Healthcare Traveler - May 2008 - (Page 28)

The current economy With such significant changes over a relatively short period, it is no wonder Americans are holding their breath to see what will happen next at the pumps. A recent national survey conducted for Parade magazine revealed that the price of fuel tops the list of people’s financial concerns (39%). Their worry appears to be well placed as industry analysts predict summer travel demands will drive the prices up even further. Paying off gas costs. For those who drive long distances due to work commitments, like healthcare travelers, the price at the pump is a much bigger deal. —Micki Marsh, RN Micki Marsh, RN, knows this firsthand.“For the past 21∕2 years, I have been driving a 38-foot motor home to each of my assignments, and diesel fuel prices have consistently gone up,” she reports. “In fact, they have reached exorbitant levels.” AAA reports the average diesel price has risen more than $1.17 since last year, with New Yorkers recently paying $4.44 a gallon. Micki began her nursing career 13 years ago, and it was at her full-time job that she encountered a respiratory therapist who told her about the travel lifestyle. Instead of accepting a traditional 13-week contract, however, Micki, the therapist, and the therapist’s wife all took off for the Middle East. “I was part of a private contract serving a hospital in Saudi Arabia,” she explains.“I was there for 2 years, and what I learned is that I really love traveling. I thought, Why not come back to the States and travel in my own country?” That is exactly what Micki did. Since 2002, the nurse traveler has made stops in Washington, California, Arizona, Nevada, Tennessee, and North Carolina. And she just wrapped up an assignment at St. Anthony’s Medical Center in St. Louis, Missouri. For the majority of her mobile career, she has worked with HRN Services Inc., a staffing company located in Beverly Hills, California. The reason Micki has opted to tote her home to each locale instead of accepting the companyprovided housing is simply out of preference. “All of my things go with me everywhere,” she says.“I do not have to worry about someone in the apartment “I tend to select opportunities that are on the higher end of the pay scale.” Circle Career Card No. 606 http://www.bridgestaffing.com http://www.bridgestaffing.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Healthcare Traveler - May 2008

Healthcare Traveler - May 2008 Editor's Desk Contents In a Flash Paws for Thought Field Notes Cardiac Care at the Heart of Many Travelers Careers The Current Economy Clinical Tips Drug Update On Assignment Name It When In Advertisers' Index Good for You Tax Facts Big Deals Contest Rules Starter's Kit Going the Distance Tales from the Road Allied Corner Classifieds

Healthcare Traveler - May 2008

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