Healthcare Traveler - March 2009 - (Page 26)

Rural ORs “When considering assignment locations, use the expertise of your recruiter to help you find the best environment for your professional and personal wishes.” —Betty Wageman or be enhanced. “What I have noticed is that in large, metropolitan ORs, the role of a CST is very refined and you pretty much always know what your responsibilities are,” says Ron. “In smaller hospitals, you have to be more flexible, but it is rewarding. You do things you never were able to elsewhere and assist in ways you never thought you would. I have even had the chance to influence policy because I’ve learned things at other facilities that can make life easier here.” Agrees Betty, “Rural ORs face a variety of situations that are often handled by specialists in larger facilities. Clinicians in these areas will probably assume more responsibilities than their counterparts in metropolitan centers.” If that type of challenge appeals to you, then you will appreciate the fact that even in today’s tight economy, rural assignments remain plentiful. “Many states, including Alaska, Colorado, Washington, and Texas, have rural opportunities for mobile practitioners,” comments Betty. “Some assignments can also be found in smaller resort regions.” What are some of the current and future trends you can expect? “There is more surgery being done now on the outpatient level,” says Claire, “especially with laparoscopies. The patient recovery time is better than what it used to be, and the procedure is easier to perform so more cases can be seen.” Adds Ron, “In my experience, travelers strong in neuro, ortho, and open heart have been in demand recently. For the future, I would like to see techs move from certification to licensing. It would be an amazing step forward to elevate the profession.” What advice can these clinicians offer to those interested in becoming a successful traveler? “You have to have a welcoming personality,” offers Claire. “No matter your location, be willing to show others who you are and what you are capable of on the job.” Notes Ron, “You need to be flexible, competent, professional, and conscientious. Respect everyone. Mold yourself to the team that is in existence, and make their turf yours. And above all, keep your skills up, and gain experience in a variety of subspecialties so you can work in many different settings.” Should you want to try your hand at the country life, then it’s wise to determine the type of community in which you’d be the most comfortable. Do you relish a remote locale that puts you close to nature, or would you prefer a slightly larger community? “I chose my current locale,” explains Ron, “because I thought I would enjoy outdoor activities in my free time, like off-roading or skiing at Lake Tahoe or around Reno, both of which are a short drive from town. Then again, Fallon itself is a really nice place to spend time.” Observes Claire, “If you find somewhere you really like, accept an extension. If your goal is to explore new opportunities, do that. One of the good things about traveling is that you are usually only committed to 3 months, and then you can move on to the next stage in your career.” “When considering assignment locations, keep in mind that no one size fits all,” advises Betty. “Use the expertise of your recruiter to help you find the best environment for your professional goals and personal desires.” She concludes, “Traveling gives people the opportunity to explore new areas and cultures, and that is the true beauty of a mobile career.” 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. www.healthcaretraveler.com The benefits of rural ORs Increasing demand for perioperative professionals in ambulatory surgical settings, including multi- and single-specialty outpatient surgery centers Opportunities for more hours, expanded responsibilities, and atypical professional development in rural community hospitals Ability to learn new approaches to care, given the differing levels of resources and technology available Chance to encounter diverse health conditions, including agricultural accidents, and to assist with such procedures as Caesarean sections that probably would be directed elsewhere in larger facilities Different acuity levels, volume of cases, patient populations, and pace than facilities in more metropolitan areas Ability to care for appreciative patients who are more likely to be friends, neighbors, or family members of colleagues 26 Healthcare Traveler March 2009 http://www.HealthcareTraveler.com http://www.healthcaretraveler.com

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Healthcare Traveler - March 2009 Editor’s Desk Contents Paws for Thought Field Notes Company Corner In a Flash Rural ORs Balancing Act Clinical Highlights Drug Update On Assignment Cityscape Name It Tax Facts Big Deals Advertisers’ Index Going the Distance Contest Rules Allied Corner Classifieds Tales from the Road

Healthcare Traveler - March 2009

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