History of correctional healthcare

Correctional healthcare did not exist until 1770 and was invented in England by a wealthy philanthropic healthcare former by the name of John Howard and physician John Fothergill. Louise Rene-Villerme a physician and pioneering hygienist published a study titled Des Prisons in 1820, further overhauling the public health concerns in prisons.

According to the CDC the most common healthcare problems reported by prison inmates include:

Infectious disease

• Hepatitis
• HIV/ Aids
• MRSA
• Sexually Transmitted Diseases
• Tuberculosis

Chronic Diseases

• Arthritis
• Asthma
• Cancer
• Heart Disease

Learning disabilities and mental health

The most common impaired functioning that jail inmates report is a learning impairment such as dyslexia or attention deficit disorder. Many inmates also report having been enrolled in special education classes during their youth. Approximately 8 percent of inmates state they suffered from mental health condition that kept them from fully participating in school, work, or other activities.

Pregnancy in incarcerated women

Approximately 3 to 5 percent of incarcerated women are reported to be pregnant when they go into a correctional system. Pregnancies of incarcerated women are usually high risk due to poor nutrition, limited accesses to prenatal care, domestic violence, mental illness, drug and alcohol addiction.

Transgender healthcare

During incarceration, transgender people may face a multitude of problems that may endanger their health and wellbeing. Correctional healthcare professionals must pay special attention to evaluation, screening, referral, and management of mental healthcare needs. Particular attention must be given to hormonal treatments for gender dysphoria and should follow accepted guidelines developed by professionals with specialized in transgender health.

Special attention must be paid to transgender youth who enter into the corrections system. Mental health professionals experienced in working with transgender adolescents  must review the youths current clinical stability, mental health functioning , and possible need for added mental health therapy and intervention.

Overall decreased life expectancy

For every year a person spends in the correctional system, 2 years is taken off of their lives.  With 1.8 million people locked up, mass incarceration has lowered the life expectancy of a significant portion of the human population in the United States.

Healthcare staff within the correctional system:

Physicians: a physicians role in corrections is primary care that can reach highly intensive levels. Physicians medical practice roles include internal medicine, preventative care, urgent care, emergency care, routine patient care, basic orthopedics, dermatology, minor office procedures, chronic care and end of life care. Some patient may need to be transported off site for tests, medical procedures and consultations.

According to the American College of Correctional Physicians, a physician working in corrections must be aware of and balance interests of; good solid medical practice, medical supervision, implementation of process, medical board rules, the safety and security of the facility, the individuals in the facility, and the community. A few examples of medical-custody coordination are:

• Timely access to medical
• Timely treatments and
• Medical training and supervision

Nurse Practitioners: can provide care to adolescent patients to geriatric patients within the correctional healthcare system. Nurse practitioners practice within their scope and can perform physical exams, health screenings, medication management, sick calls and pregnancy and post-partum care. Correctional NP’s are positive advocates for patients and provide education to correctional administrators, judges, caseworkers and correctional staff.

Nurses: provide direct patient care to inmates in jails and prisons. Nurses treat patients in the correctional system for a variety of ailments including emergency medical conditions, acute illness, as well as chronic medical conditions.

Correctional healthcare staff may also be involved in hunger strikes, isolation, sexual abuse, transgender, elderly release pleas, compassionate release pleas and long term involuntary psychotropic medications. All incarcerated people within the correctional system must be treated with fairness and receive comprehensive healthcare. It is the responsibility of correctional healthcare team to advocate for the healthcare needs of these individuals.

Curious about a career in Corrections Health? Try out a Locum Tenens assignment with Medcare Staffing

Medcare staffing has a variety of locum tenen assignments in corrections for physicians, nurse practitioners and nurses in a variety of different states. Click here to find out more information and speak to a recruiter today.

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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

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-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.

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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 post Addressing The Mental Health Crisis In Healthcare: 5 Facts To Consider appeared first on Medcare Staffing.

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

To contact MedCare Staffing, call 888.474.3380 or visit or website by clicking here

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“Coming together is a beginning, staying together is progress, and working together is success.” Henry Ford

It’s always best to employ patient centered teamwork and communicate this with your team so that everyone is aware of what the common goal is. An effective teamwork can immediately and positively affect patient safety and outcome. The need for effective teams is increasing due to increasing co-morbidities and increasing complexity of specialization of care. 

Team-based health care is the provision of health services to individuals, families, and/or their communities by at least two health providers who work collaboratively with patients and their caregivers—to the extent preferred by each patient – to accomplish shared goals within and across settings to achieve coordinated, high-quality care.

Organizations Core Values And Mission Statement

When you’re working a new locums gig, it’s best to educate yourself on the organizations core values and mission statement. Some clinics may have you go through an orientation process where the facilities mission statement will be discussed. In order for you to succeed and be in alignment with the organization, it’s best to incorporate these values into your daily practice.

Know Who Is Playing On Your Team

The players on your patient centered team can vary from clinic to clinic. Knowing who will be working with you and what their skillset is, will be the key to efficient patient care. Medical assistants, mental health care workers or social workers, lab services, front office staff, child life specialists, IT, security, custodial and cleaning staff are some examples of who can be playing on your team.

Some Important Questions To Ask About Your Patient Centered Team Are:

Will you be working with one medical assistant or two? Do they speak multiple languages? Are they also phlebotomists, or will you have to send patients to the lab for blood draws? It’s important to know what skills your medical assistants and what their scope of practice is in their clinic. You may have complete patient tasks that they are not permitted to do by their clinic. Mental health care workers or social workers, lab services, front office staff, child life specialists,

Fostering Patient Centered Team Dynamics

Healthcare Team dynamics are those psychological forces influencing the direction of your team’s performance and behavior. Those dynamics are created by the personalities involved and how they interact. Understanding a team’s dynamics can alert you to how successful it might be.

A healthcare team with positive group dynamics tend to have team members who trust each other. They work towards a collective decision and are held responsible for their actions. A team with good group dynamics may be constructive and productive, and it may demonstrate mutual understanding and self-corrective behavior.

Communication Is Key To A Cohesive And Successful Team

Encourage open discussions, enhancing a team culture and enthusiasm will help you to have a better day. Addressing any problems that may occur quickly as well as keeping team members alerted to any changes can avoid miscommunication. Always remember to speak to team members directly and invite them to reflect on their behavior is also a good practice to employ.

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

To contact MedCare Staffing call 888.474.3380 or visit or website by clicking here!

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Mental Health Concerns Among Healthcare Professionals

Healthcare providers have been bombarded with many mental health issues during the COVID -19 crisis. Some of these include social isolation, acute stress disorder, depression, alcohol abuse and the fear of death. These mental health concerns all add an enormous stress on the body further decreasing it’s immune response.

Those Healthcare providers who have been coming in close contact with COVID-19 patients and are potentially exposed to the virus may exhibit symptoms of PTSD due to the potential for increased illness, death and supply shortages. PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) is a chronic psychiatric illness that develops subsequent to experiencing a significant traumatic event. Studies show that those healthcare providers who have decreased social support are more susceptible to PTSD. People living with PTSD commonly start to manifest a dysregulation in the systems that regulate the stress response. This can lead to somatic inflammatory response and autoimmune diseases.

Healthcare providers tend to be selfless and put all others first. But, COVID-19 has sounded the alarms on personal health. It’s a huge wake up call for everyone to starry healthy.

Focus On Self-Assessment

As healthcare providers, we typically assess our patients before we give them a diagnosis. It’s important to take pause and complete a mini health assessment on yourself and ask yourself these questions:

1. Are you feeling overly fatigued?
2. Has your mood taken a vast shift from the normal?
3. Are you experiencing feelings of guilt, anger or shame?
4. Have you lost interest in pleasurable activities?
5. Are you having trouble sleeping and or experiencing recurrent nightmares?

If your answer was yes to any of the above, then you need to stop and listen to your body and follow these 5 important tips:

1.Improve Your Diet And Boost Your Immune System

The food and supplements you put in your body can make a dramatic difference in your mental health as well as your body’s immune response. Chronic stress will decrease your body’s immune system, further making you susceptible to disease. Decreasing caffeine and alcohol intake will decrease your inflammatory response helping your immune system to function better.

Increase vitamin C through citrus fruits or supplements (75 mg/day for women 90 mg/ day for men). Eat a diet rich with foods like broccoli, bell peppers, garlic, ginger, spinach almonds, papaya, kiwi, poultry and shell fish. Decrease complex carbohydrates as well as limiting refined sugars. Getting enough vitamin D through diet and or sunlight is also important to mental health as low levels can cause depression, problems losing weight and bone loss. Supplementing with Zinc will boost your immune system and help fight of colds.

2. Exercise and Meditate

Another thing we take for granted is exercise. COVID-19 has shut down many gyms and exercise facilities around the country, but simple activities like walking, swimming, dancing and jumping rope can help boost your mood as well as keep the extra weight off. Meditating for 10-15 minutes a day is a great way to decrease stress as well as increasing mental focus.

3. Take Breaks While At Work

Yes, healthcare providers have a tendency of sometimes working straight through their shifts without taking any breaks. Breaks are crucial and, in many states, legally mandated for all healthcare providers. Make yourself a priority during your busy day and take a power nap or go for a walk. Make a point to get off all electronics for at least 10-15 minutes and regroup with yourself and get grounded. You’ll feel more energized and empowered to finish your day.

4. Phone A Friend

Technology has made communicating easy yet complex. Many of us quickly resort to texting when we want to communicate. But hearing someone’s voice and connecting with someone on the phone or through facetime, who will let you just vent while they simply listen can do volumes for your mental health.

When working in high stress environments, designating a friend who understands that sometimes you just need to vent and let the emotions out is key. Perhaps have a couple of designated friends that understand that you need to do this. If they are unavailable, sometimes just going to your local coffee shop, or supermarket and engaging in idle chit chat with another human being will also help. Many apps are available for mental health support as well as in person mental healthcare providers who can help you navigate through difficult situations.

5. Becoming Conscious Of Your World And Environment

It’s always best to be as conscious and aware of your present state as possible. When things get rough and or chaotic it’s a good practice to take stock of how much you have achieved in your life. Take a pause, be conscious of your surroundings, the present moment, and take a deep breath. Finding a creative outlet like painting, coloring, writing, playing music and or dancing can also help uplift your mood and disconnect from your work life.

We as humans have the ability to shift our moods and create our environments. Like Viktor Frankel wrote in ‘Mans Search For Meaning’ “Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms—to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way.” You are the master of your universe and in charge of your own health and wellbeing. It’s up to you to focus on what keeps you healthy and able to function at your highest capacity. After all, your health is in your wealth!

If you are someone you love is thinking about committing suicide, please call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline for help 1-800-273-8255.

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

To contact MedCare Staffing, call 888.474.3380 or visit or website by clicking here!

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The Centers For Disease Control (CDC) is recommending cloth face coverings for the general public as a simple barrier to protect from droplet spread from traveling in the air and onto other people. COVID-19 spreads among people who are in close contact with each other (within 6 feet). A simple surgical mask can also prevent droplet spread.

Many people in the general public are making DYI face shields (Do It Yourself) from recycled plastic bottles. But do these really work? And should our patients be wearing them?

Plastic face shields in health care are nothing new. Healthcare providers have been wearing them for many years. A study in the journal of Occupational health found that healthcare providers can inhale infectious airborne particles when a patient cough. Face shields can substantially reduce the short-term exposure to healthcare workers to large infectious aerosol particles, but smaller particles can remain airborne and flow around the face shield more easily to be inhaled. The study further recommends that face shields be used in adjunct to proper respiratory protection when needed. Face shields are generally not used alone, but in conjunction with other protective equipment like cap, mask, goggle, and are therefore classified as adjunctive personal protective equipment. 

Important Facts To Consider When Using Face Shield’s For Healthcare Providers

–Snug fit: The face shield must be snugly fitting around head without any gaps between forehead and shield. The readymade plastic bands are not tight fitting and may fall off with repeated use. Use of sponge in between forehead and face shield gives good comfort, but such face shields should be used as disposable as sterilization of sponge is incomplete.

Disposable/Reusable: Disposable face masks should be disposed of in the appropriate location. Reusable face shields must be removed carefully and disinfected with the utmost care.

Methods of handling: Never touch the front of the face shield. Remove face shield with gloved hands. Dispose along with gloves.

Methods Of Sterilization:

            1% Sodium Hypochlorite solution for minimum of 10 min.

            Drying in Sun light and cleaning with Sanitizers with gloved hands.

2% Glutaraldehyde for 10 min, wash it with normal saline, again dry it.

Healthcare Providers Who Are Testing Patients for COVID-19

Healthcare providers interacting with ill or suspected to be ill with COVID-19 patients, need professional respirators such as N95 respirators which are designed for medical use. N95 respirators fit snuggly around the face and filter air to further stop transmission of droplets from person to person. Face shields and eye goggles should also be worn.

Guidance on the use of face shields vs. face masks remains unclear. When in doubt, it’s always best to consult the hospital or facilities policies that any healthcare provider may be working at. As a rule of thumb, always err on the side of causation and protect yourself as best as possible.

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

To contact MedCare Staffing, call 888.474.3380 or visit our website by clicking here!

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As COVID 19 struck the United States, healthcare providers faced drastic changes to the healthcare system. One of those changes was the zealous takeover of telehealth. Even though many healthcare organizations were already using some type of telehealth technology prior to COVID 19, it still was quite a surprise for the majority of healthcare providers that brought on a tad bit of a technological learning curve.

Telehealth vs. Telemedicine: What’s The Difference?

One of the earliest uses of telemedicine was in 1950’s and early 1960’s when a closed-circuit television link was established as being established between the Nebraska Psychiatric Institute and Norfolk state hospital for psychiatric consultations. The Health Resources Administration defines telehealth as the use of electronic information and telecommunications technologies to support long distance clinical health care, patient and professional health related education, public health and health administration. Technologies include videoconferencing, the internet store-and-forward imaging, streaming media and wireless communications. A healthcare provider in one infrastructure uses telecommunications to deliver healthcare services to a patient typically in a rural location.

So, what’s the difference? Although both telehealth and telemedicine basically fulfill the same goals, telemedical refers specifically to remote clinical services while telehealth can refer to non-clinical services. These non-clinical services include provider training, continuing medical education, or public health education, administrative meetings, and electronic information sharing to facilitate and support assessment, diagnosis, consultation, treatment, education and care management.

Better Access To Healthcare

The main promise of telehealth is greater access to healthcare especially in the underserved populations. Currently, the 2 most common forms of technology being utilized in telehealth are telephone communications and video communications.  There is a widespread belief that healthcare costs can be reduced, while improving patient healthcare outcomes. Telehealth allows for better 2-way communication with healthcare providers.

The Real World Of Telehealth

“I’ve seen it all now. Telehealth patient smoked on a visit today and last week a lady sipped a cocktail,” stated a Family Nurse Practitioner in a recent Nurse Practitioner Facebook forum. Many Nurse Practitioners were sharing their telemedicine stories on various forums as telehealth made its COVID-19 debut. Some stories were quite comical while others incredibly insightful.

“I was visiting with a patient who had uncontrolled Diabetes Mellitus for years. I noticed a box of cornstarch on an end table in the living room as I was having a tele visit with her,” remarked a nurse practitioner on the Facebook forum. “I assumed she had a rash, so I asked her about the cornstarch. ‘Oh that? That’s my snack!’ she said. I further found out that she has been eating 3-4 boxes of cornstarch a day for more than 25 years.”

Hidden gems that can potentially save a persons life like these may go unseen in a normal day to day clinical setting. Telehealth captures patients in their natural habitat, most likely their home environment where they feel comfortable to be themselves. In a sense it’s like watching a reality TV show, which may lead healthcare practitioners to better understand their patients and detect interesting answers to complex problems.

The Pros And Cons

The benefits to telehealth are many. In the past there were several barriers to telehealth such as licensing and reimbursement.  On March 17, 2020, the Health and Human Services Office of Civil Rights stated that no penalties would be imposed for the good faith provision of telemedicine during the COVID‐19 public health emergency, even if the technologies used may not fully comply with HIPAA requirements. The CMS announced on April 30, 2020, it would temporarily increase payments for telephone visits to match in‐person and video visits. Barriers to interstate licensure have largely been lifted. Most states have momentarily waived interstate licensure requirements. Other states have allowed rapid provision of medical licensure during the current public health emergency.

 Some Other Pros Include:

-Lower transportation costs for patients in rural areas

-Reduce worker absences

-Improve access to specialty care

-Decrease office no shows for office providers

-Better patient outcomes

 A few important ‘cons’ to consider:

-Technical training and equipment: Some patients may not have access to telehealth services. Also, there is a technology learning curve to be addressed with both patients and providers.

-Time and Costs: It takes time for providers to learn different forms of technology as well restructuring IT support as well as purchasing equipment.

-Accessibility to patient records, privacy and continuity of care: Patient privacy must be given thoughtful consideration with telehealth.

-Fewer in person visits: The human one to one in person connection may be lost. Also, vulnerable patients with no access to technology may be left behind.

-Healthcare laws, licensing, credentialing and reimbursement: Although many restrictions that were in place before the emergency COVIID19 pandemic cleared much of the red tape that these issues brought into telehealth, all providers need to be aware of them in future as things shift.

It might take some getting used to, but it looks like telehealth is here to stay and the new ‘normal.’ A tip for health care providers using new technology for the first time is to keep an open mind when using telehealth, and not be so hard on yourself. It’s easy to get frustrated with new technology. Remember, with everything new, comes a learning curve. Keep in mind you are experiencing new territories and getting a better picture of your patients natural environment. Those natural environments and the hidden treasures that they hold, can actually help you save their lives and make a you a better healthcare provider.  

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

To contact MedCare Staffing, call 888.474.3380 or visit or website by clicking here!

Ersilia Pompilio RN, MSN, PNP

References

The post Telehealth Boom, What All Health Care Providers Need To Know To Survive appeared first on Medcare Staffing.

What is Locum Tenens?

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.

Locums providers are employed by private agencies. Working as a locums offers many opportunities to experience working in a variety of environments and specialties which may include for-profit agencies, academic health centers, state agencies, federal sites such as the Indian Health Service, individual hospitals, and or international staffing companies.

Are you a new physician not sure what area to work in? Or an Advanced Healthcare Provider looking for a change of scenery? Do you want to travel and work in a diverse area in your state or try a new state? Are you a provider who is ready to semi retire but would like to still maintain some kind of professional practice? Locum tenens may just be your sweetest gig!

Locum tenens work offers a broad range of experiences. Flexibility is also a desirable advantage. This ‘gig’ can fulfill your career and economic goals. It offers short term assignments as well as long term assignments that can lead to permanent placement is so desired. If you are looking for a healthier more controllable lifestyle, locum tenen is your gig.

What is Locum Tenens?

 Locums may open up many career opportunities you never thought were possible. The gig can lead you to bigger and better career journey with an opportunity. You can meet interesting patients, learn about local culture, see how practices are organized, learn adaptability, and broaden clinical skills.

As a provider, you may be approaches by your facility for a more long term assignment that can turn permanent. It’s best to evaluate what type of lifestyle you are looking for? If you are just looking to make extra money on a short-term assignment or an opportunity into something more long term. Those are all possibilities. It’s best to communicate your availability and career goals with your locums recruiter and facility you may be assigned to.

A long-term repeat assignment may offer you creative ways to contribute that may benefit both you and the facility you are working assigned to. It’s best to evaluate your personal career goals as well as family obligations.

Credentialing

Credentialing is the process of assessing the academic qualifications and clinical practice history of a healthcare provider. Any licensed, independent, healthcare professional who has been permitted by law and regulated by a licensing organization to provide services and care without supervision or direction within the scope of the individual’s license needs to be credentialed.

While every state has unique laws regarding medical practice, simply having a license in a healthcare profession does not mean one can start doing anything they want. For example, an advanced nurse practitioner cannot independently start to prescribe medications, or a family physician cannot begin inserting central lines. Even independent nurse practitioners have to follow specific rules, and in certain states, they work under a physician. Simply being licensed does not mean the healthcare professional is at liberty to perform all types of clinical services.

Locum Tenens have in house licensing teams that will professionally walk you through the credentialing process. They do all the work for you and send all your appropriate credentials to specific licensing boards. They may also proactively license you for assignments paying the state fees.

Work-Vacay

Always wanted to travel and get paid for it? Locum Tenens can also be considered paid 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.

All Roses Have Thorns

While working locum tenens may seem all roses, there are some ‘thorns’ to consider. Various assignments may have you learn new EMR (Electronic Medical Records) programs. The facility may offer you a training period to learn their system. Each facility may have a different credentialing process. You may have to undergo drug testing, and physical exams for each new facility you are assigned too.  Flexibility is key when working for locum tenens.

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. It just might be your sweetest gig!

Ersilia Pompilio RN, MSN, PNP

References

The post Can Locum Tenens Be Your Sweetest Gig in Healthcare? appeared first on Medcare Staffing.