., illness, emotional duress and hostility. Other work activities involve contact with staff members, the general public and government representatives under all conditions and circumstances.

Hot Pharmacy / Rx Jobs for Contract and Direct Placement

1/26/2009 5:05:00 PM

Direct Placement Opportunities:

- Hospital Inpatient Pharmacist for a local Chicago Hospital. A candidate should have at least 2 years experience in Hospital Inpatient setting. PharmD required. Night shift.
Click Here to Apply NOW for this opportunity

- Looking for an Inpatient Pharmacist to work in Tyler, TX starting ASAP. Benefits include competitive salary, night differentials, great benefits, and a relocation/sign on bonus. Candidates must have inpatient experience.
Click Here to Apply NOW for this opportunity

- Inpatient Pharmacist needed in AUSTIN, Texas. Overnight shift.
Click Here to Apply NOW for this opportunity

Travel / Contract Opportunities

- Lucrative assignment in Grand Island, NE - Seeking a Pharmacist for a 6 month contract. Hours are Monday – Friday day hours, No weekends. No IV mixing and candidates can bring experience from retail or inpatient.
Click Here to Apply NOW for this opportunity

- Salisbury, MD - Inpatient Pharmacst for 13 weeks to supervise patient discharge medication reconciliation. Click Here to Apply NOW for this opportunity

- California - Lucrative contracts available throughout the state of California Corrections System. Candidates must be CA licensed Pharmacists. Click Here to Apply NOW for this opportunity

- Bethesda, MD (D.C. outskirts) - This is a fulltime 40 hours week temp to perm opportunity in a Hospital…The ideal candidate must be able to work both days and evenings. Hours are 7am-3:30pm and/or 3pm-11:30pm Monday-Sunday. The schedule will be 40 hours, with some of those hours being weekends.

Click here to check out our Blog Posting about how to choose a Travel Pharmacy Company!

With all our contract opportunities, TravelMax offers great hourly rates, and:

- Fully Furnished, Paid, Private Housing
- Day One Health and Dental Insurance
- $500 Referral Bonuses
- Tax Advantaged Stipends
- Guaranteed Weekly Pay
... And much more!

We customize each package - Call TravelMax NOW to Learn More - 1-888-800-1855

A Letter from a Current Traveler

1/14/2009 1:34:00 PM

Happy 2009 Everyone!

The Couch Traveler is letting my Hijack his blog to post a letter I received from a Pharmacy traveler of mine.

Check it out!

January 11, 2009

TravelMax

600 N. West Shore Blvd.

Suite 600

Tampa, FL 33609

Dear Ed Hughes,

I wanted to thank you for everything you did for me this summer. I appreciate the opportunity to work in Gainesville. Your eagerness to help me make the move to a new town, all the help getting the paychecks worked out, providing me with a car, money for food, housing, a great work experience, making me feel so comfortable with my living arrangements even when things came up you and your company remained so professional and I want to show how much that meant to me. This was such an incredible experience and thanks to TravelMax and you it was as smooth and comfortable as it was exciting and fun! I couldn’t have asked for better service and support from a company. Thank you for being understanding through the whole process, you were a pleasure to work for. I meant to get this to you earlier. You made this the best experience for me and I look forward to working with you in the future! Don’t hesitate to contact me for work in the West Palm Beach/Miami area.

Sincerely,

Dana R., Pharmacist

New to This - Pharmacist (RX)

12/23/2008 11:36:00 AM

Dear Couch Traveler,

I am a Pharmacist exploring my options. I have never traveled for a job. Could you please tell me a little about how one gets started with this, what are the expectations, and general standards for those who travel? Also, how much notice in advance do you get before travel time, does one have to do this full time, and what are my rights as an employee in this position?

Thank you,

New To This

Dear New to This,

Thank you for your great question! My answer may be a little long winded so please bear with me...

There are obviously advantages and disadvantages with becoming a traveling healthcare professional so the first thing to consider is whether your career and life goals align with the travel company and recruiter you're talking to. As a traveler you will have a chance to visit new locations, work with various equipment and systems, meet a variety of associated professionals, and quite frankly the money isn't too bad, either! However like all great things, there can be downsides; work can be inconsistent and sometimes, you need to be flexible to location.

The first step I would recommend would be to talk with friends or colleagues that have traveled in the past. (Maybe they're not Pharmacists like you, but many Nurses and Rehab Therapists travel these days - we can refer you to some of our own travelers if that would help!) Many can lend very valuable insight into aspects of travel that you in particular may or may not like.

The next step is to speak with a recruiter, find out what the market looks like for your clinical niche (in this case Pharmacy) and the location(s) you are interested in. Many areas of the country can be "hotter" markets in travel for a variety of reasons. Also, this is a good time to get to know a recruiter or two and begin to establish a relationship. The biggest reason (in my opinion) for a good experience, or a bad one, is based around the relationship between the traveler and their recruiter. It is important that when you are in a new place that you have someone you can depend on to get you the information you need, fix any problems that may arise, and most importantly, be there to help whenever you need them.

If you are planning to travel I would begin this process sooner rather than later because its always good to have as much information as possible. I find that the best time to land a position is 3 weeks to one month before your desired start date which makes the best time to start looking about 4-5 weeks before you would expect to start traveling (that is just a rule of thumb, some positions can be locked up within days depending on the circumstances).

Many times a travel or contract position works perfectly as a de-facto "extended job interview," and at the end of your contract, clients may hire you full-time away from the travel company. Of course, you get to decide if you want to keep traveling or stay put, but its a nice option to have as a traveler that's important to remember.

You asked a question about "rights as an employee." I'm not quite sure what you're asking, maybe you can comment below and I'll follow up with another response!

Ultimately, you want someone you trust: someone that will explain the benefits and housing packages honestly and completely. You want a recruiter that will tell you where there are and where there aren't jobs - your recruiter has your career in his/her hands!

Have a very happy and safe holiday season! Best wishes to you in 2009, what ever you decide!

All the Best,

The Couch Traveler

Inpatient Pharmacists Needed

12/17/2008 2:35:00 PM

TravelMax Allied has needs for Inpatient Pharmacists for direct placement (perm) opportunities!

6 Pharmacy openings in the Chicago, IL Metro area. All shifts. Recent Inpatient Pharmacy experience required. Pharm D. preferred.

2 Pharmacy openings in East Tyler, Texas. Days/Evening shifts. Recent Inpatient Pharmacy experience required. Pharm D. preferred.

10 Inpatient Pharmacists needed for the Dallas / Ft. Worth, Texas area

4 Inpatient Pharmacy needs for the Augusta, GA area

Travel Max's Pharmacy Staffing department can help you negotiate salary and benefits, so you can focus on what's important - finding the right inpatient pharmacy job you want! Whether you're relocating, or trying to earn a higher salary, TravelMax can help!

For more information, call 888-800-1855 and ask to speak to a Pharmacy Recruiter. Email Allied@TravelMaxAllied.com or Apply Now by clicking the blue button in the upper right hand corner of this website.

Hot Pharmacy (RX) Job Opportunity in CA

11/13/2008 2:55:00 PM

Hello TravelMax Pharmacists!

We've got a great need that hot off the presses...

We have an opportunity in the beautiful Central Coast area of California (where great red wine is grown!) - Why wouldn't you want to spend 13 weeks (maybe more!) here living the dream?!

What we need to get you this job:

- You must be a Pharmacist with a minimum of 2 yrs experience
- You must have previous travel
- You must have working knowledge of pharmacy software systems.
Training on Hospital - specific software will be provided

Call us now at 888-800-1855 and mention this job, click the blue apply now button, or email us at allied@travmax.com

Hot Pharmacy Jobs in November

10/30/2008 2:27:00 PM

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Call us now - 888-800-1855
to learn more about these great Pharmacist (Rx) Jobs!

Salisbury, Maryland - Large Medical Center Client has 3 Openings in the Pharmacy

· We have 3 Perm Pharmacy openings

· New grads are welcome

· No experience required!

Eastern Texas - 1 Direct Placement opening for a Hospital Pharmacist

· 1 Perm Pharmacy opening

· 3^rd shift

· 8 days on, 6 days off

· Overtime Guaranteed Every Week!

· **Must have Hospital experience**

Columbia, Missouri - 1 or 2 Travel Pharmacy Openings!

· TRAVEL OPENING

· 1-2 openings

· Must have experience with McKesson’s Horizon Med Manger

Bethesda, Maryland Pharmacist - DC Metro

· TRAVEL OPENING!

· Hospital experience required

· LTO – 138994

Danville, Viginia - 2 Pharmacist Positions

· 1 manager and 1 staff position

What about a Car Stipend?

9/25/2008 1:46:00 PM

Dear Couch Traveler,

I have been traveling for a few years now and have always been under the impression that receiving a “car stipend” is the industry standard. Recently I have read otherwise… please explain.

Sincerely,

Interested party

Dear Interested party,

You bring up a very interesting question. In years past I was under the same impression, with a “car stipend” being something that was an acceptable write-off by IRS standards… however that is incorrect. The most logical explanation I can give is: When you work a local/full time position do you get to write off your mileage to and from work? Of course not. This same logic applies here… while housing, transportation to/from and daily per-diems are unavoidable extra costs that travelers incur; local mileage is not in the same boat.

Happy traveling,

The Couch Traveler

X-Ray Tech Distress

9/25/2008 1:18:00 PM

Dear Couch Traveler,

I am in the radiology field and have been traveling for 7+ years now. Over the course of the last two years there has been a steady decline in my options for travel positions and now it seems almost impossible to stay working consistently. Is this something short term or should I consider a different career???

Sincerely,

RT-TRVLR

Dear RT-TRVLR,

Thanks for sending this in. The market has most definitely slowed down... however it is by no means dead. Currently, many of the less specialized fields in radiology (more specifically the job market for X-Ray Techs) have slowed down due to a combination of the national economy and a recent influx of licensed professionals. There is no need to go into panic mode as far as your career in the field is concerned.

My recommendation in this particular case is to consider your local market for the immediate future. TravelMax’s parent company, Maxim Healthcare, currently has over 400 local offices nationwide which can assist you in finding something until the travel market rebounds for X-ray. If your heart is set on traveling right now, think about getting additional training in advanced and diagnostic ultrasound techniques. Also, keep in mind that as the nationwide economy improves… so will the travel opportunities.

Hang in there,

The Couch Traveler

Introducing...The Couch Traveler

9/22/2008 1:50:00 PM

What is Travel Staffing ?

Travel staffing is one of the fastest and growing segments in the temporary healthcare staffing market. It allows for temporary staffing relief for hospitals and provides medical professionals with a unique opportunity to see new places, meet new people, and broaden their clinical knowledge. Nurses started the trend in the 1980s and now, conservative estimates say there are more than 10,000 nurses employed as travel professionals nationwide. Since then, the trend has grown to include Rehab Therapists (PT / OT / SLP) and most recently Pharmacists and Mid-Level Professionals (Nurse Practitioners and Physician's Assistants). TravelMax and our sister company Reflectx offer travel and permanent opportunities for all credentialed healthcare professionals.

In an effort to spread the word about the travel healthcare staffing industry and help professionals learn about the pros and cons of traveling, I am posting my blog which will serve mostly as a Q&A forum where I will provide honest answers to all your concerns and inquiries about being a traveler.

I hope you enjoy it and use it as a friendly place where you can ask me anything, while also offering your own advice and suggestions. I welcome all readers and commentators - from those with 30 years of experience to those currently in school and exploring options - Please send any of your own questions, concerns…or great jokes…by posting a comment below.

Happy Traveling,

The Couch Traveler

Who is the "Couch Traveler"?

9/15/2008 11:17:00 AM

Look here for our new Blog Series, "The Couch Traveler"! Derek Sawyer, National Recruitment Manager with TravelMax, will answer your questions about travelling as an allied healthcare professional. Please email him questions at allied@travmax.com or by posting a comment at the bottom.

Hot Jobs for week of August 18, 2008

8/14/2008 11:15:00 AM

Texas - Pharmacist - The Lone Star state has something for everyone. Texas is rich in arts and culture, historical sites, State and National Parks, and many outdoor activities. Whether you are seeking peace and quiet or looking for a night out on the town, Texas provides the perfect setting for individuals seeking everything. Spend your next travel assignment enjoying the diversity and excitement of Texas.

Pharmacy Degree required
TX State Pharmacist license required
Hospital Experience preferred
1^st Shift
7 days on – 7 days off.

Call 888-800-1855 to learn more about any of these great positions. Remember, we specialize in Custom Marketing - so if you dont see a position you're interested in, call us and we'll find it for you!

North Florida - Pharmacists and Tech - Pharmacists are constantly asking us for assignments that will put them near the beach. Well, here it is! The beaches along Florida's Panhandle are wide with spectacular soft sand. What better way to spend your fall then in the sunny state of Florida. There's something for everyone! The downtown area showcases wonderful art galleries featuring both local and regional art, as well as traveling exhibits in the Museum of Art. The area boasts many beautiful parks with fountains, play areas and often water access. New Orleans can be a great weekend trip and is only 300 miles away from the facility. Pack your bags! We look forward to seeing you in beautiful Florida!

Details on the position:

We have an urgent need for a full time pharmacist. This is an inpatient hospital opportunity at a beautiful facility in northern Florida. This assignment will start in late August and will last for at least 3 months.

Shift: 8:30pm-7:00am with a half-hour break. 7 days on – 7 days off

Equipment: Horizon MedsManager and Med Select

Staff: 2 Pharmacists per shift, plus a tech. The hospital staff is SUPER helpful!

Call 888-800-1855 to learn more about any of these great positions. Remember, we specialize in Custom Marketing - so if you dont see a position you're interested in, call us and we'll find it for you!

Dallas, TX - Pharmacists - are you looking for a large, new age city with a down home, country feel? Dallas, the 3^rd largest city in the US, offers a great mix of entertainment, culture and sports. Visit the Dallas Zoo, the largest Zoo in Texas. The State Fair of Texas is the largest state fair in the US, and runs for three weeks beginning in late September and ending October 19^th. Downtown Dallas is home to the Arts District. Dallas Museum of Art, The Trammell & Margaret Crow Collection of Asian Art and the Winspear Opera House offer you relaxing enjoyment on your day off! For you sports fans, year round you can enjoy football, baseball, hockey, and basketball right there in Dallas! So, while you’re working at night, you’ll have the day to enjoy some of these hidden treasures of Texas. Don’t let this opportunity pass you up!

Call 888-800-1855 to learn more about any of these great positions. Remember, we specialize in Custom Marketing - so if you dont see a position you're interested in, call us and we'll find it for you!

Fayetteville, NC - PA/NP - TravelMax is currently seeking a Physician’s Assistant or Nurse Practitioner for an acute-care hospital with CSOR or Cardiac Surgery OR experience (Must be First Assist with experience in Endoscopic Vein Harvesting.) This position starts immediately for 13 weeks in duration; the shift is days with some call.

One of the most diverse cities in the US, Fayetteville, NC has many awards to its credit and activities for citizens. Fayetteville has won All-America City awards and boosts many other honors. The sixth-largest city in North Carolina also has numerous historic sites, seven museums, three colleges and universities, multiple entertainment venues, a historic downtown and award-winning golf courses. We're right next door to Fort Bragg and Pope Air Force Base, so we are very military oriented. Immaculate parks and lively recreation centers offer you the chance to experience the outdoors or work on a jump shot. Plus, if you're looking to travel, Fayetteville Regional Airport and Interstate 95 give you many destination options.

Whatever you are looking for, Fayetteville has it. This city's 175,000 people are ready to welcome you. Whether you want to visit or relocate, we want you to see how we are “Making Fayetteville a Better Place for All.”

The 10th largest health system in the state, with more than 875,000 patient visits annually, this Health System is Cumberland County's largest non-government employer.