Healthcare Traveler - May 2008 - (Page 36)

The current economy cases, I would park my RV at my parents’ house and take the company-offered accommodations.” To make sure she gets the most enjoyment out of her time in any location, Micki plans ahead for special outings. “I pay myself first by stashing away a certain portion of each paycheck into my savings account,” she relates. “So, when I go out and do fun things, I do not feel guilty for spending.” Beneficial, as well, are the perks many staffing agencies offer their practitioners. Not only is housing provided, but there is also, typi—Denese Nelson cally, travel cost reimbursement, sign-on or completion bonuses, 401(k) accounts or retirement planning services, and health, dental, and life insurance, among others. Furthermore, travelers tend to earn higher hourly rates than many core staff members. But the best news for the healthcare travel industry is that it appears to be flourishing in spite of the national economic picture. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimates nursing jobs to grow “much faster than the average for all occupations.” More specifically, the agency predicts a 23% job growth between 2006 and 2016. The outlook is even brighter for PTs: The BLS expects a 27% growth rate for the same 10-year period. Indeed, many allied health specialists remain in high demand. “Right now, the market is such that hospitals and other facilities are willing to absorb any cost increases in order to bring in travelers,” states Denese. “Quite simply, they require the additional staff to help serve their patients’ needs.” From her point of view, Micki sees no reason to stop traveling, at least for now. “I’m looking for my ideal place to eventually settle down,” she concludes. “But until then, I plan to continue traveling because I truly love it. There are far more benefits to this lifestyle than just the mobility.” HT References to this article can be found online at www.HealthcareTraveler.com. Anne Baye Ericksen is a freelance writer based in Simi Valley, California. “Facilities are willing to absorb cost increases to bring in travelers.” Circle Career Card No. 615 36 Healthcare Traveler May 2008 www.healthcaretraveler.com http://www.HealthcareTraveler.com http://www.hsntraveler.com http://www.hsntraveler.com http://www.healthcaretraveler.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

For optimal viewing of this digital publication, please enable JavaScript and then refresh the page. If you would like to try to load the digital publication without using Flash Player detection, please click here.