Category: Therapy

Survey: Mental Health on the Front Lines

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, as well as the fifth straight month those on the frontlines have been treating COVID-19. How are you doing? Tell us here.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month.

May is also the fifth straight month frontline medical workers have been tasked with treating patients who are battling COVID-19 in the United States, losing more than 90,000 of them along the way. That certainly takes a toll, and it appears to be causing, at least in part, some of those on the front lines to take their own lives, as well.

Two medical workers in one of the nation’s hardest hit areas, New York, died by suicide in the last month—Dr. Lorna Breen, the medical director of the emergency department at NewYork-Presbyterian Allen Hospital, and John Mondello, an emergency medical technician.

Working in healthcare can be incredibly draining—mentally, physically, and emotionally—with multiple occupations within the field being considered high stress and the suicide risk higher among nurses than any other profession. Add in a pandemic and it is more than understandable to be feeling less than your best, even if you are not working in a COVID unit.

So, how are you feeling? How is your mental health? How are you coping, or not coping, right now? We want to know.

Tell us in the survey below, and then be sure to read our tips on how to care for yourself while treating COVID-19 patients by clicking here.

Name:*
Email Address:*
Title:*
Specialty:*
Are you working on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic in any capacity?*
On a scale from 1 to 10, with 1 being very poor and 10 being excellent, how would you rate your mental health prior to the COVID-19 pandemic?*
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
On a scale from 1 to 10, with 1 being very poor and 10 being excellent, how would you rate your current mental health?*
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
On a scale from 1 to 10, with 1 being very low and 10 being very high, how would you rate your level of work-related stress prior to the COVID-19 pandemic?*
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
On a scale from 1 to 10, with 1 being very low and 10 being very high, how would you rate your current level of work-related stress?*
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
On a scale from 1 to 10, with 1 being very poor and 10 being excellent, how well do you believe you are coping with your work-related stress?*
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
What coping mechanisms are you currently relying on to help you deal with work-related stress?*
On a scale from 1 to 10, with 1 being very little and 10 being very much, how much do you feel your job negatively impacts your mental health?*
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
On a scale from 1 to 10, with 1 being very little and 10 being very much, how much do you feel the COVID-19 pandemic has worsened your mental health?*
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
On a scale from 1 to 10, with 1 being very little and 10 being very much, how important do you feel your mental health is to your employer?*
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Is there anything else you would like to tell us regarding mental health and frontline medical workers?

By submitting this form, you are giving your permission to HealthJobsNationwide.com to republish any responses included on this form in future content that may be used on our website or social media accounts.

Verify You're a Human:

If you are struggling with your mental health, we urge you to ask for help. You are just a call or text away from reaching professionals who can assist you in processing what you are experiencing. Reach out to them, if you need support at:

  • Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA’s) Disaster Distress Hotline: Call 1-800-985-5990 or text TalkWithUs to 66746.
  • The Crisis Text Line: Text TALK to 741741.
  • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Call 1-800-273-TALK.

Disclaimer: The viewpoint expressed in this article is the opinion of the author and is not necessarily the viewpoint of the owners or employees at Healthcare Staffing Innovations, LLC.

The Top 10 Pandemic-Proof Healthcare Jobs

Healthcare is often touted as a recession-proof industry. But is it pandemic-proof? Given the number of available jobs, it seems so. See the most in-demand position types here.

Healthcare is often touted as a recession-proof industry. This is typically believed, because, even in the worst economic times, people still require medical care. However, it is proving not to be entirely pandemic-proof, with more than 40,000 healthcare professionals being laid off in March, when COVID-19 began to significantly impact nearly every industry in the United States.

Healthcare is still hiring for a surprisingly large number of positions, though, despite the pandemic continuing on, and not all of them are related to COVID-19, either.

Here are the top ten most in-demand positions right now, according to data from our job board.

1. Registered Nurse

Number of Available Jobs: 7,761
States with the Most Available Jobs: California, New York, Massachusetts
View All Registered Nurse Jobs →

2. Physician

Number of Available Jobs: 4,141
States with the Most Available Jobs: California, New York, Pennsylvania
View All Physician Jobs →

3. Speech Language Pathologist

Number of Available Jobs: 3,462
States with the Most Available Jobs: California, Texas, Illinois
View All Speech Language Pathologist Jobs →

4. Physical Therapist

Number of Available Jobs: 2,840
States with the Most Available Jobs: California, Texas, Illinois
View All Physical Therapist Jobs →

5. Nurse Practitioner

Number of Available Jobs: 2,222
States with the Most Available Jobs: New York, California, Connecticut
View All Nurse Practitioner Jobs →

5. Occupational Therapist

Number of Available Jobs: 2,222
States with the Most Available Jobs: California, Texas, Illinois
View All Occupational Therapist Jobs →

7. Physical Therapist Assistant

Number of Available Jobs: 1,833
States with the Most Available Jobs: California, Texas, Illinois
View All Physical Therapist Assistant Jobs →

8. Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant

Number of Available Jobs: 1,725
States with the Most Available Jobs: California, Texas, Illinois
View All Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant Jobs →

9. Respiratory Therapist

Number of Available Jobs: 1,703
States with the Most Available Jobs: Pennsylvania, Alaska, Florida
View All Respiratory Therapist Jobs →

10. Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist

Number of Available Jobs: 1,346
States with the Most Available Jobs: Texas, California, Virginia
View All Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist Jobs →

Don’t see your position listed? That doesn’t mean it isn’t hiring. Search for it on our job board by clicking here.

Disclaimer: The viewpoint expressed in this article is the opinion of the author and is not necessarily the viewpoint of the owners or employees at Healthcare Staffing Innovations, LLC.

Freebies, Discounts, & Perks for Healthcare’s Heroes

To recognize the heroic efforts of frontline medical staff, companies are offering promotions as a way of giving back. Here’s a giant list of them.

Last Updated: May 11th, 2020 at 8:50 AM ET. Please see individual websites for further details about offers, including whether or not they have expired.

No one has proven more essential through the COVID-19 crisis than the medical professionals who are working on the frontlines of the pandemic. To recognize your heroic efforts, scores of companies across the nation are offering promotions as a way of giving back.

To make it a bit easier to know what is being offered to you, we’ve compiled a list of some of the available free and discounted goods and services, as well as other perks, and have posted it below.

Please note, this list is by no means complete. However, it is extensive, and we will continue to update it, as we come across new promotions and as promotions expire or reach their limit. If you are aware of a promotion not listed below, or if you discover that a promotion listed has expired, please email us by clicking here.

If you have any questions about a specific promotion, please direct those questions to the company offering the promotion. Thank you.

PPE

Mask Match — Free Masks
If you are a healthcare worker in need of a mask, Mask Match will try to connect you with someone who has masks to donate. Fill out the “I Need Masks” form to get started.
Learn More →

Apparel, Goods, and Services

Adidas — 40% Off
Adidas offers 15% off year-round for first responders and nurses. However, they have increased that discount program to 40% off during the COVID-19 crisis.
Learn More →

Big Lots — 15% Off
Big Lots is offering a 15% discount off everything for medical professionals, first responders, and active military/veterans. Just show your badge or work/military ID or use code BIGHEROES online. This offer is good through May 31st.
Learn More →

BJ’s Wholesale Club — Priority Access
BJ’s Wholesale Club, at all of its locations, will have an Appreciation Hour from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. on Sundays for first responders and healthcare workers. During this designated time period, first responders and healthcare workers can shop in all of BJ’s locations without a membership.
Learn More →

Care.com — Free Premium Access
Care.com is providing one month of free, premium access to their site to support frontline medical workers who need help with finding care for their children, parents, and pets.
Learn More →

Clarks — 50% Off
Shoe manufacturer and retailer, Clarks, is offering a 50% discount for nurses and first responders. Limit one 50% off code per nurse or medical professional. Verify your ID through ID.me to receive the discount.
Learn More →

Costco — Priority Access
Costco is temporarily offering priority access to members who are healthcare workers and first responders, such as police officers, EMTs and firefighters. Just present your Costco membership card and official identification of your role to move to the front of the line.
Learn More →

Crocs — Free Crocs
Crocs is donating 10,000 shoes a day through their “Sharing a Pair for Healthcare” initiative. All you have to do is go to the Crocs website and get in line at 12:00 PM ET for each day’s giveaway.
Learn More →

Dearfoams — Free Slippers — Limit Reached/Giveaway Expired
Dearfoams is giving away free slippers to healthcare workers, and has also committed to donating 100,000 face masks to healthcare heroes.
Learn More →

Dollar General — In-Store Discount
Dollar General is offering an in-store discount of an unspecified amount to all medical personnel, first responders, and activated National Guardsmen. Just present your employer badge or ID. It was previously announced that the discount would be 10%, and may be more or less at this time.
Learn More →

Dr. Scholl’s — Free Insoles
Dr. Scholl’s is donating 100,000 pairs of Dr. Scholl’s Massaging Gel Work insoles to healthcare workers across the country, totaling a $1.3 million donation. Hospitals can email coronavirus.outreach@drscholls.com to submit a request for their medical staff.
Learn More →

Food Network — Free Access
Food Network is giving healthcare professionals 1 year of free access to their app, Food Network Kitchen, which offers step-by-step cooking tutorials, as well as commercial-free access to Food Network shows.
Learn More →

Home Shopping Network — 15% Off
Home Shopping Network is offering nurses 15% off any single item on HSN.com. Exclusions apply. Coupon valid through December 31st, 2020.
Learn More →

Jansport — 50% Off
Jansport, the maker of backpacks, bags, and accessories, is offering 50% for medical professionals and first responders. This offer is valid through June 30th, 2020.
Learn More →

Nike — 20% Off
For a limited time, Nike has increased their first responder and medical professional discount from 10% to 20%. Doctors, nurses, technicians, medical researchers, EMTs, firefighters, law enforcement, and more are eligible for the discount.
Learn More →

The North Face — 50% Off
From April 14, 2020 to December 31, 2020 The North Face will be giving a 50% discount to healthcare workers in the U.S. This discount can be used for the purchase of non-sale items on their website and at The North Face-owned retail stores in the United States.
Learn More →

Publix — Priority Access
First responders and hospital staff will be permitted to shop in Publix and access in-store pharmacies an hour after closing to the general public on Thursday evenings, from 8:00 until 9:00 PM, and an hour before opening to the general public on Friday mornings, from 7:00 until 8:00 AM until further notice.
Learn More →

Reebok — 50% Off
Reebok has increased their longstanding company discount to first responders and educators to 50% off. All nurses, military members, educators and first responders can shop 50% off at Reebok.com with no exceptions during this time.
Learn More →

Sam’s Club — Priority Access
Beginning April 19th, Sam’s Club is offering priority access to members who are healthcare workers and first responders during their “Hero Hours,” which are special shopping hours on Sundays from 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM.
Learn More →

Samsung — Up to 30% Off/Free Repairs
Samsung has extended their employee discount to all first responders and their families, which includes free repairs for Samsung phones, as well as up to 30% off products.
Learn More →

Tide — Free Laundry Services
Tide is offering free laundry services and dry cleaning to the families (defined as ‘next of kin’ e.g. same household/address) of frontline responders including nurses, doctors, paramedics, hospital/medical staff, medical researchers, police officers, and firefighters. The offer is good in participating cities through May 9.
Learn More →

Under Armour — 40% Off
Under Armour is recognizing those on the front lines by offering a 40% off discount for military members, first responders, health care workers and teachers. Just choose ‘Military and First Responder Discount’ at checkout to get your discount.
Learn More →

YETI — 20% Off
YETI, maker of coolers, drinkware, bags, and more, is offering a 20% discount to medical professionals and first responders. Verify your ID to receive the discount. Some restrictions apply.
Learn More →

Food & Beverages

Circle K — Free Coffee, Tea, or Fountain Drink — Limit Reached/Giveaway Expired
First responders and health care workers can get a free coffee, tea, or Polar Pop Fountain Drink when they show an ID through April 30.
Learn More →

DoorDash — Free or Discounted Delivery
DoorDash, the food delivery app, is actively partnering with hospitals in the U.S. and Canada to provide free access to Corporate DashPass. Every doctor, nurse, and hospital employee from partnering hospitals will receive at least 60 days of free DashPass, which eliminates or reduces delivery fees from local restaurants.
Learn More →

Dunkin’ — Free Coffee and Donut — Limit Reached/Giveaway Expired
On the first day of National Nurses Week, Wednesday, May 6, Dunkin’ is offering a free medium hot or iced coffee and a free donut to all healthcare workers who visit participating Dunkin’ restaurants nationwide, while supplies last. Not purchase necessary. Excludes Cold Brew and Nitro Cold Brew, Limit 1 per guest. Not valid on mobile orders.
Learn More →

Hooters — 20% Off
Hospital workers, first responders, and military personnel get 20% off at Hooters. Show your work ID for curbside pickup orders, or for online orders choose the “Pay at Store” option.
Learn More →

IHOP — 20% Off
Get 20% off your entire check if you’re a medical, law enforcement, military, and firefighter professional. All you need to do is mention the offer when you call in your order to IHOP. Then, show your official ID when you pick up your order.
Learn More →

Krispy Kreme — Free Dozen Donuts
Every Monday, Krispy Kreme is giving free dozens of their iconic Original Glazed® Doughnuts to healthcare workers. Just go to a Krispy Kreme drive-thru, tell them what you need, and show your employer badgeLimit five dozen per healthcare worker. Valid until May 12.
Learn More →

Little Caesars Pizza — Free Pizzas
Little Caesars Pizza will be donating and delivering a million pizzas to healthcare workers and first responders in the U.S. in the next few weeks. Starting April 13, customers can also “Pie it Forward” and donate a pizza to their local hospital, police station, or fire station via the Little Caesars app.
Learn More →

McDonald’s — Free Meal — Limit Reached/Giveaway Expired
Participating McDonald’s locations will provide the option of a free Thank You Meal to first responders and healthcare workers, valid all day and night between April 22nd and May 5th. Frontline workers, including healthcare professionals, can order these meals via the drive thru or the McDonald’s app and will be asked to show their ID badge during the pick-up process.
Learn More →

Nando’s PERi-PERi — Free Meals
The fast-casual chicken restaurant, which has locations in Illinois, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia, is providing free meals to anyone with a valid hospital ID. Limited to one meal per day while supplies last. Valid through May 17th, 2020.
Learn More →

Racetrac — Free Small Coffee or Fountain Drink — Limit Reached/Giveaway Expired
Racetrac is offering all essential workers, who are either wearing their uniform and/or have valid ID, a free small coffee or small fountain drink now through April 30. Limit one per person per day.
Learn More →

Starbucks — Free Hot or Cold Tall Brewed Coffee — Limit Reached/Giveaway Expired
Starbucks has announced that “any customer who identifies as a first responder or front-line worker supporting our healthcare system” can get a free hot or cold tall brewed coffee on each visit through May 3.
Learn More →

Thistle — 10% Off
Thistle, a ready-to-eat, food delivery service, is offering 10% off all deliveries to healthcare workers through May. Use code HOSPITALHEROES at checkout or reach out to hello@thistle.co for more details.
Learn More →

Tropical Smoothie Cafe — Free Smoothies
Medical professionals and first responders can contact their local Tropical Smoothie shop to have free smoothies delivered to your team.
Learn More →

Wawa — Free Coffee
Wawa, which has locations in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland, Delaware, Virginia, Florida, and Washington D.C., is offering free coffee to healthcare workers and first responders for the length of the Coronavirus pandemic.
Learn More →

White Castle — Free Castle Combo or Breakfast Combo — Limit Reached/Giveaway Expired
White Castle is offering a free Castle Combo or breakfast combo to healthcare workers and EMTs, valid through the end of April. This is good for drive-thru only and you must show ID to receive the offer.
Learn More →

Health & Wellness

Down Dog — Free Access
Down Dog is offering all of its apps, including Down Dog, Yoga for Beginners, HIIT, Barre, and 7 Minute Workout, completely free for nurses, doctors, and other healthcare professionals through July 1.
Learn More →

Headspace — Free Access
Headspace is offering free access to its meditation app through 2020 for anyone working in a public health setting.
Learn More →

Neurocore Counseling — Free Telehealth Counseling
Neurocore Counseling is offering free telehealth counseling to medical personnel and first responders through May 1 or longer.
Learn More →

Training Mate — Free Streaming Workouts
The LA-based gym is offering a free month of streaming workouts for frontline healthcare professionals.
Learn More →

Lodging, Travel, Transportation

Airbnb — No Fees
Find a frontline stay specially prepared for first responders through Airbnb, with the company waiving fees for the first 100k stays booked through their COVID-19 relief program.
Learn More →

BP/Amoco — $.50 Off Per Gallon of Gasoline
The gas station chain is offering a discount of 50 cents off per gallon for first responders and health care workers the next time they fill up at BP or Amoco gas stations in the US.
Learn More →

Choice Hotels — Discounted Hotel Rates
Choice Hotels is offering a “Choice Cares” special rate for nurses, doctors, paramedics, firefighters, food/agriculture workers, transit employees, and others outlined by CISA guidelines. Up to 9 nights can be booked with the special rate.
Learn More →

Hilton Hotels — Free and Discounted Hotel Rates
Hilton Hotels, in partnership with American Express, will donate up to 1 million hotel room nights across the United States to frontline medical professionals leading the fight against COVID-19. They will make rooms available without charge to doctors, nurses, EMTs, paramedics and other frontline medical staff who need a place to sleep, recharge, or isolate from their families through the end of May.
Learn More →

Honda Motor Company — $500 Off
Honda is offering nurses and other healthcare professionals $500 savings toward any 2019 or newer model year Honda when they finance or lease with Honda Financial Services®. Available until July 6, 2020.
Learn More →

Marriott Bonvoy — Free and Discounted Hotel Rates
Marriott Bonvoy, in collaboration with American Express and JPMorgan Chase, has started a new initiative called Rooms for Responders which will provide $10 million in hotel stays for doctors and nurses leading the fight against COVID-19. They also offer their Community Caregiver Program, which provides significantly discounted rates for first responders and healthcare professionals who want to book rooms at hotels near the hospitals where they work.
Learn More →

Red Roof Inn — 15-20% Off
Travel nurses with valid ID can get 20% off their stay at Red Roof Inn when they book online or call 1-800-733-7663. Discounts are also available to members of Advantage RN (20% off) and Emergency Nurses Association (15% off).
Learn More →

Sixt Rent a Car — 5% Off
Sixt Rent a Car is offering a 5% discount on car rentals to doctors and other medical staff. Bring valid ID when you pick up your vehicle.
Learn More →

Uber — Free Transportation
Uber Health is providing free transportation for frontline healthcare workers, helping them get to and from patients’ homes, as well as between healthcare facilities. They are also providing free meals on Uber Eats to first responders and healthcare workers in US and Canada, in coordination with local, state, and provincial governments.
Learn More →

Disclaimer: The viewpoint expressed in this article is the opinion of the author and is not necessarily the viewpoint of the owners or employees at Healthcare Staffing Innovations, LLC.

How to Care for Yourself While Treating COVID-19 Patients

People who work in healthcare are being stretched beyond their limits due to COVID-19. Here are tips to take care of yourself while caring for others.

Right now, people who work in healthcare across the United States are being stretched beyond their limits due to the COVID-19 outbreak. Working in an industry that normally experiences a rampant burnout problem, it is important to take extra care of yourself during this especially trying time, not only so you can continue to be effective in your role, but to stay as mentally and physically healthy as possible. Here are some tips, based on recommendations made by the CDC, on how to properly care for yourself while treating patients of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Make a Plan

  • Try to learn as much as possible about what role you will play in responding to the outbreak, so you are able to plan, both for work and your home life.
  • Speak with your supervisor about any concerns you have and any questions you need answered regarding your role in response to COVID-19, as well as day-to-day operations.
  • If you will be working abnormally long hours, explain this to your loved ones and set boundaries, particularly for communication. Your work will be demanding and you will not be able to respond to every call, text, or email in real time, and this needs to be expressed to people who may not understand the pressure you will be under.

Understand & Identify Burnout & Secondary Traumatic Stress

  • Anyone and everyone can be susceptible to burning out or experiencing Secondary Traumatic Stress when dealing with a crisis such as COVID-19.
  • Knowing the difference between the two is important. Burnout is defined as feelings of extreme exhaustion and being overwhelmed, while Secondary Traumatic Stress is categorized by experiencing stress reactions and symptoms resulting from exposure to another individual’s traumatic experiences, rather than from exposure directly to a traumatic event.
  • Symptoms of burnout include: experiencing sadness, depression, or apathy; feeling easily frustrated or irritable; lacking feelings, or feeling indifferent; disconnection from others; poor self-care and hygiene; feeling tired, exhausted or overwhelmed.
  • Symptoms of Secondary Traumatic Stress include: excessively worrying or fearing about something bad happening; being easily startled, or feeling like you must be “on guard” all of the time; physical signs of stress, such as a rapid heartbeat; experiencing nightmares or recurrent thoughts about the traumatic situation; feeling that others’ trauma is yours.
  • Coping techniques such as taking breaks, eating healthy foods, exercising, routinely sleeping, and using the buddy system can help prevent and reduce burnout and Secondary Traumatic Stress.

Get Support

  • You are not alone in what you are experiencing. Enact a buddy system, in which you and another person who is responding to the COVID-19 crisis partner together to support each other, as well as monitor each other’s stress, workload, and safety.
  • Check in with each other on a daily basis to offer support, be that in the form of listening or sharing.
  • Help each other with basic needs, such as sharing supplies or transportation.
  • Encourage each other to take breaks, and share opportunities for stress relief, such as exercise or meditation.

Practice Self Care

  • Caring for yourself may be the last thing on your mind when treating patients impacted by the virus, but it is the most important thing you can do.
  • Given the contagious nature of COVID-19, having your immune system in top shape is imperative. Beyond that, stress prevention and management is critical so you can stay well and continue to help in the situation.
  • Effective self care techniques for healthcare workers include:
    • If at all possible, limit workdays to 12 hours or less.
    • Work in teams as much as possible and limit the time you spend working alone.
    • Talk to family, friends, supervisors, teammates, or mental health professionals about your feelings and experiences.
    • Journal your thoughts on a regular basis.
    • Practice breathing and relaxation techniques.
    • Maintain a healthy diet and get adequate sleep and exercise.
    • Avoid or limit consumption of caffeine and alcohol.
  • Know that it is healthy to draw boundaries and to say “no.”
  • It is important to remind yourself that it is not selfish to take breaks when you need them, and that asking for help is okay.
  • The needs of your patients are important, but they are not more important than your well-being. There are others who can help, when you need to help yourself.

Get Help If & When You Need It

You are not alone. You are just a call or text away from reaching professionals who can help you to process what you are experiencing. Reach out to them, if you need support at:

  • Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA’s) Disaster Distress Hotline: Call 1-800-985-5990 or text TalkWithUs to 66746.
  • The Crisis Text Line: Text TALK to 741741.
  • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Call 1-800-273-TALK.

Disclaimer: The viewpoint expressed in this article is the opinion of the author and is not necessarily the viewpoint of the owners or employees at Healthcare Staffing Innovations, LLC.

How to Prepare to Negotiate Your Salary

Being an in-demand provider doesn’t mean you’ll automatically be paid well. Here are a few tips to prepare you for when it’s time to negotiate your salary.

Being an in-demand healthcare provider—a physician, nurse practitioner, physician assistant, registered nurse, physical therapist, occupational therapist, or myriad other titles—does not mean you will automatically be a well-paid one, as well. However, being in-demand does often mean that you are in a unique position in terms of bargaining power, and can negotiate for what you want and so rightly deserve. Here are a few tips to follow to be prepared when the time comes to negotiate.

1. Know Your Worth

When it comes to negotiating your salary, it is absolutely critical that you know your worth, both personally, based on your experience and specialized skill set, and in terms of your market value.

Use your current and former salaries, salary reports that are available online, or even buck the taboo and talk to your peers about what they are earning, and create a salary range for yourself. The low end should be the absolute minimum you would seriously consider and the high end should represent what you would accept without any further negotiations needed.

By basing your salary range on comparable salaries, instead of plucking numbers out of thin air, there is a greater chance that any counter offer you may need to make be seriously considered. Know that if you are preparing, they are, as well, and it’s more than likely the hiring company has also done their research and has a range of their own to consider, too.

2. Consider the Benefits

Money isn’t the only thing on the table when it comes to negotiating, and there are plenty of benefits that can provide quite a bit of value, while not moving the needle on your salary.

If the proposed salary is on the low end and the hiring company won’t budge, try negotiating for better benefits. Some benefits to attempt to fold into negotiations can include: signing bonus, education/CME allowance, flexible work schedule, PTO, insurance, retirement plans, and more.

Not everything valuable to you will have a dollar sign in front of it, so make sure you weigh every option available to you when negotiating.

3. Know You May Not Get What You Want and That’s Okay

It is one thing to know your worth and it is another, entirely, to respect it. Know that if you are going to negotiate your salary, there is a chance that negotiations may fail, and you may see just how undervalued someone in your position is to those on the other side of the table.

Know that it is okay—more than okay—to walk away from negotiations, if you are being greatly devalued and even your most basic salary needs cannot be met.

Part of being in-demand means that you have options. Make sure you explore all of them and choose the best fit for you, not just what you will settle for. You should respect yourself and your expertise enough to do that, and the right employer will respect that, as well.

Disclaimer: The viewpoint expressed in this article is the opinion of the author and is not necessarily the viewpoint of the owners or employees at Healthcare Staffing Innovations, LLC.

The 3 States with the Most Therapy Jobs

Healthcare hiring is off to a strong start in 2020, but where are the therapy jobs? Find out which states have the most openings for PTs, OTs, and SLPs right now.

Healthcare hiring is off to a strong start in 2020, adding more than 35,000 jobs in January alone, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics. So, where are the jobs? We analyzed data on our site and came up with the top three states with the most available openings for PTs, OTs, and SLPs right now, as well as a selection of noteworthy positions in each state.

States with the Most Physical Therapy Jobs

1. California

Average Annual PT Salary in California: $97,110

Noteworthy Openings in California:

Click Here to Search PT Jobs in California →

2. Texas

Average Annual PT Salary in Texas: $92,940

Noteworthy Openings in Texas:

Click Here to Search PT Jobs in Texas →

3. Virginia

Average Annual PT Salary in Virginia: $91,700

Noteworthy Openings in Virginia:

Click Here to Search PT Jobs in Virginia →

States with the Most Occupational Therapy Jobs

1. California

Average Annual OT Salary in California: $95,160

Noteworthy Openings in California:

Click Here to Search OT Jobs in California →

2. Texas

Average Annual OT Salary in Texas: $89,360

Noteworthy Openings in Texas:

Click Here to Search OT Jobs in Texas →

3. Ohio

Average Annual OT Salary in Ohio: $85,720

Noteworthy Openings in Ohio:

Click Here to Search OT Jobs in Ohio →

States with the Most Speech Therapy Jobs

1. California

Average Annual SLP Salary in California: $93,510

Noteworthy Openings in California:

Click Here to Search SLP Jobs in California →

2. Texas

Average Annual SLP Salary in Texas: $75,800

Noteworthy Openings in Texas:

Click Here to Search SLP Jobs in Texas →

3. Illinois

Average Annual SLP Salary in Illinois: $77,120

Noteworthy Openings in Illinois:

Click Here to Search SLP Jobs in Illinois →

Disclaimer: The viewpoint expressed in this article is the opinion of the author and is not necessarily the viewpoint of the owners or employees at Healthcare Staffing Innovations, LLC.

7 Reasons to Love Working in Therapy

Love is in the air this Valentine’s Day. Not just romantic love, though. Here are seven reasons to love working in therapy.

Love is in the air this Valentine’s Day. Not just romantic love, though. Here are seven reasons therapy professionals shared with us about why they love working in therapy, today and all days.

1. “I make a difference in the lives of others through my work as a PT, and I love that I get to see the direct results of a job well done pay off in such a positive way for people.” – Louis P.

2. “I’ve lived and worked in seven different states in the last few years. Not a lot of jobs let you travel the way you can by working in therapy. I love that I get to see the world, or at least a bunch of the United States, and get paid for it.” – Amanda R.

3. “You get to make some really great connections with people in this line of work while positively impacting their lives. I love that.” – Sarah W.

4. “You’ve heard of the opioid crisis, right? Yeah. I get to be on the front line of saving lives by offering an alternative to that mess. Don’t do drugs. Do PT.” – Jason D.

5. “There is no better feeling than empowering other people to build confidence in themselves and their voice. Watching a patient achieve a goal, no matter how big or how small, makes being an SLP a monumentally rewarding profession.” – Alison D.

6. “I get to work with such a diverse group of people in my line of work. The stories I’ve been told, the things I have seen. I don’t think I could’ve experienced that in another job and I love that I have been able to interact with so many different and fascinating humans over the course of my career.” – Sandra C.

7. “I love that being an OT is an active job and that I’m never bored during my workday.” – Lance T.

Disclaimer: The viewpoint expressed in this article is the opinion of the author and is not necessarily the viewpoint of the owners or employees at Healthcare Staffing Innovations, LLC.

Experiencing Burnout? Making These Changes Could Help.

Long hours, heavy caseloads, tedious documentation—PTs, OTs, and SLPs have all reported feeling those burdens. Here are steps you can take to beat burnout.

Burnout is a problem across most facets of healthcare, and therapy professionals are not exempt from this uniquely troublesome phenomenon. Long hours, heavy caseloads, tedious documentation, the rising costs of education—and in turn, mounting debt—and more are all contributing factors, and PTs, OTs, and SLPs have all reported feeling those burdens. If you find yourself fatigued, exhausted, and detached in regard to your career and your patients, it is likely you’re burnt out.

Here are three options to consider, which may help you get back to a life and a career you love.

Change Settings or Employers
If you’ve been plugging away in the same setting or with the same population over many years, the key to enjoying your career again could be as simple as making a shift in one of those areas. If you’ve been working in geriatrics, maybe it’s time to give pediatrics a try. Tired of the SNF you report to daily? Try an outpatient clinic. Or perhaps you’ll find joy with a different employer in the same setting and population. As the adage goes, “If you don’t like where you are, move. You are not a tree.” So, go forth and grow.

Consider A Non-Clinical Role
Another way to grow, and alleviate your burnout, is to explore non-clinical career avenues. If you’re not connecting with patients, take patients out of the equation. Some non-clinical career options include education, including becoming a CME instructor, utilization review, medical device training or sales, consulting, informatics, marketing, or healthcare copy writing or content writing.

Practice Mindfulness
If you’re not ready to make a complete shift in your career, which is understandable, as the risk of change may be even more frightening than “the devil you know,” practicing mindfulness may be all you need to get you through. Begin to practice meditation or yoga, keep a gratitude journal, take time to just breathe, partake in hobbies you enjoy outside of work, never take your work home with you, and make sure you are getting enough sleep each night.

Disclaimer: The viewpoint expressed in this article is the opinion of the author and is not necessarily the viewpoint of the owners or employees at Healthcare Staffing Innovations, LLC.

Therapy Jobs Rank High on List of “Best Jobs”

Eight therapy jobs made it onto this year’s list of 100 Best Jobs. See what they are and where they ranked here.

U.S. News & World Report has released their oft-anticipated annual list of 100 Best Jobs for 2020 and, without a doubt, the healthcare industry is the clear winner, including those in therapy practice.

The list, which ranked jobs from 12 different industries based on multiple components—median salary, unemployment rate, 10-year growth volume, 10-year growth percentage, future job prospects, stress level, and work-life balance—was consumed by healthcare professions, accounting for 46 of the 100 jobs. Additionally, nearly all traditional therapy roles landed on the list, with one even ranking in the top ten.

See how they did below.

8. Speech-Language Pathologist
15. Physical Therapist
26. Physical Therapist Assistant
28. Occupational Therapist
40. Respiratory Therapist
64. Massage Therapist
69. Physical Therapist Aide
70. Occupational Therapy Assistant

Disclaimer: The viewpoint expressed in this article is the opinion of the author and is not necessarily the viewpoint of the owners or employees at Healthcare Staffing Innovations, LLC.

The Highest Paying U.S. Metro Areas for PTs, OTs, & SLPs

Want to make top pay as a PT, OT, or SLP? You might want to consider looking for a job in one of these high-paying metro areas.

While the average annual salaries of PTs, OTs, and SLPS—$87,930, $84,270, and $77,510 respectively—are typically considered high-paying, salaries can vary based on location, due to cost of living and other factors.

If your 2020 job search has you considering a change in location, be it across the state or across the country, knowing which areas offer the highest pay can help you decide your next move.

Take a look at the top metro areas offering the highest average annual salaries for PTs, OTs, and SLPs as determined by the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics.

Highest Paying Metro Areas – Physical Therapists

  1. Ames, IA – $118,870
  2. Great Falls, MT – $116,580
  3. Las Vegas-Henderson-Paradise, NV – $115,240
  4. Yuma, AZ – $114,850
  5. Bakersfield, CA – $114,170
  6. McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX – $112,500
  7. Prescott, AZ – $110,960
  8. Ithaca, NY – $110,620
  9. Morristown, TN – $108,340
  10. Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA – $107,960

Highest Paying Metro Areas – Occupational Therapists

  1. Las Vegas-Henderson-Paradise, NV – $108,190
  2. Vallejo-Fairfield, CA – $106,270
  3. San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA – $104,580
  4. Hattiesburg, MS – $104,250
  5. Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA – $103,120
  6. Visalia-Porterville, CA – $102,540
  7. Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA – $102,480
  8. McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX – $101,800
  9. Salinas, CA – $101,680
  10. Tyler, TX – $101,410

Highest Paying Metro Areas – Speech-Language Pathologists

  1. Napa, CA – $106,620
  2. Jackson, MI – $105,130
  3. San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA – $103,890
  4. Vallejo-Fairfield, CA – $103,030
  5. Tulsa, OK – $102,680
  6. Wichita Falls, TX – $102,540
  7. Chico, CA – $101,990
  8. Battle Creek, MI – $101,810
  9. Gainesville, FL – $101,750
  10. Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA – $101,380

Ready to start your search for a higher paying job? Click here.

Disclaimer: The viewpoint expressed in this article is the opinion of the author and is not necessarily the viewpoint of the owners or employees at Healthcare Staffing Innovations, LLC.