June, 2022 | AG Global Services

3 Reasons to Consider a Contract Healthcare Assignment this Summer

by scott | Jun 22, 2022 | Healthcare, Job Seekers

We’ve never seen a healthcare job market like this. The demand for clinical and even administrative candidates has been outrageously high. Even with a low unemployment rate this year, we still will fall far short of filling the jobs that are currently open. There’s never been a better time to work in the healthcare field.

But what about healthcare contracting? One of the most notable developments over the past few years has been the rise of more contracting positions; from per diem and locum tenens to travel nursing, there is a new level of flexibility in the kinds of jobs you’ll find in healthcare today. Contract jobs have some unique benefits. What are they? Why would you consider a contract healthcare role this summer? We have answers that will help inform your decision-making this year.

Benefits of Considering a Healthcare Contract

If you’re on the job hunt and have healthcare skills right now, it’s time to stop and consider your options. Joining a full-time role this summer may interfere with your vacation plans. But have you considered contracting your skills? Healthcare organizations are desperately looking for talent during the months when their workforce is desperately seeking time off—and they’re paying top dollar and signing bonuses for your expertise and willingness to help. Why would you consider taking on a temporary position when there are so many open full-time roles this summer?

First, contract roles are incredibly flexible. You can take on short-term assignments that allow you to get the time off you need this summer with your family. That schedule flexibility is incredibly valuable and a huge perk of contracting. For example, in addition to scheduling your contract job around an already-scheduled family vacation, maybe you want a job in a cooler climate to get out of the summer heat this year. There are all kinds of perks and bonuses found in the general flexibility that a healthcare contract brings.
We mentioned compensation, but it’s so lucrative now to contract that it’s worth mentioning again. Some specialty areas in healthcare make even more money; for example, traveling nurses have fantastic salaries, signing bonuses, and the employer will put you up somewhere and pay for your travel. Generally, if you have certain specialties, you stand a better shot of making a very high income as a healthcare contractor.
You’ll also be able to try out a brand-new healthcare environment. New working environments are risky if you’re going in full-time. A contract job this summer gives you the opportunity to try out a workplace before committing to a full-time role. It may even allow you to try out different teams within a larger employer to see where you might fit. Because there are so many jobs right now, you should have no problems targeting a specific employer to come back to in a full-time position.

Today’s healthcare job market is much different than in the past. There are dozens of lucrative contract roles that offer you flexibility during the summer months or even beyond that time. Our team works hard to pin down these roles and then make sure you find the one that fits your goals. If you’re ready for your next summer contract assignment, get in touch with the AG Globe team today!

Career Spotlight: Certified Nursing Assistants

by scott | Jun 8, 2022 | Healthcare, Job Seekers

Certified nursing assistants (CNAs), also known as nursing aides, are in-demand. That’s because healthcare doesn’t happen without a CNA somewhere in the mix. CNAs provide direct care to patients, whether they are in their homes, in a skilled nursing facility, or in other in-patient settings. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts these jobs will grow at a rate of 8% annually through 2030. As the baby boomer population continues to age and needs skilled nursing care, CNAs will play an important role in meeting these needs. In this blog, we’ll share important information on the CNA/nursing aid role. What education do you need to become a CNA? What skills will you need to take on this work? We have answers that can help you decide if a CNA position is right for you.

What is a CNA?

Certified nursing assistants take care of patients directly under the supervision of a professional nursing team. This is an entry-level role perfect for anyone seeking to break into steady work in the healthcare industry. On a typical day, a CNA will:

Help multiple patients with a variety of health concerns.
Aid patients with mobility issues with basic life skills such as eating, bathing, dressing, and even movement and exercise.
Monitor and record the patient’s food and beverage intake.
Update the nursing team on any changes in the condition of the patient.

In a hospital, the CNA may do all of these things, but also, they may:

Deliver patient meals.
Answer phones at the nursing stations or assist patients in making calls.
Clean patient rooms by wiping down surfaces, sweeping, and taking out the trash.
Provide emotional support to patients who are feeling sad or discouraged by simply listening to them.
Helping push equipment from one room to another or even transporting a patient to a testing location.

What Skills Will You Need To Be a CNA?

A CNA job is physical. You’ll be on your feet and moving around. You may be required to lift or move patients. During this you will also need to exhibit caring and compassion for the patient. You’ll need to notice small patient details and report on them in the charting. Communication is critical in these positions. You will also need:

Patience, optimism, and a sense of humor will help with stress.
Some knowledge of medical phrases and terminology
Flexibility; each day will be as different as the patients you serve.

Interestingly, you can jump right into these positions. There are some great programs out there that are low cost (but high return). Completing one will set you up to break right into healthcare—fast. What kind of training and education will you need to land your first CNA job?

What Education and Training Will You Need?

CNA certifications can be obtained in as little as 90-days. This usually includes about 75 hours of classroom work plus on-the-ground training in the clinical skills you’ll need. There is a CNA examination required in the state where you’re working. You don’t need a college degree, either. That means there is a low barrier to entry for CNA positions and the certifications themselves are quite affordable. For about $1,300, you can have the certifications you need to take on this role.

If you’re ready to explore a career as a nursing aide, browse our open roles today!