Official Therapist Blog

Attention Physical Therapists: There’s a New Gown in Town and its name is Bair Paws Flex

Author Therapy Career Blogger | 01.28.2010 | Category Bair Paws Flex, Product Reviews, physical therapy, rehabilitation therapy

It gets cold in the Midwest, but at Arizant Inc., a forced air blanket provider in Minnesota, the heat is on. The company has created a surgical gown called the Bair Paws Flex gown and it’s going to make physical therapists’ patients—the ones facing surgery—a lot more comfortable during their hospitalization. Bair Paws is made of wood fibers, polypropylene, and polyester; a machine blows warm air between layers of paper, warming up the wearer before, during and after surgery.

Patients Benefiting from the puffy gown joke that it’s no fashion statement, yet like it well enough to inquire of their PT’s: “Can I get this at home?” The short answer is no, but the good news is, the healthcare facilities buying Bair Paws are up by 400 in the past year. Considering that OR temperatures average in the low 60’s, it’s no small wonder patients want to beat the arctic factor and wear this gown—and they’re not the only ones who are crowing.
Bair Paws is convenient for surgeons because it’s loaded with Velcro and can be manipulated during operations so the right parts are accessible, while the rest of the body stays covered and warm. Another advantage: patients wearing it go easily from waiting room to OR—no wardrobe change required. At $15 each, the gowns run a few dollars more per case than forced air blankets, but their popularity endures because doctors and PT’s alike link patient warming to faster recoveries; if post-op patients are going to respond well to rehabilitation therapy, healing is key.

Studies show that patient warming prevents dips in body temperatures, which can cause heart problems, wound infections, blood loss and prolonged recovery. But beyond the basic desire to make patients more comfortable, caregivers are motivated by new standards from Medicare. The government is now connecting two percent of medical pay to performance, of which reporting on and controlling body temps (during a surgical procedure lasting an hour or more) is a huge factor.

Your one line take-away from this story: Global warming bad; patient warming, priceless.

Top 10 Happiest States Are a Good Destination for Traveling Therapists – Part II

Author Healthcare Jobs Blogger | 01.27.2010 | Category Locations, Therapist Jobs, Therapy Jobs, Travel Therapist, Traveling Therapist

Mulling where to accept your next travel therapist job? Consider one of the Top 10 Happiest States – Louisiana, Hawaii, Florida, Tennessee, Arizona, Mississippi, Montana, South Carolina, Alabama and Maine.

These Top 10 were named in a recent report on the happiest states, which ranked all the states by combining the results from two sources: a nationwide life-satisfaction survey; plus a study gauging a variety of lifestyle factors for each state — such as how much rain and sunshine the state received, commuting time, crime rate, air quality, housing affordability, spending on education and highways, and cost of living, and lastly number of hazardous waste sites.

In Part I of our report, we’ve already described the appeal of the first five states for traveling therapists. Here are details on the second group of the Top 10 Happiest States:

Mississippi

Louisiana’s neighbor to the east. Mississippi offers many southern charms all its own. Rehabilitation therapy jobs can be found throughout the Magnolia State, our nation’s 20th — from Biloxi, the coastal gambling town; to Jackson, the history-soaked state capital; to Tupelo, the birthplace of Elvis Presley (who would have turned 75 in 2010). So, slow down and soak it all in, y’all; and when someone asks you where the best physical therapy jobs are, spell it loudly and proudly: “M—I—S—S—I—S—S—I—P—P—I!”

Montana

Are you a traveling therapist who’s longing for wide-open spaces and majestic scenery as far as the eye can see? Then head for Montana, the 41st state. Even in the capital city of Helena, the physical therapist won’t find crowds or overpopulation — unless you’re talking about bison or horses! And the Treasure State sure lives up to its nickname in the geological-wonders department, with two of the country’s premier national parks: Glacier and Yellowstone (America’s first national park!).

South Carolina

Yet another Southern state in the Top 10 (are we sensing a pattern here?!), South Carolina also offers tons of history, culture and nature to the physical therapist. From the romantic port city of Charleston and world-class resort of Hilton Head along the Atlantic coast, the Palmetto State stretches inland to the capital of Columbia, and westward to the upcountry region, with plenty of scenic mountains, lakes and waterfalls along the way. Adventurous traveling health-care professionals, take note: Our 8th state is especially renowned for its water trails – including the longest blackwater river in the nation, Edisto.

Alabama

Alabama, the 22nd state, offers lots of opportunity for the therapist who’s also a history buff – from Civil War to civil rights. Whether your physical therapy job takes you to the Gulf coast town of Mobile, or the capital of Montgomery, or the high-tech city of Huntsville, there’s sure to be plenty to keep you occupied when not on the job. For the athletically inclined, the choice of activities includes hiking, biking, rock climbing, golf, water sports, hunting, fishing and more.

Maine

Traveling therapists will find that Maine, the only Top 10 state in the northeast, is worthy of its high happiness ranking. Our 23rd state is vast in size, but modest in population. Cities such as Portland and Augusta (the capital) are pleasantly compact and livable. Plus, with more than 30 state parks and one of the finest national parks — Acadia — Maine deserves its ranking as the fourth healthiest state. Physical therapist, heal thyself: Take a hike or go rafting, or take a whale-watching cruise, then feast on freshly caught lobster. “Ayuh,” indeed!

Therapy Job Location - Los Angeles Tidbit

Author Healthcare Jobs Blogger | 01.26.2010 | Category Good restaurants nationwide, Locations, Tidbits

While on a travel therapy job in the Los Angeles area enjoy a unique “Cal-Asian” dining experience at “Yamashiro Restaurant”. Voted the most booked restaurant, so make your reservations and enjoy! Visit Yamashiro at www.yamashirorestaurant.com

Top 10 Happiest States Are Delightful Destinations for Physical Therapy Jobs – Part I

Author Healthcare Jobs Blogger | 01.25.2010 | Category Allied Healthcare, Locations, Therapist Jobs, physical therapy, rehabilitation therapy

Now that it’s a new year, with brand-new opportunities opening up in travel therapist jobs, it’s time to make some decisions about where you might want to head for you next assignment.

Like many other traveling health-care professionals, you’re probably ready for some adventure in an exciting new location, someplace where the locals are friendly – and happy. So, consider taking a pt job in one of the Top 10 happiest states: Louisiana, Hawaii, Florida, Tennessee, Arizona, Mississippi, Montana, South Carolina, Alabama and Maine.

These top 10 were named in a recent report on the happiest states, which ranked all the states by combining the results from two sources: a nationwide life-satisfaction survey; plus a study gauging a variety of lifestyle factors for each state — such as how much rain and sunshine the state received, commuting time, crime rate, air quality, housing affordability, spending on education and highways, and cost of living, and lastly number of hazardous waste sites.

Here’s the lowdown on the first five of the Top 10 Happiest States – and what’s so great about them for the traveling therapist.

Louisiana

Despite hurricane Katrina, which occurred after the happiest-states report was compiled, Louisiana still manages to retain its easy-going reputation and Southern charm. For the physical therapists who are outdoors fans, the state earns its nickname as “Sportsman’s Paradise,” with miles of hiking and biking trails, and 20 state parks. From the Cajun- and Creole-infused coastal city of New Orleans, to the state capital of Baton Rouge, to tiny towns deep in the bayou, rehabilitation therapy jobs can let you explore all of the attractions of this 18th’ state.

Hawaii

What physical therapist wouldn’t want to say “aloha” to this tropical paradise? Hawaii’s charms are all well-documented by now: the world-class beaches (Waikiki or Honolulu); the awesome water sports (surfing, snorkeling, sailing); the exotic flora and fauna that inhabit the string of islands (Oahu, Maui, Molokai, etc.); the spectacular mountain peaks and lava beds that flow directly into the sea (Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on Hilo). Hawaii may have entered the union last, but it’s certainly not least on anyone’s wish list!

Florida

The Sunshine State, which happens to have the highest percentage population of seniors, is rife with travel therapist jobs! The panhandle-shaped 27th state, which stretches from Pensacola to Jacksonville to Tampa to Miami, boasts some of America’s oldest history. (Come to think of it, couldn’t Juan Ponce de Leon be considered the first traveling “therapist” to head for Florida?) With its casual, relaxed reputation, balmy climate, miles of beaches, scores of golf courses, and — did we mention? — plethora of theme parks, Florida is a top destination for many traveling professionals.

Tennessee

Therapists who choose a pt job in Tennessee are in for a hoot of a good time. For physical therapists who are music lovers, the country-music (and state) capital of Nashville, or the blues-music (and Elvis!) capital of Memphis are sure to be a huge draw. For outdoors lovers, the area’s many mountains, lakes and rivers (including the mighty Mississippi) offer the chance to experience some thrilling adventures. This 16th state’s motto, “America at its best,” seems quite fitting for a place that offers such a rich mixture of history, culture, and nature.

Arizona

Arizona is fast closing in on Florida’s claim as the leader in retirement living, making it another great location for rehabilitation therapy jobs. It’s the only Top 10 happiest state located in the Southwest — a desirable destination in and of itself. From saguaro cacti-surrounded Tucson in the south, to sprawling Phoenix mid-state, to new-agey Sedona further north, the physical therapist is bound to find a place worth spending some time in. Oh, and the 48th state also contains a modest little attraction you might have heard of: It’s called the Grand Canyon.

Still not convinced you’ve found your ideal destination for a physical therapy job? Then check out the second grouping of five in our Top 10 Happiest States, Part II.

Got a favorite smartphone? Tell us which one

Author Healthcare Jobs Blogger | 01.22.2010 | Category Travel Nurse Blog

Choose your favorite smartphone

Are you using a smartphone at work yet?

The day when most rehabilitation therapists use a smartphone on the job is not far away. Healthcare industry analysts predict that in the next few years therapists, doctors and nurses will turn to online resources more frequently than “analog”  research tools, like books.  Look forward to the day when physical and occupational therapists perform many medical tasks on their mobile devices, including administrative tasks and patient monitoring.

I want my apps!

A study released by the  Medical Software Advice blog showed that Apple’s iPhone was the most popular among medical professionals, but the BlackBerry, Palm Pre and Google phones were recovering market share. The survey’s respondents overwhelmingly said they selected their phone based on how easy it was to use and how many apps were available.

Mobile phones with medical apps can offer a real advantage if you’re a traveling therapist who has long dreamed of carrying a complete kit of medical resources in your pocket. No need to schlep around those “go-to” research tools (even something as simple as a calculator) or hoping that  every facility you may travel to has all the clinical resources you’ve come to rely on.

Therapy Job Location - Phoenix Tibbit

Author Healthcare Jobs Blogger | 01.22.2010 | Category Good restaurants nationwide, Tidbits

Hungry while on assignment near Phoenix, AZ? Why not pay your favorite Aunt a visit and enjoy a delicious Mexican meal at “Aunt Chilada’s”. Voted best restaurant and best margarita in the area! http://www.auntchiladas.com/

Physical Therapists Are Pet Owners Too: How to find a dog-friendly assignment

Author Healthcare Jobs Blogger | 01.21.2010 | Category Allied Healthcare, How to Tips, Occupational Therapy, Therapist Jobs, Therapy Jobs, Travel Therapist, Traveling Therapist, physical therapy, rehabilitation therapy

Here’s a fun fact: according to recent census data on pets, almost 46 million households own a dog. If you and a special furry someone fall into that category, you wouldn’t dream of leaving Honeybee behind to take a job. With therapy job benefits tailored to your specific needs—those being, especially, pets and children of all ages and sizes—this is of no concern to you; the only thing you need to worry about is finding an assignment that meets your pet lover’s criteria.

If you haven’t heard of DogFriendly.com, you need to visit the site and bookmark it immediately; it provides highway guides, rest stop and park reviews, outdoor dining info and more—all with dog accompanied travelers in mind.

Top dogs in pet related businesses recommend the following geographical criteria for raising a happy pooch:

• The city should be welcoming of dogs on public transportation
• The city should not unreasonably regulate dogs if they are leashed
• The city should have a wide variety of vets to choose from
• The city should feature parks, open to the public and ideal for dogs to roam

In a feature article by Forbes Magazine entitled: In Pictures: America’s Most Pet Friendly Cities, physical therapists with dogs will be inspired to check out Colorado Springs, touted by Forbes as the best place in America to enjoy your pets.

PTs, who just happen to be traveling with their dogs, might also try Seattle Physical Therapy jobs since The Emerald City, as the Washington city is known, offers dog-walking parks galore. Have fun “sniffing around” the possibilities!

How to Train for a Marathon - Valuable Tips from a Physical Therapist

Author Ellen Bloome - PT | 01.19.2010 | Category Allied Healthcare, Ellen Bloome-PT, How to Tips, Therapist Jobs, Therapy Jobs, Top Rehab Careers, Travel Therapist, Traveling Therapist, physical therapy, rehabilitation therapy

As a marathoner and a Physical Therapist, I would like to share some tips for training and conditioning for a first marathon…

First, it’s a good idea build up to being able to run 15-25 miles a week…(that’s running 3 -5 days) before beginning your marathon training program. If you already run 2 -3 miles a day, you have the basis to start preparing for your first marathon!

This base is important both physically and psychologically, because you can anticipate about 18 weeks of training. Here’s a a god tip: follow the ten percent rule for mileage building. Increasing your weekly mileage more than 10% from the previous week can cause injury and lead to burnout. So if you begin your program running 3.0 miles, 3-5 times a week, week 2 you might increase that to 3.3 miles each day you run. Week 3 would be 3.63 per day and so on.

To find more marathon training tips and to connect with other expert runners interested in running marathons go to www.runningtimes.com

4  Tips from a Physical Therapist & Avid Runner that focus the Mental Preparation:

1. Setting an appropriate time goal is important. Training at goal pace is the best way to run that pace in the latter part of your training. Most first time marathoners are looking to finish the race and enjoy the journey. Setting an unattainable goal will render that journey disappointing.
2. Visualization; another excellent tool. You can see the finish line, or what you will be feeling at mile 20… When you are out on the course, that déjà-vu helps! There is comfort in familiarity.
3. Joining a marathon training group will give you specific guidance from seasoned marathoners, and having a social peer group will increase the likelihood that you won’t skip those long runs……
4. Finally, and possibly most importantly…determination and discipline are part and parcel to successful training and performance. Be sure to bring them along as you lace up those running shoes.

If you have additional comments or suggestions, we would love to hear them! Running for fun and fitness is fantastic by itself and also a popular means to enjoy travel therapy jobs no matter where you are currently working!

Happy Running!

Top Rehab Jobs in 2009

Author Healthcare Jobs Blogger | 01.08.2010 | Category Allied Healthcare, Occupational Therapy, Therapist Jobs, Therapy Jobs, Top Rehab Careers, Travel Therapist, Traveling Therapist, physical therapist licensing, physical therapy, rehabilitation therapy

Travel Physical Therapy Jobs Earn 35% more Take Home Pay

While the national unemployment rate increased from 7% to 10% in 2009, employment opportunities in allied health careers continued to rise and are projected to increase by at least 20% before 2018. Pay rates for travel Physical Therapy Jobs have never been better.

The salaries and availabilities of rehab jobs depend on the particular type of therapy and on the job setting (hospital, in-home, clinic, etc.). The median salaries permanent full time positions for occupational therapists and physical therapists are $66,000 and $72,000, respectively.

Travel therapists, however, can earn significantly more than the national average.

Therapists working in travel rehab jobs generally take home over 35% more than those in permanent full-time positions. Travel therapists also earn great therapy job benefits, including free private housing and free continuing education classes. Travel rehab jobs are available throughout the country, but the most popular positions for 2009 were respiratory therapy jobs in New York, physical therapy jobs in Arizona and New Mexico, and occupational therapy jobs in Missouri.

Physical therapy is perhaps the most well-known of the rehab jobs. Licensure requirements for physical therapists can be difficult; most states now require a doctoral degree and passing scores on both national and state exams, as well as a number of continuing education credits. Once licensed, however, physical therapists diagnose and treat individuals of all ages to reduce pain and restore function and mobility after any number of illnesses and injuries, from fractures and sprains to strokes and multiple sclerosis. The majority of physical therapy jobs, as with most rehab jobs, are found in hospitals and private physician practices, but jobs are also available in outpatient clinics, nursing homes, schools, and private homes.

Physical therapists often work closely with occupational therapists, who help patients to improve their day-to-day lives by increasing their ability to perform particular functions, from dressing, eating, and using wheelchairs to communicating and decision-making. Occupational therapists work with patients who have some physical, mental, or developmental condition that hinders basic motor or reasoning abilities. Occupational therapy licensure generally requires a master’s degree or higher from an accredited program, a number of supervised clinical hours, and a passing score on a national exam.

The aging baby-boom generation is driving the need for rehabilitation specialists throughout the country, and physical therapists and occupational therapists are all in high demand.

For information about these locations and other travel rehab jobs, visit Travel Force.

Does nurse scheduling software deliver the same benefits to rehab facilities?

Author Healthcare Jobs Blogger | 01.07.2010 | Category Allied Healthcare, Nursing, Therapist Jobs, rehabilitation therapy

Find out how to fill vacant PT jobs without using the high cost of temporary agency personnel.

Hospitals Report Web-Based Nurse Scheduling Software  Reduces the High Cost of Agency Staffing. In addition, self-scheduling software utilizes internal staff to boost fill rates:

Facilities of all sizes utilize web based software to fill open PT, OT, and SLP jobs. What is Web-Based Software?

It is an Internet-based platform that can be accessed from any PC or mobile Internet device. This Internet platform enables employees to self-schedule 24/7, 365 days a year and healthcare management to more effectively plan for census fluctuations, tracks documentation and provides labor analysis in real-time format.

Read more about nurse scheduling software