Category: New Employees, Life at RTG Medical

Work life balance for healthcare travelers

As a healthcare traveler, it can be difficult to maintain a work-life balance. You love traveling, but it sometimes wears you out. You adore your job, but from time to time you find yourself needing a break. Taking time off after each 13-week contract is one of the great things about this profession. 

As one of your top healthcare staffing agencies, we wanted to give you some ways to help strike a good work-life balance!

Prioritize 

Physical and mental health are equally important to your work. Start prioritizing your tasks if you’re feeling stressed at work. Is one more important than the other? If so, do that one first and the rest will fall into place. Through prioritizing, you’ll learn to set boundaries with your work so you can be at your best.

Ask for help

It’s okay to ask for help. If you’re currently with one patient and another buzzes your phone needing assistance, see if one of your coworkers is available to check on them while you finish up with what you’re doing. Taking everything on by yourself is a surefire way to begin feeling burnt out, which will only harm you in the long run. Asking for help is a form of teamwork that will ensure success for you all.

Keep up with your passions

Think back to why you choose this profession. Remember all of the amazing places you’ve been able  to see and experience firsthand, and think about all the lives you’ve impacted along the way at each facility you’ve worked in. It’s also important to have a hobby you can resort to when you’re feeling overwhelmed. A hobby can help you regain motivation in your life and job.

Find your balance

There is no perfect balance between work and life, but you can find a happy medium in the midst of it all. It takes time to establish a balance between work, traveling and your personal life. A lack of balance can stress you out, diminishing your quality of life and the amount you’re able to give at work. Strive for success, and start by doing what you can. Take breaks during the day, and find time to relax and practice what you love outside of work.

Work with your healthcare staffing agencies

We’re here to help through every up and down, every assignment and adventure. Turn to your healthcare staffing agencies when needed and keep in touch with your recruiter. We want you to keep traveling and to continue making a difference in the lives of others, but we know that can only happen when you feel like you have a good work-life balance. Contact us today with any questions or concerns!

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Working a travel assignment with friends

If you’ve become friends with other healthcare travelers while on assignment, it is possible to travel with them again in the future. It is possible for your recruiter to find you and your friend jobs at the same facility, and other times they can find you jobs at different facilities but in the same area. Flexibility is the key to making this work!

Traveling with a friend can make for a great experience. You’ll always have someone to grab a bite at the local restaurant with and someone to split housing with. First, make sure you communicate with both your friend and recruiter. Here are some tips on working a travel assignment with friends.

Set expectations

The first thing you’ll need to do is make sure your and your friend’s expectations are clear. Your recruiter should also know your expectations. Recruiters will inform you of their capabilities and limitations. It is important for everyone to be on the same page. Make sure you are open about your dates, working at the same facility or at different facilities, and having different shifts. 

Keep in touch with your recruiter

Communication with your recruiter is always important, but it is even more so when planning trips with other healthcare travelers. Recruiters are on your side and want to make sure you both get your needs and expectations met, but they can’t do that unless you’re constantly in communication with them about what you want.

Be flexible

The key to success here is flexibility. Setting your sights on a specific facility and job will make this more difficult. By narrowing your specifics, you will narrow your options. You may end up both being able to fulfill a need for travelers at the same facility, but you could also live in the same place and work at different locations. While you might be able to get similar shifts in the same unit, being flexible will be more beneficial to you both.

Weigh the options

It’s best to come to your recruiter with many places you’d like to travel to. If they have a variety of cities to choose from, they are more likely to find similar jobs in the same location at the same time. Your recruiter will have more options to work with if you provide them with more options.

Have patience

A key component of success is patience. Setting up two or more friends takes longer than setting up one traveler going on assignment. The process is doable, but it takes a bit longer. Trust that your recruiter is doing what they can, and if everyone is patient the process will go smoother.

Travel with your fellow healthcare travelers

If you’re ready to go on an adventure with your healthcare friends, don’t let anything hold you back and get going today. RTG Medical’s recruiters are here to help you find the perfect assignment. There’s an abundance of places and things to experience! Contact us today to get started.

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Resume tips for healthcare travelers

It’s important for healthcare travelers to have a strong resume. Adding assignments in every state to your resume can be tedious, and you’d have to update it every 13 weeks even if you did! Let’s look at some tips for keeping up with it all and making your resume stand out. Here are the basics, why you should emphasize your adaptability and how to update your resume.

The basics

The ideal length of any resume is short, sweet and to the point. Recruiters can contact you easily if you have a header with your contact information at the top. You can then flow into your summary. If you have done any committee work or volunteered in your career, be sure to include that as well, as that will set you apart from the competition.

Recruiters are busy and oftentimes scan resumes rather than reading each detail. One thing you can do to make sure yours shines through is use keywords in your summary that immediately highlight your experience, specialties and computer skills. All of your certifications and licenses should be included, as healthcare travelers need them to perform their duties.

Work history is important. Is it possible to fit all your assignments into one page? Your resume shows you’ve been traveling as a healthcare professional for some time. Keep your education as basic as the institution you graduated from and when. Describe each assignment on your resume as simply as possible by providing the what, when, where and a brief description.

Highlight your adaptability

This is huge for healthcare travelers. As someone traveling from state to state and working in different facilities for a 13-week period, you need to be adaptable. You’re constantly being introduced to new permanent med staff and essentially working tons of new jobs. Be sure to highlight this. Personality traits such as flexibility, adaptability and teamwork are highly valued by employers.

When it comes to updating it

It’s best to get in the habit of updating your resume after each assignment. Organize everything chronologically, starting with your most recent job. You can also consider having an online resume on a platform such as LinkedIn that can include more details about each assignment than a one-page resume can fit. Then you can direct employers to that resume from the one-page paper or pdf one.

Keep going on adventures

RTG Medical wants to ensure your resume is ready to go so that you can get your dream position! Our recruiters are more than willing to look over your resume and assist you in perfecting it. We know that a good resume gets you even closer to the position you want. If you have any questions or concerns, contact us today!

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Tips for night shifts as a travel healthcare professional

As there are with most things, there are pros and cons to becoming a traveling healthcare professional. One of the major benefits is traveling around the country while doing what you love. On the other hand, a con could be having to work a couple of night shifts.

Night shifts aren’t all bad news though. There are advantages to doing night shifts, such as higher pay and quieter shifts. However, if you are not used to working during the night, it can be quite difficult to adjust.

There are a few simple changes you can make to make your night shift easier. Our healthcare travel agency team wants to share some tips for mastering the night shift as a travel healthcare professional. 

Tips for night shifts as a travel healthcare professional

Create a sleeping schedule

The hardest thing about the night shift for some people is readjusting your sleeping schedule. You should make it your goal to get at least seven hours of sleep. Mayo Clinic reports that adults should get seven or more hours of sleep each night. 

One of the best ways to get the hours you need is by creating a sleep schedule and sticking to it. Also, do all the things you normally do when you are about to sleep. For example, you should wash your face and brush your teeth or read a book if that’s what you usually do. Do not forget to buy some blackout curtains or shades, which will help create a darker environment that is better for sleep.

Try to stay alert

Night shifts can be relatively slow shifts depending on the day or your department. During long shifts, it can be difficult to keep your mind alert. You should try to do things that will keep your mind sharp and alert.

There are several ways you can stay alert, like completing tasks that will lend a helping hand to the day shift nurses. If you find yourself with even more extra time, you should try:

  • Reading a book
  • Doing puzzles and sudokus 
  • Reading medical and nursing journals
  • Listening to podcasts 

Do not drink too much caffeine 

Caffeinated drinks are a must for all night shifts. Some popular caffeinated drinks that healthcare workers drink include coffee, energy drinks and soft drinks. However, you should be cautious about your caffeine intake. 

Drinking too much caffeine may make falling asleep tough when you get home. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration considers 400 milligrams or four cups of brewed coffee as a safe amount of caffeine for healthy adults.

Exercise regularly

Aside from managing your mental health, you should also be managing your physical health. Exercising regularly can provide you advantages as a night shift healthcare worker. It helps increase alertness, fight fatigue and keep your weight under control. 

Even if you do not have enough time to hit the gym every day, move around on the job. One way you can increase your physical activity is by taking the stairs instead of the elevator. Also, ask if your facility has wellness programs and worksite fitness centers for their employees. 

Continue working for the best healthcare travel agency!

RTG Medical is the best healthcare travel agency. We would love to be your healthcare traveling partner. If you are interested in the traveling healthcare profession, do not hesitate to reach out to us today.

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First assignment travel guide

Your first assignment can be nerve wracking, but also exciting. If you’re an organized and flexible individual, you’ll have no problem adapting. Your first healthcare traveling assignment might also benefit from choosing a place that you’ve always wanted to visit so you’ll already have plans for your days off.

RTG Medical is one of the best travel healthcare companies, and we wanted to give you some tips and tricks to surviving your first travel assignment. From finding the right housing to packing and arriving on your first day to making friends, we’re here to support you through it all.

Tips for a first-time traveler

Take care of everything back at home, including pets

Do you need to forward your mail while you’re out of town? Do you have packages getting delivered you need to place on hold? Consider these things when going on assignment for 13 weeks. If you have a pet, you should also consider if you’re going to have a family member or friend take care of them while you’re gone, house them at long-term daycare or travel with your pet. Either way, make sure they don’t have an important vet visit coming up, and that they have all the necessary immunizations.

Find housing

The next step is to find somewhere to live in your new place. You likely have the option to find your own or to rely on what your travel healthcare companies recommend. Do you want to live in a suburb in close proximity to your job or do you want to be a distance away in the city?

Pack smart

Since you’re going to be gone for 13 weeks, think about what you need and don’t need. Are you flying or driving, and what room does each permit? Some things you can buy when you get there. Once you do a few assignments, you’ll be a pro at knowing what you need and don’t. Be sure to make note of anything you forgot or wish you had on your first assignment.

Take a test drive

One way to take the stress away from starting your first day on assignment is to do a practice run. Wake up, get ready, drive to your job’s location and pay attention to how long it takes. Make sure you know where to park and then determine if you need more or less time.

Arrive early on your first day

To avoid feeling rushed, arrive early on your first day. That way, you have plenty of time to orient yourself around the facility and find where you’re supposed to be. Be prepared for some sort of orientation. Being on time is also a great way to make a good first impression.

Be ready to show your talent

You got this job for a reason; the facility wanted your unique skills and talents. Make yourself invaluable in your new workplace by jumping in when needed, going above and beyond your job description and learning all you can.

Be positive

Even though it can be tough at times, it’s important to stay positive and have a good attitude. As a result of your hard work attitude, your coworkers will appreciate you. Don’t be afraid to step back and take a deep breath. It will all be okay.

Stay connected to recruiter

Staying connected to your recruiter will help them find you the perfect contracts time after time. Let them know what’s going well and what could be better for you. Continual communication helps build a good relationship, and the better your recruiter knows you, the better they can assist.

Make friends with your new team & explore where you are

Your first assignment is likely to lead to some great friendships. If you need any assistance in adjusting to the new town, they might be able to show you around or give you some local recommendations. Maybe you’ll even meet another traveling healthcare professional.

Begin your adventure with travel healthcare companies

Your first assignment may be a tough one, but once you complete it you’ll be on your way to becoming a great traveling healthcare professional. Think about your love for traveling and why you love your job if you’re ever struggling. RTG Medical wants to be your traveling partner, so if you’re ready to begin your traveling career, contact us today!

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Meet Sara: RTG Medical’s Newest Recruiter

RTG Medical is one lucky company to have our newest solo hire, Sara Findley. Sara grew up in Grand Island, Nebraska, and currently lives in Omaha. She is coming to RTG Medical with public relations experience from the Omaha World-Herald and as a program director at Goodfellows. She is just as pumped to be at RTG as we are to have her! Sara says, “I was drawn to RTG because I enjoy helping others reach their full potential! Working with RTG to help our nurses do what they love and travel to see the world while doing it, makes my heart happy!”

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Sara is an avid concert attendee with her sister and mother. It is a ritual that each year, the three of them pick a concert to attend together. She says, “It is always a laugh, and each one tops the last. Our latest was CHER and it was fantastic!”

Germany Cast 2002

One of Sara’s proudest accomplishments is traveling the world for six years with the Young Americans.

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Sara enjoys spending time with her fiancé, wedding planning, and hanging out with her two fur babies, Koda and Bear.

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Still, her bucket list is packed! She says, “I would love to travel to Ireland and New Zealand because they are beautiful countries that I would like to explore.” Sara is always up for something new and exciting, which is what ultimately drew her to apply at RTG Medical.

Sara says she is most excited about working at RTG because of the ability she has to create her own success while facing challenges constantly.

RTG Medical is excited to have a diverse and multi-talented staff. It’s the wide array of talents from recruiters that make this workplace so special.

If you or someone you know is interested in joining our growing team, click here to apply!

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Here’s How RTG Medical Celebrated Being Named One of the “Best Places to Work in Omaha” for the Third Year in a Row

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RTG Medical has been voted Best Places to Work in Omaha by Baird Holm and the Omaha Chamber of Commerce for the third year in a row! To be considered for this award, employees answer survey questions regarding RTG’s work environment, culture, management, and opportunities for professional growth. Winning this award for the third year in a row represents how each employee values the culture that makes RTG one of the “Best Places to Work in Omaha”.

So, how did the company celebrate such a big award? With a field trip, of course. Employees kicked off the day by chartering to the awards luncheon in Omaha, then enjoyed an afternoon of games and mingling at Lucky Bucket Brewery! If you haven’t been to the brewery yet, we highly recommend it for group outings.

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What makes RTG such a fun and unique place to work? Let some of our employees tell you!

Shelby Cameron, Senior Recruiter, says, “I feel RTG Medical is the best place to work because of the atmosphere. I enjoy all of the fun events RTG is able to offer year round and the energy RTG employees bring to the work place every day which gets me excited to come into work. I also enjoy how tight knit RTG is. I have a home away from home and I love that about my work!”

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Others describe RTG as a company that genuinely cares and values its employees to encourage them to work hard and create an environment that is positive. They love being rewarded for the hard work with fun outings, delicious food, and prizes.

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Emily Kimmell, Credentialing Specialist, says, “I love working here because of the collaborative environment. There is cooperation and shared goals all revolving around helping each other grow in the professional lives. Everyone shares the same vision and is dedicated to work toward our goals. The culture here at RTG is something that really drives a positive work environment.”

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TJ Butler, Senior Recruiter, describes RTG as the best because he’s never worked at a place that genuinely puts people first.

“From the top down, RTG Medical understands the significance of its people, and that culture reflects on how we treat our traveling medical professionals.  I feel like we are one big family at RTG Medical. That culture and mindset makes it natural to carry it over to how we treat our Travelers.  Personally, I treat each and every Traveler I come across as a teammate/family member and not just a number because that’s how we are treated internally at RTG Medical.  I’ve been around the block a time or two but RTG Medical truly is a special place to be apart of.  When you hear people talking about the grass being greener on the other side, the other side is RTG Medical, and I can’t imagine a place where the grass could possibly be greener!”

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RTG is proud to be named one of the Best Places To Work in Omaha for the third year in a row. We are thankful to be a part of a community that recognizes companies that are trying to build a better workplace and work to create cultures that put their employees first.

A special thank you to our amazing photographer, Elliot Janssen, for capturing the day of RTG celebrating its employees!

If you are interested in joining our team, click here to apply!

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RTG Springs Into May With Four New Hires

Nearly a month and a half into spring, RTG Medical continues to blossom as we add four new hires to our team. Please join RTG as we welcome the newest class of recruiters: Rachel, Taylor, Mackenzie, and Jeremy. Find out which new recruiter brings knowledge and first-hand experience about the medical field from their previous job as a Respiratory Therapist!

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Rachel Hedlund
NE
Previous Job: Registered Respiratory Therapist
What was the best concert experience you’ve had and why? Every concert I have been to was “the best”!
What are you most excited about in working at RTG Medical? The great environment and all the fun they have as a team.
Name something on your “bucket list” and why? To travel to every state. Only three left to go, I love to travel.
Favorite hobbies or activities to do outside of work? Boating, anything with my kids, and traveling.

Taylor Schlecht
Scribner, NE
Previous Job: Interior Designer
What was the best concert experience you’ve had and why? I have been to so many concerts but Blink 182 or Shania Twain were my top two. Blink because it was high energy and just an overall great time. I crowd surfed and made it all the way to the front! Ha!
What are you most excited about in working at RTG Medical? I am so excited to be a part of something great. Everyone I talk to speaks so highly about working here. The atmosphere is positive which excites me!
Name something on your “bucket list” and why? I want to travel to every state! I absolutely love to travel, so completing that would be amazing.
Favorite hobbies or activities to do outside of work? I love spending time with my family, shopping, decorating, refinish furniture and boating!

Mackenzie Milks
Fremont, NE
Previous Job: Human Resources/Recruiter
What are you most excited about in working at RTG Medical? I have been working from home for most of my professional career. I ‘m excited to be in a progressive work environment. The commission opportunity doesn’t hurt either.
Name something on your “bucket list” and why? Travel. The world is such a unique and varied place. I think to understand people you need to have experienced life outside your normal.
Favorite hobbies or activities to do outside of work? Most of my free time is spent with my two kids. We like to play outside, listen to music, and dance badly.

Jeremy Hoffman
Sidney, NE
Previous Job: Personal Trainer
What was the best concert experience you’ve had and why? Honestly the Chainsmokers. My wife and I got free tickets so we went and it was way more fun than I expected.
What are you most excited about in working at RTG Medical? The chance to be good at something different and recognized for it.
Name something on your “bucket list” and why? Skydiving! I like the thrill of being scared!
Favorite hobbies or activities to do outside of work? I love doing outside activities with my wife and daughter and working out.

If you or someone you know is interested in joining our growing team, click here to apply!

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RTG Adds Largest Recruiting Class Yet!

Aren’t we lucky? Our seven newest hired recruiters are one of the most unique groups we’ve had yet! From their range in interests in playing instruments in a band to learning how to fly an airplane in flight school. We are excited to welcome Miranda, Bre, John, Amanda, Kyle, TJ, and Adam to the RTG family. Read about their favorite hobbies to do outside of work below.

Miranda Mclntosh
Fremont, NE
What was the best concert experience you’ve had and why? Guns N Roses in Omaha. I stood front row and caught a guitar pick!
What are you most excited about in working at RTG Medical? I am thrilled to be working for a company who cares about their people and their success.
Name something on your “bucket list” and why? My short term “bucket list” is to take my family on a vacation to Florida. Long term “bucket list” is to travel anywhere with my husband when my kids are out of the house.
Favorite hobbies or activities to do outside of work? Spend warm, sunny days at the pool with a drink in my hand.

Bre Phillips
Fremont, NE
What was the best concert experience you’ve had and why? I went to a Sublime Concert in Red Rocks with my husband and best friend. I LOVE Colorado and the atmosphere was amazing!
What are you most excited about in working at RTG Medical? Everything to be honest. I’ve heard such great things and being here and hearing about how much they value their employees is so important.
Name something on your “bucket list” and why? Visit every state and as many countries so I can see the world.
Favorite hobbies or activities to do outside of work? Play with my kiddos, workout, golf, and anything outdoors.

John Klein
Fremont, NE
What was the best concert experience you’ve had and why? Iron Maiden in Irvine, CA in 2009. It was a great outdoor venue and I traveled with two friends there.
What are you most excited about in working at RTG Medical? Working at a company with a great reputation that also takes care of customers and their employees. Also, meeting new people.
Name something on your “bucket list” and why? Riding motorcycles through Europe- Scenery and Serenity. Visiting all Disney Parks because I love Disney.
Favorite hobbies or activities to do outside of work? Motorcycling, golfing and bowling.

Amanda Rinne
Omaha, NE
What was the best concert experience you’ve had and why? Hands down Prince. He was so energetic and put you in a good mood.
What are you most excited about in working at RTG Medical? Building new relationships and working on a team with everyone. The hot breakfast on Fridays will be very nice too.
Name something on your “bucket list” and why? To take my two daughters to Disney World and on a Disney Cruise.
Favorite hobbies or activities to do outside of work? Being with my girls, going on cruises, watching football, and boating.

Kyle Sasse
Kearney, NE
What was the best concert experience you’ve had and why? Tough question. First going to see Metallica in 2003 it was epic. Next, was opening for Saving Abel in January 2018. It was the best crowd, an interactive show, and incredibly fun.
What are you most excited about in working at RTG Medical? Culture, RTG has the best and most inviting culture of any place I have worked. Genuine as well.
Name something on your “bucket list” and why? Open for Metallica. Why not?
Favorite hobbies or activities to do outside of work? Playing and hanging out with my kids, cooking, playing guitar, playing in my band, recording music, and riding my motorcycle.

TJ Butler
Fremont, NE
What was the best concert experience you’ve had and why? Widespread Panic at Red Rocks, CO because Red Rocks is an incredible outdoor venue and widespread panic was my favorite band at the time.
What are you most excited about in working at RTG Medical? Friday morning hot breakfast… especially on bacon days.
Name something on your “bucket list” and why? Go to Dubai because it’s on my wife’s bucket list.
Favorite hobbies or activities to do outside of work? Referee basketball, golf, attend concerts and go to the zoo with family.

Adam Dobson
Wichita Falls, TX
What was the best concert experience you’ve had and why? NEEDTOBREATHE and Mat Kearney in Grand Prairie, TX. NTB is my favorite band and seeing Mat Kearney open for them was just a bonus. We also had VIP pit passes for the show.
What are you most excited about in working at RTG Medical? Beginning a new career in a fast-growing industry and being a part of a very positive and great company.
Name something on your “bucket list” and why? I’ve already crossed off my two top items: flying a plane and skydiving. Next, I want to earn my private pilots license (PPL) and skydiving certification.
Favorite hobbies or activities to do outside of work? Anything outside. Working out, playing music, shooting, fishing, and hunting.

If you or someone you know is interested in joining our growing team, click here to apply!

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RTG Medical Welcomes Second Class of Interns

Our first RTG intern class has graduated! Now, we’re welcoming two Midland University students to our internship program. These two are busy competing, studying, and enjoying the adventures of college. We are excited to finally introduce the smiling faces who greet our team every day. Join us in welcoming Lexie and Ty!

New Hire Interns with logoLexie Czaplewski
Grand Island, NE
Major: Business Administration and Marketing with a minor in coaching
Sport: Cheerleading
Why did you choose to intern at RTG? All of the positive things I heard about the company and the people that work here.
How would you spend one million dollars? Pay off my student loans and then buy lots of golden-doodle puppies.
If you could have any super power, what would it be? Definitely read minds.
Where do you see yourself in 20 years? Hopefully happy with lots of golden-doodles.
If you could host a talk show, who would be your first guest? For sure Ryan Reynolds (because he’s hot).
If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be? Anywhere near family and friends!

Ty Hecker
David City, NE
Major: Business
Sport: Dance
Why did you choose to intern at RTG? Because of all of the good things I’ve heard from past interns and current employees.
How would you spend one million dollars? Pay off my schooling/house. I would probably buy a new car and save the rest.
If you could have any super power, what would it be? The ability to fly.
Where do you see yourself in 20 years? Hopefully have bought a new house, have children, and practicing law.
If you could host a talk show, who would be your first guest? Probably Melissa McCarthy because she is really funny.
If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be? Switzerland!

If you or someone you know is interested in joining our growing team, click here to apply!

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