Posts

Travel Staff Deserve Better

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  Insights from a Clinical Supervisor As a Clinical Supervisor for Clinisight , LLC, I regularly speak with travelers who are on assignment and for one reason or another, they need someone to reach out to them; coach them through a difficult incident or help them weigh the pros and cons of leaving an assignment where they are being treated poorly. I hear comments almost every time I talk to a travel nurse or C.N.A that another nurse or staff member has made an unfriendly and uninformed comment about their wages. “Travelers make way more than we do”, “You’re making all the money, so you should have to take the hardest patients and earn it”. These are just examples of comments made. Sadly, many of the comments I wouldn’t put into print as they are just too unprofessional or unkind. Does a traveler making more money really mean they should be treated differently or poorly? I’ve never understood this unfriendly attitude or lack of understanding on the part of permanent staff members. T...

Individual Malpractice Insurance

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If you don’t carry your own individual malpractice insurance, I would encourage you to do so. While there are many differing opinions on malpractice insurance, the American Nurses Association (ANA) recommends all nurses and advanced practice nurses carry their own individual policies. Terri Heimann Oppenheimer from nurse.org summarizes it well: “Nursing malpractice insurance is a type of insurance that provides nurses with protection when a patient (or their personal representative) brings legal action against them. These claims generally allege negligence or omission of appropriate care that leads to some type of injury, loss, or death. Though we tend to associate malpractice claims with physicians, the truth is that professionals in almost any field can be accused of malpractice, including nurses. No matter how diligent and meticulous your level of patient care is, you could still be named in a medical malpractice lawsuit. Being the subject of a claim does not mean that you are gui...

What Is HIPAA and Are You Compliant?

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Healthcare workers deal with private patient information daily. From nursing stations and offices to exam rooms, patient bedsides and operating rooms, we are surrounded by private patient information. However, due to the focus on patient health and our constant contact with patient data, we may become desensitized to the importance of HIPAA compliance and the importance of protecting both electronic and paper documentation as well as verbal information. As a healthcare provider, it is your responsibility to know the rules of HIPPA and do everything reasonably possible to protect the privacy of patients and residents you care for. Be familiar with your facilities policies. Ask questions or visit www.hhs.gov/hipaa/index for a complete review of HIPPA rules and regulations. For nurses and other healthcare workers, discussing patient care is essential in most cases, and the potential exists for an individual’s health information to be disclosed accidentally. You may prevent this by spea...

Big Bad Wolf

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In the healthcare world, the mention of Joint Commission is not always a well-received topic of conversation. It can be met with opinions, frustration, and even fear. Like all things that hold us accountable and attempt to maintain consistency, they often take the role of the big bad wolf. But do we really have to be afraid, scared, and protect ourselves as if we were Little Red Riding Hood. Gosh, No! So, let’s be very clear about the goal of Joint Commission. Whether you are a facility providing patient care or a healthcare staffing company placing clinicians, the mission of the Joint Commission is “through leading practices, unmatched knowledge and expertise, we help organizations across the continuum of care lead the way to zero harm.” The Joint Commission is “committed to advancing safety and quality, as well as transforming health care, by encouraging, empowering, and supporting health care organizations to embrace quality improvement.” – The Joint Commission They assist faciliti...

New Nursing Licensure

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Does applying for a nursing license in a new state make you cringe? Let’s be honest, we all cringe at the thought of another application. If every state could just be part of the “Compact States,” life would be sooooo good!! Unfortunately, not all states are part of the compact states for licensure. While more states are joining the Nurse Licensure Compact, there are still 11 states that require complete applications as of this printing. There are 8 states (in green below) with pending legislation to join the compact, so cross your fingers, within a year or two, these will all be included! The process of getting your nursing license may seem complicated, time-consuming, and costly. There are different requirements in different states and not so easy to follow application directions. In general, the following applies for new applications in non-compact states. • You will need to complete the application by endorsement (if you already have a state license) or by exam if this is your fi...

“Do This When a Traveler Walks Off the Assignment Early: A Clinical Nursing Supervisor’s Perspective”

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Oh no! You walk in Monday morning to a text from one of your nurses saying they have walked off their assignment and will not be going back. What now??    In the fast-paced world of healthcare staffing , unexpected situations like this are bound to arise eventually. It is an unfortunate part of the business, but one that calls for a measured and considered response.   What do you as a recruiter say? What do you do?     First, encourage them to reconsider leaving the assignment if the issue can be resolved or mediated, as they may incur a financial penalty for leaving. Inform them that if they walk off during a shift, after accepting report on their patients, they (and their license) could be reported for patient abandonment.    Ensure that the clinician understands why walking out on an assignment is not acceptable. Take the time to find out if there were known issues; were these issues addressed? Did the recruiter follow up, and if so, what was the o...

The Crucial Path to Excellence: Why Joint Commission Certification Matters for Healthcare Staffing Companies

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In the fast-paced and dynamic world of healthcare staffing , providing top-quality professionals to healthcare facilities is paramount. Ensuring that you stand out as a reputable and dependable staffing agency is essential. One way to achieve this recognition and set yourself apart from the competition is by obtaining Joint Commission certification. In this blog post, we’ll explore why Joint Commission certification is of paramount importance for healthcare staffing companies. Demonstrates Commitment to Quality: Joint Commission certification is a symbol of your unwavering commitment to delivering high-quality healthcare staffing services . It signifies that you adhere to rigorous industry standards and continuously strive for excellence. This commitment is not only reassuring to healthcare facilities but also instills confidence in your clients and healthcare professionals. Competitive Edge: In a crowded market, setting your healthcare staffing company apart is vital. Joint Commissi...