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Pain. That’s usually the first thought that pops into your mind when you think about going to see a Dentist. The second thing you might be thinking about is the shrill noise a drill makes right before it enters your mouth. And of course, the thought of needles comes next!

Dentists get a bad rap based on what typically happens during a normal dental checkup.

Unfortunately, a recent study conducted by New York University discovered that more than half of all the dentists surveyed stated they had experienced physical and or verbal abuse in their careers from patients. The study from the NYU college of Dentistry concluded that 55 percent of dentists were victims of verbal aggression from their patients in the last year. One in four of those dentists surveyed, experienced physical aggression from an irate patient.

“Workplace violence toward healthcare professionals is both widespread and widely overlooked,” said Kimberly Rhoades, a research scientist in the Family Translational Research Group at NYU College of Dentistry and the study’s lead author. “The purpose of this study was to provide an initial estimate of rates of patient aggression in dental practices in the United States.”

Rhoades and her colleagues surveyed 98 dentists practicing in the New York City metropolitan area; the dentists had been working an average of 17 years. Participants completed a confidential online survey assessing whether they had experienced any of 21 specific types of aggressive behaviors from their patients, including types of physical (e.g. being pushed or kicked), verbal (e.g. being insulted or sworn at), and reputational (e.g. threats of lawsuits or posting nasty comments on social media) aggression.

The study further discovered that the increased rates of aggression found in the study results did not differ by sex, race, ethnicity, specialty, age, years in practice or average number of patients seen and treated on a daily basis. Although, researchers did note that there was less aggression towards a trained dentist than towards dental students. Experienced professional received significantly less verbal abuse 55percent compared to 86 percent.

Violence in the healthcare workplace is a serious problem.

As a healthcare provider, you would never think your patient would want to harm you, but it happens. Workplace violence in healthcare is a growing problem. In 2018, workplace violence due to intentional injuries by other persons accounted for 2 percent of the 900,380 total nonfatal occupational injuries or illnesses in which required a leave of absence from their place of employment. The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics states that 73 percent of all nonfatal workplace injuries due to violence were experienced by healthcare workers in 2018.

Homicide is the most extreme form of healthcare workplace violence. It’s the third leading cause of an. Occupational injury that is fatal. In 2000, there were 11 percent of the total 5,915 fatal work injuries in the United States. The cause of these homicides is attributed to the environmental conditions experienced in these locations. 

The United States Occupational and Safety Administration (OSHA) has identified the following risk factors that increase a healthcare workers risk for assault as identified by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) which include:

• Regular contact with the public
• Money exchange
• Delivery of goods and services
• Mobile workplace such as an ambulance
• Working alone or in small numbers
• Working late night
• Working with unstable or volatile patients
• Working in areas with a high crime rate
• Working in a community setting
• Guarding valuable possessions and or property

It’s true, people are afraid to go see a dentist

A recent survey found that 62% of adults stated that they were too scared to even walk into a dentist’s office. The survey also stated that millennials were more likely to come up with excuses to avoid going to see a dentist for a regular checkup than people over the age of 55.

Anxiety experienced by patients

Understanding that aggression can be experienced by dentists on a normal dental visit with a patient is the first step in developing interventions to prevent aggressive behavior in a dental practice.

5 tips to keep Dentists and Healthcare workers safe when dealing with anxious patients

1. Identify dental phobic patients: having the patient express to the dentist that they have anxiety is beneficial. The dentist should keep in mind both subjective and objective evaluations in order to work with the patient to establish a more relaxed mood. Having a calm and uninterrupted interview before any dental procedures could prove to be beneficial to both dentists and patient.

• Anxiety questionnaires: Based on these questionnaires, patients can be categorized as mildly anxious, moderately anxious, and extremely anxious or dental-phobic. This can help both the dentists and patient identify how to combat feelings of anxiety in order to have a less stressful experience as well as a positive outcome.

• Dental office environment: A patient can experience anxiety by just walking into a denial office. Receptionists, dental nurses, and dental hygienists are crucial personnel in creating an atmosphere in the dental office. Kind and courteous staff can decrease anxiety and provide a nurturing environment. Introducing pleasant ambient odors in the dental environment can reduce anxiety. Smells trigger emotions and can negatively condition a patient toward going to have a dental procedure done. Inhalation of pleasant scents like essential oils improves mood.

Shapiro et al adapted a “Snoezelen” dental environment for pediatric patients comprised of dimmed lighting, soothing music, and a special Velcro butterfly vest that hugs the child, providing a calming, deep-pressure sensation. Typical children and those with developmental disabilities have been shown to benefit by this SDE, as behavioral and psychophysiological measures of relaxation improved significantly in the SDE compared with a conventional dental environment.

• Behavioral contracts: Contractual agreements signed by the dentists and patient can set specific guidelines regarding how the patient will be treated or continue to receive treatment may help set up standards to protect both patient and dentist. Contracts should be specific in order to allow for action taken by the practice and staff to be sufficiently supported.

• Refusal or discontinuation of treatment: It’s ok to “fire” your patient and refuse to see them due to noncompliant, poor and aggressive behavior. If you have tried all of the above tips in order to ensure a safe environment for you, and your staff, and still your patient decides to behave badly, then it’s time to let them go.

Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) can be found in operating rooms, intensive care units (ICU’s), Obstetric centers and or ambulatory surgery centers. They are advanced practice nurses who administer anesthesia and various other medications safely to over 50 million patients a year. Many CRNA’s practice autonomously or in teams depending on state regulations.

History of CRNA’s

For over 150 years Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNA’s) have been putting people to sleep in the United States. The Anesthesia care in the U.S. was mainly provided by trained nurses supervised by surgeons until anesthesiology was developed as a medical specialty.

 Nurses first gave anesthesia in the Civil War while they were caring for wounded soldiers. Surgeons sought out nurses to give anesthesia due to the high morbidity and mortality rates they were experiencing during surgery. In 1877, Sister Mary Bernard became the first nurse to specialize in anesthesia at St. Vincent’s Hospital in Erie Pennsylvania.

The first CRNA known as “the mother of anesthesia” was Alice Magaw in 1893. The title was given to her by Dr. Charles Mayo due to Mary’s magnificent mastery of “open drop ether.” She founded the first CRNA program 1909 by  at St Vincent’s hospital in Portland Oregon. Originally, it was a course consisting of 6 months that focused on relevant anatomy, physiology and anesthetics.

Since World War I, nurses were the principal providers of anesthesia during surgical procedures. CRNAs have been wounded in military combat, have been prisoners of war and died for their country. There are even 2 names of CRNA’s engraved on the Vietnam War Memorial 1^st Lts. Kenneth R. Shoemaker, Jr., and Jerome Olmstead. Several CRNA’s also served as chiefs in the Nurse Army Corp during the Vietnam War.

 Agatha Hodgins founded the National Association of Nurse Anesthetists on 1931 in Cleveland Ohio. The first certification exam for CRNA’s was administered in 1945.

Safety stats

CRNAS were found to be the most cost effective sole anesthesia provider in the model of anesthesia delivery with no measurable difference in the quality of care per a study in the Journal of Nursing Economics. There are many studies that have also found no difference in care between nurse anesthetists and physician anesthesiologists according to a literature review by the Cochrane Collaboration. A recent study in Medical Care (June 2016) noted there was no measurable impact in anesthesia complications exhibited by CRNAs scope of practice or practice restrictions.

Reimbursement rights

It wasn’t until 1986 that CRNAs became the first nursing specialty granted direct reimbursement rights from Medicare. U.S. Congress passed a legislation in 2020 that prohibits health plans from discrimination against qualified licensed healthcare professionals which include CRNAs and other non-physician healthcare providers.

Supervision Opt-Out

The federal physician supervision rule for CRNAs was changed in 2001 by CMS. State governors are allowed to opt-out of the facility reimbursement requirement used by surgery centers and ambulatory surgery centers by meeting the following criteria

1. Consult the state boards of medicine and nursing about issues related to access to and quality of anesthesia services in the states.
2. Determine that opting out is consistent with state law
3. Determine that opting out ids in the best interest of the state’s citizens.

Which states have opted-out?

Approximately 19 states including Guam have opted-out of the federal physician supervision  requirement. These states include Arizona, Oklahoma, Iowa, Nebraska, Idaho, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Kansas, North Dakota, Washington, Alaska, Oregon, Montana, South Dakota, Wisconsin, California, Colorado, and Kentucky. However, due to the COVID-19 crisis in 2020, CMS suspended the supervision of CRNA’s in order to further increase the U.S. healthcare delivery system. A January 2021 CMS reports from the COVID-19 crisis stated that CRNAs were among the top 20 specialties that served the most beneficiaries in non-telehealth care between March 2020 and June 2020.

What does it take to be a CRNA?

Today all 50 states in the U.S. utilize CRNAs. CRNA programs take into account the complex matter of providing anesthesia care and the curriculum that is necessary for nurse anesthetists. In order to practice, CRNAs must hold a master’s degree in nursing, but more employers are preferring those who hold a doctorate of nursing practice (DNP) degree with national certification. On average, registered nurses entering nurse anesthesia programs have been in practice for approximately 2.9 years.

On average, graduates of nurse anesthesia programs complete 9369 hours of clinical experience which included 733 hours during the baccalaureate nursing program, 6032 hours as a critical care registered nurse, and 2604 hours during their nurse anesthesia program. Various CRNAs pursue a fellowship program specializing in pain management

Average CRNA salary

Between 2019 and 2029 the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a 45 percent job growth for CRNA’s. CRNAs are the highest nursing profession with an average mean salary of $189, 190.00 per year.

Employ a CRNA today

CRNAs can be considered one of the most trusted professions per Gallup poll results. Places like rural America benefit from CRNAs due to their cost savings and reimbursements as compared to employing an anesthesiologist. Many locum Tenens employ CRNAs to work in various areas around the U.S. and offer the benefits of work travel opportunities.

If you are a CRNA looking for Locum Tenens opportunities or a healthcare facility looking to employ a CRNA please contact a recruiter at Medcare Staffing.

The hardest thing in the world to understand is the income tax.

-Albert Einstein

Tax season is here. It can be an overwhelming time for many healthcare providers. Especially if you are a private contracted employee.

Taxes are the biggest expense of your life

At one point in time, almost every healthcare provider in the United States has worked under a W2 status. Your employer took care of all your tax deductions and those included: state income tax, federal income tax, and social security tax. On pay day, you’d see a huge portion of your wages going to the taxman and you were left with some scraps.

Healthcare providers employed by a locum tenens agency are usually characterized as ‘independent contractors’ and will file their taxes under a 1099 status. Basically, no taxes are deducted from your paycheck by your employer. But that doesn’t mean you get to hit your favorite shoe store or casino on pay day. You still gotta pay Uncle Sam!

The Power of the 1099 status

Lowering your tax bill as much as possible ‘legally’ is the name of the game when it comes to filing your taxes as a 1099 status. Once you categorize yourself as an independent contractor under a 1099 status, you are still responsible for paying taxes at the end of the year. If you don’t plan accordingly, your tax bill at the end of the year can be a total shocker.

How can I lower what owe Uncle Sam every year?

Pure and simple, register yourself as a Limited Liability Company (LLC) and have your checks made out to your LLC instead of to you directly. An LLC is a business structure whereby the business owners are not personally liable for the company’s debts or liabilities. LLC’s are hybrid entities that combine the characteristics of a corporation with those of a partnership or a sole proprietorship.

LLC’s are incredibly popular. They provide the same liability as a corporation but are easier and much more cost efficient to run. Your LLC business is responsible for covering all expenses for running it.

 What can you deduct as an LLC?

• Rental space or home office: a portion of your home mortgage can be deducted.
• Charitable giving
• Professional liability insurance
• Tangible property: property purchased for the LLC’s use
• Professional expenses: this includes professional licenses, engaging in professional development such as professional journals
• Meals and entertainment: half of the cost of meals and entertainment related to prospective business with customers. Meals with employees are deducted in full.
• Independent contractors: can be deducted in full.
• Automobile expenses, gas and mileage
• Travel for business
• Interest: if you use a credit card for your business expenses and purchases, the interest acquired can be deducted.
• Equipment
• Taxes incurred in business operations
• Advertising and promotion
• Office supplies
• Parking and meters
• Postage
• Education: this includes CE’s, CME’s and conferences.

How to start an LLC

There are several different ways to start an LLC. You can pay a third party like Legal zoom to do it for you. There are also various online companies that can offer you this service. It’s a simple process, you choose a name and pay a fee.

You can also start an LLC on your own. Go to your home states secretary of state’s website, create and account and fill out the allotted forms. Articles or organization can be provided to you with in 24-48 hours

The Pros of filing as a 1099 and starting your own LLC

An article published on the website EliteNP states “ a self-directed IRA or a 401k paid for by your company can result in significant retirement savings. The maximum contribution to a self-directed 401k is $56,000 a year compared to $18,500 for the W2 employee. This lowers your

taxable income.” 

The Cons of starting an LLC

Profits are subject to social security and Medicare taxes. In some cases, the owner of an LLC may pay an increased amount of taxed than owners of a corporation. Salaries and profits of an LLC are subject to self-employment taxes which are equal to 15.3 percent.

Putting money aside for tax time

Ideally, if you are a 1099 private contractor and starting an LLC, you will want to put money aside to that when tax day rolls around, you are adequately prepared. Approximately 30 to 40 percent of your income should be set aside.

Side gigs will help

Providing another service under your LLC will help you get the most benefits. For example, you can provide consulting services, be a freelance writer, or open up a travel business and see a few clients per month. You are more than just a private contractor; you are a legitimate business.

Perhaps Benjamin Franklin said it best, “nothing is certain in this world except death and taxes.” Understanding what your tax benefits when working as a healthcare provider and categorized as private contractor who is filing your taxes under a 1099 status is key to success. The savings benefits of starting your own LLC with the addition of side businesses in the end will prove to be satisfactory.

These days the healthcare industry has left many healthcare professionals contemplating their careers. Locum tenens work offers healthcare providers tremendous career alternatives. Whether you are seeking to transition into early retirement, moonlighting to test the waters in a new organization, or just exploring new healthcare opportunities, Locum Tenen’s work can breathe fresh air into your healthcare practice.

What Is Locum Tenens?

Locum tenems in Latin means place holder. A locum tenen’s healthcare provider is a person who temporarily fulfills the space of another. Many organizations like hospitals, Federally Qualified Healthcare Centers (FQHC), Dental clinics, and Urgent Care Centers employ locum tenem’s healthcare professionals.

Doctors, Dentists, Nurse Practitioners, Certified Nurse Anesthetists, Nurses and Physician assistants can all be employed by locum tenens agencies.

Perks of Working Locum Tenems

Locum Tenens companies offer healthcare professionals many benefits. Some of these include:

• Travel: Who doesn’t love a work-vacay? The best part about working for a locums company for most healthcare professionals is the opportunity to travel. Locum tenens companies have assignments in various locations across the country. A change of scenery can work wonders for your career and perhaps help you breathe new life into your practice.
• Better Flexibility: Healthcare professionals have more control over their workload assignments. They have the autonomy controlling their work schedules and tailoring it to their personal needs.
• Trying out new workplaces: It’s kind of like dipping your toe in the pool to test the waters temperature without the full-time commitment. The organization can also see if your personality fits their culture.
• Greater compensation: Healthcare professionals may have a greater earning potential working through a locum tenens agencies. Though agency rates and salary compensations may vary from state to state.
• Less administrative responsibilities: Locums work is temporary and for many this means less administrative responsibilities like teaching, taking call time, and paperwork.

. Locum tenens can be a great way to slowly ease into retirement for many healthcare providers without the fulltime work responsibilities.

NALTO: National Association Of Locum Tenems Organization

Although many locum tenem businesses are independtly owned and operated, NALTO, National Association Of Locum Tenems Organization was created in 2001 to enforce strong industry standards and practices for the locum tenens healthcare professionals. NALTO’s main goal is to set clear and effective parameters of behavior for all individuals affected by the industry, including both healthcare professionals and clients.

Locum Tenens agencies, who are affilitated with NALTO will strive to protect the integrity of their relationships with phycians by completly disclosing information relevant to the healthcare provider, requesting permission before distributing a CV, and striving to maintain strong relationships with a large network of clients.

Choosing A Locum Tenems Firm

In today’s healthcare landscape, there are thousands of locum tenens companies to choose from. So, how do you pick the right company without getting overwhelmed? NALTO has these suggestions that can be helpfull when picking a locum tenens company that provides the right fit. These include:

1. NALTO affiliation? Due to all members having to follow and ethical code, you can rest assured that these companies follow the highest standards of service.
2. Malpractice insurance coverage? Does the company cover the healthcare professional and are they concerned if you carry your own coverage?
3. Can the company pay their employees on a regular basis? Does the company have the financial resources to do so?
4. How accessible is your recruitment representative? Are they available to answer your questions and help you through the locum tenes process?
5. Will the locum tenems company be taking care of all your sign on details which include: licensure, credentialing, hospital privileges, proper travel and housing arrangements? 

Best Practices

NALTO enforces ‘best practices’ for all their affiliated Locum Tenen’s organizations which include:

• Obtaining signed contracts and fee agreements before CV’s are submitted for considerations.
• Healthcare workers permission must be requested before submission of CV
• Seek to resolve disputes between companies with minimal involvement from healthcare workers.
• Honor all contract agreements with clients and maintain communication
• Represent all client agreements and opportunities accurately and completely.

Furthermore NALTO offers standards of practice for both clients and healthcare providers to ensure the best possible business relationship. Clients and physicians should:

• Agreements and contracts with locum tenem companies should be honored and other forms of communication from companies where no formal working agreement exists should be rejected.
• Keep good records of all communication
• Communicate to the locum tenems company any changes in intention and or search criteria
• Respond promptly to communications from the locum tenens company
• Report any violation or infraction of the NALTO code of ethics.

COVID-19 has exasperated the healthcare workforce at many healthcare organizations. Locum tenens offers a fresh alternative for healthcare organizations to replenish their workforce. Healthcare professionals can also explore locum tenems work as a way to take break from their regular healthcare employment or as an alternative to extra income

“There is only one happiness in this world, to love and to be loved”

-George Sand

Love, it’s the thing that sells greeting cards and chocolates. It’s the stuff that ‘rom com’s are made of. But, is love really something stupid or can it actually save your life? Does being in love make you a healthier human?

It All Starts In Adolescence

Who doesn’t remember their first crush and or first love interest? The swirls of dopamine serotonin and oxytocin putting you in that first crush love high. Studies show that romantic relationships and experiences are important in development and social bonding.

 By middle adolescents, most boys and girls have been involved in one romantic relationship. Positive relationships experienced in adolescents with strong emotional bonding are vital in the development of romantic relationships. Although, there are studies that suggest there’s a greater chance for depressive issues in adolescents who are in romantic relationships.

Blinded By Love And Science

 An abundance of scientific evidence exists to prove that social relationships have significant effects on the human body. Various studies  have found that people who have low levels of social interactions are more likely to die than those who have greater social interactions. The risk of death in these studies amongst men and women with the fewest social ties were more than twice as high than the risk for adults with more social ties. Morbidity and mortality rates among married people are lower than those who are unmarried. Unmarried people were found to be at greater risk of heart attacks, cancer, and surgical procedures.

Heart Health and Love

The saying is true, “happy wife, happy life.” A 2013 study conducted by the University of Michigan found that women who were in happy marriages had lower risks of heart disease. Studies have also shown that couples in happy relationships had lower blood pressure ratings.

Relationships Influence On Healthy Behaviors

When your spouse, family member or friend tells you to stop smoking or not to have that second piece of cake, they could be saving your life! Social ties influence health behaviors in people by influencing or controlling health habits. For example, a spouse may regulate or facilitate health behaviors that can improve health. In healthcare, it’s not uncommon to have a spouse or significant other influence a patient’s medication or diet regimen. Meanwhile, a study found that married couples had a 10-15 percent lower risk of dying prematurely.

Partnerships and Mental Health

Being cared for decreases anxiety. Having a supportive loving partner will of course make you feel good about yourself. A study conducted in 2017 noted that being in a relationship had a positive impact on your self-esteem.

On average, married people have better mental and physical health than single people do. It’s true, a troubled marriage can also add stress to a person’s health which can cause problems. Distressed marital relationships can lead to depression. There are studies show that depression causes multiple issues in the body related to the endocrine system, nervous system, cardiac, immune and neurocognitive systems which can lead to premature death.

Better Sleep

We all need sleep better sleep. Partners slept better alongside a loving partner who is responsive to their needs. This was noted in a study conducted in Turkey with 700 participants.

The Happiness Factor

Harvard conducted a grant study over a 75 year period. The results found that overall good relationships keep us happier. So, if you are asking yourself whether or not you should put more effort into cultivating healthier relationships, the answer is yes if you want to live a longer and healthier life.

What Healthcare Providers Should Keep In Mind

Relationships are important factors to consider when healthcare providers are completing healthcare assessment on their patients. Asking a patient if they’re have personal relationships: spouses, romantic partners, and friendships could uncover data that is pivotal in diagnosis and treatment of a patient’s healthcare issue.  COVID-19 has caused much social isolation paired with increased depression and suicide. Heart health, blood pressure and mental health can all be affected both positively and negatively by relationships and marriage.

Frontline workers and healthcare providers have felt mental health burdens on an extreme level. There’s no doubt COVID-19 has caused increased stress, doubt and fear leading to burn out. However, there is a mental illness stigma that has been identified as a barrier to access treatment and recovery.

Here Are 5 Facts You Need To Know To Improve Your Mental Health

1. Physicians Face Greater Mental Health Risks

A 2017 study found that physicians are at an increased risk for burnout  as compared to other workers in the United States. Physicians die by suicide at twice the rate of any other profession. It’s estimated that one doctor dies per day.

• Symptoms Of Stress and Workplace Burn Out

Many people may be experiencing symptoms of stress and not even be aware of it. It’s important to be conscious of your physical and mental well-being. Especially when you are taking care of patients.

The CDC reports symptoms of stress include:

• Feeling irritation, anger, or denial
• Feeling uncertain, nervous, or anxious
• Feeling helpless or powerless
• Lacking motivation
• Feeling tired, overwhelmed, or burned out
• Feeling sad or depressed
• Having trouble sleeping
• Having trouble concentrating
• Compassion Fatigue

Compassion fatigue is common amongst healthcare providers who are suffering from burn out due to mental health issues. Stress related to being exposed to a traumatized individuals further describes compassion fatigue and what many healthcare providers are experiencing during the COVID-19 crisis. The characteristics of compassion fatigue include: exhaustion, anger and irritability, negative coping behaviors including alcohol and drug abuse, reduced ability to feel sympathy and empathy, a diminished sense of enjoyment or satisfaction with work, increased absenteeism, and an impaired ability to make decisions and care for patients and/or clients. It’s important for all healthcare providers to recognize these symptoms of compassion fatigue and seek mental health services in order to destress and decompress.

• Healthy Ways To Cope With Stress

When feeling stressed out and overwhelmed it’s best to focus and bring yourself into the present moment. Deep breathing techniques, and stretching are a great way to practice being present while working in a busy healthcare environment. Meditation and Yoga can also help alleviate stress and improve mental health. Avoiding excessive alcohol and tobacco and finding healthier alternatives like walking and light exercise can also help you cope with stress and workplace burn out. Making time to unwind and getting better sleep are important techniques to practice on a daily basis.

• Telepsychiatry and Mental Healthcare Apps.

Studies suggest that healthcare providers should have regular screenings geared toward mental health evaluating for stress, depression, and anxiety by using multidisciplinary psychiatry teams. Telepsychiatry allows for greater flexibility and scheduling of mental health appointments. Many healthcare providers work odd hours which may make it difficult to seek mental health services. Mental health apps are a great alternative if you are struggling to handle your mental health on your own and are on a budget.

The COVID-19 pandemic left many Nurse Practitioners furloughed. Several NP’s lost their jobs and or temporary assignments. The surge in Registered Nursing needs in the healthcare landscape enabled several NP’s to rebound back to their RN roles.

Is going back to the bedside as an RN a wise decision?

Personally, I’ve volleyed back and forth from the NP role to the RN role in various different positions. That’s the beauty of nursing, you have lots of opportunities. Each time I went back to the RN role, I learned something valuable that I would not have learned in the NP role. At the time, I chose to make these shifts in my career, I was looking for a break from being an NP. Sometimes, I was looking for greater compensation and a better work life balance.

One of the biggest problems with rebounding your career is your ego. Your career should not define who you are. Instead, a healthy work life balance should dictate how you maneuver your life.

COVID-19 pandemic brought many opportunities.

Nurse Practitioners took advantage of the COVID-19 pandemic crisis opportunity to go back to the RN role on the frontlines. One NP reported “It was a nice break. It felt good getting overtime pay again.” Another NP stated, “I’m thankful for the opportunity to go back to bedside nursing as an RN during this COVID crisis. Although, I would not want to leave my NP hospitalist position to be an RN full time again.”

The CARES Act signed into law a 2 trillion-dollar economic relief and public healthcare package which also increased the need for more nurses at the bedside. Hospitals and staffing companies recruited nurses to work on the frontlines paired with robust salaries and accommodations. Petitions were even being circulated so that AANP (American Academy Of Nurse Practitioners) should strengthen the bedside numbers by having Nurse Practitioner’s act as bedside nurses during this crisis. Hospitals are now offering higher pay to recruit nurses due to overproduction of NP’s and RN’s leaving the bedside to pursue an NP degree.

Transitions Can Be Difficult

The transition from the RN role to the NP role can be a difficult one.  Responsibilities are greater in the Nurse Practitioner role. In some cases, you may be the main provider in your practice setting.

Changes in schedule, going from 12-hour shifts, 3 days a week to 8 hours 5 days a week may also cause conflict. Charting at home, working longer than 40 hours and not getting paid overtime are common complaints from new Nurse Practitioners. One NP in a Facebook group stated she had to take out several loans to pay for her college tuition and NP program. She further stated she felt the pay from NP to RN was the same in her state of residence. She was also having difficulty finding a job as an NP and regrated leaving the bedside.

Carpe Diem (Seize The Day)

COVID-19 brought with it a flurry of new RN positions. Some of these may include PCR testing, vaccine administration, and public health educator. The demand for ICU nurses is increasing day by day. If you find yourself furloughed, out of an NP job, or just wanting to take a break from the NP role, it’s best to call a locum Tenens recruiter and see what options are available for you.

More Doctors Are Leaving Healthcare. Could Working Locum Tenens Be The Answer To Stay In The Game?

COVID-19 has caused many people to look at their lives more closely and how they have been living them. About 25 percent of physicians are planning to retire earlier than planned as a result of their experience treating COVID-19 patients. Twelve percent are considering leaving medicine according to a Medscape report. The report also indicated that 62 percent of physicians said their income decreased since the beginning of the pandemic, with 33 percent reporting their income decreased by 11 to 25 percent. 

Doctors Having To Close And Or Sell Their Businesses

Thousands of medical practices have closed during the pandemic, according to a survey from the Physicians Foundation of America, which surveyed 3,500 physicians. The survey found that 8 percent of the doctors reported closing their offices in recent month, which the foundation estimated could equal some 16,000 practices. Another 4 percent said they planned to shutter within the next year. The Paycheck Protection Program authorized by Congress to help businesses, including medical practices, with the economic fallout of the pandemic, helped many doctors remain afloat.

Burnout And Strict Practicing Guidelines

Approximately 64 percent of physics report higher burnout since the pandemic started. Forty six percent said they are lonelier due to stay at home social distancing guidelines. Other doctors report that their reasons for leaving stem from strict practice guidelines which left them feeling constrained in their careers. Some have left their conventual physician roles in order to pursue start up ideas in healthcare.

Physician Shortages Are Predicted To Become Worse

There’s an increased number of people looking for primary care doctors after the Affordable Care Act became viable. An aging population that requires more care and more medical students choosing specialties rather than primary care are also reasons why there is a looming primary care physician shortage. A survey completed in 2015 predicts there could be a shortage of 33,000 primary care physicians by 2035.

So, what’s the solution? Several family medicine organizations have launched a long-term initiative called 25 X 2030. Leaders in this effort will work for the next 10 plus years to ensure that by 2030 25 percent of combined U.S. allopathic and osteopathic medical school seniors select family medicine as their specialty.

Could Locum Tenens Be The Answer For Doctors To Stay In The Healthcare Game?

The word “Locum” comes from the Latin term meaning ‘place holder.’ A provider working as locum tenens is a person who temporarily fulfills the obligations of another. Therefore, In healthcare, a locums provider can be employed at a hospital or community healthcare facility that may be short staffed or need temporary coverage when another provider is on leave.

Locum tenens offer a variety of diverse experiences and the opportunity to see how various healthcare systems work. Locums also offers a diverse patient population from working in inner city to working in rural farmlands. If you are a health care provider looking for a change, are open minded, adventurous and flexible, you should definitely give Locum Tenens a try.

Some locum tenens assignments could be part time or offer a short-term assignment. Perfect if you are thinking about retiring from your full-time position, but you’d like to still keep one foot in the game. Locum Tenens can also be considered the ultimate ‘Work-Vacay’ experience. It’s literally paid tourism. You can work in amazing places that offer historical and local attractions that will add to your work life balance.

The media has created a COVID-19 vaccine frenzy. There are several healthcare professionals sporting their vaccinated arms on social media. Some nurses  were caught fainting on live TV. Are PCR tests valid? How long do COVID antibodies last in the human body? Why is “Rhona” so confusing?

Here are 6 facts that you need to know about the ongoing COVID vaccines and testing:

1. COVID-19 Vaccines

Currently, there are 2 vaccines authorized and recommended for COVID-19:

            Pfizer-BioNtech COVID-19 Vaccine

            Manufacturer: Pfizer

            Type of vaccine: mRNA

            Number of shots: 2, 21 days apart

            Does not contain latex, eggs, preservatives

            Recommended for: people 16 years of age and over

            Moderna Covid-19 Vaccine

            Manufacturer: Moderna

            Type of Vaccine: mRNA

            Number of shots: 2 shots, 28 days apart

            Does not contain: Latex, eggs, preservatives

            Recommended for: people over the age of 18

• COVID-19 Vaccine Side Effects

The most common side effects for both Pfizer-BioNtech, and Moderna vaccine are pain, swelling and redness on the vaccinated site. Chills, tiredness and headache are side effects are felt throughout the rest of the body which were more commonly seen after the second dose of the vaccine. Side effects that caused hospitizations and or death were few in clinical trials.

Bell’s palsy which is a specific form of sudden weakness in one side of the face, is due to swelling of the facial nerves, which is responsible for moving many facial nerves. In the Moderna group, four individuals out of 30,000 reported facial paralysis, 3 who had received the vaccine, and one who received the placebo. Four of the 43,000 participants in the Pfizer trial developed nerve paralysis. All of these were in the vaccine arm of the trial.

• Does the COVID-19 Vaccine Cause Birth Defects Or Sterilization?

There have been rumors the vaccines cause birth defects and possible sterilization. Pfizer spokeswoman Jerica Pitts said that “It has been incorrectly suggested that COVID-19 vaccines will cause infertility because of a shared amino acid sequence in the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 and a placental protein. The sequence, however, is too short to plausibly give rise to autoimmunity.”

• Vaccination Considerations for People Who Are Pregnant And Breast Feeding

While the chances for these severe health effects are low, pregnant people with COVID-19 have an increased risk for disease, including illness that results in ICU admission, mechanical ventilation, and death compared with non-pregnant women of reproductive age. Additionally, pregnant people with COVID-19 might be at increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes, such as preterm birth, compared with pregnant women without COVID-19.

There are limited data about the safety of COVID-19 vaccines for people who are pregnant. No safety concerns were demonstrated in rats that received Moderna COVID-19 vaccine before or during pregnancy; studies of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine are ongoing. Studies in people who are pregnant are planned.

• What types of tests exist for COVID-19?

There are 2 different types of tests for COVID-19:

1. A diagnostic test can show if you have an active coronavirus infection and should take steps to quarantine or isolate yourself from others. Currently there are two types of diagnostic tests– molecular tests, such as RT-PCR tests, that detect the virus’s genetic material, and antigentests that detect specific proteins from the virus. 

• An antibody test looks for antibodies that are made by your immune system in response to a threat, such as a specific virus. Antibodies can help fight infections. Antibodies can take several days or weeks to develop after you have an infection and may stay in your blood for several weeks or more after recovery. Because of this, antibody tests should not be used to diagnose COVID-19. At this time researchers do not know if the presence of antibodies means that you are immune to in the future.

• Should You Get The COVID-19 Vaccine

Based on information from previous vaccines, experts believe that getting a COVID-19 vaccine may also help keep you from getting seriously ill even if you do get COVID-19. According to the CDC vaccines will be an integral tool in helping prevent infection and spread of the COVID-19 virus. Stopping a pandemic requires all the tools available.

COVID-19 took everyone by surprise in 2020. The global pandemic exposed many cracks in the healthcare foundation and shattered the healthcare system. Will 2021 be more of the same? What trends can healthcare providers expect and prepare for?

Here are 5 healthcare forecasts all healthcare providers can anticipate in 2021

1. The Telehealth Boom Will Continue With An Emphasis On Telemonitoring

Telehealth made its debut in 2020 in the midst of a global pandemic. Patients receive greater access to healthcare through telehealth service, especially those patients living in underserved communities. Mental health services in telehealth will increase and be more accessible to patients. According to a WHO survey, the demand for mental health services for multiple conditions such as major depressive disorder, anxiety disorder, or drug disorders, are expected to increase. From January to September 2020, the amount of people looking for assistance with anxiety increased by 93%. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, youth ages 11-17 have been more likely than any other age group to report moderate to severe symptoms of anxiety and depression. Mental healthcare demands will be a sizable driving force in this healthcare forecast supporting virtual patient-healthcare provider consultations in 2021.

Telemonitoring will continue to be a useful tool for both healthcare providers and patients. For patients with chronic illnesses, such as heart disease or diabetes, devices and apps have been developed to allow healthcare providers to “check in” on things like blood pressure, blood oxygenation, or blood sugar levels from a distance. These at-home technologies make room for potentially life-saving interventions while isolation restrictions persist.

• PPE Modernization And Shortages

As COVID-19 hit in 2020, many healthcare organizations experienced shortages with PPE’s (Personal Protective Equipment). Officials from healthcare and manufacturing industries have predicted shortages of PPE’s could persist for years without strategic government intervention. It’s up to healthcare providers and healthcare organizations to ensure personal safety in the workplace and demand for appropriate PPE’s to be provided.

Technological advances and modernization in the hands or free technology will cause more hospitals and healthcare organizations to rethink how PPE’s are used. Hands free technology can save time and valuable resources. Much PPE is wasted. Every time a healthcare provider leaves a room to communicate with a colleague or get more supplies, he or she must leave isolation, remove PPE and put on a new set to re-enter the patients room. Voice-controlled devices worn under PPE will ensure healthcare providers can communicate without interruption in care.

• Physician Shortages = More NP’s Taking The Lead

In many communities, there is a decrease in physicians and healthcare providers. Only 8 percent of physicians enter a primary-care residency, according to AANP’s (American Academy Of Nurse Practitioners) findings published in 2019.The PCP shortage can especially be seen in rural areas. At the same time, Baby Boomers are aging, and the number of those 65 and older is estimated to reach 55 million in 2021, according to AARP. 

The number of NPs in the US topped 27,000 —nearly double the number in 2010. Annually, NPs complete more than 1 billion patient visits. Currently 28 states offer nurse practitioners full practice authority. More and more states are following this healthcare forecast. The UCA predicts that staffing models relying on NPs and PAs will “predominate as the primary care physician deficit continues and more states legislate enhanced scope of practices for these advanced practice clinicians.”

• Walk In Retail Clinics And Urgent Care Centers

CVS reported a 600% surge in the use of its retail health clinics via telehealth and a big jump in home prescriptions delivery in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic. CVS operates more than 1,100 Minute Clinic Locations inside it’s CVS pharmacies and Target stores in 33 states and the District of Columbia, were big contributors to the company’s performance in the first quarter caseses of COVID-19 spread through the U.S.

In 2019, the total number of Urgent Care centers grew by 6%. According to the Urgent Care Association (UCA) there are roughly 89 million patient visits urgent care centers each year. In 2020 urgent care centers became COVID-19 testing sites as well as vaccine distribution centers and is projected to continue in 2021.

• Demand For Temporary Nurses Will Continue To Surge

There’s no doubt that the pandemic supercharged the existing nurse shortage in the United States. Nurses are always in short supply. With more cases of COVID-19 erupting and more frontline workers getting sick, the need for temporary nurses will continue to grow. Registry and Locum Tenens companies are sure to see a surge in nursing needs from healthcare facilities nationwide.

Who are we? MedCare Staffing is a small, veteran-owned, family-oriented team. We start every day with gratitude because we LOVE what we do! We are a team on a mission to make a positive difference in the lives of our clients and providers.

What we do: We place Physicians, Dentists & Advanced Practitioners in Locum Tenens, Contract Positions and Permanent Jobs

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