Travel healthcare provides the professionals who work in the field the unique opportunity to visit medical facilities throughout the country. However, as you travel, it’s always nice to have a chance to sit down, take a deep breath, and brush up on what’s going on in the industry. We’ve searched through hundreds of professional blogs to bring you this list of the cream of the crop for therapy and nursing.

We Provide Healthcare Jobs In Nursing & Therapy!

Onward Healthcare provides excellent assignments for those working in travel nursing and allied health, including occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech-language pathology, and much more. Get started with Onward Healthcare today by calling (800) 278-0332 or applying online today!

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March Madness is almost upon us and everyone is excited to support their team.  Even at the office our neighbors and friends show team spirit with their Duke jerseys and Michigan neckties.

Thanks to collegiate team scrubs, those of us who wear scrubs to work don’t need to feel left out!  Doctors and nurses across the country can sport their Kansas Jayhawks scrubs and tie their IU scrub caps.

March Madness Is All The Rave!

Americans of every profession and all walks of life enjoy the camaraderie and competition of March Madness. In fact, the reality that Americans have to go to work doesn’t keep them from enjoying the tournament.

Throughout the tournament, people all over the country will spend many hours of their work day devoted to watching games, checking stats, and reviewing outcome- more than half of the entire US workforce to be more precise!

In the first two days alone, a quarter of these people are expected to spend at least 2 hours on the NCAA website, watching games, reading articles or other related activities.  Big deal?  You bet.

It is estimated that employers will lose as much as $1.7 billion dollars to productivity during the tournament.

Winning With Your Team

Besides simply being an avid fan of the game, many Americans take advantage of March Madness as an opportunity to gamble and or enter competitions to win a little free money.  Offices, clinics, athletic teams, book clubs, and just random groups of friends all over the country are filling out brackets, attempting to predict the both the winners of each game and the tournament as a whole.

An estimated $12 billion dollars is wagered on the games annually. Of course, corporations don’t want to be left out of the fun either.  Companies of all types create a wide variety of specials, games, and marketing campaigns based around the “bracket style” tournament that is March Madness.

Win Free “Team” Scrubs With Scrubadoo!

Here at Scrubadoo, we wanted in on the action – we’re filling out our bracket, we’re watching the games, and we’re giving you the chance to win free scrubs!

When you purchase your team’s scrubs between March 1st and March 20th, you’re automatically entered into our exclusive bracket challenge to get those scrubs for free.  At the end, when the champion is declared, we’ll refund, in full, the cost of the winning team’s scrubs to anyone who bought those scrubs.

So join in the fun with the rest of the nation and bring a little March Madness to your hospital, clinic or office with collegiate team scrubs.  All you have to do is pick your team, wear your scrubs proudly, and show off your school spirit!  As soon as your team takes the winning shot, the cost of your scrubs are on us. No strings attached!  BUT — there can only be one winning team… so who are you rooting for?

Confident in your team?  Click here for more information on winning your free scrubs!  We wish you (and your team) the best this season!

The post March Madness at Work With Scrubadoo appeared first on Blog for Travel Nurses and Rehab Professionals - Onward Healthcare.

My wife and I are newlyweds — and our wedding came just one month after we became becoming first-time home-buyers! As it drew near, loved ones flew in from all over, with one even coming in from Australia! To try to soften the financial blow from traveling, we invited them to stay with us.

There’s a catch: our house had an unfinished kitchen and needed a new roof. While we found a contractor who could rebuild the roof before the guests arrived, there was no hope of finishing the kitchen. We entertaining eight guests with a kitchen with no sink, cabinets, or countertops (dishes were done in the bath tub) — and with most of our cookware still packed in unmarked boxes in the basement. What a scramble that was!

This story has a happy ending! The wedding was lovely, and our entertaining was a complete success. (Who knew eight people could eat so much??!?) By way of celebrating– and since many travel nurses also operate with a “minimal” kitchen situation not unlike ours – my wife and I thought wed share three of our biggest cooking successes from this experience.

Grandma’s “Legendary” Salsa, Cheese, & Sausage Dip

My grandmother shared this recipe with me, and for that, I will be forever grateful. This is a definite crowd pleaser – and the recipe that put me on the “culinary map” with my new in-laws.

Best served with scoopable Fritos, this recipe also works with nachos, and makes an ideal Superbowl snack.

What You Need

A sauce pan, a stirring spoon, and a measuring cup.

Preparation Time: 15-20 mintues

Ingredients:

• 1 lb regular or hot sausage (I’m a fan of Jimmy Dean)
• 8 oz. Velveeta
• 4-6 oz. Monterey Jack cheese
• ½+ cup picante sauce or salsa
• 1 bag tortillas or Fritos Scoops

Directions:

In a sauce pan, thoroughly cook and brown sausage, breaking it into small pieces. Drain off any excessive grease. Add in the Velveeta, Monterey Jack cheese, and picante sauce. Simmer on low for about an hour, stirring often. Thin with additional picante sauce to taste and preference. Serve with nachos or Fritos.

A Warning: This is a very filling recipe – if you’re using it as an appetizer, it’s best to serve it very sparingly, or, as my grandmother says, “You’ll ruin your dinner!”

Curried Chicken And Broccoli Casserole

Another family recipe, this originally came to me from my grandmother, and I’ve made it into my own creation over the past decade. This is my wife’s favorite of my recipes, and a dish that never gets old with the family!

What You Need:

A cutting surface and knife, a pot, a mixing bowl & spoon, a measuring cup, and a casserole dish.

Preparation Time: 20 minutes to prepare, 25-30 to cook.

Ingredients:

The Filling

• 4 whole chicken breasts, boiled
• 2 packages of frozen broccoli spears, cooked partially and drained
• 1 small can of cream of chicken soup (I sometimes use cream of mushroom instead)
• 1 cup real mayonnaise
• 1/3 cup evaporated milk
• 1 cup grated Wisconsin cheddar (The “good stuff” makes all the difference!)
• 1 tsp of lemon juice – optional
• 1 tsp curry powder
• 4-6oz. poppy seeds

The Topping

• 2 cups of stuffing (cubed or crumble)
• ½ cup of melted butter

or

• 2 sleeves of Ritz Crackers, crumbled
• ½ cup butter or margarine, melted

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350°F.

Skin and bone the boiled chicken breasts; chop into 1″ cubes. Place broccoli in the casserole dish, and top with the prepared chicken. In a bowl, combined the undiluted cream of chicken soup with mayonnaise, evaporated milk, cheese, lemon juice, curry powder, and poppy seeds – pour over chicken. Sprinkle with topping. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until bubbling.

My grandmother used to use frozen peas instead of broccoli. My wife hates peas, so I changed it, but both versions are great. As an added bonus, this recipe can easily be made the day before it’s needed, if you take it out of the refrigerator a half hour before baking.

Buckeye Balls

If you’re looking for a fast, easy-to-make desert, I can recommend this one wholeheartedly. A favorite of my wife’s, you can whip up a batch of these in less than fifteen minutes, and they’ll be cooled and ready in time for dessert!

What You Need:

A mixing bowl, a flat plate or baking sheet, and a measuring cup.

Preparation Time: 10-15 minutes, 30 minutes to cool.

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups creamy peanut butter
• ½ cup butter, softened
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract
• 4 cups confectioners’ sugar
• 6 ounces semisweet chocolate chips
• 2 tbsp shortening

Directions:

Start by lining any flat surface (cutting board, baking sheet, flat plates, etc.) with wax paper. In a medium bowl, hand-mix the peanut butter, butter, vanilla extract, and confectioners’ sugar, forming a smooth, firm dough. Form dough into balls about 2 tsp in size apiece, and place on the wax paper. Refrigerate.

Melt chocolate and butter in a microwave or pan. Stir together until mixed smoothly. Remove the dough balls from the refrigerator, and insert a toothpick into each ball. Dip the ball into the melted chocolate, and roll around until coated well. Place the ball on the wax paper, chocolate-side down, and remove the toothpick. If desired, cover the hole from the toothpick with an extra dot of chocolate.

Repeat with other dough balls, and return them to the refrigerator for 30 minutes.

Try giving this recipe an added twist by using dark chocolate for the “shell” of the buckeye ball, and drizzling threads of white chocolate along the top. Delicious!

The post Three Easy Recipes For A Limited Kitchen appeared first on Blog for Travel Nurses and Rehab Professionals - Onward Healthcare.

A few years ago, “There’s an app for that” was coined the number one phrase of the year. It wouldn’t be surprising if this was still the case, as it seems more and more professionals are turning to apps for assistance — and nursing is no different.

If you’re a nurse looking to take on a technological edge, check out these ten useful apps for nurses that’ll help you perform your everyday tasks more quickly and efficiently!

#1 – Pill Identifier

Created by drugs.com, the Pill Identifier allows nurses to determine what type of pills their patient is taking simply by putting in the shape, color, imprint or even the drug name.

Ranging from $0.99 to the premium version for $39.95, Pill Identifier even offers images to ensure you’ve chosen the right pill.  This is especially beneficial when patients drop their pills, and you aren’t sure which need to be reordered.

#2 – Skyscape Medical Resources App

Available for both Apple and Android products, the Skyscape Medical Resource App is created to help you find the right answers right away.

This app is a combination of a bunch of different resources, including RxDrugs, Archimedes, Outlines in Clinical Medicine and MedAlert, right at your fingertips. While the original app is free, you can purchase more than 600 more resources within the app to meet your needs.

#3 – Instant ECG

Although only available on Apple iPhones, the Instant ECG App is a great tool used by telemetry nurses who need to interpret rhythms.

In total, this mobile app offers over 90 high-resolution images of ECG rhythms that help you figure out just what you’re looking at. The app is currently on sale through iTunes for only $0.99.

#4 – Critical Care ACLS Guide

The Critical Care ACLS Guide is available for both Android ($7.99) and Apple ($5.99) devices.

This app gives you instant access to critical information regarding ACLS (advanced cardiac life support) for nurses. It’s an interactive app that provides you with features so that you can administer IV medications effectively and safely in a critical care situation.

#5 – Pocket Lab Values

Pocket Lab Values is available for both Android and Apple devices for a low price of only $2.99.

This app provides nurses with fingertip information on lab values, keeping you up to date. Values are available for a wide variety of lab values, including ABGs, immunology values and lumbar puncture values.

#6 – Fast Facts For Critical Care

Priced a little higher than other apps at $29.99, the Fast Facts for Critical Care app is only available on Apple products.

This app, developed by Kathy White Learning Systems, Inc. offers instant access to the information provided by Kathy White in her books, including information on how to manage sepsis, details on more than 16 classes of critical care drugs, and info on managing heart failure.

#7 – IDdx – Infectious Disease Queries

The IDdx Infectious Disease Queries App is available for free on Apple devices.

This app was designed for queries, wherein users can determine infectious diseases simply by reviewing the symptoms. With more than 99 signs and symptoms, more than 39 epidemiological factors, and covering 16 regions of the world, this app definitely has a handle on all infectious diseases.

#8 – Symptomia

Similar to the IDdx app, the Symptomia app allows you to input symptoms and receive a list of all possible conditions that are related to that particular symptom.

Symptomia is available on Apple products, specifically the iPhone and iPod, for a small fee of $3.99.

#9 – The Color Atlas of Family Medicine

Although the Color Atlas of Family Medicine has a quite high price tag at $94.99, many nurses feel it is definitely worth it.

You receive full-color pictures showing common skin conditions, rashes, and other conditions right on your Apple or Android device.

#10 – palmPEDi

This app was designed with pediatric nurses in mind.

The palmPEDi app, which is available for $2.99 on both Apple and Android devices, provides instant access to the important factors of working in the PICU, such as equipment sizes and drug doses that are specific to children.

These are just a few of the many apps available to nurses, which provide instant access to a wide variety of necessary sources and information needed to properly care for patients in their field. Find more apps for nurses on your app store.

Now that you’ve got your apps figured out, it’s time to find your perfect stethoscope and the best nursing shoes!

The post 10 Useful Apps for Nurses appeared first on Blog for Travel Nurses and Rehab Professionals - Onward Healthcare.

Throughout 2012, Onward Healthcare released a series of visual guides for the online nursing and allied health communities. Each guide included research gathered from a combination of surveys completed by our travelers, publicly available resources, and our own in-house job data.

Along with the typical data you’d see from the Department Of Labor, we’ve also included a few fun tidbits — such as which social media networks are used by people in travel healthcare, what motivates a healthcare professional to become a traveler, and how much they’re making when compared to a permanent-position professional.

Travel Nursing Jobs In A Nutshell

If you work as a traveling nurse, or have ever considered becoming one, this guide is for you.  It’s travel nursing in a nutshell, with everything you need to know about the industry from breaking into travel nursing, to salary range, to the age demographics of those working in the industry.

The information in the guide comes from a survey of our travel nurses, who were on assignment in all 50 states, and from all walks of life in travel nursing!

A Visual Guide To Travel Therapy

We conducted a national survey to include professionals working in travel therapy of all kinds, including occupational therapy, physical therapy, and speech-language therapy, as well as PTAs and OTAs to find out just what makes them tick.

The guide we’ve created from the answers provides some great insights on therapy professionals in the industry, including demographics, motivational factors, benefits, salary trends, age, and even their favorite social media sites!

Our State-By-State Physical Therapist Salary Guide

Have you ever wondered how much more you could make if you took on a travel position?  In some cases, the price difference can be double the salary — without even leaving your own state!

Whether you’re interested in checking out salary data for yourself as a permanent-position as a PT or PTA, or you just want to compare your state’s salaries with your neighbors, this guide lays it bare for you!

The post Our Online Guides To Travel Healthcare appeared first on Blog for Travel Nurses and Rehab Professionals - Onward Healthcare.

Travel nurses enjoy the unique opportunity to visit destinations all over the country, working with extra pay as they explore their new area. The following blogs are great for those in the industry who make traveling and tourism a fun, profitable way of live.

Find Travel Nurse Jobs All Across The USA!

The specialists and recruiters at Onward Healthcare take pride on connecting each travel nurse we hire with an assignment that fits their skills, experience, and personal preferences. We have opportunities available throughout the United States through our network of hundreds of hospitals and medical facilities. To get started with us, contact us by phone at (800) 278-0332 or apply online today!

The post Great Tourism Blogs For Travel Nurses appeared first on Blog for Travel Nurses and Rehab Professionals - Onward Healthcare.

In case of a medical emergency, we are taught to dial 911, but who do you call when you are hundreds of miles away from home? Be prepared! Be very prepared!

The first line of defense in case of an emergency is to have plans in place for when it arises. Not that we really want one, but we don’t want one to happen and get caught, as they say, “with our pants down.” And we certainly don’t want to panic.

Make Sure To Keep In Touch

1. The first order of business is to have someone to call (ex: AAA, Good Sam’s Emergency Road Service, or OnStar). These numbers are usually on your membership card.  Keep them in your wallet/purse, or above the sun visor.
2. Program all important phone numbers in beforehand, including your nursing recruiter, your bank’s number, you car insurance agent’s number, and a network of friends along the way.
3. If you haven’t invested in a good nationwide cell phone, now’s the time. Have a friend or relative lined up to call every time that you stop for gas. I always call my parents along the way so that if something does happen to me, they have some idea where to start their search. Of course, you would also want to let that person know the route you’re taking.

Keeping Yourself Well-Stocked

1. Although bringing along some cash is a good idea, taking too much is definitely not a good idea. Keeping a national ATM card with access via a pin number is a must. I carry no more than a hundred dollars cash, and I attempt to pay for everything off my debit card. This also gives me documentation for the tax man.
2. In the trunk of your vehicle, stow away extra food, blankets, and water in the event that you have a roadside emergency.
3. Make sure that you have a great map and/or GPS. The best maps (with nationwide truck stops, and sometimes even a list of rest areas) can be found at the major “chain” truck stops. Another great resource is the tourist information centers that you pass when entering a state. They provide you with free maps, and also have interesting facts about the territory you’re about to travel through!

Keep Your Car Running

1. Before embarking on that next adventure, it’s also a necessity to visit your local mechanic to change the oil, check your fluids, and make sure your tire pressure’s optimal.
2. If you’re on a long trip through a new area, you should always start looking for a gas station when you reach a half tank. By doing this, you avoid getting too low before finding a place to stop. This is especially essential if you are traveling in a big motor home, or pulling a travel trailer. Don’t forget — your gas mileage is a lot different when pulling a trailer!
3. When getting out of your vehicle to fill up with gas or use the restroom, always be aware of your surroundings. If someone makes you feel uncomfortable, stay in your vehicle, and, if possible, travel to the next rest area.
4. Last but not least: make sure your spare tire actually has air in it! You won’t be too happy if you find this out along the interstate!

Roadside Safety Measures

1. If you’re a female traveling alone, it’s not advisable to drive at night — although I do know some women who aren’t afraid of traveling alone because their safety is insured by Smith and Wesson!
2. That brings up a good point: if you do have a concealed weapon, be sure that you know the concealed weapon laws in the states you travel through. You might also consider bringing a large flashlight, which not only provides light, but can be used as a weapon. They also make a small light that goes on your key chain with an ultraviolet light that can be used to blind someone, giving you time to get out of the dangerous situation.
3. One final safety tip:  don’t forget to carry a device in your glove compartment that allows you to break the glass or cut your seat belt in the case of a traffic accident — it could save your life!

Happy travels to you! I’ll be wishing you a fantastic assignment!

The post 13 Tips For Emergencies Along The Road appeared first on Blog for Travel Nurses and Rehab Professionals - Onward Healthcare.

Believe it or not, 2012 is already wrapping up! It’s been a great year for healthcare, and particularly for Onward Healthcare!

This year has brought us many milestones, including the completion of our tenth year of business, our recertification and “Gold Seal Of Approval” from the Joint Commission, and our accreditation with the BBB.

Additionally, we’re grateful for the repeated generosity of our recruiters and staff, who participated in charitable events throughout the year, including their recent work with the Bridgeport Rescue Mission, Cub Scouts, St. Baldrick’s Foundation, Waterside School’s Giving Tree Program, and many other worthy causes. What a fantastic way to spend a year!

As the year wraps up, we’re proud to announce one last (but by no means “least”) honor that our team has earned — recognition via Healthcare Traveler’s 2012 Recruiters Of The Year in their December issue.

Honoring Our Recruiters

Wendy Saturn (top) and Kristine Mallin, Healthcare Recruiters

Our recruiters take pride in providing world-class service to our travelers — and it shows!

Today, Onward Healthcare is excited to announce that two of our recruiters have been honored as Recruiters of the Year!

Check out what our travelers are saying:

Wendy Saturn
Senior Recruitment Specialist (Nursing)

“Wendy is attentive and willing to make sure I locate contracts that suit my skills and personality.  She is always there to offer advice and input regarding my career development, and the challenges of being as working mom who travels.”

Kristine Mallin
 Senior Recruitment Speclialist (Allied)

“Kristine is always positive and helpful. She gives us options that perhaps we hadn’t considered before. Kristine rocks; I wouldn’t trade her for anyone else.

Our Award-Winning Travelers

Along with our recruiters, we’re proud to announce that three of our travelers were recognized as “2012 Travelers of the Year”, including two of our RNs, and one excellent physical therapist!

Our Outstanding Travel RNs

The “dynaimic duo” of Kevin Houck, RN (top) and Jake Ebersole, RN

Kevin and Jacob come as a package deal. This is true not only for each hospital that they apply to, but also in their commitment to any travel company they work for.

The duo practices nursing with the utmost professionalism, abiding to strict ethics and morals, and possessing exceptional clinical knowledge and dedication to their patients. Their expertise and contributions to their units and fellow staff get them continually requested back at each facility they work.

What makes this dynamic duo even more amazing is their equal passion to excel “off the nursing field”. They have entered the Iron Man competition for the last two years, training and preparing extensively for these events. Last (but certainly not least) they’re great family men, who love and cherish their families. In every aspect of their lives, whether professional, extracurricular or personal, they always make sure that everything is well balanced and held at the highest standard!

Congrats To Our Travel PT!

Lauren Chetney, PT

Lauren has been with our company since she graduated for Daeman College. She’s extremely loyal to Onward and just as reliable to her facilities when on assignment. She’s exceptionally hard working and dedicated to her patients.

Lauren has been asked to return by all placements and is a true representative of the best of the best.

We’re fortunate to have such a dedicated PT on our staff and appreciate all that she does!

A Note For All Our Travelers And Staff

While we recognize these few travelers today, Onward Healthcare is proud of the accomplishments and outstanding performance that all of our travelers, recruiters, and staff have exhibited in the past year.  Thanks to all for everything you do — and here’s to continued excellence in 2013!

The post Congratulations To The Onward Family! appeared first on Blog for Travel Nurses and Rehab Professionals - Onward Healthcare.

Our Top Prizes Included:

The Grand Prize: A $250 American Express Gift Card
Second Place: A Kindle Fire HD
Third Place: A $75 Gift Certificate To Shutterfly

Now that everything’s tallied officially we’re excited to celebrate our winners of the 2012 contest!

Our Grand Prize Winner!

Mary’s doing the fist-pump in the picture like the champ that she is!  This picture won over our contestants right from the beginning, bringing in hundreds of votes overall!  And what a great shot — who wouldn’t want to be there in person to take in that sight, and maybe do a little skiing?

Congrats goes out to you, Mary!  Fantastic job on this year’s photo contest!

Brooke Takes Second Place!

It seems that the mountains and wide open spaces definitely have it this year!  This beautiful view from Rainbow Peak was hard earned (a six-mile kayaking trip and a 6,000 climb to the summit), but what a singular experience Brooke has earned for it!

Thanks so much for sharing your experience with all of us!  With hundreds of votes for your photo, you and Mary were neck and neck right to the last few votes!

…and Karen Comes in Third!

In the first couple weeks of the contest, it was starting look like there’d be a three-way tie for third place, but little by little, Karen inched ahead of the competition for more than a ten-vote lead!

Congrats to you for taking advantage of the chance for such a wonderful, unusual photo of Amish country!  We love it!

The Runners Up

Along with our top three winners, it’s our pleasure to award either a signed copy of Epstein LaRue’s travel nursing book “Highway Hypodermics“, or a copy of “The Art Of Photography“, by Bruce Branbaum (their choice) to our five runners up!

Our Honorable Mentions (In Alphabetical Order)

Erin’s photo takes us to Genrose, TX, where you can experience your own personal safari ride, with giraffes, zebras, and more right here in the USA!

Jessica makes us all jealous with her fabulous photo of her and her friends “landing” on a boat in Myrtle Beach, SC!

Lauren weighs in with a photo of her with a two-ton frying pan while visiting the quaint but lively Rose Hill, NC!

Lycia shares a beautiful and inspiring photo of her experiences while volunteer nursing on Bureh Beach, in Sierra Leone, Africa.

Nathaniel brings us a glimpse of Trinity Park, in Fort Worth TX, where the traditional Vampire Run was held this year!

Wrapping Up Our 2012 Travelers Contest

What does an African beach, a snow-capped mountain, and a giant frying pan have in common?  The answer?  Just about nothing!

With so many photos to choose from, picking out the “cream of the crop” for this year’s contest was a real challenge! The range of photos everyone sent us, and the breadth of experiences you’ve all shared, was amazing!

Before wrapping up, we’d like to take a moment to thank everyone for the fantastic work you’ve done for healthcare in the past year — and congratulate you for your adventuresome spirit!

What an incredible year you’ve all had! All the best to everyone who competed!  Please come and compete with us again next year!

The post Announcing Our 2012 Contest Winners! appeared first on Blog for Travel Nurses and Rehab Professionals - Onward Healthcare.

We Can Help You Find Your Next Travel Nursing Job!

At Onward Healthcare, we take pride in serving the travel nursing community in any way we can. Our talented, experienced recruiters are standing by to learn about your skills and assignment needs, so we can match you with the best position available for you. To get started with Onward Healthcare, contact us at (800) 278-0332, or apply online today!

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