Tag: physical therapy

September Is Pain Awareness Month

The month of September has been designated as Pain Awareness Month to shine a light on the 100 million Americans who live with chronic pain.

Pain is invisible. It cannot be seen, touched, or measured. But it is still very real for the 100 million Americans whose lives are impacted by chronic pain on a daily basis.

Yet, chronic pain is often misunderstood and invalidated by the chronic pain patient’s family, friends, coworkers, and even their healthcare providers.

To help the public understand the debilitating impacts of chronic pain, September has been designated as Pain Awareness Month.

“The only way we can create change is if we start speaking up–to loved ones, coworkers, neighbors, clinicians, and even policymakers,” said Nicole Hemmenway, Interim CEO of U.S. Pain Foundation, in a statement about Pain Awareness Month released this week. “Pain is silent, but we don’t have to be.”

Physical Therapists are often on the front lines when it comes to treating this silent epidemic. Through exercise, manual therapy, education, and teamwork, the therapy community helps chronic pain patients improve their quality of life, in place of dangerous and highly-addictive medications, such as opioids.

This September, take the time to speak with your patients about their pain, even more than you usually would. Sometimes, being heard can make all the difference.

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.

Americans Increasingly Sedentary, Not More Active

Americans are often portrayed as being lazy, and a new study finds that they are living up to that stereotype, getting more sedentary over time.

When the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services implemented their first Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans in 2008, it was an effort to make Americans move more and, thus, improve their health. However, that hasn’t happened, or so finds a new study published in JAMA Network Open. And while this may mean job security for those in the therapy profession, it does not bode well for the health of Americans.

The JAMA study, which analyzed results from the 27,343 adults who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 2007 to 2016, set out to find out what percentage of Americans met the activity guidelines, and how that rate may have changed over time since the guidelines’ release. The results were not promising. The percentage of Americans who met the activity guidelines remained mostly unchanged during the 10-year period—starting at 63.2% in 2007-2008, and rising just 2% to 65.2% in 2015-2016. Atop this, researchers marked an increase in sedentary behavior during this time, as well, up from 5.7 hours per day in 2007-2008 to 6.4 hours per day in 2015-2016.

“Our study has significant public health implications. Both insufficient physical activity and prolonged sedentary time are associated with a high risk of adverse health outcomes, including chronic diseases and mortality,” the authors of the study wrote. “Our findings highlight a critical need for future public health efforts to aim for not only an increase in physical activity but also a reduction in sedentary time.”

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 Give Travel Positions a Try

For those with a sense of adventure, travel positions need no other selling point. If you don’t have a natural love of travel, though, here are five other reasons to consider travel assignments.

Not a lot of careers come with the ability to travel the country and get paid for it, but there are quite a few in the healthcare arena that do. Physicians, advanced practitioners, nurses, therapy professionals, and more are afforded the unique opportunity to accept contract positions, often also referred to as locum tenens, at hospitals and clinics all over the United States, from sea to shining sea. For those with a sense of adventure or a love of travel, this needs no other selling point. However, here are five scenarios in which you may want to give travel assignments a try, if you need more convincing.

If You’re Relatively New

Travel positions provide a good opportunity to figure out what you want to specialize in, in which setting, or even what area of the country you want to live in. Since travel positions are predominantly contracts that are two or more months long, you’ll have plenty of time to see what you like, or don’t like, before fully committing to a permanent position somewhere and setting down roots.

If You’re Feeling Burnt Out

A change of scenery can do wonders for the seasoned clinician who is struggling with the all too common pains of burnout. Working with different populations of patients, or even different coworkers, in different places can help to alleviate the feeling of stagnation. Travel positions typically also afford more work-life balance and less intensive schedules, which allows you to focus more on the things that truly matter in your life—not just documentation.

If You Want More Money

Locums positions typically offer higher salaries than permanent positions, sometimes as much as 30-50 percent more. If you are trying to pay off a student loan, or just want to tuck some money away for a rainy day, signing on for a few travel positions is likely to get you out of the red.

If You Want a Trial Run

Travel positions allow you to try out a wide range of settings and patient populations, often with the option to take on a permanent role within the practice you are filling in at. If you are thinking of pivoting in your career, this is a good way to “try before you buy,” so to speak, that will allow you to make an informed decision about where you want to settle in for the long-term.

If You Want to Make a Difference

Locums positions are often available in remote and underserved areas, allowing you to significantly impact the lives of people who need your skills the most. From the most secluded towns in Alaska to small town America, you’ll be able to provide quality care for those who would not otherwise have adequate access to care.

Ready to give it a shot? We have over 40,000 travel positions available on our site right now, if you want to take a look.

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.

A Back-to-School Self Care Guide for School-Based Therapists

Back-to-school season is upon us, and school-based therapists are likely beginning to feel excited or overwhelmed. Here’s how to stay centered.

The aisles of just about every retail store imaginable are filling with notebooks and backpacks, because it’s that time again—back-to-school season is upon us.

With some school districts starting as soon as early August, school-based therapists are likely beginning to feel excited or overwhelmed, or some form of both. Here are some tips to make sure you stay centered, while the 2019-2020 school year kicks into high gear.

Schedule Buffers into Your Day

A lot of being a school-based therapist revolves around structure and scheduling, but if you schedule things back-to-back-to-back, you’re bound to run yourself into the ground, and things will rarely go exactly as planned, anyhow. A session may run over time, or you may find yourself trapped in a conversation with a parent or coworker for far longer than you meant to. Leave yourself time to breathe—or to run to the bathroom—between sessions, and you’ll be much better off.

Check in with Yourself

At the end of your day, check in with yourself in the form of some cognitive behavioral therapy, such as journaling. Research has shown that focusing on positive aspects of your day, and writing them down, can be greatly beneficial. Try making a list of three to five positive things that happened during your day, or that you and/or your students accomplished, before going to bed at night.

Unplug after Hours

It’s easy to get invested in your work. After all, you didn’t get into therapy because you don’t care. However, in caring for yourself, too, you need to leave work at work. Establish and maintain boundaries to keep yourself from burning out. Do not bring your work home—instead, fill your off hours with healthy hobbies or activities, such as gardening, cooking, or yoga, or even just treat yourself to a nice, long bath every now and then.

Remember, caring for yourself enables you to better care for others, so as the school year picks up speed and you find yourself busier and busier, step back, breathe, and get some rest. Everything is going to be okay.

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 States with the Most Healthcare Job Openings

Some states prove to be a safer bet in terms of finding a job in healthcare, due to the sheer number available. Here are the states with the most right now.

Healthcare job growth has been strong in 2019, as expected—the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics has long projected the healthcare sector to see some of the fastest and most consistent growth through 2022. So, where are the jobs? Here are the five states with the most healthcare jobs available right now.

  1. California
    Jobs Available: 8,541
    Top Positions: Registered Nurses, Physical Therapists, Physicians, Nurse Practitioners, Speech Language Pathologists
  2. Texas
    Jobs Available: 4,702
    Top Positions: Registered Nurses, Physical Therapists, Occupational Therapists, Physicians, Speech Language Pathologists
  3. New York
    Jobs Available: 2,647
    Top Positions: Registered Nurses, Nurse Practitioners, Physicians, Physical Therapists, Physician Assistants
  4. Illinois
    Jobs Available: 2,210
    Top Positions: Registered Nurses, Physical Therapists, Occupational Therapists, Nurse Practitioners, Speech Language Pathologists
  5. Virginia
    Jobs Available: 2,125
    Top Positions: Registered Nurses, Physical Therapists, Speech Language Pathologists, Physicians, Occupational Therapists

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.

PTs Say Admin Burdens Impact Clinical Outcomes, Cause Burnout

A recent survey of physical therapists has found time consuming administrative tasks negatively impact outcomes, and contribute to clinician burnout.

A recent survey conducted by the American Physical Therapy Association has revealed that nearly 3 out of 4 physical therapists believe that administrative requirements and documentation demands negatively impact clinical outcomes.

The survey also found that these administrative mandates, such as the time consuming process of obtaining prior authorization, can delay access to medically necessary care by up to 25%–72.5% of survey respondents wait an average of 3 days or more to obtain a prior authorization decision.

These demands do not only negatively impact patients; 85.2% of those surveyed agree or strongly agree that administrative burdens contribute to clinician burnout.

The survey did more than point fingers, though. As it was performed by the APTA in an effort to take the temperature of physical to aid the association’s legislative and policy changes, it also asked respondents how these burdens could be alleviated. The top five items that PTs feel would create positive change in this area are as follows: standardization of documentation across all stakeholders (51.5%), elimination of requirement for Medicare plan of care signature and recertification (38.8%), standardization of coverage policies across payers (38.1%), unrestricted direct access per payer policies (36.1%), and standardization of prior authorization process (36%).

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.

PT, OT, and SLP Salaries in Every State

Using the latest data available from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, we dug up the average salaries for PTs, OTs, and SLPs across the United States.

Using the latest data available from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, we dug up the average salaries for PTs, OTs, and SLPs across the United States. How does your salary stack up against the average? Find out below.

State Physical Therapist
Average Annual Salary:		 Occupational Therapist
Average Annual Salary:		 Speech Language Pathologist
Average Annual Salary:
Alabama $90,620 $83,810 $71,240
Alaska $99,180 $86,860 $83,620
Arizona $88,800 $94,800 $74,710
Arkansas $81,430 $81,810 $73,660
California $97,110 $95,160 $93,510
Colorado $82,560 $89,770 $90,980
Connecticut $96,010 $90,780 $92,280
Delaware $93,880 $86,020 $81,440
District of Columbia $89,750 $94,360 $93,570
Florida $87,410 $81,520 $76,820
Georgia $86,320 $82,060 $77,730
Hawaii $90,540 $83,010 $76,330
Idaho $77,700 $81,230 $74,740
Illinois $90,690 $83,940 $77,120
Indiana $83,680 $79,870 $73,780
Iowa $82,960 $80,740 $76,020
Kansas $85,250 $78,720 $70,280
Kentucky $84,630 $79,460 $72,440
Louisiana $89,860 $85,490 $71,270
Maine $76,910 $72,160 $65,540
Maryland $85,170 $89,230 $84,960
Massachusetts $91,750 $87,160 $85,720
Michigan $91,160 $77,940 $78,220
Minnesota $83,750 $74,050 $75,590
Mississippi $89,720 $81,590 $64,560
Missouri $81,330 $75,120 $77,790
Montana $79,050 $74,940 $64,580
Nebraska $80,130 $76,850 $69,110
Nevada $107,920 $100,970 $77,620
New Hampshire $82,880 $79,850 $73,630
New Jersey $97,770 $96,600 $95,000
New Mexico $97,210 $81,660 $74,800
New York $87,470 $88,370 $90,820
North Carolina $87,560 $84,390 $75,310
North Dakota $78,120 $67,420 $67,340
Ohio $86,690 $85,720 $78,200
Oklahoma $84,860 $82,240 $81,700
Oregon $85,890 $90,720 $87,610
Pennsylvania $87,050 $81,030 $79,530
Rhode Island $83,850 $83,600 $80,450
South Carolina $85,450 $78,470 $71,600
South Dakota $76,200 $69,390 $58,860
Tennessee $82,920 $84,870 $77,140
Texas $92,940 $89,360 $75,800
Utah $85,940 $85,300 $78,840
Vermont $75,010 $76,840 $73,550
Virginia $91,700 $93,010 $86,090
Washington $85,930 $81,250 $73,220
West Virginia $89,420 $81,080 $61,070
Wisconsin $85,200 $73,390 $70,560
Wyoming $87,510 $82,010 $80,470

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.

Transitioning into a Career as a Traveling Therapist

Traveling therapy roles are abundant, and they can do wonders for therapists who may be feeling as if they have stagnated in their current role or setting.

Traveling therapy roles are abundant—for instance, check out these great nationwide therapy opportunities from our friends at Princeton Staffing Solutions—and they do wonders for therapy professionals who may be feeling as if they have stagnated in their current role or setting. If you’re interested in taking on your first travel therapist role, here are some tips on how to get started.

  1. Start with a Map: If you are going to cross state lines, you will need to seek licensure in the state or states you are aiming for. By narrowing down your search and beginning the credentialing process in specific states, you will be setting yourself up to work in your ideal location. The process can take a few months, so it is important to start in on this right away, or partner with the right staffing company to help you expedite the process (but more on that later).
  2. Narrow It Down: One of the best things about travel therapy positions is that they offer variety. Decide what type of setting you are looking to work in, and how long of a contract you are seeking. Most travel therapy contracts can range from 8 to 26 weeks, or even the length of an entire school year, depending on what setting you land in.
  3. Get Connected: Partnering with the right recruiter or staffing company can make all the difference in landing your dream travel role. From getting you into your ideal contract to handling travel plans and housing or licensure, it is essential to have them in your corner.

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.

Federal Task Force Pushes PT as an Alternative to Opioids

A report released this week by an inter-agency task force highlights the benefits of physical therapy and other modalities in combatting the opioid crisis.

An inter-agency task force, comprised of 12 public members, nine organization representative members, and eight federal members, released a report this week, entitled Pain Management Best Practices, in an effort to offer updates, gaps, inconsistencies, and recommendations regarding the opioid crisis in relation to managing acute and chronic pain.

The report, which totals 108-pages, emphasizes “patient-centered care in the diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic pain,” and features a thorough section regarding the benefits of restorative therapies, such as therapeutic exercise, massage therapy, traction, and more. The report goes on to urge an approach of multimodality, including medications, nerve blocks, physical therapy, and others to combat acute pain conditions, in place of opioids.

As it currently stands, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 50 million adults in the U.S. struggle with the effects of chronic pain on a daily basis, and opioids were involved in 47,600 overdose deaths in 2017—67.8% of all drug overdose deaths.

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 PTs Need to Know About Medicare Plans

Our friends at WebPT offer a thorough, but easy-to-follow breakdown of everything PTs need to know related to Medicare plans.

from WebPT

Generally speaking, Medicare is a federally funded health insurance program that provides benefits for people who are 65 or older; people with disabilities; and people with end-stage renal disease. Each part of Medicare—A, B, C, and D—covers a distinct set of services and benefits. Then, there are Supplement Plans that fill in some of the gaps. Not sure how Part C differs from Part A—or what gaps a Supplement Plan could possibly fill? How about Original Medicare versus Medicare Advantage? Keep reading, because we’ve compiled a breakdown of each.

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.