Travel Nursing Jobs Increasing in Wake of Hurricanes

Hurricanes Katrina and Rita are fueling the need for more travel nurses across the country. One would expect to see increased travel nurse jobs in the Gulf Coast area, but the effects of these hurricanes are being felt all across the country. Many nurses are volunteering and working in areas like New Orleans, but the facilities that they are leaving are now experiencing shortages of their own. Many nurses that were displaced from their jobs in Louisiana and Mississippi have not been able to return to work for a variety of reasons, but their patients are being cared for around the country.

Facilities are concern that their resources are spread too thin especially as we move quickly to the beginning of flu season. In light of all that is happening many facilities are taking a proactive approach and booking nurses for travel assignments now. If you are a nurse interested in traveling the time couldn't be better to start the process. Not only are there plenty of jobs available, but it also nice to know that indirectly you are helping the people effected by these storms.

Procare USA Earns JCAHO Certification

Procare USA announced today that it has earned the Gold Seal of Approval for Healthcare Staffing Services from the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO). We are excited about the fact that Procare is the first Connecticut based healthcare staffing company to be JCAHO certified and is one of the first 50 to be certified in the country.

“Nurses and clients can be assured when they are partnering with Procare USA that they are working with a company that meets the rigorous standards established by JCAHO and that has a companywide commitment to quality," said Scott O’Carroll Procare’s Founder and President.

Hurricane Seen Increasing Travel Nurse Needs

Hospitals in the areas affected by hurricane Katrina are desperately appealing for medical personnel and supplies. Many surrounding states are responding which will strap already short staffed units even further. Travel nurses should expect move demand for their services in the coming months as the region and the country begin to fully address the situation.

Three Largest Now JCAHO Certified

As of August 15, 2005 the three largest and publicly traded healthcare staffing agencies are now JCAHO Certified. With the big three, AMN Healthcare, Cross Country Staffing, and Medical Staffing Network leading the way expect more agencies to follow suit in the coming months.

Demand Still High For Travel Nurses

The major travel nurse companies continue to report robust demand for travel nurses. Hospitals are beginning to increase contract rates slowly as the shortage of quality nurses continues to worsen. Experts are expecting this trend to continue though the end of 2006.

Alternatives to JCAHO Accreditation

The healthcare staffing industry is seeking alternatives to JCAHO certification. Concerns that JCAHO's standards are too broad, not relevant to the industry, and are monopolistic are fueling a push by many healthcare executives to seek alternatives to JCAHO certification. Although, one alternative currently exists through Staffing Accreditation Standards, some want to see other alternatives that are more focused on issues that directly affect staffing agencies. Only time will tell if viable alternatives can gain acceptance, especially given JCAHO's strong foothold on hospitals in the U.S.

International Nurses in London

We already know the UK is a stepping stone for international nurses heading to the U.S., will recent terror events there have the effect of increasing their interest?

Healthcare Employment News

Healthcare services employment was flat for the month of June up .02% over May while demand for temporary staff remained strong.
Demand for temporary healthcare workers, especially travel nurses and Locum Tenens is expected to remain strong over the next several months.