Healthcare Traveler - March 2009 - (Page 41)

Weekend Edition Browse through the Downtown Antique Faires from April through September. www.visitpetaluma.com Tour the wineries at the Keller Estate. www.kellerestate.com Stick around for a guided tour of Mrs. Grossman’s Sticker Factory. www.mrsgrossmans.com While the cases may not be as critical, Gail has assumed more responsibility on this assignment. She explains, “You have to be prepared to multitask and problem solve on your own at a smaller hospital. At the same time, everyone here relates like one big family, travelers included. I found it to be a nice environment and the staff to be extremely friendly.” Nor is she the only mobile clinician appointed to the OR. “I know of at least two other travelers—a certified surgical technologist and a recovery nurse,” comments Gail. “I think they brought me onboard because I was willing to accept call duty and work cases after hours. However, obstetrics call is voluntary, and I want to wait until I have handled a few procedures during regular hours before I sign up.” Interested? Circle #606 or go to www.healthcaretraveler.com/readerservice Personal time It is not all work and no play, however. In addition to spending quality time with her son, Gail has explored some of what Northern California has to offer. “The weather out here is so nice. I have driven down to Napa Valley and been to the theatre to see some shows. Also, the regional food is excellent,” she says. “And I have found a church that I like, which is important to me.” Indeed, making a connection to your temporary community is one of the keys to adjusting to the mobile lifestyle. “I think choosing cities where you have family or friends makes things easier,” offers Gail. “It just makes the experience even better. “If that is not possible, then choose a location where you can find a support network, like a religious organization or health club,” she adds. “You can meet some of the locals and make new friends.” Gail’s assignment wraps up next month, and she has yet to decide what is next for her. “I would consider extending this contract for a while,” she says. “I’m enjoying my time here, visiting with my family and earning a living at the same time. That’s a huge plus.” HT Anne Baye Ericksen is a freelance writer based in Simi Valley, California. March 2009 Healthcare Traveler 41 Interested? Circle #613 or go to www.healthcaretraveler.com/readerservice http://www.visitpetaluma.com http://www.kellerestate.com http://www.mrsgrossmans.com http://www.cirrusmedicalstaffing.com http://www.cirrusmedicalstaffing.com http://www.healthcaretraveler.com/readerservice http://www.medicalconnections.com http://www.medicalconnections.com http://www.healthcaretraveler.com/readerservice

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Healthcare Traveler - March 2009

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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