Modern Medical Jobs: Trading Gig Work for Steady Employment?

Medical jobs come in all shapes and sizes. There are private practice doctors and therapists and those employed by hospital groups, clinics, etc. Nurses can choose to work for an employer or freelance as a temporary/per diem provider. At times, the options may seem limitless. But what are the differences between gig work and steady employment?

MarketWatch contributor Kelly James wrote a fascinating piece in late July 2022 about his transition from freelance writing to corporate work. While his experience isn’t identical to healthcare workers who trade self-employment for medical jobs, there are some similarities worth examining.

To set this up, the equivalent of gig work in the medical field is contract work. Medical professionals fill temporary needs on contracts, either arranged on their own or through a temporary/per diem provider. They are self-employed in every sense of the word.

Self-Employment Freedom

In Kelly’s case, he first gave up a lucrative career as a lawyer to become a freelance writer. It was something he had dreamed about for a long time. Going the freelance route afforded him the freedom to be his own boss. He was able to make his own schedule, do something he loved to do, and earn a very good living. It seemed perfect.

Likewise, there is no shortage of doctors, nurses and therapists who have traded in traditional medical employment for the temporary/per diem lifestyle. As prn providers, they are able to take contracts that suit them. They can work when they want to and take time off when necessary. They can even combine work and travel.

The Downsides

In Kelly’s cases, there were downsides. He went back to the corporate world almost out of necessity. He decided that life circumstances required him to have a traditional job with a steady paycheck and medical insurance and was willing to give up being his own boss to get those two things.

Temporary/per diem providers are in a slightly different position. Demand for their services is so high that they rarely need to actively drum up new business. As for health insurance, it is still expensive. But a practitioner who chooses to work through a temporary/per diem agency might get health insurance included as part of the package.

Traditional Employment Stability

Kelly’s return to the corporate world was easy, at first. He enjoyed the routine and He enjoyed getting to know his coworkers and being able to collaborate with them. He certainly enjoyed the stability that comes with working for someone else.

Doctors, nurses, and therapists are no different. More than one locum has returned to traditional employment for the same reasons that drove Kelly back to the corporate world. Self-employment has its perks, but traditional medical jobs offer the kind of stability that doesn’t come with freelancing.

Controlled by Someone Else

On the downside, traditional employment brings with it the burden of being controlled by someone else. Kelly left his first corporate job due to a micromanager who controlled his day so tightly that he felt he couldn’t breathe. Healthcare executives and managers can be equally controlling.

Kelly also had to give up the freedom of making his own schedule and the satisfaction that comes from building a business of his own. Likewise, transitioning from temporary work to a traditional medical job pretty much eliminates work freedom.

Both gig work and traditional employment have their positives and negatives. For most people, traditional employment is the preferred option. But there are some who taste the freedom of self-employment and never look back. That is the way it is in every industry. Medical jobs are no exception.

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.

Introducing HS Students to Healthcare Careers

Saying that there is an abundance of open healthcare jobs right now is like saying the sky as blue. It is obvious. Healthcare is in a difficult position right now. The need for healthcare services only continues to rise, yet the number of people working in the field isn’t rising fast enough to keep up. So what do healthcare facilities do? Some are turning to a strategy of introducing high school students to healthcare careers.

It is important to talk about the number of healthcare jobs left vacant by people who are retiring or switching careers. It’s definitely a problem. But it is a problem in every industry. There is a certain amount of churn whether you’re talking healthcare or manufacturing. The other side of the equation is bringing in new people to replace those who are leaving.

Believe it or not, healthcare has struggled in that regard for decades. There simply haven’t been enough young people choosing healthcare as a career to continue producing a steady stream of workers ready to take healthcare jobs. Introducing high school students to the variety that is healthcare is one way to address that.

A Summer Program in Louisiana

A program designed to reach young people potentially interested in healthcare is being undertaken by the Central Louisiana Area Health Education Center (CLAHEC). Their program has recruited a dozen students to spend the summer working alongside healthcare professions at the Rapides Regional Medical Center.

Students will undoubtedly be exposed to plenty of doctors and nurses during the summer program. But that is not all they will get to experience. Students are expected to get exposure to virtually every clinical department at the hospital. They will spend time in radiology, rehab services, the NICU, and so forth.

Already, some of the students have remarked about being surprised by all the variety. Like so many other people, their impressions of healthcare revolve almost exclusively around doctors and nurses. It never occurs to them that there are literally hundreds of different healthcare jobs that have nothing to do with wearing a stethoscope and checking vital signs.

Too Much of a Clinical Focus

After hearing what students have to say about their summer program, perhaps it’s time for a bit of reflection. Maybe our culture has helped to create the shortage of healthcare workers by focusing too much on clinical positions. We have made doctors and nurses the face of healthcare despite the fact that, as a percentage, they make up only a fraction of the total number of healthcare jobs that make the industry work.

There are some young people who will set their minds on being doctors and nurses and nothing will sway them. They will be more than willing to put in the time to earn their degrees and get their state licenses. When all is said and done, they will populate the halls of hospitals, healthcare clinics, and private practices.

On the other hand, there are those young people who have no interest in becoming doctors and nurses. That does not mean that they aren’t a good fit for healthcare jobs. Some of them would be a perfect fit for therapy. Others are ideal candidates for lab jobs. Still others would make excellent patient advocates or healthcare IT workers.

It is clear that we need to find some better ways to get all the open healthcare jobs filled. There are no easy solutions to the problem. But one possible starting point is exposing more high school students to the variety that’s in healthcare. Knowing there is more to healthcare than being a doctor or nurse could change some minds.

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.

Remote Nursing Jobs Gain Traction – Here’s What You Need to Know

It seems like the entire world went virtual at the height of the COVID pandemic. Even in the healthcare sector, the pandemic forced us to seek non-emergency medical care through virtual means. As a result, remote nursing has gained traction. Even now, healthcare job boards list thousands of remote registered nurse jobs.

It may seem like nursing and remote work are incompatible. Nursing is usually a profession requiring direct access to patients. It is a career that involves bedside care and constant monitoring. So how can it be performed remotely?

In fairness, the vast majority of registered nurse jobs still adhere to the traditional model. There are just some types of care that cannot be provided virtually. But the growing movement for telehealth is opening opportunities for nurses looking to gather the traditional clinical setting.

Telehealth Primary Care

One of the most lucrative fields for virtual nursing is primary care in a telehealth setting. You may have some experience with this yourself if you visited remotely with your doctor during the pandemic. Telehealth appointments are similar to in-person visits from a structural standpoint, even though they are conducted by way of video chat.

A registered nurse still greets the patient and collects preliminary information. They may consult with the patient and answer general questions. The nurse provides a vital service prior to the actual visit with the doctor.

Other Remote Opportunities

While telehealth and primary care are getting a lot of attention right now, they are not the only means by which registered nurse jobs can be performed remotely. There are a number of other remote opportunities nurses can look at. Here are just a few examples:

Healthcare Case Manager

Nurses who work as case managers are essentially go-betweens. They are intermediaries between patients and the facilities that provide their care. A case manager’s responsibilities include coordinating resources, evaluating options, monitoring patient progress, and keeping patients and their families in the loop. Helping patients manage costs can be part of the equation as well.

Fortunately, this type of work doesn’t always have to be done in person. Perhaps it should be most of the time, but there is a growing demand for remote access to caseworkers. Patients and their families would rather collaborate remotely than try to arrange personal visits.

Nurse Educator

Demand for nurse educators is growing right alongside the demand for nurses themselves. Practitioners looking to leave traditional registered nurse jobs in favor of remote work might consider becoming educators. A nurse educator combines clinical knowledge with practical experience to help train the next generation.

The beauty of this particular job is that it relies on an educational model that was in use long before the pandemic: remote learning. The only difference now is that technology plays a bigger part.

Nurse Recruiter

Recruiters are challenged to find the best nurses for open positions. But nursing is a complex job that requires the right combination of knowledge, skill, and practical experience. Recruiters who have never donned a nurse’s scrubs to step into a clinical setting don’t know what it takes to excel in a given job. Nurses do.

Nurse recruiting can be done remotely. In fact, it often is. Registered nurses leaving clinical work in favor of recruiting could work from home, utilizing technology to make contacts, conduct interviews, etc.

Remote nursing jobs are gaining traction. Nurses looking to get out of traditional clinical work are discovering that remote jobs are a better fit for them. It is really not surprising when you consider the state of the modern workforce.

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 Great Resignation Isn’t Sparing Healthcare

We have been hearing about the Great Resignation for about a year now. Just in case you’ve been living under a rock, the Great Resignation is a phenomenon that has seen millions of people leave their jobs since the start of the COVID pandemic. Some are leaving to find employment elsewhere within the same industry. Others are retiring early. Still others are looking for a complete change, looking for work in an entirely different field or starting a new business.

Unfortunately for healthcare, the Great Resignation isn’t sparing it. Just look at nurse practitioner jobs. They are as plentiful now as they have ever been. The same goes for nursing jobs, physician jobs, therapist jobs, and on and on. It is not clear where all the disaffected workers are going, but it is clear that healthcare facilities are now having to work harder than they ever have in the past to fill open positions.

Looking for Something New

It is not surprising that job boards would have a lot more open doctor, nurse, and nurse practitioner jobs since the start of the pandemic. Healthcare delivery was obviously at the forefront of the pandemic. It still is. A lot of healthcare professionals just had their fill in the troubled year that was 2020. Many have decided it is time for a change.

Out in Idaho, the Idaho Press recently published an article about a group of healthcare professionals who had gotten together to discuss life after healthcare. Some of them were in the position of transitioning to new careers while others had already made the switch. The group represented everyone from nurse practitioners to therapists.

It is interesting that these professionals wanted to share their stories, not to encourage other healthcare workers to abandoned ship, but to let them know that other things were out there should they decide to try something new. That’s really what all of this is about. Whether it is healthcare or some other industry, the Great Resignation is about switching gears.

Those Who Stay Behind

Virtually every industry is reeling from the fallout of the Great Resignation. Those who stay behind have their own choices to make. Do they stay, or do they go? In healthcare, employers are doing everything they can to make sure their people stay. They have every reason to do so.

It goes without saying that healthcare workers are in the driver’s seat right now. They have a lot of leverage to ask for changes. Healthcare facilities have little choice but to comply with every reasonable request. Otherwise, they stand to continue losing workers to the Great Resignation.

From nurse practitioner jobs to allied health jobs, things in healthcare are changing rapidly. That is one of the things the group in Idaho mentioned. Many of the healthcare professionals who have decided to move on say that the modern work environment is nothing like what they knew when they first got started. Again, this is understandable. Nothing remains unchanged forever.

The Opportunities Are There

Even as the Great Resignation continues, opportunities for employment abound. If you are looking for nurse practitioner jobs, you will find plenty here on our jobs board. The same goes for therapist jobs, physician jobs, etc. Take the time to look around and maybe post your resume. There are employers out there very much interested in speaking with you.

In the meantime, the healthcare sector will have to continue changing in order to adapt to the modern workforce. The old ways of doing things are not going to work any longer. The faster healthcare adapts, the faster it will right the employment ship and start moving forward again.

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.

Study: Unionization and Staffing Regs Could Improve Nurse Retention

Employment data makes it abundantly clear that nurses are leaving their jobs in ever increasing numbers. Just look at any healthcare jobs board and you will find a seemingly endless list of registered nurse jobs. It is a problem we have been talking about for many years, a problem that has only been amplified by the COVID pandemic. So, what’s the solution?

The results of a recently released study suggest two things: unionization and staffing regulations at the state level. The proposed changes answer the biggest problems driving nurses away from their chosen field. Those two things are moral distress and safety.

Nurses Are Overworked

A big part of the study, conducted by researchers at the Illinois Economic Policy Institute and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, was an understanding that nurses are overworked. That much really isn’t a matter of debate. Being overworked leaves nurses feeling like they cannot provide the kind of care they are otherwise capable of. This leads to moral distress and, in some cases, unsafe conditions for both patients and nurses.

Researchers measured several metrics, including how and when nurses cared for six or more patients simultaneously. Six seems to be the threshold in terms of whether a nurse can provide safe and quality care. Ideally, registered nurse jobs would be designed to allow for the highest quality care by not giving nurses too many patients at once. But when nurses are in short supply, those on the front lines need to care for more patients.

The Staffing Regulation Proposal

Among the study’s proposals is one that suggests staffing regulations. Researchers pointed to a number of states that enacted such regulations in the wake of the pandemic. In each state where regulations limited the number of patients a nurse could care for, moral distress fell. So did the likelihood that nurses would leave their positions within the next year.

In simple terms, it would appear as though registered nurses do not want to leave their jobs. They love what they do. They have a sincere desire to take care of sick people. The problem is they feel as though they cannot give patients the kind of care they want to. Why?

Interestingly, 93% of the nurses surveyed for the study reported an inability to take the ethically right course of action on behalf of patients because of “organizational and institutional constraints.” In other words, their employers have rules and policies in place that prevent nurses from doing what they believe is ethically right. That is both amazing and unacceptable.

Unionizing Could Make a Difference

Researchers concluded that many of the issues related to moral distress could be solved through unionization. By unionizing registered nurse jobs, the industry would give nurses a real voice in how healthcare facilities are run. It would give them a voice in determining how patients are cared for.

Of course, addressing moral distress through unionization would require a union and leadership whose sole purpose for existing is not getting nurses more money. According to the research, it is not about the money anyway. Nurses certainly won’t balk at being paid more, but it’s clear they are already willing to walk away due to moral distress and safety issues. Money alone is not going to solve that problem.

No doubt that registered nurse jobs across the country are waiting to be filled. Meanwhile, untold numbers of nurses are considering leaving the profession. If staffing regulations and unionization can reverse that trend, both are worth looking into. Eventually, something will have to be done to answer legitimate nurse concerns.

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 Best Ways to Prepare for Your First Nursing Clinical

Few things are so dreaded in the life of a nursing student as the first clinical. Everything you’ve learned in class now has a practical application—on living, breathing humans. Humans you will be expected to care for. 

The prospect is daunting for many people. Perhaps it even should be. But there is an important distinction between being reasonably anxious, and overwhelmingly afraid. In this article, we explore how to get ready for your first clinical so that you can have a successful first day of nursing school clinicals.

Sleep Well

Nurses aren’t exactly known for their good sleeping habits. Twelve hours shifts, some of which happen at night tend to dampen one’s chances of getting the doctor-recommended eight hours. Elusive though good sleep may be to the working nurse, it remains an option to you, the student. 

Go to bed early the night before your first clinical, and try to factor in variables, like nerves. It can be difficult to fall asleep the night before a significant life event. Figure out a way to do it anyway. 

Eat Right

Good nutrition is also an important step in surviving your first clinical. Eat a healthy, filling dinner the night before. On the morning of your clinical, it is equally important to eat a well-balanced breakfast. Try to come up with a menu that focuses on providing a good energy boost. 

Fats are actually one of the most dependable sources of short-term energy. You can work them into your morning routine with healthy meals like yogurt and fruit. 

Come Correct with Supplies

Undoubtedly, your school has provided you with a list of supplies you will need for your first clinical. It’s a good idea to check off that list the night before, making sure you will know where to find everything when it comes time to head out the door the next morning. 

Many people make the choice to label their supplies. This may be a good idea—many of your peers will have virtually identical gear. 

Also consider the merits of additional items that, while not necessary, could make your job easier. For example, a high-quality, durable watch can help monitor a patient’s heart rate. Just make sure that you are aware of everything you ring to the hospital so you can return home with it at the end of the day. 

Be Prepared to Ask for Help

Do you want to hear a secret? You aren’t the first future nurse to do clinicals. You aren’t the second either. Everyone at the hospital will be well aware of why you are there and what you are doing. The nurses are likely to be particularly sympathetic, remembering their initial experiences with the profession. 

Questions and uncertainty are expected. And, when it comes to patient care, it’s always better to ask your question and do something right than it is to remain silent and make mistakes. Don’t be shy. No one there expects you to know everything. 

Review Your Coursework

The night before your first clinical is a good time to scan over your coursework. This isn’t a cram session. It’s a refresher. You know what you need to know. Doing a review cements it in your mind, and it can also help you build confidence. 

Doing a review of all that you’ve learned will remind you that you have the information you need to have a successful clinical already in your head. 

Take a Breath

Finally, take a moment to calm down. Clinicals are scary. For everyone. And yet, anxious or not, you are ready for the task ahead. The night before a clinical is a good time to take a quiet, peaceful moment and just reflect on the reality of what you are preparing to do. 

  • You are qualified to do this. You have completed the classwork up until this point. You know your stuff. 
  • You will have resources on hand to make sure things go as smoothly as possible. 
  • It’s normal to be afraid. All your classmates are too. 
  • Things will go wrong. You’re entering a situation filled with variables and uncertainty, and you’re doing it with no experience at all. Things will go wrong. When they do, you’ll receive help, and learn from your mistakes. 

Once you accept the challenges of your first nursing clinical, can begin to appreciate the beauty of it. This is your first concrete step into your desired line of work. All the studying you have done culminates in the moments ahead: taking care of people and making a significant difference in their lives. 

It will be hard. You can do it anyway. 

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. Sarah has been a consultant for a number of startup businesses, most prominently in the wellness industry 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.

What it Takes to Become a Dental Assistant

What it Takes to Become a Dental Assistant
Becoming a dental assistant is a popular job choice because it offers a stable salary, the ability
to help others, and a quick entry into the workforce of dentistry. Dental assistants need to have
a high skill level and the ability to pay attention to detail. If this sounds like the job for you, here
is what you need to do in order to become a dental assistant.


Get Your Education
Dental assistants may attend a program at a technical school or community college. It usually
takes around two years to get the schooling, depending on the certificate, degree, or diploma
pursued. Education includes hands-on learning in a clinical setting. Typical coursework includes
dental materials, dental pharmacology, oral anatomy, CPR and first aid, and dental radiography.
Not all states require students to get an education before becoming a dental assistant.
However, those who do have an advantage over the competition since they’ve had in-depth
training and a chance to really learn about what they’re doing compared to assistants who learn
on the job.


Get an Externship
An externship is a voluntary part of coursework. An externship gives students a chance for real
world learning by assisting a dentist in their office, allowing them to really see what the job is like
and what they’re signing up for. It’s here that students learn about dental pathology, oral
anatomy, oral hygiene, radiology, and dental pharmacology. Students looking to focus on a
particular area of dentistry can seek dental assistant training that focuses on their desired area
of expertise during their externship.


Get State Licensing or Certification
The certification and license requirements for dental assistants are different from one state to
another, so it’s important to be aware of what your state requires. It is recommended that a
person contact their state dental board or look at the Dental Assisting National Board’s website
information. The DANB’s certified dental assistant examination covers radiation health and
safety, general chairside, and infection control.
Of the 900 possible points scored on the exam, students must score 400 or better to get the
certification. Some states may require additional coursework for students who fail the first time
around to retake the exam. If a student wants to work in a specialized position, they can get
additional training and certification in orthodontics, preventative functions, and therapeutic
functions.

Get a Job
After graduation and licensing, you will have several opportunities to work in various settings
and specialty areas. This field is one of the fastest-growing occupations in the US and has an
annual salary of between $41,000 and $58,000.
As a dental assistant, you will be one of the first individuals the patient encounters. Your
professional and compassionate communication will go a long way in making the patient feel at
ease. It is estimated that the need for dental assistants will continue to grow over the next two
years. This makes it a job that offers possibilities now and room for growth in the future.

Kara Masterson is a freelance writer from Utah. She graduated from the University of Utah and enjoys writing and spending time with her dog, Max.

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.

Nurses Leaving Direct Patient Care – Where Will They Go?

A recent study from McKinsey & Company offers few surprises about the state of the nursing profession. The study highlights what many in healthcare have known for a long time: registered nurse jobs are plentiful because nurses are leaving direct patient care and there are not enough new nurses coming in to take their spots. However, the study does raise an interesting question.

If as many as one-third of all currently employed nurses plan to leave direct patient care, where will they go? There are non-clinical opportunities out there, but there may not be enough to keep all of them employed in nursing. More non-clinical jobs could be created, which could possibly help boost the number of new nurses being trained in the years to come.

Planning to Leave Soon

The McKinsey & Company survey questioned both registered nurses (RNs) and licensed practical nurses (LPNs) about their plans for the future. Researchers noted that prior to the start of the COVID pandemic, new nursing licenses were up roughly 4% year-on-year. That probably would not have helped ease the nursing shortage even if the pandemic hadn’t reared its ugly head. But now, with the pandemic largely over, so few new nurses seeking licensing will barely make a dent in the problem.

That is because the pandemic has left some 30% of currently employed nurses reconsidering the commitment to remain in clinical care. By 2025, they expect to be in non-clinical positions or out of nursing altogether. That is a significant number by any measure. Any other industry losing 30% of its workforce would find itself in big trouble in short order. Healthcare already has its problems. Losing one-third of its nursing staff cannot be good.

Non-Clinical Job Options

So, what does the job market look like for nurses hoping to leave clinical work? LPNs are probably going to find it tougher to remain in nursing after a decision to leave direct patient care. RNs should have an easier time. Creating more registered nurse jobs in education would be a start.

According to McKinsey & Company, one of the reasons nursing schools are not producing enough new nurses is that there aren’t enough spots for all the students looking for an education. Expanding nursing programs is the obvious solution here. To do that, schools need to create more educator spots. The study also suggests creating more mentor programs whereby experienced RNs mentor smaller numbers of students as they work through the later stages of education.

Another suggestion in the McKinsey & Company report is that both government and the private sector find ways to make more use of registered nurses. What that would look like, in terms of job creation, is unclear. But if keeping RNs employed in nursing after leaving clinical work is the goal, jobs need to be created somewhere.

Rethinking Healthcare Profits

There is no arguing that RN and LPN jobs or readily available. Employers cannot fill them fast enough. But with more nurses planning to leave clinical work within the next few years, something must be done to keep hospitals, clinics, and doctor’s offices operating. Perhaps it is time to rethink profit. Maybe it is time for the industry to accept lower profits in exchange for more nurses who really just want lighter workloads, more flexible schedules, and a bump in pay.

We have been talking about the nurse shortage for some time now. Continuing to talk about it will not change anything. If we really want to prevent one-third of our nurses from leaving clinical work, we need to get serious about addressing their motivations for doing so.

Safely Managing the High-Stress World of Healthcare

Working in the healthcare industry is noble, exciting, and fast-paced. No two days are the same, which can give you a lot of energy and motivation to go to work each day.

 However, no matter your position in the industry, it’s safe to say that healthcare is high stress. It’s exciting, but there are a lot of demands placed on your shoulders every day. That can take a massive toll on your physical and mental health.

 Healthcare workers are especially susceptible to more stress in uncertain times and chaotic situations. Through the COVID-19 pandemic, 93% of healthcare workers were experiencing stress, while 83% were more anxious, and 75% were overwhelmed.

 Feeling stressed at your job can cause you to experience burnout. That often leads to a lack of motivation at work, but it can also put you and your patients in danger.

 Let’s take a closer look at why properly mitigating stress in the healthcare field is so important and a few ways you can make stress management a priority.

The Importance of Stress Management

As a healthcare worker, you spend most of your days putting the well-being of others before yourself. Unfortunately, when your mental and physical health takes a back seat, you could end up doing more long-term harm than you initially realize.

 Some of the most serious issues associated with excess stress include

  • High blood pressure
  • Body aches
  • Digestive issues
  • Difficulty sleeping
  • Increased risk of anxiety and depression

Too much stress can even be harmful to your skin. Stress can impact your immune system and your skin’s ability to heal. You’ll be more susceptible to irritants and allergens, and when you’re hyper focused on how irritated and itchy your skin feels, it will contribute to even more stress, perpetuating the endless cycle.

 Finally, it can impact the way you feel about your job. You might love what you do, but if you’re straddling the line of burnout, you could start resenting your job, especially if you don’t have a healthy work-life balance. Not only will that impact your mental state, but it can cause you to become a risk to your co-workers and patients since it’s harder to focus and concentrate.

 Outside of work, the physical and mental toll of stress can impact your relationships and social life. You might feel like you don’t have enough time to spend with your family and friends, or the pressure of too much stress might cause you to become irritable with those closest to you.

The Dangers of Negative Coping Habits

If you know you’re stressed, but you feel like you don’t “have time” to properly deal with it, you could also be putting yourself at risk for developing unhealthy coping habits. Yes, even healthcare workers knowingly do things that can cause harm. One of the most common in the industry is substance abuse. Studies have shown that 10-15% of healthcare professionals will misuse substances at some point. Some of the most common signs of this type of abuse include

  • Fatigue
  • Shortness of breath
  • Frequent nausea
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Arriving to work late
  • Difficulty performing on the job

 Whether it’s drugs, alcohol, risky behaviors, or overeating, there are plenty of negative and potentially harmful ways to cope with stress. Unfortunately, they could put your career at risk, and wreak havoc on your health. That’s why it’s essential to know how to mitigate stress in healthy, effective ways through coping mechanisms that don’t cause harm.

How to Manage Stress the Right Way

Now that you know how important it is to manage your stress in the world of healthcare, how can you do it? We know, it might often feel easier said than done when you’re working 12-hour shifts and dealing with countless patients who need help.

 However, your well-being needs to be your top priority. If you don’t take proper care of yourself, you won’t be able to effectively care for others.

 Thankfully, there are plenty of ways to mitigate stress daily. The best part? They don’t have to take up a ton of time. Small changes in your daily routine can make a big difference. Some of the easiest and most effective ways to manage stress are

  • Exercising
  • Prioritizing sleep
  • Eating a healthy diet
  • Deep breathing exercises (mindfulness and meditation)
  • Journaling

 If you’re really struggling with stress and you’re worried about developing anxiety or depression, don’t hesitate to talk to someone. It’s not always easy for those in the healthcare field to reach out to other professionals for help, but it’s sometimes necessary. Working with a therapist, counselor, or attending group therapy can help you get to the root cause of your stress while making it easier to establish healthy coping techniques to work through it.

 By choosing to prioritize your health and manage your stress now, you can enjoy a long, fulfilling career in healthcare for years to come. However, you’ll also have a better experience outside of work, enjoying a healthier work-life balance, more time focused on your friends and family, and a deep dedication to self-care.

Image Source: Unsplash

      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.

Searching for Medical Jobs: Going Where the Money Is

Despite the modern workforce wanting more than just good pay and benefits, there is no getting around the fact that people want to be paid what they feel they are worth. Healthcare workers are not an exception to the rule. It is with that in mind that looking at the top job markets for healthcare workers gets interesting. Some markets definitely pay more than others.

 Becker’s Hospital Review recently released a list of the highest paying job markets for healthcare workers in the U.S., based on data from the Bureau of Labor and Statistics (BLS). Most of what the data shows isn’t surprising. But there are a few hidden gems in the numbers.

 It is reasonable to assume that job seekers on the hunt for medical jobs might consider salary and benefits first. After that, they might look at things like location and work environment. Moreover, it could be that the majority of American workers do not necessarily want to pick up and move just to make more money.

 Top Locations for Nurses

 The first category examined by Becker’s was registered nurses (RNs). We already know that RNs are in high demand across the country. But where do they earn the most money? Apparently, it’s in California. All the top spots on the Becker’s list are found in the Golden State. Here they are:

  •  San Jose – $155,230
  • San Francisco – $151,640
  • Vallejo-Fairfield – $146,360
  • Santa Rosa – $141,440
  • Napa – $139,680.

 California seems like the place to be if you are a registered nurse hoping to maximize your paycheck. That’s curious, considering that supply and demand heavily influences salary and benefits. What is it about California that appears to make it more difficult to recruit registered nurses there?

 Advanced Practice Nurses

 Becker’s Hospital Review took the approach of dividing advanced practice nurses into two categories: nurse practitioners and physician assistants. That could be due to the fact that the top paying locations for both are different. NPs are paid most in four of the same five cities listed in the RN category. For the fifth city, just remove Santa Rosa and insert Yuba City. San Jose keeps the top spot at $197,870.

 PAs apparently make the most in the joint cities of Portsmouth, NH and Portsmouth, ME. There, they earn roughly $167,240. The remaining four of the top five cities for PAs are:

  •  Panama City, FL – $165,000
  • San Francisco – $164,150
  • San Jose – $163,720
  • Vallejo-Fairfield, CA – $162,030.
  •  California still commands three of the top five spots for physician assistants. So far, the Golden State appears to be the destination of choice for high paying medical jobs.

 Top Locations for Pharmacists

 Last on the list for Becker’s are pharmacists. If you are guessing that California jobs pay the most, you are spot on. Here are the numbers:

  •  San Jose – $168,640
  • San Francisco – $163,840
  • Santa Rosa – $158,420
  • Vallejo-Fairfield – $156,850
  • Santa Cruz – $152,770.

 It is clear that medical jobs pay extremely well in California. We just don’t quite know why. We cannot discount supply and demand but getting a clear picture would also require looking at things like median income, cost of living, and so forth. Just because healthcare workers make more money in California doesn’t mean they enjoy a higher standard of living. Things cost more on the West coast as well.

 At any rate, if you are in the hunt for medical jobs, California has plenty to offer. So do most other states. Take a good look around our job board and see what you can find. With so many jobs available in nearly every healthcare sector, you’re bound to find something that suits you.

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.