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The Rise of Travel Nursing

August 7, 2024 by INNOVA People Leave a Comment

In recent years, travel nursing has emerged as a dynamic and appealing career path for healthcare professionals. Driven by a combination of demand for flexible staffing solutions, the desire for personal and professional growth, and the opportunity to explore new places, travel nursing offers a unique and rewarding experience. Travel nursing is more than just a job; it’s a lifestyle that offers unique opportunities for growth, adventure, and professional fulfillment.

Why Travel Nursing is on the Rise

One of the primary drivers behind the rise of travel nursing is the need to address staffing shortages in healthcare facilities across the country. Hospitals and clinics often face fluctuating patient volumes, seasonal demands, and unexpected staff vacancies. According to the American Hospital Association, there are currently over 100,000 vacant nursing positions nationwide, illustrating the critical need for flexible staffing solutions. Travel nurses provide a flexible and efficient solution, allowing healthcare facilities to maintain high standards of care without compromising patient outcomes. Additionally, travel nursing offers unparalleled career flexibility and variety. Healthcare professionals can choose assignments that align with their personal and professional goals, whether it’s working in a bustling urban hospital, a rural clinic, or a specialized care facility. This flexibility allows nurses to gain diverse experiences, enhance their skill sets, and avoid burnout by changing their work environment regularly.

A survey by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing found that 75% of travel nurses cited the opportunity to explore new locations and work environments as a significant factor in their decision to pursue travel nursing. Moreover, travel nurses often enjoy competitive compensation packages, including higher pay rates compared to permanent staff, housing stipends, travel reimbursements, and comprehensive benefits. These financial incentives, combined with the opportunity to explore new locations, make travel nursing an attractive option for many healthcare professionals. Travel nursing also provides a unique opportunity for personal and professional growth. Nurses can immerse themselves in different healthcare systems, learn new practices and technologies, and adapt to various patient populations. This exposure enhances their clinical skills, cultural competence, and adaptability, making them more well-rounded and resilient healthcare providers.

Key Insights for Aspiring Travel Nurses

1. Embrace Adaptability and Flexibility

Travel nursing requires a high degree of adaptability and flexibility. Nurses must be prepared to quickly acclimate to new work environments, collaborate with diverse teams, and manage the challenges of living in different locations. Developing strong organizational and communication skills is essential for success in this dynamic field.

2. Prioritize Licensing and Certifications

Before embarking on a travel nursing career, it’s crucial to ensure you have the necessary licenses and certifications for the states where you plan to work. The Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) allows nurses to hold a multi-state license, making it easier to work across state lines. Additionally, obtaining certifications in specialized areas can enhance your marketability and open up more opportunities.

3. Research and Choose Reputable Agencies

Partnering with a reputable travel nursing agency is vital for a successful experience. Research agencies thoroughly, read reviews, and seek recommendations from other travel nurses. A good agency will provide support throughout your assignments, from securing placements to handling logistics and ensuring your well-being.

4. Plan Your Assignments Strategically

Strategic planning is key to maximizing the benefits of travel nursing. Consider your career goals, preferred locations, and assignment durations. Balancing longer-term assignments with shorter stints can provide stability while still offering the variety and adventure that travel nursing promises.

5. Focus on Building a Strong Network

Networking is invaluable in the travel nursing community. Connect with fellow travel nurses, join professional organizations, and participate in online forums and social media groups. Building a strong network can provide support, share valuable insights, and open doors to new opportunities.

The future of travel nursing looks promising as the demand for flexible healthcare staffing solutions continues to grow. Advances in telehealth, changes in healthcare delivery models, and the ongoing need for specialized care will further enhance the opportunities for travel nurses. By addressing staffing shortages, providing career flexibility, and offering competitive compensation, travel nursing has become a vital component of the healthcare industry. At Innova People, we are dedicated to supporting healthcare professionals in navigating the dynamic world of travel nursing. Whether you’re a seasoned travel nurse or considering this path for the first time, we’re here to help you achieve your career goals and make the most of your journey.

Why You Should Spring Clean Your Resume

April 2, 2024 by INNOVA People Leave a Comment

As spring arrives, there’s a sense of renewal in the air. The sun’s warmth and the flowers’ blossoming mark the start of a new season. Many usher in this season by reorganizing and deep-cleaning their spaces and decluttering their inboxes. But Spring isn’t just a time for fresh starts and tidying up your home; it’s also the perfect season to dust off your resume.

Think of your resume like a closet. At least once a year, it needs a good cleaning—including assessing what you’ve got and deciding what to keep, what to get rid of, and what to emphasize. Then, after cleaning out all the unwanted items, you can add new information to create a current, relevant, and appealing resume.

Whether you’re actively job hunting or want to keep your professional profile up-to-date (which we highly recommend), revisiting your resume several times a year ensures you’re always prepared for new opportunities or unexpected changes in your career path.

Why Spring Clean Your Resume?

Your resume is often your first impression of potential employers, so ensuring it effectively showcases your skills, experiences, and achievements is essential.

Fresh Perspective

Spring brings a sense of rejuvenation and optimism. Use this energy to approach your resume with a fresh perspective. Reviewing your accomplishments and experiences with renewed enthusiasm can help you highlight your strengths more effectively.

Stay Competitive

The job market constantly evolves, with new skills and technologies in demand. By updating your resume regularly, you can ensure that you remain competitive and relevant in your field.

Career Reflection

Spring offers an excellent opportunity for self-reflection. Take stock of your career goals and achievements, and tailor your resume to align with your aspirations. Whether aiming for a promotion, a career change, or new challenges, your resume should reflect your ambitions.

How to Spring Clean Your Resume

Ready to give your resume a makeover? Here are some tips to help you get started:

Update your Information
Think about what has changed since your last update. Have you accepted a new role, changed departments, or been promoted? Did you acquire new skills or accomplish a course or program that advanced your career? If yes, incorporate these specifics to reflect a comprehensive overview of your recent expertise and abilities.

Review your Professional Summary or Objective
As your career goals change, how you present your qualifications or professional summary should also change to support these goals. Reread your resume with your current goals and decide what details should be added, edited, or removed to showcase your relevant skills and experience. Try minimizing the details from jobs that don’t align with your current goals and spending more space elaborating on your work and accomplishments that highlight your most relevant qualifications.

Focus on Achievements
Instead of simply listing your job responsibilities, emphasize your accomplishments. Use quantifiable metrics whenever possible to demonstrate your impact in previous roles. Keep a brag book of achievements to substantiate your resume and LinkedIn profile information.

Declutter
Remove old jobs that are no longer relevant.

INNOVA People: Your Partner in Finding Your Dream Job

Embarking on a job search can be daunting, but you don’t have to go it alone. INNOVA People is dedicated to helping individuals like you find their dream jobs and unlock their full potential. With our personalized approach and extensive network, we connect talented professionals with career opportunities across healthcare and IT.

Whether you’re seeking temporary assignments, permanent positions, or executive roles, we’re committed to matching you with opportunities that align with your skills, interests, and career goals.

In addition to job placement services, INNOVA People offers resume writing assistance, interview coaching, and career counseling to support you at every stage of your professional journey. With our guidance and expertise, you can confidently navigate the job market and take the next step toward a fulfilling career.

Don’t let the opportunity pass you by—embrace the spirit of spring and embark on a journey towards your dream job today. Contact us today.

The Demand for Soft Skills is Growing, Here’s Why

February 27, 2024 by INNOVA People Leave a Comment

The workplace is transforming as employers’ attitudes toward work and the criteria for suitable talent have shifted. “Hard” technical skills once took center stage, and employers now realize the increasing importance of “soft skills.” Those intangible qualities that define how you work and interact are the new currency of the workplace.

The World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs 2023 report reveals that soft skills are just as essential as hard skills because success in the workplace often requires more than the technical ability to do the job. Soft skills can make a significant difference, “The socio-emotional attitudes which businesses consider to be growing in importance most quickly are curiosity and lifelong learning; resilience, flexibility and agility; and motivation and self-awareness—evidence that businesses emphasize the importance of resilient and reflective workers embracing a culture of lifelong learning as the lifecycle of their skills decreases,” the report’s findings state.

The Beauty of Soft Skills

As businesses adapt to emerging technologies, the demand for soft skills becomes more pronounced as they enable companies to navigate change.

What sets soft skills apart is their high transferability across industries. Whether contemplating a career pivot, aiming for rapid career progression, or even considering entrepreneurship, soft skills are your liquid assets. Their adaptability aligns seamlessly with evolving employer perspectives, making them and you a valuable asset in any professional setting.

Studies by Harvard University, the Carnegie Foundation, and the Stanford Research Center affirm that 85% of job success stems from proficient soft and interpersonal skills. In comparison, a mere 15% is attributed to technical skills and knowledge (hard skills).

Current In-Demand Soft Skills

Online learning platform Springboard for Business recently released its 2024 State of the Workforce Skills Gap report, which surveyed more than 1,0000 corporate professionals working at large companies, revealing the most sought-after soft skills in the current job market. Strategic thinking is at the top of the list, with 57% of leaders expressing the need for professionals with this skill. As businesses navigate an economy in a changing environment of flux, critical thinking becomes indispensable to stay competitive.

Additionally, problem-solving (49%) and verbal and written communication skills (46%) are crucial to keeping pace with the evolving professional landscape—emotional intelligence and interpersonal relationships round out the list of essential soft skills, also known as durable or non-perishable skills, the report said.

The Importance of Soft Skills for Employees

With 79% of leaders acknowledging the limited longevity of technical skills to five years or less, the emphasis on soft skills has intensified as artificial intelligence reshapes industries. Unlike technical skills, soft skills cannot be outsourced to AI and are universally applicable at every level and function.

Displaying Your Soft Skills

In a competitive job market where employers sift through numerous resumes, showcasing your soft skills is a strategic move. Using explicit language such as “facilitated,” “presented,” “negotiated,” and “implemented” can help ensure that your soft skills stand out on paper. Be explicit and mention soft skills by name to avoid them getting lost on the page.

During interviews, soft skills become a powerful differentiator. Outline unique competencies through examples from previous work experiences, demonstrating critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills.

How to Actively Develop and Enhance Your Soft Skills

Personal development should be ongoing. Employees can hone their soft skills in practical situations by engaging in soft skill training initiatives. They can gain insights from each other’s experiences through immersive courses, simulations, and peer learning opportunities. Adopting an immersive approach can inspire employees to engage actively in personal and professional development.

Some courses that can help improve soft skills include:

Yale Connected Leadership Course
Yale Intro to Negotiation Course
Leadership Skills Course
Negotiation Strategies and Skills Course

Here are some ways companies can adapt their hiring processes to evaluate and prioritize soft skills:

Utilize behavioral interviews, employing questions that delve into a candidate’s real-life experiences and their application of skills across various contexts.
Employ skills assessments or pre-employment tests to evaluate both technical and soft skills.
Revise job descriptions to emphasize the importance of soft skills and talent.
Integrate psychometric testing into the evaluation process.
Provide skill development programs for candidates.
Cultivate a culture of continuous learning within the organization.

The Corporate Impact of Soft Skills

Mastering soft skills benefits not just individuals; it elevates teams and entire organizations. Strong, soft-skill employees become catalysts for innovation, efficiency, and growth. There’s a clear correlation between soft skills proficiency and professional success in a business landscape that continually evolves. As the demand for these skills persists, they remain valuable for job seekers and corporations.

Strategies to Future-Proof Your Career in 2024: A Comprehensive Guide

January 16, 2024 by INNOVA People Leave a Comment

As we enter 2024, the professional landscape is evolving at an unprecedented pace, driven by technological advancements, shifting market demands, and the ongoing global transformation. It’s crucial to prepare and future-proof your career proactively. In this blog post, we’ll explore strategic steps to ensure your professional trajectory aligns with the demands of the ever-evolving job market.

Embrace Lifelong Learning

The rapid pace of technological innovation demands a commitment to continuous learning. Stay updated on industry trends, acquire new skills, and consider pursuing relevant certifications. Online learning platforms, workshops, and professional development courses are excellent resources to enhance your knowledge base.

Cultivate Soft Skills

While technical skills are essential, employers increasingly value soft skills such as communication, adaptability, and problem-solving. Focus on improving your interpersonal skills, emotional intelligence, and collaboration ability in diverse teams. These qualities will set you apart in a competitive job market.

Networking and Relationship Building

Building and maintaining a robust professional network is invaluable. Attend industry conferences, join online forums, and participate in networking events. Strengthening your connections can open new opportunities, insights, and collaborations.

Adopt a Growth Mindset

Embrace challenges as opportunities for growth. A mindset that values learning from setbacks and seeking improvement will make you a resilient and adaptable professional. Employers value individuals who can navigate uncertainty with a positive and proactive attitude.

Stay Tech-Savvy

Technology continues to reshape industries across the board. Stay informed about emerging technologies relevant to your field and adapt your skill set accordingly. Familiarize yourself with automation, artificial intelligence, and other disruptive technologies shaping the future of work.

Focus on Career Branding

Build a solid online presence through platforms like LinkedIn. Showcase your achievements, skills, and professional journey. A well-crafted personal brand can attract attention from recruiters and employers, opening up new career opportunities.

Diversify Your Skill Set

In a rapidly changing job market, diverse skill sets make you a more versatile and attractive candidate. Identify complementary skills that can enhance your primary expertise. This can include learning a new programming language, gaining project management skills, or delving into data analytics.

Prioritize Mental and Physical Well-Being

A healthy mind and body contribute significantly to professional success. Prioritize self-care, manage stress effectively, and maintain a work-life balance. A healthy and resilient individual is better equipped to navigate the challenges of a demanding career.

Monitor Industry Trends

Regularly research and stay informed about trends shaping your industry. Anticipating changes lets you position yourself strategically, ensuring your skills and knowledge remain relevant.

As we venture into 2024, the key to a successful career can lie in adaptability, continuous learning, and a proactive approach. Embrace change, invest in your skills, and stay ahead of the curve to thrive in the evolving professional landscape by working with a recruiter like Innova People to help you land your dream job.

The Epic Dilemma: Navigating Talent Challenges in the Health IT Landscape

January 2, 2024 by INNOVA People Leave a Comment

In the intricate world of Electronic Health Records (EHR), Epic stands as a towering giant, employing approximately 13,000 individuals. Given the crucial role of IT in healthcare, one might expect fierce competition for talent among health systems, but a closer look reveals a different story. Hospital CIOs have disclosed a unique challenge — Epic’s airtight non-compete agreements that discourage employees from transitioning to client health systems.

The Non-compete Conundrum

According to Don Reichert, Vice President of Information Services at ProHealth Care in Wisconsin told Becker’s, departing Epic employees face non-compete agreements ranging from six months to two years. This obstacle is a significant deterrent, dissuading individuals from considering opportunities with hospital systems.

Epic Veterans Find a Detour

Epic veterans, seeking alternatives to direct employment with health systems, often become consultants. Health systems contract these experienced professionals temporarily to address specific needs or projects. Children’s Nebraska, for example, leverages Epic contractors to propel projects forward or manage maintenance backlogs, emphasizing their deep understanding of Epic’s modules.

Rather than competing directly with Epic for talent, health systems find themselves vying with each other for Epic-experienced professionals. The uniqueness of this competition lies in the fact that it is not on an equal playing field. Dayton Children’s CIO J.D. Whitlock highlights a growing trend where health systems in high-cost areas lure remote talent from lower-cost regions, driven by CMS’ wage index system.

The Wage Index Quandary

CMS’ wage index system, which ties Medicare reimbursements to regional pay levels, contributes to the disparity. While this benefits Epic-certified analysts in high-cost-of-living areas, it poses challenges for health systems in rural regions struggling with staffing and financial constraints.

The Talent Tug-of-War

Health systems in areas with higher living costs attract talent from regions with lower costs by offering competitive salaries, sign-on bonuses, and enhanced benefits. For instance, Aultman Health Foundation in Ohio has witnessed employees leaving for remote positions with fellow Oracle Health EHR customers, enticed by better financial incentives.

Geography and Culture Factors

Geography and corporate culture also play pivotal roles. Epic and Oracle Health, headquartered in southern Wisconsin and Kansas City, respectively, have predominantly on-site employees. The reluctance to uproot their lives for distant health systems, combined with differences in organizational culture, contributes to the one-sided nature of talent movement.

The intricate dance of talent in the health IT landscape reflects a delicate balance of non-compete agreements, wage disparities, and corporate cultures. As health systems navigate these challenges, they must find innovative solutions to attract and retain skilled professionals, ensuring the seamless integration of EHR systems to improve patient care and overall healthcare advancement.

September Jobs Report: Strong Hiring Defies Economic Challenges

October 6, 2023 by INNOVA People Leave a Comment

In a surprising turn of events, job growth in September exceeded expectations, signaling the resilience of the U.S. economy in the face of rising interest rates. According to the most recent employment report from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, payroll employment surged by 336,000 during the month, surpassing the Dow Jones consensus estimate of 170,000 and exceeding the previous month’s figures by over 100,000. Simultaneously, the unemployment rate held steady at 3.8 percent, in contrast to the projected 3.7%.

This payroll increase marked the most robust monthly performance since January. However, wage growth proved to be more modest than anticipated, with average hourly earnings rising by 0.2% for the month and 4.2% year-on-year, falling slightly short of estimates of 0.3% and 4.3%, respectively.

Regarding industry sectors, leisure and hospitality led the charge by adding 96,000 new jobs. Other notable gainers included the government sector (73,000 jobs), healthcare (41,000 jobs), and professional, scientific, and technical services (29,000 jobs). Conversely, motion picture and sound recording positions decreased by 5,000, reflecting a 45,000-job decline since May due to labor disputes in Hollywood.

The service-related industries played a significant role in the overall job growth, contributing 234,000 jobs, while goods-producing industries added 29,000 jobs. Average hourly earnings within the leisure and hospitality sector remained unchanged for the month but showed a robust increase of 4.7% compared to the previous year.

The private sector outperformed earlier predictions, with an impressive gain of 263,000 jobs, far exceeding the earlier estimate of just 89,000.

The September employment report underscores the positive momentum in the United States job market, with notable growth in the leisure, hospitality, government, and healthcare sectors. This resilience in employment numbers is particularly noteworthy in light of ongoing economic challenges. Although slightly below expectations, wage growth continues to exhibit positive trends in average hourly earnings.