Category: Therapy

PT Supported Opioid Bill Ready for President’s Signature

Landmark legislation to fight the opioid epidemic, supported by the APTA, is headed to the President’s desk to be signed into law.

Last week, the U.S. Senate passed legislation that aims to combat the staggering opioid epidemic that has been impacting this country at an alarming rate by a 98-1 margin, and it will now head to the White House for Donald Trump’s signature, making it law.

Being hailed as “landmark” legislation by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, it includes provisions aimed at promoting research to find alternative, less addictive medications for pain management, as well as covering treatment for opioid addiction and use disorder, and efforts to prevent foreign shipments of illegal opioids.

The legislation is supported by the APTA, as well as scores of physical therapists. “The bill now on its way to the White House represents a significant step in the right direction,” APTA congressional affairs senior specialist, Kristina Weger, is quoted as saying. “But there’s much more work to be done—there are many provisions that direct agencies to begin reviews and studies on potential changes that we may not see for years. We need to continue our advocacy and outreach to help fight this crisis.”

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 Ask for Referrals Without Freaking Out

Asking for referrals is a necessity to grow your practice and make it thrive, but some therapists are uncomfortable doing so.

from Evidence in Motion

Some therapists may have a little anxiety or feel uncomfortable about asking for referrals in an effort to grow their practice. However, as your practice needs clients to thrive, asking for referrals is a necessary evil. Learn how to do it right in this handy breakdown of three principles that work from Evidence in Motion.

Read 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.

Stark Facts About Opioid Misuse in the U.S.

Physical therapy is a viable alternative to opioid use. Yet, nearly 48,000 Americans died due to opioid related overdoses last year.

The news about the opioid crisis faced by the United States continues its grim and downward path. As chronicled in the latest HHS report, overdose deaths in 2017 increased by almost 10% over 2016, killing more than 70,000 Americans. Nearly 70% of those deaths were due to opioid overdose, with the sharpest upsurge seen in deaths from the synthetic opioid fentanyl.

It is no secret that physical therapy is a viable alternative to these deadly drugs, and the CDC has gone so far as to recommend nondrug approaches, such as physical therapy, over long-term or high-dosage use of addictive prescription painkillers.

In the September 20th HHS news release, Dr. Elinore McCance-Katz, Assistant Secretary for Mental Health and Substance Use, stated, “Medication-assisted treatment combined with psychosocial therapies and community-based recovery support is the gold standard for treating opioid addiction.”

As a therapy professional, here are some facts to arm yourself with in the fight against opioid addiction.

  • Every day, more than 115 people in the United States die after overdosing on opioids, and additionally, more than 1,000 people are treated in emergency departments for misusing prescription opioids.
  • Roughly 21% to 29% of patients who are prescribed opioids for chronic pain misuse them.
  • An estimated 4% to 6% of those who misuse prescription opioids transition to heroin.
  • The CDC estimates that the total “economic burden” of prescription opioid misuse in the U.S. amounts to $78.5 billion a year, including the costs of healthcare, loss of productivity, addiction treatment, and criminal justice costs.

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.

Celebrate National PT Month by Giving Back

October is National Physical Therapy Month. Consider celebrating by giving back via the Global PT Day of Service and impact change around the world.

Physical Therapy is, at its heart, a giving profession. So, it’s incredibly fitting that National Physical Therapy Month be celebrated every October by scores of PTs who participate in the Global PT Day of Service, which will be taking place this year on October 13th.

The official PT Day of Service website encourages participation by, “Treating at a pro bono clinic. Working in a soup kitchen. Cleaning up a park. No matter where or how, we have the ability to positively impact change.”

Last year’s PT Day of Service brought together PTs from 55 countries to help better communities around the world.

To pledge your service this year, please 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.

Celebrate National PT Month by Giving Back

October is National Physical Therapy Month. Consider celebrating by giving back via the Global PT Day of Service and impact change around the world.

Physical Therapy is, at its heart, a giving profession. So, it’s incredibly fitting that National Physical Therapy Month be celebrated every October by scores of PTs who participate in the Global PT Day of Service, which will be taking place this year on October 13th.

The official PT Day of Service website encourages participation by, “Treating at a pro bono clinic. Working in a soup kitchen. Cleaning up a park. No matter where or how, we have the ability to positively impact change.”

Last year’s PT Day of Service brought together PTs from 55 countries to help better communities around the world.

To pledge your service this year, please 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.

5 Reasons to Consider Travel Therapy

Travel therapy jobs come with unique advantages that you just plain cannot find at your neighborhood clinic or SNF. Here are five of them.

If you are a new graduate, or even a seasoned therapy professional with a sense of adventure, now might be the time to consider the unique opportunity available to you that is travel therapy. Often 13-week contract jobs, located more than 50 miles from your home, travel therapy positions typically include benefits that you cannot find in at home. Here are five reasons consider signing on the dotted line and packing your bags.

  1. Travel the Country: Travel is an obvious perk. Taking on travel assignments allows you to get out and see the world—or at least far corners of the United States—all while getting paid for it.
  2. Enjoy Variety: As a travel therapist, you can work in a variety of settings, with all kinds of populations, and really find your career sweet spot, while not looking like you’re just aimlessly bouncing from job to job.
  3. Get Paid More: Travel therapists, on average, have the opportunity to earn 20% more than their counterparts who do not travel.
  4. Avoid Burnout: One of the keys to staving off burnout is avoiding repetition, the daily grind, and you can do so by changing the scenery 13 weeks at a time.
  5. Get Truly Beneficial Benefits: Travel assignments often come with benefits you cannot find at your local SNF or clinic, including tuition reimbursement, license reimbursements, travel reimbursements, free housing, medical, vision, dental, and more.

Ready to see what’s out there? We have hundreds of travel therapy jobs available on our site in Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, and Speech Therapy.

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.

Physical Therapy Has a Sexual Harassment Problem

More than 80% of PTs and PTAs report experiencing sexual harassment at some point in their career, a staggering number that has not declined since it was first reported 20 years ago.

A 2016 study by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission—a federal agency that administers and enforces civil rights laws against workplace discrimination—showed that 25% of women will be the victim of sexual harassment in the workplace. That number could actually be as high as 85%, however, as it is also estimated by the EEOC that 75% of those who are victims will not report harassment for a multitude of reasons, including fear of repercussions or retaliation, or due to outright trauma. In a female-dominated profession, such as Physical Therapy, those numbers are particularly alarming, especially when you consider research that indicates the risk for nonfatal violence in the workplace is 16 times greater for healthcare professionals in the U.S. than it is for other professionals.

A 1997 study of PTs found that the prevalence of inappropriate patient sexual behavior (defined as leering and sexual remarks to deliberate touch, indecent exposure, and sexual assault) over the length of a career averaged 81% to 86%, and those numbers have not declined. Twenty years later, a 2017 survey of 892 PTs, PTAs, and PT students found that 84% had experienced inappropriate patient sexual behavior at some point during their careers or training, and 47% encountered it over the prior 12 months. A study published just this June found similar results—38.5% of 1,027 PTs, PTAs, and PT students responded that they had faced inappropriate patient sexual behavior over the prior 12 months.

The is no way to dispute such numbers; the problem is pervasive, and clearly persistent. But what can be done?

In June of 2018, the APTA House of Delegates voted unanimously to strengthen their position on sexual harassment, encouraging incidents of harassment to be reported. On a clinical level, this means enacting stronger sexual harassment policies, including complaint processes that are easy for victims to navigate. As with most forms of sexual violence, it becomes the unfortunate burden of the victim to bravely speak out and report the incident, in an effort to stop others from being harmed by the same perpetrator in the future. Given the stance of the APTA and stronger policies at clinics across the country, and in this age of #MeToo, with the declining number of stigmas related to being a victim of sexual violence, it is hopeful to think that these crimes against clinicians will not go underreported much longer, and will, in turn, protect future PTs and PTAs from experiencing the same dangers.

This problem will not go away, unless action is taken to stop it.

We urge PTs and PTAs to familiarize themselves with their employer’s sexual harassment policies and procedures, and to inquire about any available sexual harassment training.

If you have been a victim of sexual assault in the workplace, we encourage you to call the National Sexual Assault Telephone Hotline at 800-656-4673 to be connected with a trained staff member from a sexual assault service provider in your area.

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.

Subscription Box Keeps Senior Therapy Going After You Leave

The gift box, created and curated by two COTAs, keeps senior citizens connected to their families, while also keeping them active, independent, and engaged.

Last year, while doing their clinicals in a nursing home, COTAs Holly Masters and Ali Izzo witnessed a constant disconnect between the elderly residents and their families. They saw sadness, loneliness, and boredom in the residents. And they decided to do something about it.

The Purpose Therapy Box was born.

The Purpose Therapy Box is a subscription-based gift box, which families of senior citizens can purchase online with “set it and forget it” ease, and deliver joy to their elderly loved ones by way of the U.S. Postal Service. Each box contains functional and thoughtful items—but never food items, as Holly and Ali are mindful of possible food restrictions—and they are delivered on a one-time or quarterly basis, as selected by the family. Each box is delivered directly to their loved one, and is packed full of thoughtful, personal gifts, such as photos and messages from the family, as well as items that are hand-picked by the COTAs, meaning the often-included brain teasers, puzzles, and more are not only fun, but useful from a therapy standpoint.

“Our main focus for the box is to keep families connected, as well as to keep the person who is receiving the box independent, stimulate their mind, and keep them active. With therapy, especially Occupational Therapy, our main focus is trying to keep them as independent as possible. Someone in a nursing home is only receiving therapy for thirty minutes, maybe an hour, in a day. We send things in the box that they can use all the time, or on the weekends, and keep their therapy going,” Ali explained, when asked how the box assists the elderly, and what value it adds to the traditional therapy they are already receiving.

Holly and Ali are hoping to launch a profit-sharing model for other OTs and OTAs to recommend the box, in the future.

To learn more about the Purpose Therapy Box—or if your patients’ families are interested in learning more—we encourage you to visit purposetherapybox.com.

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.

Great Podcasts for PTs, OTs, and SLPs

Podcasts are a great way for busy therapy professionals to absorb practical advice and tips, and maybe even be entertained, while you’re on the go.

Podcasts are a fantastic and free way to absorb information—and often be entertained—while on the go, which can be quite beneficial for busy therapy professionals. Below are some great podcasts, broken down by specialty, for your listening pleasure.

Physical Therapy:

Senior Rehab Project – Listen Now
The Senior Rehab Podcast brings you helpful conversations for rehab clinicians that serve older adults. Dustin Jones, PT, DPT, CSCS, RKC, speaks with industry leaders to draw out useful, practical information for YOU – the rehab clinician. Whether you’re a physical therapist, PTA, student, or seasoned veteran, the Senior Rehab Podcast will prove to be helpful for you in your practice.

Dr. Scott Gray’s Redefining Physical Therapy Podcast – Listen Now
Sport and spine injury specialist, Dr. Scott Gray, interviews other elite level physical therapists helping to redefine the physical therapy profession. Practical advice and tips are shared on this podcast that clinicians can apply TODAY in their practice, not research.

Therapy Insiders Podcast – Listen Now
Hosts Gene Shirokobrod PT, DPT, OMPT, Joe Palmer PT, DPT, OMPT, CSCS, and Erson Religioso III, DPT, MS, MTC, CertMDT, CFC, CSCS, FMT, FAAOMPT interview prominent guests to help shed light on various therapeutic topics ranging from joint manipulations, functional training, business ownership while being a clinician, sports rehab and much more. We cover Physical Therapy (PT), Manual therapy, rehab, sports medicine, business practice, and many more topics.

The PT Source – Listen Now
The PT Source Podcast with Matt Laporte brings you the latest articles, blog posts, research and web content in an easily digestible format. Welcome to the easy way to stay up to date with the latest in the field of physical therapy and exercise science.

Physical Therapy Forensics – Listen Now
Evidence truly meets practice on this podcast where we take a look at the latest research affecting the treatment of your patients/clients. Taking a practical approach to evidence-based practice.

Occupational Therapy:

Seniors Flourish Podcast – Listen Now
The Seniors Flourish Podcast helps occupational therapy practitioners working with older adults be the best they can be – not only by showcasing relevant interviews, answering questions, current articles and hot topics, but also to get OT practitioners EXCITED about working with older adults, give actionable ideas that listeners can take and use in their own practice and have some FUN along the way.

Occupational Therapy Insights – Listen Now
Occupational Therapy Insights is a show for parents, educational professionals, and occupational therapists, that delves into the world of occupational therapy. Here occupational therapy is broken down into its simplest form for all to understand. The show is hosted by Dr. Frederick Covington, an occupational therapy professor, author, award winning inventor, and occupational therapy private practice owner.

Occupied – Listen Now
A creative project exploring all things Occupation, Occupational Science, and Occupational Therapy. Each fortnight I am to showcase a topic or therapist and to have a discussion exploring OT related ideas and concepts. My aim is to challenge you, make you think and provide you with guidance wherever possible.

Joyriding In Autismland: Autism Podcast with Kid Gigawatt – Listen Now
Launched by parents of an infectiously funny and *mostly* happy boy on the spectrum, the Joyriding in Autismland podcast chats with ASD parents, kiddos, therapists, writers, and artists about the unexpected, charming, and funny moments with autism. Because laughing? Is the best vacation.

ADHD Experts Podcast – Listen Now
Leading ADHD experts give real-life answers to questions submitted by ADD adults and parents raising children with attention deficit disorder across a range of topics covering symptoms, school, work, and family life. Note on audio quality: This podcast is a recording of a webinar series, and the audio has been captured from telephone conversations, not recorded in a studio.

Speech Therapy:

The Speech Space Podcast – Listen Now
Looking for some fresh ideas for your speech therapy sessions? The Speech Space podcast is a podcast full of tips and resources for speech-language pathologists working in the schools or private practice.

Speech and Language Kids Podcast – Listen Now
Carrie Clark, a speech-language pathologist from Columbia, Missouri, offers resources, information, and activities for speech therapists and parents of children with speech and language development and delays. While Carrie’s materials will provide great information for speech therapists, they will also empower families to use fun and easy activities to improve their child’s speech and language skills at home. Activities and information cover a range of ages, ability levels, and disabilities. Topics covered include: articulation, apraxia, phonology, language, late talkers, alternative/augmentative communication (AAC), autism, stuttering, reading, social skills, down syndrome, following directions, answering questions, grammar, etc. Educators and other professionals will also love this easy-to-follow information and the step-by-step guides.

Speech Therapy: Storm of the Brains – Listen Now
Speech therapist Carrie Clark brainstorms ideas and answers to your speech therapy questions. Carrie Clark will bring on guest speech-language pathologists to answer your questions. Speech therapists can call in questions for Carrie and her guest to answer on air. Listen in as Carrie Clark and her guest brainstorm ideas to help you with your toughest cases. Plus, tune in each week for a giveaway!

True Confessions with Lisa & Sarah – Listen Now
This is the true story of two school-based SLPs who decided to start a business and are stupid enough to record it. Find out what happens when we stop being polite and start getting real.

More than Child’s Play – Listen Now
Join Speech Therapist Lacy Morise and Physical Therapist Nicole Sergent as the host warm and helpful conversations around their table where the early childhood world and daily parenting life meet. The friends and professionals from their village will inspire, challenge, and support you in your own journey as a parent, early childhood professional, or therapist.

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.

Speaking with a Speech Language Pathologist

“Those moments when there is progress and I have changed my clients lives for the better carry me through the difficult times,” says Christie Moran, MS, CCC/SLP-L in this interview about what she has loved, and learned, about being an SLP.

Christie Moran, MS, CCC/SLP-L has been a practicing Speech Language Pathologist for 14 years, serving in many different settings and across varying populations. In this interview, she lets us in on her experiences in speech therapy, as well as what she’s learned, and loved, over the course of her career.

Why did you choose to become an SLP? What drew you to this line of work? Is your experience as an SLP what you expected it would be?

I knew I wanted to work in healthcare. I enjoyed interacting with both kids and older adults through my volunteering opportunities. I loved learning about language development and how the brain processes language has always been fascinating to me.

I have never regretted my career choice, but my experience has not been what I expected. I always saw myself working in a hospital; however, both professional and personal choices have moved me further from that choice and I find myself working more and more in schools. This profession has given me the opportunity to work in different settings and with different populations, not all careers would have that choice. I am able to personalize my career to my needs, both personal and professional, and I am extremely thankful for that.

What sort of setting do you work in?

I have experience in schools, early childhood, home health, early intervention, private clinics, skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, outpatient adult clinics, and as a hippotherapist (using horses as a therapy modality) and using pet assisted therapy and natural settings. Last year, I worked with a school district as a case manager and therapist for 20 students aged pre-school through 2nd grade, one day a week, and a therapist for a unique communication and behavior program for students aged pre-school through 1st grade, 4 days a week.

As you know, SLPs see clients ranging from young children to the elderly, which population do you serve and why did you choose that area?

I maintain certifications and continuing education with both pediatric and elderly populations. Being a speech-language pathologist can be very intense and challenging. Unfortunately, burnout is common in our profession and one way I avoid burnout is by working with a variety of clients and diagnosis in different settings. Recently, I have been working with students diagnosed with autism and other genetic disorders and motor speech disorders to help them develop functional and social language skills, including developing augmentative and alternative communication systems to help them communicate.

What are the most rewarding parts of being an SLP? The most challenging?

I love helping my clients and their families communicate and become functional communicators. I love working with families and collaborating with families and other professionals. I am a lifelong learner and enjoy learning different ways to help my clients communicate, improve their swallowing, feeding and oral motor speech skills. I enjoy being challenged to keep it relevant to my individual clients, so that they are engaged and are able to carryover the skills I teach them. Those moments when there is progress and I have changed my clients lives for the better carry me through the difficult times. Whether it is celebrating with an elderly man and his wife when he is able to safely swallow his favorite meal again to when a 4-year-old child is able to request his favorite toy using picture choices and eye contact.

I would say the most challenging part of my job is the paperwork and keeping up with the ever-changing laws and regulations that need to be followed.

Is there any advice, or tricks of the trade, you’d like to impart to your fellow SLPs, or those looking to get into the profession? In your opinion, what personal or professional qualities make someone a good SLP?

A good SLP must have passion and patience. A desire for lifelong learning. An ability to communicate and collaborate with families and other professionals. Professional qualities should include the ability to set priorities and manage time well, a quality I am still learning. There are many types of SLPs out there, and many different settings and opportunities, I would tell those in the profession already and those entering it to remember to stay flexible, explore your options and different settings through networking, contract work and mentoring opportunities, and remember, everything changes, all the time, so enjoy the good times and prepare for the challenging ones.

Interested in sharing some insight about your specialty and experience with your fellow therapy professionals? Email us to set up an interview.

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.