The Stones of Yemen, Part II; The Story

Imagine for a moment you are a physician associate and have just completed your first decade in practice. While finding neurosurgery rewarding, there is still something amiss in your life, a haunting emptiness. You recognize the source of that disquiet, the lingering grief of losing your father twenty years previously, your hero and best friend—a medic dying in the south tower on 9/11. This was Bryan Roger’s emotional posture at the beginning of the Stones of Yemen. But he finds peace at the helm of a sailboat and decides to take one year off to sail around the world alone, an attempt to rekindle his passion for medicine and life.

Halfway through circumnavigating the planet, Bryan anchors for the night off the shore of Yemen. He becomes mesmerized watching the brutal civil war playing out on the mainland along the eastern horizon. By the small hours of the next morning, he hears the imagined voices of Yemen’s children of war, beckoning him to help them. He answers that call—entering the country on a whim—quickly settling into a fulfilling role in a clinic at a refugee camp in the mountain oasis, Haydan. After an incredible year, his passions rekindled, and assimilating deeply into the rich culture of the Yemen’s mountain people, tragedy strikes. In the wake of that disaster, Bryan learns of a plot for the next “9/11”, a terrorist attack against his hometown, New York, that would eclipse the first. It is a plot that only he can thwart; an around-the-world chase begins.

While Bryan Rogers is an imperfect man, his compassion, judgement, and well-honed medical skills will make all advanced medical clinicians proud. These skills are displayed in a graphic way throughout the story. The book has been characterized as a “upmarket suspense,” in other words, a thinking woman or man’s thriller. While intense at times, it does raise serious questions about war, terrorism, and finding hope in a bleak world.

The author Mike Jones draws richly from his own experience living and working as a physician associate in the Middle East and near Asia, including working among refugees and in war zones. The Stones of Yemen is beautifully written, an engaging story that will keep the reader spellbound from the beginning to the end. The book is available as a free Kindle Unlimited download and by order through all bookstores. An audio version is exclusively available at BookBaby Bookshop online.

J. Michael Jones started writing in the early 1980s, publishing over thirty articles in national medical journals, and The Stones of Yemen is his eighth book, five of them fiction. He had a thirty-eight-year career as a physician associate and worked in refugee camps in Pakistan, Afghanistan, Cyprus, Oman, UAE, Egypt, and Nepal. In addition, he hosted twenty Yemeni students over two years in the U.S. Besides his medical studies, he has a degree in Arabic from the American University in Cairo, which was invaluable during the research for this book. Michael resides with his wife Denise in Washington’s San Juan Islands, where he writes full time. They are the parents of five grown children and one hairy Saint Bernard.

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 Rapidly Growing Nursing Specializations in 2023

Nurses are in high demand right now, and this will continue into the next decade. Being that nursing is an ever evolving field due to the constant advancements in medicine, technology, and healthcare, the types of specialties will change with those trends.

The nursing field has grown so much in the last 20 years that the Bureau of Labor Statistics has gone out of its way to begin categorizing which of the various fields of nursing are growing quickly.

On the whole, the healthcare field’s demand for Resident Nurses (RN’s) is expected to grow 6% over the next 10 years, while more specialized fields like Midwives, anesthetists, and nurse practitioners is expected to grow by 40% from 2021 to 2031! These numbers are much faster than the average for other occupations. Around 30,200 openings per year are expected for each of the previously named. Much of this demand will be due to the need for the replacement of workers who will soon be retiring.

Regardless of what role in the healthcare industry may interest you, there will be a need in the decades moving forward. The specialized training required to adequately serve the needs in various roles tends to set some positions apart from others. As such, there is an emerging grouping of the most rapidly growing nursing specializations.

Here is a list, though not comprehensive, for 2023.

Travel Nursing

This quickly growing field is one of the most sought after, and for two primary reasons: Travel and incredible pay. The need for nurses across the country right now is very high, so the demand is great. In order to attract the right people, hospitals and healthcare clinics are sometimes doing outrageous things to offer incentives.

Ironically, there is no difference in the role other than the transience and temporary nature of the position. Travel nurses are hired to simply fill in some of open, full-time positions that cannot otherwise be filled, usually for short periods of time, typically no longer than 13 weeks.

Persons interested in this role should be adaptable, personable, and willing to morph to fit into new communities and their various needs quickly. If you have those abilities and the freedom to move around the country, this may be just the specialty for you.

Pediatrics

The role of the pediatric nurse may not always be the most commonly thought of when mention of a nurse practitioner arises, but great responsibility lies here. Pediatrics is the area of nursing that specializes in offering care for children. Just as when being around kids in any respect, there is a novelty and playfulness that can accompany the role which helps to make a child patient feel more at home.

This fast-paced and rewarding career carries all the regular responsibilities, from testing, charting, care and cleaning, all wrapped up into a smaller person. Pediatric nurses who have an affinity and level of previous exposure to working with kids will bring valuable perspective into this specialization.

The ability to transfer the knowledge of childcare or psychological development into the day-to-day responsibilities that make up the care of children will make them a valuable member of any healthcare company. Add this to the rewards that come from making a child smile and the prospect of working in pediatrics may be the specialty that fits.

Geriatrics

This specialization focuses on working with caseworkers, nursing homes, social workers, and other similar care companies to assist the elderly. It is no surprise that this role is high in demand right now with the baby boomer generation retiring and aging into that demographic.

Nurse practitioners tend to be a more preferred choice for this role because of the need for constant coordination, but LPN’s and RN’s are in high demand too; they only need to earn the additional certifications.

Midwives

A nurse midwife specializes in childbirth care and support but can also include the education and care of women pre and post-partum. While they maintain all the general training accompanying a nurse, their specialties are focused on all things necessary to maintain healthy pregnancy and births. These nurses often work in accompaniment with doctors and other physicians or healthcare, medical professionals to accomplish that task.

Informatics

Nurse Informatics is a specialty that combines nursing sciences with multiple bases of information and various analytical sciences all with the goal of identifying, defining, managing, and communicating data. This role takes the clinical and technical languages involved in the healthcare industry and seeks to support clients, patients, customers, throughout the interprofessional healthcare settings. They help to inform administrators and companies in the many aspects of decision making to aid in any respect to client care.

By focusing on the information and data available in the systems, Nurse Informatics goal is communicating in a way that seeks to boost performance for organizations by analyzing and advising. Increased efficiencies, cutting costs, and improving patient care are some of the top goals. They do this by facilitating the integration of data sets from various departments and then distribute that to their colleagues in the workplace.

Again, while this list is not comprehensive, it does serve as an introduction to which roles and trends in the healthcare industry are becoming popular. Further research will reveal what other roles are available.

With a Bachelor’s in Health Science along with an MBA, Sarah Daren has a wealth of knowledge within both the health and business sectors. Her expertise in scaling and identifying ways tech can improve the lives of others has led Sarah to be a consultant for a number of startup businesses, most prominently in the wellness industry, wearable technology and health education. She implements her health knowledge into every aspect of her life with a focus on making America a healthier and safer place for future generations to come.

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.

Patient Accommodations Within Therapy Practices

Building a successful therapy practice is easier when you put your patients first. Quality customer service, treatment, and resources are the key to attracting new patients and keeping them long-term.

More importantly, satisfying as many of your patients’ needs as possible is critical for a flourishing practice. Make these six accommodations for your patients, and you’ll likely see a rise in retention and satisfaction.

Accept Various Forms of Payment

One of the most significant challenges for patients pursuing therapy is paying for it. Many therapists’ rates are high, taking therapy completely off the table for some people. A lot of patients don’t have insurance, either.

To accommodate budgets and those that don’t have insurance, offer a variety of therapy payment methods.

For example, you could set a reasonable rate for your services and offer private pay options like cash, check, credit card, Venmo, or Paypal. You could allow patients to set up payment plans using a sliding fee system or a “pay what you can” method. Promotional discounts for new patients, HealthShare, and membership plans are also good options.

Accommodate patients of all financial backgrounds by accepting various payment forms.

Adhere to Digital Accessibility Standards

Many of your patients will interact with your practice online through your website. You can count on them having varying levels of technological and digital literacy. This makes adhering to digital accessibility standards that much more important.

All types of users must be able to use your website with ease. Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 offers the latest standards for web content accessibility. Begin with a refresher on the four principles of accessibility. Then, move on to the guidelines for making your website content more accessible.

Ultimately, your site should be simple to navigate, understand, and use, no matter someone’s ability, background, or experience. Enlist the help of a web developer or accessibility specialist if you need to.

Offer Flexible Scheduling

Unfortunately, not everyone has the option to attend therapy between the hours of 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Many patients work during these hours just as you do. Others work overnight and sleep during the day. Some have family obligations that don’t allow a therapy session in between.

There are a whole lot of reasons people need flexible time slots for their appointments. You don’t have to have therapy sessions at midnight. However, it’s a good idea to be as flexible as you can be with scheduling.

Choose a couple of days during the week when you offer late-night sessions. Do the same for early-morning sessions, or offer different hours of operation each day.

Consider customizing therapy schedules for patients as well. For example, if a patient needs one session a month during their overnight work shift, accommodate this if you’re comfortable with it. Or, if a patient needs to come on a Sunday, open up the office for them.

Flexible scheduling is especially helpful in accommodating more patient needs.

Prioritize Accessibility for Disabled Patients

Accessibility isn’t just for the digital realm. Many of your patients are living with a physical, developmental, behavioral, emotional, or sensory disability. You must ensure your practice and services are accessible to these individuals.

Understanding common disabilities and how to accommodate the needs of people living with them is a great first step. Even better is understanding the specific disabilities your patients are living with and accommodating them.

For example, if one of your patients uses a wheelchair, ensure your practice has a ramp and is wheelchair accessible inside. If a patient is visually impaired, offer braille and large-print materials. If a patient is deaf, have a sign language specialist on call for their appointments.

Learn how to accommodate individuals living with various disabilities so that your practice is accessible to more people.

Enable Telehealth Appointments

Therapy used to be primarily an in-person service. You’d go to a therapist’s office, have your session, and head home. Now, therapists can work with patients regardless of their location thanks to telehealth services.

You can offer telehealth appointments to patients who can’t get to your office because of a mobility issue, mental health challenge, childcare obligation, or another reason.

Use video conferencing software like Zoom to simplify virtual therapy sessions. All you have to do is set up the meeting and send your patient the link. You both use the link to enter the remote session and then you can begin therapy.

Make sure that any information you talk about or send through this virtual therapy session is protected.

Allow Patients To Bring a Support Person

Sometimes, people aren’t comfortable going to therapy by themselves, especially if they’re just starting their journey. Allowing a support person in the room during sessions can accommodate individuals with this concern.

You’ll need to get written consent from the patient that it’s okay for the support person to be there. You’ll also need the support person to sign something stating they won’t share anything from any session with anyone.

Of course, there will be sessions the support person can’t or shouldn’t come to. Just do your best to prepare your patients who use support persons for those sessions ahead of time.

Moving Forward

Accommodating as many of your patients’ needs as you can is one of the best ways to enhance your therapy practice. It’s one of the best ways to elevate the patient experience too. Consider the six accommodations above to attract more patients, satisfy, and keep them.

 Katie Brenneman is a passionate writer specializing in lifestyle, mental health, activism-related content. When she isn’t writing, you can find her with her nose buried in a book or hiking with her dog, Charlie. To connect with Katie, you can follow her on Twitter. 

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 Stones of Yemen, PART I; The Story Behind the Story

January 11th, 2019 was seeming to be a typical Pacific northwest winter morning. A cool rain was gently falling on the lofty Douglas firs and burly cedars, dripping down to the forest floor below, where physician associate Mike Jones was hiking with his Saint Bernard, Greta—boots and paws leaving their mark in the black humus between the sea of bracken ferns. Mike had taken a day off from managing his busy headache treatment clinic, to train for a month-long trek across Greenland in the coming summer. Before that day was over, Mike would find himself in an ICU, his attending physician at his bedside warning, “Mr. Jones, you need to call your children home. We are doing everything we can to save your life but what we are doing isn’t working. Your potassium is still almost nine.”

By the time of discharge from the hospital two weeks later, through the insight offered by copious blood tests and kidney and bone marrow biopsies, he had a diagnosis of Multiple Myeloma with associated renal failure. He started hemodialysis for 16 hours per week and an aggressive induction chemotherapy program to prepare for a stem cell transplant, his 38-year career as a PA abruptly ending, never to see the interior of his office, his colleagues, or his patients again.

The stem cell transplant required Mike to go on a protective quarantine, typically lasting six months but was extended for two more years due to the COVID pandemic. It was the perfect melancholic storm. Losing his career, friends, health, and future, and living alone as a hermit on a mountain lake. His wife, a hospital administrator, working long hard hours due to the same pandemic.

For over thirty years, Mike had a hobby of writing, having authored over thirty articles for medical journals and eight books. He decided, for his own mental health’s sake, that he needed to write again, this time an epic novel, a much higher level of writing than anything he had attempted before. As a gift to his profession—which had served him so well—he knew a physician associate would be the protagonist in the story, who would showcase to the world what advanced practice clinicians can do. To engage readers, the story had to be enthralling and well written. Mike employed some of the best editors in the business to look over his shoulder as he wrote, guiding his words to be their best.

The resulting book, The Stones of Yemen, is a thinking man / woman’s thriller and it is about bereavement. But it is also about sailing, romantic love, political hate, retribution, forgiveness, and hope told on the backdrop of Yemen’s brutal civil war. When they released it in February, it quickly became the best-selling PA book and all the reviews have been glowing. The print copies are available through all bookstores, the eBook format is available for free to Kindle Unlimited subscribers or to purchase on Amazon. An audiobook format is available exclusively at BookBaby Shop .

*Stay tuned Part 2 coming soon!

J. Michael Jones started writing in the early 1980s, publishing over thirty articles in national medical journals, and The Stones of Yemen is his eighth book, five of them fiction. He had a thirty-eight-year career as a physician associate and worked in refugee camps in Pakistan, Afghanistan, Cyprus, Oman, UAE, Egypt, and Nepal. In addition, he hosted twenty Yemeni students over two years in the U.S. Besides his medical studies, he has a degree in Arabic from the American University in Cairo, which was invaluable during the research for this book. Michael resides with his wife Denise in Washington’s San Juan Islands, where he writes full time. They are the parents of five grown children and one hairy Saint Bernard.

 

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 Stress Relieving Tips for Nurses

Being a nurse requires a great deal of patience, compassion, and resilience to care for patients who are often in pain or distress. However, the demands of the job can also take a toll on a nurse’s own mental and physical health. According to a survey by the American Nurses Association, over 50% of nurses report high levels of job-related stress. It is essential for nurses to prioritize self-care and find ways to relieve stress. In this article, we will discuss five stress-relieving tips for nurses.

The Importance of Self-Care for Nurses

Nurses are often so focused on caring for others that they neglect their own needs. However, self-care is crucial for nurses to maintain their physical and mental health, prevent burnout, and provide the best possible care for their patients. Self-care can take many forms, including exercise, healthy eating, meditation, and spending time with loved ones. By prioritizing self-care, nurses can recharge their batteries and avoid feeling overwhelmed or exhausted.

Tip #1: Mindfulness and Meditation

Mindfulness and meditation are powerful tools for reducing stress and improving mental well-being. Mindfulness involves paying attention to the present moment without judgment, while meditation involves focusing the mind on a particular object or activity. Both practices can help nurses reduce anxiety and promote relaxation. One simple mindfulness exercise is to take a few deep breaths and focus on the sensations of the breath moving in and out of the body. Meditation apps such as Headspace and Calm can provide guidance for beginners.

Tip #2: Regular Exercise and Physical Activity

Exercise is another effective way to reduce stress and improve overall health. Physical Exercise can also improve sleep quality, boost energy levels, and reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease. 

Nurses can incorporate physical activity into their daily routine by taking the stairs instead of the elevator, going for a walk on their lunch break, or joining a fitness class.

Tip #3: Maintaining a Healthy Diet and Sleep Schedule

Eating a healthy diet and getting enough sleep are critical components of self-care for nurses. A balanced diet can provide the nutrients and energy needed to perform well on the job, while poor sleep can lead to fatigue and decreased cognitive function. Nurses can make small changes to their diet, such as swapping processed snacks for fresh fruits and vegetables or packing a healthy lunch instead of relying on fast food. Creating a bedtime routine and avoiding screens before bedtime can also improve sleep quality.

Tip #4: Creating a Support System

Nursing can be a stressful and emotionally taxing job. Having a support system in place can provide nurses with the encouragement and assistance they need to cope with work-related stress. Support can come from colleagues, friends, family, or a professional therapist. Nurses can also benefit from joining support groups or online communities where they can connect with others who understand their experiences.

Tip #5: Finding Balance Between Work and Personal Life

Finding a balance between work and personal life can be challenging for nurses, especially those who work long shifts or irregular schedules. However, it is important to make time for hobbies, social activities, and relaxation outside of work. Setting boundaries, such as turning off work email notifications during off-hours, can also help nurses maintain a healthy work-life balance.

Additional Resources and Support for Nurses

There are many resources and support available for nurses who are struggling with stress or burnout. The American Nurses Association offers a variety of online courses and resources for self-care and stress management. The National Alliance on Mental Illness provides information and support for individuals with mental health conditions, including healthcare professionals. Nurses can also seek support from their workplace’s employee assistance program or human resources department.

Conclusion and Encouragement to Prioritize Self-Care

In conclusion, being a nurse is a demanding and rewarding profession that requires a great deal of physical and emotional energy. Prioritizing self-care is essential for nurses to maintain their well-being and provide the best possible care for their patients. By incorporating mindfulness and meditation, regular exercise, healthy eating and sleep habits, creating a support system, and finding a balance between work and personal life, nurses can reduce stress and improve their overall quality of life.

Olivia Monroe, a freelance writer, specializes in writing about technology, business, and health. She offers freelance blogging and content writing for SEO. When she’s not writing,Olivia likes to travel, cook, and write vacation plans.

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.

Preparing Yourself for Your First Paid Nursing Internship

During your nursing education, you’ve gained a lot of theoretical knowledge and you’ve likely had a chance to complete your practicum, which is important for learning practical nursing skills. However, it’s a great idea to gain additional experience beyond your practicum before you start working as an RN.

Internships are perfect for helping newly qualified nurses get the practice they need under the watchful eye of an experienced nurse. Even better, many internships are paid, unlike practicum placements that you complete during the course of your nursing education.

So, how can you best prepare and get the most out of your internship? Here are some tips so you can focus on learning and becoming the best nurse you can be.

Set Goals Before You Start and Communicate Them

Many nursing students go into an internship with no clear goals. While you’ll still get some benefits from a nursing internship if you don’t set goals, you’ll get even more by getting clear on what you want to learn.

Ask yourself if there are any gaps in your knowledge or skills you encountered in your practicum that you’d like to improve. Would you like to work on your communication with family members? Learn how to place an IV? Get a handle on managing multiple responsibilities?

Your goals will be unique, based on what you’ve already learned. It’s important to share your goals with your supervisors— they can’t read your mind! As an intern, your work will require supervision, so it’s important to express what you’d like to learn so you can maximize your opportunities for gaining practical experience.

Make a List of Questions

Between your interview and the start of your internship, you’ve probably had more than a few questions come to mind. Start making a list of questions to ask your supervisor or HR before your first day. That way, you won’t forget to ask something important in the excitement of starting your internship.

Brush Up on Your Terminology

In a clinical setting, healthcare professionals are busy. They have to communicate about complex topics quickly, which often means using medical abbreviations and acronyms. As a nurse, you’ll be expected to understand medical terminology and use standard shorthand during your internship and beyond.

Before the first day of your internship, it’s a good idea to brush up on your terminology. With that said, don’t be afraid to ask someone for help if you don’t understand a term or abbreviation you encounter on the job. After all, you’re there to learn!

Bring a Notebook

Internships are all about learning, and it’s important for you to retain as much information as you can. Bring a notebook with you and take notes as you go. Not only will you be able to refer back to them later, but writing down valuable lessons and information will help with your ability to retain what you’ve learned.

Journaling at the end of each day can also be helpful. It will allow you to look back on what went well, what you need to improve, and any observations you have about patient care, your emotional response to the work, and other factors. Journaling will help you process each day so you can work through any problems and celebrate your successes as a new nurse.

Prep Your Meals & Make a Schedule

Internships are usually full-time, which means you’ll get a taste of what it’s like to balance your work with your personal life. It’s a good idea to practice your good habits during your internship and prioritize self-care musts like eating a healthy diet and making time for exercise.

Before your internship begins, consider meal-prepping some healthy lunches and snacks you can take to work. You might also want to prep some freezer meals that will make your life easier when you come home tired from a shift. The more you can make a schedule that prioritizes your physical and mental health, the better.

Get Ready the Night Before

Being late is a huge no-no for any internship or new job. Take some of the stress out of the equation by getting everything ready the night before. Put your clothes and travel mug out, put the coffee in the coffee maker, and decide in advance what you’re going to have for breakfast.

By prepping for the morning the night before your shifts, you’ll have a more relaxed mindset as you get ready for work. You’re also less likely to find yourself running late and rushing out the door!

Prepare Your Mind for Learning and Constructive Feedback

An internship is all about learning and building critical nursing skills. This means that you’re not going to do everything right the first time. If you did, you wouldn’t need an internship!

Prepare your mind for learning and curiosity. Prepare for the inevitable constructive feedback, and be ready to embrace it instead of getting defensive. Remember that everyone is on your side and wants you to get as much as you can out of your internship experience, so help them by showing up with a great attitude and being ready to learn.

With a Bachelor’s in Health Science along with an MBA, Sarah Daren has a wealth of knowledge within both the health and business sectors. Her expertise in scaling and identifying ways tech can improve the lives of others has led Sarah to be a consultant for a number of startup businesses, most prominently in the wellness industry, wearable technology and health education. She implements her health knowledge into every aspect of her life with a focus on making America a healthier and safer place for future generations to come.

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 Steps to Become a Medical Director

A medical director is a physician who provides oversight for a clinical program or department within a healthcare organization. As a medical director, you will be responsible for ensuring that the quality of care provided meets or exceeds expectations and complies with all regulatory requirements. If you are interested in becoming a medical director, follow these five steps.

 

Earn Your MD or DO Degree

The first step to becoming a medical director is to earn your medical degree from an accredited institution. You will need to complete four years of undergraduate coursework followed by four years of medical school. Once you have earned your degree, you will need to obtain a license to practice medicine in your state.

Complete Your Residency Training

After you have obtained your medical degree and license, you will need to complete a residency training program. Residency training programs last for three to seven years, depending on your specialty. During your residency, you will receive hands-on training in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases.

 

Obtain Board Certification

Once you have completed your residency training, you will need to obtain board certification from the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS). To be eligible for board certification, you must pass an examination that tests your knowledge and skills in your chosen specialty. Once you have passed the examination, you will be considered board-certified in your specialty.

 

Join a Professional Organization

After you have obtained your medical degree, completed your residency training, and become board-certified, you should consider joining a professional organization such as the American Medical Association (AMA) or the American College of Physicians (ACP). These organizations offer many benefits such as networking opportunities, educational resources, and advocacy on behalf of physicians.

 

Apply for Medical Director Positions

Once you have completed all of the previous steps, you can begin applying for medical director positions at healthcare organizations. To increase your chances of being hired, it is important to tailor your resume and cover letter to each position and highlight any relevant experience or skills that you possess. Additionally, networking with individuals who work at the healthcare organization where you would like to work can also help increase your chances of being hired for the position.

 

If you are interested in becoming a medical director, follow these five steps: earn your MD or DO degree from an accredited institution, complete a residency training program, obtain board certification, join a professional organization, and apply for medical director positions at healthcare organizations. With hard work and dedication, you can achieve your goal of becoming a medical director!

Lizzie Weakley is a freelance writer from Columbus, Ohio. In her free time, she enjoys the outdoors and walks in the park with her husky, Snowball.

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.

Marketing and Design Tactics to Make Your Medical Website Standout

The patient is the heart and soul of any medical practice. Supporting patients and their loved ones through some of life’s most important, and often most difficult, moments is the mission of every healthcare provider.

 

However, the practice of medicine is also, fundamentally, a business. After all, you can’t do this vital work if you can’t reach the ones who need you most. This is where the significance of digital marketing shines through. A robust online presence and, in particular, the creation of a strong, functional medical website, can be instrumental in helping you acquire new patients and build meaningful relationships with existing ones.

 

The problem, though, is that all too often medical websites are geared toward a homogenous target audience that has little relevance or attraction for diverse patient populations. The result is a digital marketing strategy that threatens to reinforce the marginalization of traditionally disenfranchised patient populations, including people of color.

 

This article provides strategies for instituting marketing and design practices that will help your medical website stand out, increasing your access to historically underserved patient populations, including Black patients.

Understanding Your Target Audience

When it comes to developing a marketing and design platform that effectively reaches your target audience and solicits their engagement, the first and most important priority is to understand who your target audience is, what they want, and what they need.

 

Doing this, of course, is no mean feat. It requires both a strong grasp of consumer psychology and deep insight into your ideal customer persona. For consumers of health services, the most effective marketing strategies will be those that emphasize the provision of compassionate and highly competent care.

 

But this is only the baseline of what a healthcare consumer can expect when seeking a healthcare provider. They’re also going to want a healthcare team that knows, understands, and cares about them as individuals as well as members of a diverse community. Diversity and inclusive marketing approaches are of particular value in bringing this goal to fruition.

Marketing to Diverse Health Communities

The credo and guiding mission of the healthcare community is to first do no harm. For far too long, however, inequities within the healthcare system have contributed to disproportionate rates of morbidity and mortality in the Black community.

 

The good news, however, is that health systems are increasingly recognizing the long-standing racial disparities in both healthcare access and quality of care for Black patients and are taking proactive steps to address them.

 

Diversity in healthcare has become a core focus of healthcare practice and health policymaking. In light of this, the onus rests with healthcare marketers to reflect and respond to this shift toward diversity and inclusion within the healthcare system. After all, Black health consumers will never benefit from the health system’s move toward greater diversity if they are not first made aware of this ideological and tactical shift.

 

Making healthcare marketing more inclusive involves reimagining how audiences are represented as well as addressed. This means crafting marketing content that is more reflective of the lives and experiences of members of diverse communities while at the same time avoiding the stereotypes that are often not only just false but also misleading and offensive.

Diversity in Marketing Teams

If you’re seeking to more effectively reach Black patients with your medical website marketing and design, then building a marketing team that is as diverse as the audience you want to target is an ideal first step. There are, after all, cultural, social, and historical experiences that simply can’t be encapsulated in or captured through standard market research.

 

However, when you incorporate marketing team members who derive from the same communities you wish to speak to and serve, you’re going to have a depth of insight into the community perspective that might otherwise have been impossible.

 

For instance, members of the Black community may have unique and specific mental healthcare needs that neither clinicians nor marketers have been professionally trained to recognize. This might include, for example, anxiety and depressive disorders relating to generational trauma, systemic racism, and community violence.

 

Healthcare marketing approaches that speak to these particular needs, using the mental health-related discourse of the target community can help reach patient populations that have for too long been either misunderstood or entirely ignored by more traditional marketing strategies.

Diversity in Market Research

Diversifying your marketing team is one important prong in a broader strategy for better understanding and connecting with patients in the Black community, however. It is also incumbent on healthcare marketers to engage with the communities they seek to target.

 

This might include on-the-ground research using open-ended interviews and research surveys, or it may involve online studies, such as the analysis of online patient reviews, comments, and complaints.

 

Turning to a variety of social media platforms and online forums, particularly those oriented toward members of the Black community, can be an invaluable way to identify critical gaps not only in healthcare service but also in healthcare branding. You may also solicit similar information by developing and maintaining active discussion forums on your medical websites and social media. This kind of active engagement with the patient community can help you better understand the audience and to target your marketing strategies and website designs accordingly.

The Takeaway

For far too long, persons of color have been marginalized and underserved by the healthcare system. This has contributed to systemic racial inequities in healthcare access and quality, resulting in disproportionate rates of morbidity and mortality in the Black community. In recent years, however, efforts to redress racial bias and inequities in healthcare have continued apace.

 

Healthcare marketing is striving to keep in stride with these efforts. Indeed, proactive measures to more effectively reach Black patients are critical to the development of marketing and design tactics that will truly make your medical website stand out. The key lies in understanding who your target audience needs, what they want, and what they expect.

 Katie Brenneman is a passionate writer specializing in lifestyle, mental health, activism-related content. When she isn’t writing, you can find her with her nose buried in a book or hiking with her dog, Charlie. To connect with Katie, you can follow her on Twitter. 

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.

4 Ways to Enhance Your Therapy Practice

As a therapist, whether you’re new to the profession or have been practicing for years, staying up-to-date with the latest trends and resources in your field can help you make sure your practice is as successful as possible. In this article, also published on healthjobsnationwide.com, are four tips to enhance your therapy practice and ensure it runs smoothly.

Utilize Technology

Technology is becoming increasingly important in therapy practices for communication and record-keeping. Investing in a secure online platform lets you communicate directly with clients without having to worry about security issues while also allowing clients to book appointments online. Additionally, using digital records rather than paper helps you keep track of notes more easily. Plenty of tools allow you to do this, so be sure to look into what works best for you and your practice.

Network with Other Therapists

Networking with other therapists is a great way to stay up-to-date on the latest trends and resources available in the field of therapy. You can join professional groups or organizations that offer opportunities for networking with others who share your interests and goals, as well as attending conferences or workshops where like-minded professionals come together to discuss their work. This will give you a chance to learn about new ideas, techniques, and strategies that could help enhance your practice even further.

Implement New Services

If you’re looking for ways to increase revenue or attract more clients, consider implementing new services into your practice. This could be group sessions or specialized programs tailored toward specific client needs or demographics. For example, having your therapists get EMDR instruction can offer incredibly beneficial services to your clients and help attract new ones. Offering additional services allows you to expand your offerings and incentivizes potential clients to choose your practice over another one when they need counseling services.

Market Your Practice Online

Marketing is essential if you want people to know about your services so they can make informed decisions when choosing a therapist. Building an online presence through platforms such as social media allows potential clients to learn more about what services you offer and why they should choose your practice over another one. Additionally, taking advantage of SEO tactics can help ensure that any potential clients searching online will be able to find information about your practice quickly and easily too.

 

With these four tips in mind, enhancing your therapy practice doesn’t have to be difficult; by utilizing technology effectively, networking with other therapists, implementing new services, and marketing yourself online – all of which are outlined above –you can ensure that yours stands out from the crowd. Doing so will benefit current customers and attract potential ones, allowing your business to reach new heights of success.

Bio: Rachelle Wilber is a freelance writer living in the San Diego, California area. She graduated from San Diego State University with her Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism and Media Studies. She tries to find an interest in all topics and themes, which prompts her writing. When she isn’t on her porch writing in the sun, you can find her shopping, at the beach, or at the gym. Follow her on Twitter and Facebook: @RachelleWilber; https://www.facebook.com/people/Rachelle-Wilber/100009221637700/

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 Can We Improve Healthcare Education?

The educational aspect of the healthcare industry doesn’t get as much attention as it should. The reason for this is pretty simple. The majority of people never interact with it. And yet schools are where doctors and nurses are taught everything they know. It’s how they form the opinions and attitudes that they carry with them into their professional lives.

In other words, it’s important. In this article, we take a look at how we can improve healthcare education to make the field more effective and inclusive while also improving patient outcomes.

A Quick Note

Improve is a profoundly subjective word. A case could be made that changing the font on medical textbooks improves healthcare education. “My goodness! So much bigger. You don’t have to squint at all.”

Obviously not the metric most people are looking at. But you get the point. What does it mean to improve healthcare education? Better patient outcomes? A better student learning culture?

In the nineties, med school residents routinely worked one-hundred-hour weeks. Those hours have now been capped at 80 a week — still twice the national average for what most people think a work week should be, but progress. An improvement.

To systematically review and evaluate healthcare in a way that would comprehensively establish what improvements can and should be made would take more than the thousand or so words that this article will contain.

Instead, we take a broad-stroke look at changes that could make healthcare education more accessible and effective.

Tech-Driven Education

Medical technology has changed significantly over the last several decades. Surgery can now be performed largely by robots. Much more than a mere novelty — another way for a hospital to spend seven figures on a machine — these robots produce significantly smaller cuts than human hands can manage.

This results in quicker recovery times, and better overall patient outcomes.

Software innovations have been equally impactful. Data in particular drives many healthcare-related decisions, determining both how hospitals serve their communities at the macro level, and how nurses and doctors take care of individual patients.

During the height of the pandemic, it was sophisticated data that helped healthcare systems anticipate surges and prepare themselves for what was to come.

Data is also used more routinely throughout the course of the year. When a general practitioner advises their patients to get the flu shot early because it’s going to be a rough season, that’s data they are acting on.

Then there is the digitalization of healthcare records. An innovative development that allows patients to access their information easily, and have it on hand at the drop of a hat.

All important innovations. All things that weren’t taught in a medical education curriculum twenty years ago.

Naturally, this has changed somewhat in recent years. People do leave medical or nursing school with some understanding of all the technologies described above. As time goes on, however, it will be increasingly more important to emphasize the importance of these skills.

Improved Candidate Outreach

Healthcare providers in the United States are primarily white. This is problematic for several reasons. For minorities, it means they are being excluded from a career path that is both highly lucrative and rewarding. For—

Hold on. Excluded? Is there a sign medical schools have been posting that reads, “No minorities allowed,”?

Well, no. But inclusion is about more than leaving the door open and saying, “enter if you’d like.” It’s important to keep in mind that opportunities for inclusion in medicine, and in fact, most professional careers is a relatively recent development. For most of American history were laws and social taboos that excluded everyone who wasn’t a white man from pursuing lucrative careers.

These laws and attitudes have changed, but it doesn’t mean that inclusion springs up overnight. Bright young minorities who could be excellent future doctors might not feel inclined to pursue a medical education if they don’t see themselves reflected in the candidate pool.

That’s a shame for everyone. Study after study indicates that diversity benefits everyone. Organizations get unique perspectives. The community at large sees itself represented in the people serving them.

Universities can improve diversity attendance by changing their outreach materials and efforts to be more inclusive and comprehensive.

Improve School Culture

The higher education system in general is coming to recognize the need for mental health awareness and nurturing. Those one hundred-hour work weeks described earlier in the article aren’t conducive to good physical or mental outcomes.

Does it make sense to train a person on how to take care of human health while simultaneously forcing them to wreck their own?

Medical schools can’t afford to relax their standards. The stakes are too high, and anyway, the educational challenges are there as a deliberate barrier to ensure that only the best and most qualified wind up assuming jobs in the medical field.

That said, medical and nursing schools can provide students with resources to help talk about and take care of their mental health. Changing school culture is an important way to cater to the neurologically diverse, while also helping the wider population thrive in their education.

With a Bachelor’s in Health Science along with an MBA, Sarah Daren has a wealth of knowledge within both the health and business sectors. Her expertise in scaling and identifying ways tech can improve the lives of others has led Sarah to be a consultant for a number of startup businesses, most prominently in the wellness industry, wearable technology and health education. She implements her health knowledge into every aspect of her life with a focus on making America a healthier and safer place for future generations to come.

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.