Parallon Nurses Network

What Makes an Effective Nurse Manager?

Parallon Nurses Network — Tue, 21 May 2013 11:56:35 +0000

You can excel as a nurse manager with these tips!

Have you landed a position as a nurse manager? Congratulations! A leadership role can be a rewarding and exciting advancement in your nursing career. With the right attitude and policies, you will succeed and grow in this position. Become an effective manager with these tips.

Give yourself time to observe. Before you start rolling in the changes, get acquainted with your department and staff. Note what's working, what's not working, and where improvements are most needed. Talk with the nurses. Ask them about their major complaints and top suggestions.
Talk with your superiors about their expectations. The most effective nurse managers have a crystal vision of their role and goals. Make sure that you are on the same page as the people above you.
Communicate with your nurses. Just as you need a clear direction from your superiors, the people working for you need to know what you expect from them.
Be consistent. Everyone's had a wishy-washy manager who didn't know what they wanted. This creates an unstable and stressful working environment. Think before you speak or act. Consider how the nurses will perceive your words and actions.
Be a good example. You can't expect your nurses to be punctual, hard-working, and honest if you aren't. If you model the behavior you expect, the rest will fall in line.

Parallon is always working to help nurses advance and succeed in their career. If you're ready for your next position, stop by our website and browse through the opportunities near you.

What Does a Nurse Manager Expect of You?

Parallon Nurses Network — Mon, 20 May 2013 11:56:50 +0000

Are you meeting your nurse manager's expectations?

As a per diem nurse, your time in any given position may be brief, but the impression you leave behind with your nurse manager will last a lot longer. You aren't invisible just because you're not a regular member of the staff – per diem nurses still have expectations to live up to. Here's what your manager is expecting when you show up for work:

Confidence – The nurse manager doesn't want a per diem nurse who hangs back shyly in new situations. You should be ready to step up and get involved on day one.
Humility – On the other hand, overconfidence can be a negative trait if it means you are inflexible or too proud to ask questions. These attitudes can lead to dangerous mistakes.
Helpfulness – You might not have the same kind of bond as the full-time nurses, but your willingness to be a team player is still crucial for the success of the entire shift. The nurse manager will expect you to lend a helping hand when needed.
Focus – Your nurse manager doesn't want per diem nurses showing up at work sleepy, hungry, or grumpy. Your professional life may be a little unpredictable, but you need to be able to pull yourself together before a shift.
Commitment – Your work ethic should remain affected by your temporary status. During the time you are on a floor, the needs and concerns of your patients and your co-workers should be your number one priority.

Looking for more per diem shifts? Parallon has the connections you need. Stop by our website to find out more about the opportunities near you.

Tech Resources for the Travel Nurse

Parallon — Wed, 15 May 2013 11:56:41 +0000

These tech tools could come in handy during your time on the road.

Packing light is crucial for the nomadic lifestyle, and today's technology makes that easier for many travel nurses who don't have room in their bags for giant resource books, guides, and maps. Keep it simple with these tech resources that could change the way you approach nursing and traveling.

On the Road:

GPS – Minimize the amount of time you spend driving in circles, looking for your new apartment, hospital, or grocery store. Most smartphones are capable of providing directions with GPS technology.
Yelp – Need a cup of coffee or craving a taco? Yelp can find businesses close to you. Check out the reviews to see what's worth stopping, and what should be skipped.
Gas Buddy – Use this website to save money by finding the cheapest gas on your route.
White Noise Apps – Do you have trouble sleeping in unfamiliar environments? Ease the transition with an app that plays relaxing audio clips of raindrops, waves crashing, birds chirping, or soft music. It can also help drown out any noisy neighbors you might have.

At Work:

Nursing Essentials – This resource is available in the Apple Store. It provides a wealth of information that a nurse may need to look up throughout the day, such as conversions, medication information, and a glossary of medical terms and abbreviations.
Pill Identifier – Save yourself a trip to the pharmacy with this online tool that helps you accurately label pills that have been removed from their original bottle.
MedPage Today – Without a permanent address, many travel nurses cancel subscriptions to their favorite industry magazines before hitting the road. You can still stay up-to-date on the latest news with this app.

Find your next travel assignment through Parallon! Visit our website and browse through hundreds of jobs around the country.

Returning to Nursing

Parallon Nurses Network — Tue, 14 May 2013 11:58:04 +0000

No matter how long you've been gone, your nursing career is waiting for you to return.

Nurses who have taken an extended break from their career may feel hesitant about jumping back into work. It's true that the healthcare industry may have changed in your absence. New technologies are always being developed, and new policies are regularly put in place, but with a little effort you can get yourself back up to speed. Whether you left nursing to raise a family, care for a sick parent, or pursue another career, there is an available position waiting for your return! Make that transition as smooth as possible with these tips.

Look into reentry requirements. Depending on your state and how long you've been inactive, you may have to a follow specific path before your license can be renewed.

Take a refresher course. Whether it's required by your state or not, nursing refresher courses are a great way to get caught up on the latest developments in your field, review old information and techniques that you may have forgotten, and regain your confidence as a nurse.

Consider your options. Are you sure you want to pick up right where you left off? Returning to your career gives you a great opportunity to start fresh. Consider new specialties. Attend a job fair and get an idea about what's out there.

Looking for a job after taking an extended break from nursing? We can help you find the right position. Browse open opportunities near you on our website.

Keys to Success as a Per Diem Nurse

Parallon Nurses Network — Mon, 13 May 2013 11:57:38 +0000

Success is within reach! Use these tips for success in per diem nursing.

Working in a per diem role is often unpredictable and chaotic. Do you feel as if you are floundering? There is always an adjustment period as you transition into a new professional routine – or lack thereof – but many nurses are able to flourish and grow their careers as they work per diem. Become one of them when you use these keys to success.

Write it all down. It doesn't matter how good your memory is, a per diem nurse must take notes on their first day at a new facility or on a new floor. When you work in several environments, you will start getting all the different policies and procedures mixed up. Your notes will be a lifesaver when your mind blanks. Haven't worked in a certain department for months? Now you have review materials to look over in advance.

Practice self-control. You have a lot of freedom as a per diem nurse, but if you take advantage of it too much, your career or personal life will suffer. In order to succeed in this role, you should know how many hours you need each month to meet your goals, and much time off you need to preserve your sanity. Guard those boundaries carefully.

Learn how to be flexible. The best per diem nurses know they can be called in at a moment's notice, and they're prepared for that possibility. You won't hear them complaining about a lack of sleep, having to cancel their evening plans, or missing their favorite TV show. Arrive at work with a smile on your face and get the day started right.

Parallon can get you started as a per diem nurse! Stop by our website for more information on the hospitals we're connected to.

Gaining Coworker Respect on the Job

Parallon Nurses Network — Thu, 09 May 2013 17:57:31 +0000

Do your career a favor! The respect of your coworkers is a valuable achievement.

Health information professionals may be able to avoid patient care, but their jobs still largely revolve around people. The ability to work well with others is crucial to your level of success and enjoyment in your career. If you can earn the respect of those around you, you'll find that your work day is much easier and pleasant. Here are a few ways to ensure a good name in your office.

Stay positive. Marquette University warns that coworkers rarely respect those who always show up to work frowning, complaining, and searching for reasons to nitpick.
Don't forgo pleasantries. It doesn't take much effort to extend a "Good morning!" or a "How are you?" when you see your coworkers, but these little exchanges can go a long way toward promoting good will.
Take your commitments seriously. There's nothing worse than a flaky coworker who is loose with promises, but weak when it comes to following through. According to Forbes, unreliability is one of the most common reasons people lose respect for a coworker.
Banish the word "try" from your vocabulary. If someone asks you to do something, don't say "I'll try!" It comes off as noncommittal, incompetent, and insecure.
Go the extra mile. If your attitude is "I'm only going to do the bare minimum," or "that's not my job," then you aren't being a team player. Coworkers respect those who are helpful, eager, and hardworking.

If you're looking for a job in HIM, Parallon has the connections you need. Stop by our website to browse open positions near you.

Best Perks of Becoming a Travel Nurse

Parallon — Wed, 08 May 2013 10:27:28 +0000

Don’t let a great opportunity pass you by! There are many perks to travel nursing.

Are you getting bored with your current town, job, and social scene? If you’re an experienced nurse, you don’t need to put down roots quite yet! Travel assignments allow nurses to move from city to city, taking up temporary positions at hospitals around the country. If you’re considering the pros and cons of this opportunity, add these perks to your list.

You’ll broaden your horizons. There are few experiences more enlightening and life-changing than time on the road. Giving yourself the chance to roam, explore, and meet new people will benefit you for the rest of your life.
You’ll give your resume a boost. A constant rotation of jobs will give you many new professional experiences and the opportunity to train for new responsibilities. Wherever you head next, you’ll be prepared and ready.
You’ll enjoy a flexible career. Want some extended time off? Travel nurses can take it without risking their job. Give yourself space between two travel assignments to relax, spend time with your family, go back to school, or volunteer.
You’ll receive a larger paycheck. Depending on where you go, or what specialty you work in, nurses may find a higher compensation at a travel gig than they do in a traditional position. According to Monster.com, travel nurses can also negotiate for additional bonuses at the end of their assignments.

Interested in becoming a travel nurse? Parallon can help you land your first assignment! Browse our website to learn more about hundreds of open positions around the country.

Characteristics of a Successful Charge Nurse

Parallon Nurses Network — Tue, 07 May 2013 11:57:36 +0000

What does it take to be a good leader in the nursing field?

Congratulations on your promotion! Being a charge nurse is an exciting and challenging role that straddles the line between patient care and management. It takes a special person to do it effectively. Are you ready? Consider these characteristics needed for success.

Confidence – This trait is especially important for a new charge nurse who is trying to establish her authority. If you can't trust yourself, why should anyone else?
Effective communication – It's difficult to work for someone who can't translate their vision, goals, and needs into words. You'll need to provide clear instructions to the nurses under your supervision. Remember, communication is a two-way street. Sometimes you'll have to listen rather than talk.
Problem solving – When you're in charge, all the problems are going come to you. Will you know what to do with them? A successful charge nurse will naturally brainstorm creative solutions in tricky situations. According to the University of Toledo, the best charge nurses can even see problems before they develop, and nip them in the bud quickly and effectively.
Perception – The ability to read people will come in handy as a charge nurse. You should be able to identify strengths and weaknesses among your nurses and delegate accordingly.
Time management – You didn't think it was possible, but as a charge nurse, your to-do list at work has grown even longer. Staying on top of all your responsibilities is a must.

Parallon wants to help you advance your career. If you're searching for a new position, stop by our website and learn more about the opportunities near you.

Choosing a Specialty: Best Tips for Finding Your Fit

Parallon Nurses Network — Mon, 06 May 2013 13:57:26 +0000

Now is the perfect time to settle on your next career move.

As a per diem nurse, variety may be your only constant. The idea of choosing a specialty and settling down may not appeal to you today, but now is exactly the right time to start considering what direction you will want to go down the road. As you jump from floor to floor, you are learning a lot about your strengths and weaknesses, and how they line up in different environments. Here are a few things you can consider while determining which specialty is most appropriate for you.

What ignites your passions? Admit it. Some days you are thrilled when you get called in, and other days you stifle a groan when you hear where you'll be. What's the pattern?
How do you handle stress? Some departments have higher stakes and faster pace. If you thrive in that environment, you may do well in trauma or the ER.
Do you enjoy the hospital setting? If not, look into other working environments that need nurses, such as private offices, schools, correctional facilities, or public clinics.
What kind of hours work best for you? Do you enjoy working 3 days a week for 12 hours, or would a traditional 9 to 5 schedule appeal more to you? How important is it for you to have holidays or weekends off?
Are you willing to go back to school? Different specialties require different levels of education. Do you have the time, money, and motivation to pursue another degree or certification?

Parallon can help you connect with hospitals that need per diem nurses in your specialty. Visit our website today and browse opportunities near you.

Fun Ways to Stay Fit During Your Summer Travel Assignment

Parallon — Wed, 01 May 2013 10:27:17 +0000

Have your summer assignment lined up? Try these fun outdoor activities, wherever you find yourself!

Exercise doesn’t have to be a tedious, repetitive chore. If you’re tired of sit ups and jumping jacks, it’s time to shake things up! There is no excuse for a boring fitness routine during the summer months. Get outside of your apartment, enjoy the benefits of fresh air, explore your new surroundings, and have some fun with these high-energy activities!

Get around your new town. You can kill two birds with one stone when you leave your car at home and start poking around your latest location on foot. You’ll notice more if you’re walking and you’ll burn more calories. Want to speed up the process? Hop on a bike to cover more distance and get your heart racing faster.

Explore the waterways. If your new locale is on the water, ditch the streets for the currents. Whether you have an ocean, river, or lake nearby, you can find plenty of ways to exercise among the waves. Try swimming, kayaking, canoeing, or surfing.

Hike a mountain. Is your region more mountainous than beachy? Hiking may become your new favorite pastime. Pack a bag with snacks and plenty of water, and spend your days off climbing to amazing new heights. Make sure you know the basics of hiking safety before you head out.

Find outdoor fitness classes. Don’t waste a beautiful day inside the gym. In the summer, many group classes move to parks and beaches. Whether you’re looking for yoga or aerobics, you can still enjoy the summer weather outside while you work out.

Find your next travel assignment with Parallon! Stop by our website today to find opportunities for nurses around the county.