The Truth About The Congressional Pay-Caps for Travel Nurses

Posted on January 27, 2022 by Luke Hewitt

TL;DR

Rumors are speculating that congress proposed a pay cap on traveling nurse salaries
This misinformation stemmed from a letter written by congress, wanting to ensure staffing agencies aren’t unfairly profiting by inflating rates they charge hospitals during the pandemic.
Congress does not want to impose a pay cap for traveling nurses.

A Story Of Misinformation

Two congressmen, Reps. Peter Welch (D-VT) and Morgan Griffith (R-VA), wrote a letter to the White House’s COVID-19 response team coordinator on January 24, 2022.

They were worried about rumors of staffing agencies taking advantage of the nursing shortage by increasing their rates to provide hospitals with desperately needed traveling nurses during the pandemic.

200 senators from both sides of the aisle signed the letter.

Then confusion hit. Facebook posts started to emerge and cause quite a stir. One post read:

“As of March 2020 the NFL’s minimum salary was $660,000.

The man who tattooed four letters on my wrist charged $80 for 15 minutes of time.

But according to Congress travel nurses need a pay cap.”

The post continued:

“If you support the cap, we probably can’t be friends.”

Comments like “according to Congress travel nurses need a pay cap” and “If you support the cap” imply a congressional pay cap is on the table, when in reality, it isn’t.

Misinformation is created when someone wrongly interprets what’s happening. A letter from 200 senators asking for a government official to look into rumors of illegal activity is very different from proposed legislation.

What Was Congress Really Asking About?

To fully answer that question we have to understand how staffing agencies make money.

When a hospital or healthcare facility doesn’t have enough nurses to care for patients, they turn to staffing agencies.

Staffing agencies find and hire nurses who are willing to travel usually for at least 13 weeks at a time.

The traveling nurses’ pay comes from an “hourly bill rate”, which is how much the hospital or facility pays the staffing agency for every hour worked by a traveling nurse.

The nurse’s pay isn’t the only thing that comes out of the bill rate. The staffing agency incurs additional costs, including:

Recruiting the traveling nurse
Orientation (which is sometimes unpaid by the facility or paid at a fraction of the bill rate)
Liability and insurance coverage
Credentialing
Your licensure reimbursement
The VMS/MSPs
Medical malpractice lawsuits (which are often fought by the staffing agency, not the hospital)
A Nurses Week or Christmas gift from your agency.
Your stipends and travel expenses to get to your contract.
etc.

Bill rate ≠ Nurse’s Pay

The Bill rate is a combination of three factors: 1) The nurse’s pay 2) The staffing agency’s expenses 3) The staffing agency’s profit.

Are Staffing Agencies Unfairly Profiting From The Pandemic?

Now we can address the real question congress was asking in their original letter:

Should there be a cap on how much profit a staffing agency can make on traveling nurses during the pandemic?

Commenting on the confusion from his letter, Congressman Griffith said:

“The bipartisan letter I sent to the White House asks about potential illegal practices by staffing agencies that charge high rates and then keep that money for themselves, not nurses. Rumors are that middleman staffing agencies keep as much as 40% of the money they charge for nurses instead of giving more of the money to the nurses,“

His next remarks are critically important:

“I do not and will not support legislation to cap nurses’ pay. Anything to the contrary is fake news.”

Do you see the twist?

Congress does NOT want to cap nurses’ pay. They want to make sure staffing agencies aren’t illegally lining their pockets off the risks taken by traveling nurses to provide care for patients during a pandemic.

Do Traveling Nurses Need To Worry About A Pay Cap?

In a word: no.

The demand for traveling nurses is not likely going away anytime soon. Some nurses have even commented that a pay cap would cause them to strike, or change careers.

Nobody wants there to be less traveling nurses.

What Congress wants is to ensure traveling nurses aren’t being taken advantage of. At EmpowerCare, we think that’s a good thing!

If you know of a traveling nurse worried about a pay cap, please reassure them not to worry, and share this article with them.

Making the Switch to Overnight Shifts

Posted on November 11, 2021 by Luke Hewitt

Without preparation, switching to an overnight position can be very hard for healthcare professionals. The sudden shift can take a toll on both your body and psyche, potentially leading to Shift Work Disorder (SWD), a condition that increases your risk of various health issues for those working overnight. This along with the added stress and change on your body makes it crucial to have a plan in place for tackling this transition. Whether it seems like a night owls dream or a daunting change in lifestyle, you should always have a plan in place to make this switch easier. Here we are going to give you five exciting tips and tricks to tackle overnight shifts.

Create a Routine

This is probably the most important step when making this change. Getting a planner and writing down when your day-to-day plan will help create a routine to stick with. Make sure to carve out time for yourself to relax and get some “me time” in when needed as well. Working night is all about having a routine and having it down, so when you find the routine that works for you, stick with it.

Finding Sleep

Everyone knows how important sleep is, there is no questioning that, but this is especially true in the healthcare world. You need to have the right amount of sleep so you can provide the best care to your patients, yourself, and your family. When you are about to transition, you need to take time in order to plan out when you will get your much needed rest, and everyone is different, so you need to research what approach works best for you and your needs. You also need to be sure that you don’t do a sudden change in your sleeping all at once as that can disrupt your body appetite, and energy.

Restful Sleep

A quality nights sleep is also super important when making the change to nightshift. There are many things that you can do to be sure the rest you do get is restful. Small changes that you can do is invest in a good pair of blackout curtains for the bedroom, put your phone on the do not disturb mode, by a white noise machine, and be sure the people in your life know that your sleeping schedule is changing so they are aware of it as well. Uninterrupted sleep is needed and taking these small steps will make huge improvements in your sleeping.

Hydration

Staying hydrated during a long night shift keeps you alert and energized. Aim for 8 glasses a day, both at work and throughout the day. Some tips can help you drink more water to combat night shift fatigue. Carry water, set timers, use a straw.

Think Positive

A positive attitude can go a long way and can greatly improve your time working night shifts. There are many benefits that working night shifts provides that you cannot get working the day shift. For example, getting more family time, running errands, or just being able to relax during the day. Always have a positive attitude and it will take you far.

EmpowerCare has the team in place to help you with the change. We are here to help you with any transition needed to get you into the position you’ve been wanting. We would love to help you make this overnight shift change easy and harmless. Call us to find a role that fits your needs with a team that will make it happen for you.

What Job Seekers Need in a Recruiter

Posted on October 26, 2021 by Luke Hewitt

Job Seekers and Recruiting.

Imagine you decide you want a change in your medical career. Maybe you are looking for new RN jobs near you, or want to try a travel nurse job for a chance of scenery. Then you want to work with a staffing agency to help you find the right position for you and your current needs. Now though, how do you pick the right recruiter for you? There are certain traits you should look for when trying to find the right recruiter for your present and future needs that we will go over now.

Knowledgeable Expert

Having an expert in the recruiting field is crucial when looking for the right recruiter for you and your needs. You want a recruiter who understands the healthcare industry. They need to know current healthcare trends, current facilities and what openings would work best for you. To have someone on your side who can explain the different types of CNA jobs near you, or the different nursing salaries available at your experience level, is invaluable. You must have confidence in your recruiter to make sure you have everything you need to find your next role.

Personalized and Friendly Attitude

A positive recruiter attitude is crucial, as they’re not just a recruiter but also your trusted friend. They build a personalized, trustworthy relationship and advocate for you. With a “glass half full” approach, they recommend you for roles that align with your specific needs.

Strong Communication Skills

The details matter with a recruiter. They need to be able to communicate quickly and efficiently with you, the internal team, and the facilities you could potentially work with. Following up and following through is vital to make sure all the intricate parts are completed on time. Your recruiter needs to take the time needed to make sure you understand the process and to keep you informed every step of the way.

Realistic Expectations

When it comes to your career, you want someone who listens to your concerns and will not sugarcoat things. They need to be realistic and set goals for the candidates they are working with. This is from the initial contact with the recruiter all throughout the new placement and beyond. They need to have clear foresight and planning all while being able to be proactive.

At EmpowerCare, we trust our recruiters to find our candidates the best fit positions with all the above traits. If you are ready to have a recruiter that you can trust and work with, contact us today.

Visiting Massachusetts in the Fall

Posted on September 4, 2021 by Luke Hewitt

Fall foliage over a lake in Massachusetts

Visiting Massachusetts

Fall is my favorite time of year with all its beauty and changing of colors. It’s just magical. Massachusetts is one of the few states that can be explored within a weekend while enjoying everything that the fall season has to offer. From drives to an entire city dedicated to the holiday season, Massachusetts is a must visit state in the fall. EmpowerCare has a few top-rated events you can’t miss we want to share with you in hopes that you too will be visiting Massachusetts soon.

Walking the Freedom Trail

Take advantage of the cooler temperatures and spend some time walking the Freedom Trail located in downtown Boston. You can explore it on your own or you can book a tour where a guide will educate you about the history of the area as well as the sixteen official sites on the trail.

Food Picking

No matter where a person is, during the fall picking apples and pumpkins are a staple in the fall season. In Massachusetts, there are lots of fun and unique farms to visit depending on what area of the state you are in. Most places have their own websites showing their schedules and if reservations are required so be sure to explore it before heading out. While traveling to these unique farms, you will get to experience all the fall colors on the scenic drives.

Tangerini Farm in Millis is a great choice for families, they have a restaurant and an ice cream stand. Belkin Lookout Farm in Natick is another one of our favorites, they offer a fabulous, outdoor restaurant with their own beer and hard cider. Another family favorite is Honey Pot Orchards in Stow has the largest edge maze in North America, hayrides, and farm animals.

Visit Salem

The historic town of Salem is home of the Salem Witch Trials and is a great place to visit in the fall – especially in October. They offer all sorts of spooky and fall related activities including outdoor markets, magic shows, haunted houses, tours, and ghost hunts. So many events are happening you will not get bored during your visit.

While you are in Salem, you can also visit the Peabody Essex Museum, the Salem Witch Museum, the House of the Seven Gables, the Salem Maritime National Historic Site, and more. Salem is my favorite destination in October.

The Mohawk Trail

This trail is New England’s first official “scenic tourist route”, and it does not disappoint.

It is a 63-mile stretch of road in Western Massachusetts. Along this route, you’ll find beautiful views of the fall foliage, antique shops, state parks, museums, and more. Spend your day driving and taking in all the scenic colors and towns. It is sure to relax you and make your heart feel warm and happy for the season.

Whatever your favorite fall activity is, our small state has it and more. From vibrant foliage to cozy autumn festivals, the options for enjoyment are endless. EmpowerCare offers job opportunities throughout Massachusetts and New England, ensuring you won’t miss any of the season’s beauty, if you choose to come here on a travel nurse job.

Connect with one of our recruiters today to secure your new position before the fall colors peak. Don’t wait – experiencing Massachusetts in the fall should be the top of your bucket list this year!

Why We Don’t Offer 1099 Contracts

Posted on September 2, 2021 by Luke Hewitt

EmpowerCare gives nurses the power to choose when, where and how often they work, usually right in the palm of their hands by our easy-to-use app. When one of our talented nurses works a CNA job, LPN job or RN job, they are their W-2 hired employee. We have chosen not to offer 1099 options to our healthcare workers and here are 3 main reasons why.

1. 1099 contractors must manage their payroll taxes.

When you choose a staffing agency that does 1099, you’re responsible for managing your payroll taxes throughout the year. That means your weekly/biweekly checks will be bigger in size, but at tax time you will need to pay all the taxes that would usually have been taken out in a lump sum. This could be a problem if you don’t correctly estimate your taxes or if you don’t set money aside for your taxes. Being a W-2 employee, you don’t have to do any of this. Your employer withholds a specified amount, which you determine, from each one of your paychecks to cover your taxes. Making it easier to manager.

2. W-2 employees can have access to company benefits

Being a W-2 employee, you will have access to the company benefits such as health insurance, life insurance and paid time off, as well as your travel nurse salary. These are additional benefits that you can access and use when needed. Having a benefits package, you can fall back on is so important. It shows that the employer is invested in not only you, but your future and happiness as well.

3. W-2 employees are protected

W-2 employees are protected by laws covering minimum wage, workers’ comp, unemployment, and overtime. 1099 contractors must handle their own insurance, meaning there is less protection for you in your RN job.

At EmpowerCare, we prioritize your security and benefits, choosing W-2 over 1099. Join our caring team for the best possible work experience.

Block Booking

Posted on August 15, 2021 by Luke Hewitt

Full time stability with per diem flexibility

When our CEO founded this company back in 2005 as a Registered Nurse, it was to help nurses combat burnout and get more autonomy in their careers. We understand more than most staffing agencies how fast the industry can change. One significant shift we are seeing right now is the rise of block bookings.

What is block booking? It empowers you to schedule shifts at you preferred facilities as if you were a full-time employee, while still enjoying the flexibility of Per Diem jobs. Essentially it’s the best of both worlds! EmpowerCare is excited to offer block bookings to our healthcare professionals.

More control of your own schedule and time

Being able to take a shift when you want to at different facilities is the amazing benefit of working as a per diem RN. With block booking, you will still be able to do that but you can simplify your life even further by creating a more consistent schedule that you can plan around.

If Christmas is coming up and you need to work more hours than usual, so you can afford to spend the holidays with your loved ones, block booking in your answer!

Have a once in a lifetime vacation happening next month and won’t be working? Pick up extra shifts this month to make up for it!

More consistent income

Now that block booking is being offered at EmpowerCare, you can rest easy knowing that you can have the shifts you need booked and out of the way in advanced, instead of trying to find shifts last minute. There is nothing worse than deciding you want to work one day and seeing that all the open shifts have already been taken by other per diem CNAs or per diem RNs. T

Saved and guaranteed hours

Everyone wants some more free time, right? Block booking can give you just that by being able to provide you saved and guaranteed hours. Gone will be the days that you spend time searching and worrying if you are going to be able to work the right number of hours that you are needing each week. Once block booking is happening, we can guarantee you the hours that you need each week going forward. If you want to be able to use more of your time the way you want to use it while knowing you have the hours you need to work, block booking is right up your alley, and you should make the switch today!

Finding comfort with facilities

One last thing that shouldn’t be overlooked is the opportunity to become a regular face in facilities. This can help you build relationships, get to know your coworkers and patients more, and get to the point where you feel comfortable in the facilities you work in day to day. This helps make the days go by much faster and you get the sense of belonging that might have been missing before while working per diem shifts. Being comfortable where you work can make a huge difference in your day-to-day operations, so try it out for yourself.

Block booking has many benefits for you and your healthcare career, and EmpowerCare is here to help you make the switch. We are educated and have the knowledge needed to help you make the change fast and efficiently, so what are you waiting for? Contact us today and let them know you are looking for block booking shifts to get the ball rolling!

How to Avoid Nurse Burnout

Posted on July 9, 2021 by Luke Hewitt

Raise your hand if you have ever had a difficult day at work that causes you to rethink every decision you have ever made. Yes… we have all been there at one point or another. This happens especially in RN jobs as they are the backbone to our intricate healthcare system we have. With everything going on for the past few years, RNs have seen and dealt with some pretty intense situations. They are exhausted, tired, short staffed, and just over worked to say the least. So bad days are bound to happen occasionally. Long hours, lack of support and sleep, and working in a high stress environment are all factors that contribute to what we call nurse burnout. On order to stop this from happening to you, we’re giving you some tips to manage your workload and day to day life to cope with this irritating issue.

Take Care of #1

Number one meaning you. You are the only person who can make sure your mental and physical self is taken care of, so be sure to take time for yourself. I’m sure you have heard this time and time again, but there are simple things you can do to make sure you are taking time for yourself. Exercise, meditate, drink water, are the normal self-care regimens, but you can also pack your own food for work, do a self-care day, and wear compression socks while at work to take for of yourself.

Learn to Say “No”

Nurse burnout can happen when you take on too many responsibilities or feel an obligation to accept every task that is given to them. Most of us are guilty of doing this. Just learn to say “no” to things so you don’t take on more than you can handle.

Work for a Company you Enjoy

You need to be able to enjoy your company that you work for and have a good experience there. If for some reason you are having issues you should address them with your management team or look for a different company all together. Your happiness in your personal and work like matter, so be sure to be your own supporter in your happiness, always.

Seek Professional Help

At EmpowerCare we want you to know that seeking help is one of the bravest things you can do, and it will always put you on the road to recovery the fastest. There are so many different options when it comes to professional help, and you can decide what option works best for you and our needs.

Whatever you need to do to keep the nurse burnout away, make it a priority. RNs are the backbone that we all need in our lives, and we wouldn’t be able to function as a society without you doing what you do best. EmpowerCare can help you find the right facility that can keep you feeling happy and appreciated while providing you the benefits and schedule you need to keep it away or good.

Being Cozy When Travelling

Posted on June 28, 2021 by Luke Hewitt

Travel nurse jobs are all the rage, and we can understand why. You get to see and experience new and exciting things while doing the job you love to do. Travel nursing inevitably involves a lot of actual traveling, which can either be a blessing on a curse depending who you ask! Personally, I love the travel aspect, especially as I have become something of an expert on finding ways to stay cozy on the go. Here, I’ll share a few of my secrets so you can enjoy a more comfortable journey on your next travel nurse job assignment.

Dress Comfy

Cotton and layers will be your best friend when it comes to traveling. Cotton is a soft and breathable fabric that keep you cozy and can help you stay relaxed on those long flights or drives. As for layers, these will allow you to increase or decrease the amount of clothing layers you have on depending on the temperature you are dealing with. Nothing is worse than sitting on a three hour flight freezing. A few other tips for comfort would be compression socks if you are prone to swelling and also one of those much needed travel pillows. All of these things will make your traveling a breeze!

Snacks and Hydration

I always overpack snacks when I am traveling, especially on airplanes. Something about being stuck somewhere for a certain amount of time makes me want to snack hardcore. Eating healthy snacks such as nuts, bars, trail mix, popcorn, fruits, and veggies are all great ideas. Try to avoid salty snacks as they tend to make you thirstier and also try to avoid super crunchy foods if at all possible. No one wants to hear a random person crunch down over and over again. Water is simple, stay hydrated and keep a reusable bottle with you at all times so you can easily refill when needed. I don’t know about you, but I absolutely hate feeling thirsty and try to avoid it at all costs.

Stretch

Did you know that you can get sore after sitting for too long? To decrease muscle soreness, you should really move around and stretch your muscles as often as possible. If you find some time to walk around, even for a minute, it will help in a big way.

Bring Things you Enjoy

Time flies when you’re having fun! Bring items you genuinely enjoy and your travel time will feel like a breeze. I always bring a book that I can enjoy, my phone loaded up with new music, and a show or two downloaded on my phone. This way I am giving myself options in what I want to do, but all of them are things I really like to do so win win win.

Buy Boujee Items

Sometimes, it’s okay to be a little extra. When it comes to my travel set up, I am usually the most extra. Invest in some items that can take your traveling experience to the next level. Here are just a few items that you could purchase hat have worked wonders for me.

Noise cancelling headphones
Face mask
Portable battery for phone
Travel packing cubes (game changer)
Phone holder for hands free holding
Foot hammock for air travel

I hope this helps make your next travel assignment easier and more enjoyable. I know personally that after I started making these changes in my travel routine, it increased my love for travel that much more. There is no reason why you should hate the idea of traveling, and these easy tips will help you on your adventure.

Per Diem Jobs – All The Rage!

Posted on May 15, 2021 by Luke Hewitt

A group of healthcare professionals taking a selfie.

After the fallout of the pandemic, people have reassessed what is important to them and their work/life balance. We are seeing that many nurses would prefer to have a flexible schedule that fits their needs more than other benefits. Per diem work is when work hours for a person can very from week to week depending on the employer’s needs and how much the employee is wanting to work each week. There are many benefits of working per diem jobs, and we are going to highlight 3 of them right now.

Enjoy the Ideal Work-Life Balance

Everyone has their ideal work-life balance in their head. Whether it’s working night shifts 4 nights a week to be at home with your kids during the day, or working in the morning for half the work week so you can concentrate on your second job the other half of the week, per diem jobs can be the easiest way to get you to where you want to be. You get to decide how often and when you will be working. This also means you could pick up more shifts if you wanted to from week to week. The schedule is really up to you and your needs.

Work at more than one place

Another great opportunity that per diem jobs provides is the ability to work at multiple facilities at the same time. This would be great if you wanted to explore a variety of clinical settings or maybe if you wanted to have additional shifts that just one facility could offer you.

Multiple specialties

Per diem positions are also able to hone their skills in a variety of different specialties. While in the healthcare field, you can try different specialties and make choices that will improve your resume as you work. This can in turn help you figure out what specialty you truly enjoy.

Are you interested in a better work-life balance than what you’ve previously had? Then you should really consider looking into per diem work. In our opinion, the benefits clearly out way the disadvantages and per diem work never goes away. We are always looking for new and excited candidates to join our team and if you choose to work with us, we could have you at your 1^st shift in less than a week. Contact us now to learn more about everything we have to offer.

Prioritize Yourself! Self Care for Healthcare Workers

Posted on April 24, 2021 by Luke Hewitt

Everyone knows what self- care is, and we all need it in some way or another. Healthcare workers need it more than most, with the stress they face on a day-to-day basis and the obligation to care for other people, they need to be sure their “cup is filled” at all times or they could start to get the sense of burnout. Unfortunately, with most healthcare workers, self-care is the least of their worries. There are so many things a person can do to provide themselves with the self-care they need, but we are going to focus on 4 main areas that healthcare workers can concentrate on.

Physical
Emotional
Social
Professional

Physical: Consistency is key in this one. Your role might be a physically demanding job, but you need to also take the additional time and effort to find other ways to exert yourself throughout your day. This also includes drinking plenty of water throughout your day, each day, and also eating a healthy diet. Some simple ideas for this one would be:

Go for a 30-minute walk
Get a massage
Take an Epsom salt bath and just relax
Drink plenty of water
Get 8 hours of sleep each night
Take time throughout your day to stretch
Find an active hobby you enjoy that you can do a few times each week

Emotional: When you fail to acknowledge your feelings, your body’s emotional response intensifies. This is not good for anyone, especially someone in the healthcare field. They need to be on high alert with the correct mindset and attitude to help themselves and the people they are responsible for. Some simple things that a person can do to ease the emotional side of things in regard to self-care would be to:

Meditate
When you feel like your getting stressed out, take a moment to recharge
Use a gratitude journal nightly
Learn to say “no”
Affirmations in the morning go a long way
Fill your life with people who bring you happiness and joy
Don’t sweat the small things

Social: Human beings are social creatures; we thrive when we have people in our lives and we are able to connect to others. This is an important step in any self-care plan that shouldn’t be ignored. A few simple ideas to make sure you are getting the social aspects you need would be to:

Host a game night with your friends
Reaching out to people you care for
Making plans with someone who makes you smile
Have a weekly walk with someone
Provide compliments to those around you
Join a group or club that interest you
Host a virtual dinner party

Professional: Professional care is one of the most overlooked parts of self-care. People just don’t think about it, but it is something that needs to be address. Professional self-care encompasses anything you do to make your work life easier or to create a healthy work-life balance. Some ideas for this are:

Keep your work area clean and organized
Take your lunch, everyday

Schedule a mental health day
Turn off your work when you leave for the day
Make friends at your work
Plan social gatherings with like-minded coworkers
Leave all the stress and worry at the door

There is no denying that the healthcare field is mentally, emotionally, and physically exhausting work, especially with the last few years we have had. However, a little self-care will go a long way in helping you meet the challenges of a new day. EmpowerCare is here to help you make your day-to-day work/life balance easier by finding you the right placement for your specific needs.

Self-care is something everyone needs to acknowledge and work on each day, especially our heroes in the healthcare fields.