America’s Best Maternity Care in 2022

a Nurse at work through EmpowerCare

a Nurse at work through EmpowerCare

America’s Best Maternity Care

Celebrating Excellence in Maternity Care

The arrival of a new baby is undeniably one of life’s most joyful moments. However, the quality of maternity care during this special time can vary greatly. We’ve all heard unsettling tales of individuals encountering inaccessible, unsafe facilities. Which can transform what should be a moment of celebration into one filled with stress and frustration. No expectant mother should have to grapple with inadequate facilities when bringing a new life into the world. That’s why the news we’re about to share is so significant, warranting our enthusiasm from the mountaintops. Read all about America’s best maternity care below.

The Elite Few: High-Performing Maternity Hospitals in the US

In the landscape of healthcare, just over 300 hospitals have been recognized as “high performing” in maternity care in the Newsweek rankings. Remarkably, seven of these distinguished institutions call Massachusetts home, a testament to the state’s unwavering commitment to patient well-being. The list of exceptional facilities includes UMass Memorial, Beth Israel, Mass General, and Southcoast Hospital Group. All of which enjoy a longstanding partnership with EmpowerCare. Our collaboration has played a pivotal role in securing this coveted label, and we couldn’t be prouder. The enduring bond between EmpowerCare and these hospitals is a testament to the high-quality care they provide to their communities, and we are honored to be a part of their journey.

New England’s Commitment to Exceptional Healthcare

In addition to the hospitals mentioned above, the neighboring states of New Hampshire, Connecticut, and Maine each earned their place on this prestigious list with at least one hospital. The collective recognition reflects the unwavering commitment of New England to providing exceptional healthcare.

A Well-Deserved Congratulations

We invite you to join us in extending heartfelt congratulations to these outstanding facilities for the exemplary care they offer their communities. At EmpowerCare, we take immense pride in our association with many of these facilities. We are here to support your healthcare institution’s growth and success by providing the top-tier staff you require. As an award-winning agency, we have the expertise to elevate your facility to an award-winning status as well. Get in touch with us today to embark on this transformative journey.

Travel Nursing – The Details!

travel nurse with empowercare

travel nurse with empowercare

Employment is a serious matter, so it’s essential to know all the details from the employer or healthcare recruitment agency to ensure complete transparency. This is particularly true in travel nurse jobs. Assignments can range from a few weeks to several months or even be permanent, so it is of the utmost importance that you understand all the details of your contract.

Expertise is Key

A nurse’s expertise significantly influences whether employment is temporary or permanent. Recruitment agencies like EmpowerCare assess a candidate’s expertise and match them with jobs that fit their qualifications. Nurses with higher qualifications and experience in critical medical departments often secure more stable and desirable employment opportunities.

Certification

In countries like the US, each state has different requirements for travel nurses, necessitating specific licenses and certifications. Keeping your current license updated along with the latest certifications increases the probability of securing multiple travel nursing job offers.

Other Important Details

Understanding job benefits, accommodation facilities, and safety arrangements is crucial in a nursing job to avoid uncertainty. These details should be clarified by the recruitment agency as early as possible.

Travel nursing jobs are vital for medical establishments needing immediate staffing. While experienced nurses might be familiar with employment details, it is essential for inexperienced nurses to know everything beforehand to avoid surprises and potential job refusal after selection. EmpowerCare recognizes this need and ensures open communication with job seekers to provide all necessary details upfront.

Challenges of Nurse Staffing

Staffing can be a time consuming process, as it requires great acumen and skills to ensure that the correct person is chosen for the position as well as the organization is able to fulfill as much as of the right demands of the person. However, staffing is a reality and the need for every industry including the healthcare. There are many staffing agencies such as the healthcare recruitment agency EmpowerCare, which takes care of the specialized form of staffing. The company is one of the front-runners of the staffing of people in the healthcare zone and travel nursing jobs. Here are some of the issues that are prominent in this field.

No permanency

In the field of travel nurse employment, one needs to go wherever the work takes him.  However, a person can get to see many places, but there is no permanency in the jobs.  Every few years one has to change base. People who are close of their loved ones or fear the idea of staying alone should always consider this approach before applying for the a RN job or a CNA Job for example.

Risk to life and safety

There is a great risk to personal safety and life in travel nursing jobs. This is especially true in the case of nursing staff being posted to health centers with the volatile political environment or is prone to terrorist attacks. There have been innumerable similar cases in the past in many countries. Hence, this is one drawback of the jobs, which must be considered.

Health based issues

Being in the nurse jobs, irrespective of the fact whether you are male or female, duties have to be taken care of in a sensible manner. Backaches, muscle fatigue, pain, etc. are common side effects of this profession as need to shift heavy patients from one bed to another in order to clean them.

These above mentioned issues are common knowledge in the nursing circle and therefore are known to everyone. However, every responsible healthcare recruitment agency like EmpowerCare ensures that the people applying for the positions are aware of this truth before they get recruited. There are different ways of dealing with these issues, however, it is something, which is the prerogative of the individual and thus the decision to accept lies entirely with the person. One should completely comprehend the pros and cons and consider the issue with a practical mind thinking of all the present and future consequences, before going ahead with the decision.

Need A Change Of Pace? Try Behavioral Health!

Behavioral health nurses discussing notes

Behavioral health nurses discussing notes

If you’re starting to feel burned out in your current work setting, or want to open yourself up to rewarding opportunities in a different aspect of your career, it may be time to check out Behavioral Health!

TL;DR

  • Nurses who work in Behavioral Health jobs are typically more admired and respected by patients than other fields of nursing.
  • It is easier than ever to work in this field thanks to temporarily reduced certification requirements
  • EmpowerCare can help you experience the rewards of working in Behavioral Health on a short term assignment so you can decide if the field suits you.

Valued For Your Service

Sometimes in nursing it can feel like your efforts are taken for granted, which can be a catalyst for burnout. Anyone who has worked in a medical surgical setting knows this can be especially true.

Behavioral Health settings—which can be in a hospital psychiatric unit, but also in an outpatient or community setting—are however quite different in regards to patient appreciation.

Patients remember the nurses who care for them in these settings. This is largely due to the sense of entitlement that has accompanied the advances in western medicine. When people get hurt or sick, many expect to get better. This mindset views nurses as a means to an end on their path to healing.

People who struggle with mental or emotional issues usually don’t see things this way. Many know they are sick, and have tried to get better on their own. There isn’t always a clear path or pill to get them well again, which can leave them without hope.

When hope is harder to come by, people are incredibly grateful to anyone who can provide it.

A Rare Opportunity

As of this writing (March 2022), nurses have a rare opportunity to “try before you buy” so to speak when it comes to pursuing careers in Behavioral Health settings.

Typically, one would need additional certifications to work in these types of settings. However, many of those restrictions have been temporarily lifted.

This is due in part to the nursing shortage that’s currently taking place, but it’s also for a more uplifting reason. The stigma that surrounded mental health issues in the past is steadily fading. People feel much more comfortable seeking help than they used to.

On the flip side of this coin, the work can be more demanding. More patients + less nurses = a problem on the surface. Deep down however the fulfillment you’re looking for may be through that open door right in front of you.

A Day In The Life

Working hours is an important factor in the quest to achieve a favorable work-life balance. Most (certainly not all) assignments or jobs in a Behavioral Health setting are provided in a community setting with hours that mirror typical business hours.

The nurse’s role is to walk alongside patients on their road to recovery, which involves you in every aspect of care. This also means you would work with a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals. This can include doctors, OTs, PTs, social works, and psychiatrists.

On a typical day, you will care for some of the most vulnerable people you’re likely to encounter. The people receiving your love and care will be suffering from things like anxiety and depression, eating disorders, substance abuse, mental or psychiatric disorders, etc. It is highly unlikely that two patients will be exactly the same.

Your job will revolve around making connections and building relationships with your patients, and their family, friends, and other support systems. You don’t always get to do that in other nursing disciplines.

A Growing Field

United States mental health & substance abuse centers have grown 3.8% on average per year between 2017 and 2022.

It’s not that people are getting sicker, it’s that people are finally receiving care. Federal funding for Medicaid and Medicare has increased during this time, and it’s estimated that reimbursements pay for 51.5% of all care in the industry. Best we can tell, it looks like this trend is likely to continue.

The point is this: working in a Behavioral Health setting may just be the change of pace you’re looking for. High levels of job satisfaction and personal fulfillment are usually discovered when we learn what we’re made of; when we find ourselves in challenging scenarios that on the surface may even look like adversity.

If you don’t know if a move into Behavioral Health nursing is for you, EmpowerCare can help. Reach out to your recruiter and ask about our travel contracts and local per-diem assignments in the field.

Who knows, you might just find exactly what you’ve been looking for.

The Importance of Networking in Healthcare

Team of healthcare professionals working together

Team of healthcare professionals working together

Networking is the process of making connections and building relationships with other people. Understanding the dual-sided nature of networking will help you advance in your career and personal life.

TL;DR

  • Networking involves giving and receiving. When networking, remember to find ways you can benefit others.
  • Developing a friendly and helpful disposition will make networking incredibly natural.
  • You can be compensated up to $750 for referrals to EmpowerCare.

We’ve all heard the adage:

“It’s not what you know, it’s who you know”

Nothing is truer when it comes to advancing your nursing career. Any good salesperson will tell you that people prefer doing business with the people they know, like, and trust. 

The truth of the matter is, all people feel that way.

Get What You Want Through Reciprocity

Most articles that discuss networking focus on what’s in it for you. It’s true, there are personal benefits to networking:

  • Strengthen professional connections
  • Get fresh ideas on how to solve problems
  • Find new job opportunities
  • Get career advice

The best way to receive a benefit from networking is to first find a way to be of benefit to others. This is true because people are hardwired for reciprocity.

You can see how prevalent this is in religion and society, and even music.

Christians call it “sowing and reaping”. Hindus and Buddhists call it “karma”. We have sayings like “you’ll get what you deserve”, and songs like “You Get What You Give” (by The New Radicals) and “What Goes Around Comes Around” (by Justin Timberlake)

People tend to repay like for like. Do someone a favor, and they’ll want to do a favor for you. Do someone harm, and watch out—you likely have animosity headed your way.

What most people don’t realize is:

“If you fail to help other people, other people will fail to help you.”

You want to reap the benefits of networking? Then do for others what you want them to do for you.

Who Should You Network With?

When you hear the word networking, most people think of shaking hands with strangers in a crowded room at a networking event.

Your pre-existing relationships are a much better place to start. Consider your:

  • Former colleagues
  • Old friends
  • Previous bosses or charge supervisors
  • Alumni or classmates
  • Other volunteers (if you volunteer your time)

Remember, the key to receiving favors from people is to do one for them. The simple act of offering to do a favor will position you in their mind as a helpful and generous person.

You’re probably very busy, which means you’ve lost touch with some of the people above. No problem. Just reconnect! Reach out through text, social media, or give someone a quick phone call to check in and say hello.

Additional Places To Network

Outside of your pre-existing network, you can find like-minded people in many places.

Join some Facebook groups, and be helpful in them. Do the same on AllNurses.com. It’s highly probable you have the answer (or at least some insight) into questions your fellow nurses are asking there.

Seek out professional groups, or expand your network on LinkedIn. If you’re considering a travel assignment, ask people who already work there what the culture is like.

You should also attend events. An event may present itself as volunteer opportunities. Take advantage of that. You never know who you might wind up talking to while doing community service!

Breaking The Ice

The easiest way to break the ice with someone you know is to share a memory you have of them.

It feels so good when a friend reaches out to share a memory they have of you. It means someone was thinking of you, and who doesn’t like a trip down memory lane?

So start there. Think of something you did with the person you want to reconnect with, and let them know you were thinking about it. It could be an assignment you worked on together, volunteer work, a difficult class you struggled through together. The possibilities are endless.

Once you’ve broken the ice, it’s time to ask a question.

Ask about their career goals and look for opportunities to help them reach them. If you can make a connection to someone so they can reach their goal faster, offer to do it.

Ask about any current challenges they’re facing, and offer support, sympathy, or a fresh perspective.

Ask about their family, and how the last few years have affected them.

If you can’t help with their goals or challenges, let them know you will keep an eye out for people who can. Tell them to look through your professional network and offer to make an introduction to anyone they may want to talk to.

Letting others know you are willing to assist them will make them want to do the same for you.

Make A Referral: Give What Has Been Given To You

If you work with EmpowerCare, then you know we strive to be the most convenient, personable, and responsive healthcare staffing service in Massachusetts.

Too many nurses are feeling burned out these days. Working with agencies that don’t fully disclose what they know about assignments, or don’t promptly return phone calls and emails is exhausting.

We can help! Our purpose statement is to improve lives one assignment at a time, through proper care and concern for all.

That “all” includes you. Our Referral Program pays up to $750 for referrals. You don’t even have to currently work with us to take advantage of it.

If you are a healthcare professional and need help finding the right job, or your next assignment, please reach out!

The Direction of Nurses Pay in 2022 and Beyond

Mental health nurse practitioner working remotely

Mental health nurse practitioner working remotely

TL;DR

  • In the peak of the pandemic, travel nurse salary reached up to $10,000/week.
  • As of February 2022 the average travel nurse pay is closer to $3,300/week
  • Pay will always fluctuate with supply and demand, but it’s unlikely for travel nursing rates to fall back to pre-pandemic rates.
  • Remember to look beyond pay when choosing a staffing agency

A Facebook post in a group for Traveling Nurses reads “Only making $3-4k a week?? Why not make $5-8k a week??”.

The nursing industry has definitely fallen on some challenging times. The work has become increasingly difficult, nurses are facing burn out at incredible rates, the debate on fair pay for nurses rages on, and there are even rumors of congressional pay caps.

There’s a lot to cover, but right now let’s focus on the money. 

History Of Pay For Traveling Nurses

Prior to the pandemic, traveling nurses earned about $1,800/week.

The pandemic created a “perfect storm” of an insatiable demand for traveling nurses. We’ll cover that in a moment, but suffice it to say that rates reached an unprecedented high.

During the height of the pandemic (we consider this to be the Delta spike in 2021), salaries for traveling nurses reached $10,000/week for some assignments! Nurses could earn in 2-3 months what previously took a year to earn.

The payoff is those assignments were in places described as a “war zone”.

The average pay has fluctuated throughout the pandemic, but a travel nurse should expect to earn around $3,300/week (as of early 2022), knowing that figure may change a little as time goes on.

Why The Fluctuations In Pay?

Pay for traveling nurses is determined by many things.

For starters, traveling nurses will always earn more than staff nurses because the demands of the job are greater due to the nature of the position.

Traveling nurses have always alleviated staffing shortages in hospitals and facilities that were having a hard time finding nurses to fill their staff positions.

Economics tells us that prices change based on supply and demand. If there are 10 nurses (supply) to fill 50 positions (demand), the pay rate for those nurses is going to get competitive in a hurry. Nurses would almost be able to name their rate (and in 2020 some did)!

In early 2020 there averaged around 8,000 open positions for traveling nurses. By September 2021 that figure grew by 6x to over 48,000 positions. Assignments have decreased to around 32,000 now.

When you track it, the pattern of open assignments follows the pattern for pay.

The Road Back To Normal

As the world gets back to normal (or closer to what we used to call normal), pay is likely to go down. Again, supply and demand.

Many of the staffing shortages were caused by sick nurses who were unable to work because they had Covid, or were caring for loved ones with Covid. Once they get back to work, the number of open assignments will decrease, and thus so will pay.

Although it probably won’t happen quickly or suddenly.

Burnout will most likely slow the nursing industry’s return to normal compared to other industries. When other industries figured out how to get people working remotely, nurses and others in the healthcare industry were in the thick of it.

This has no doubt added to the staffing shortage issue.

The increasing gap between pay for a staff nurse and a travel nurse is also causing some staff nurses to question whether they should quit and take travel assignments instead.

Currently traveling nurses earn 3x more than staffing nurses. This is another issue that goes too deep to fully address here, but is a challenge nonetheless.

Your Goals & What To Look For In A Staffing Agency

If you are looking for a $5,000/week assignment, you might find some. Just know what you’re getting yourself into.

Staffing shortages create chaotic work environments. 

The greater the shortage, the greater the chaos.

The greater the shortage, the greater the pay.

If however you want to earn as much as possible, but realize that you have a specific set of requirements that make an assignment ideal for you—then give us a call.

EmpowerCare stands on three guiding principles. The life-saving acronym of CPR seemed fitting given our mission of resuscitating the life-work balance for the nursing industry.

1. Convenient

We believe your relationship with a staffing agency should be convenient for you, not the staffing agency.

Assignments should be convenient based on your current and future life goals. Maybe higher pay is something you’re after right now, but later this year you’ll want to be closer to family. It’s okay if your requirements change, because we do everything in our power to find you assignments for the right pay, in the right location, with the right people.

Convenience also means working with us is simple. Onboarding is easy, so is submitting time sheets. Since we disclose everything we know about an assignment before you go there, you’ll also be able to choose if you only take assignments that use systems you’re already familiar with.

2. Personable

Too many of our travel nurses tell us they left their previous staffing agency because their recruiter wasn’t personable.

When you speak, we listen. We ask questions to get to know you so we can help you find assignments that are the best fit for you. You are not a cog in the machine, but a human being with dreams and goals that we can help you accomplish.

3. Responsive

You deserve a quick reply if you need something. If you have a question, you deserve an answer. If you have a problem, you deserve a solution.

There really isn’t any reason a traveling nurse should show up for an assignment and be surprised by what they got themselves into.

Not getting responses to emails and phone calls is unacceptable. We already have one of the most responsive teams of recruiters in the industry (you can expect responses between 7am-10pm EST), and are planning to offer an even greater level of support soon.

It’s a winning combination when that support is provided by someone who cares about making life easier for you.

So what will pay look like for traveling nurses in the future? No one can say for certain, but we believe it will be directly linked to the number of available assignments.

The Truth About The Congressional Pay-Caps for Travel Nurses

A group of nurses

Nurses after the pandemic

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

An exhausted nurse

An exhausted nurse

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

An EmpowerCare recruiter

An EmpowerCare recruiter

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

Fall foliage over a lake in Massachusetts

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!