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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.

Direct Recruiters, Inc., a Starfish Partners Company and Health Innovations, LLC Join Forces to Revolutionize Healthcare Staffing and Analytics

June 5, 2024 by INNOVA People Leave a Comment

Solon, Ohio — Direct Recruiters, Inc. (DRI), a leading executive search firm, and Health Innovations, LLC, a trailblazer in physician executive, population health, and healthcare analytics talent acquisition, are thrilled to announce their strategic merger. This transformative partnership combines DRI’s expertise in executive placements in digital health, employer health, pharmacy, hospital IT and contract staffing with Health Innovations’ deep understanding of population health and data-driven healthcare solutions.

Key Highlights:

A Synergistic Approach: By merging, DRI and Health Innovations create a powerhouse to bridge the gaps that exist in healthcare staffing today. Together, they will offer a unique staffing solution that allows organizations to build a coherent strategy across population health and value-based care, clinical leadership, technology and advanced analytics.
Top Talent Access: Health Innovations has a proven track record of placing world-class clinical executives and analytics thought leaders, which aligns perfectly with DRI’s growing healthcare practice.
Data-Driven Excellence: Health Innovations’ focus on data science, informatics, and population health models complements DRI’s existing services. The combined entity will offer comprehensive staffing solutions for the entire healthcare ecosystem, including integrated delivery systems, payers, life sciences, digital health and analytics companies.

David Gorstein, founder of Health Innovations states, “Our goal has always been to assemble the right teams to drive meaningful change in healthcare. By joining forces with DRI, we can amplify our impact. Together, we will empower organizations to navigate the complex landscape of healthcare delivery.”

Dan Charney, CEO of Direct Recruiters, added, “We have spent the past year getting to know David and exploring the possibilities of bringing our businesses together. From a business perspective, David’s expertise and experience will add immediate additional capabilities to three of our cornerstone healthcare practices. More importantly, David is a wonderful person, and we are so excited for the impact he will make on DRI and the overall Starfish family especially in the healthcare sector.”

To learn more about Direct Recruiters Population Health, click here.

Unlock the Rewards of Travel Nursing with INNOVA People

May 1, 2024 by INNOVA People Leave a Comment

As a leading talent acquisition firm specializing in travel nursing placements, INNOVA People understands the unique appeal and advantages of embarking on a career as a travel nurse. This dynamic and fulfilling profession offers many benefits beyond competitive compensation and travel opportunities. Join us as we explore the compelling perks that make travel nursing a gratifying path in your nursing career.

Unparalleled Travel Experiences

One of the most alluring aspects of travel nursing is the ability to explore diverse locations while doing meaningful work. With INNOVA People, you’ll have access to top healthcare facilities nationwide, allowing you to immerse yourself in new cultures, cuisines, and lifestyles. Each assignment presents an opportunity to create lasting memories and broaden your personal and professional horizons.

Competitive Compensation and Financial Benefits

Travel nurses often enjoy higher pay rates compared to their permanently employed counterparts. At INNOVA People, we prioritize securing lucrative contracts that reflect your skills and expertise and account for the unique demands of a travel nursing lifestyle. Additionally, you may be eligible for generous compensation packages, including housing stipends, travel reimbursements, and comprehensive health benefits.

Career Growth and Skill Diversification

Travel nurses work in diverse healthcare settings, gaining exposure to various patient populations, clinical practices, and cutting-edge technologies. This invaluable experience fosters professional growth and enhances clinical expertise, making you a highly sought-after candidate in the healthcare industry. INNOVA People collaborates with prestigious facilities, ensuring you can access advanced training opportunities and work alongside renowned healthcare professionals.

Does this sound like what you’re looking for? Then, check out the different travel nursing jobs and opportunities available. The right opportunity can go a long way toward improving your vocation, and INNOVA People can help you get there.

Flexible Schedules and Work-Life Balance

Travel nursing offers flexibility that can be challenging in traditional nursing roles. With INNOVA People, you can create a schedule that aligns with your lifestyle preferences. Whether you prefer shorter assignments or extended contracts, we work tirelessly to match you with opportunities that suit your goals and priorities, enabling you to strike a healthy work-life balance.

Supportive Community and Networking Opportunities

As a travel nurse, you’ll join a vibrant community of like-minded professionals who share your passion for adventure and service. INNOVA People fosters a supportive network, connecting you with fellow travel nurses and industry experts. This community is a valuable resource for sharing insights, tips, and experiences, helping you navigate a travel nursing career’s unique challenges and triumphs.

At INNOVA People, we empower travel nurses and provide them with the resources and opportunities they need to thrive. Whether seeking professional growth, financial rewards, or the chance to explore new horizons, a travel nursing career with us promises a wealth of benefits and unforgettable experiences.

Take the first step towards an extraordinary journey and connect with our experienced recruiters today. Together, we’ll unlock the rewards of travel nursing and help you embark on a fulfilling career path that combines your passion for nursing with a sense of adventure.

INNOVA People Launches INNOVA Healthcare and INNOVA Tech Staffing Groups

February 26, 2024 by INNOVA People Leave a Comment

PLANO, Texas – INNOVA People, a Starfish Partners company, is proud to announce the launch of INNOVA Healthcare and INNOVA Tech staffing practice areas.Leveraging decades of expertise in healthcare and technology staffing and merging the staffing divisions of INNOVA People and Direct Recruiters Inc., the newly formed staffing specialty areas broaden the spectrum of talent acquisition and consulting services. This newly formed staffing powerhouse offers comprehensive solutions, including contract, contract-to-hire, and temporary placements. By expanding and launching the INNOVA Healthcare and INNOVA Tech specialized teams, INNOVA People will deliver best-in-class customized staffing services encompassing consulting, sourcing, identifying, acquiring, onboarding, and retaining top-tier professionals to top-tier organizations.

Joel Slenning, founder and Managing Partner of INNOVA People shared, “After investing significant time getting to know each other, it became obvious that this was the right move for INNOVA People. Dan Charney and Frank Myeroff of Direct Recruiters were the perfect people to build a strategic partnership with and grow our two businesses together as one. With the tenured expertise that the Direct Recruiters team brings to the table, and INNOVA’s very progressive, technology-driven, workforce solution offering I am confident that we have made a sound decision for both organizations and am excited about bringing our teams together and serving our health system clients made possible only through this collaboration.”

To further enhance and support team growth, INNOVA People has also expanded to include offices in Ohio, complementing its original offices in Oregon. Operating throughout North America, INNOVA People will expand its footprint to sourcing supplementary talent for the healthcare and technology sectors. CEO Joel Slenning, drawing from over two decades of experience, alongside the INNOVA People team, will leverage their distinctive technology stack and artificial intelligence platform, which have cemented the firm’s reputation as a crucial staffing ally for the healthcare and technology industries.

“We have diligently been searching for the right firm to merge our existing staffing business with since the inception of Starfish Partners. Joel Slenning and INNOVA People are the ideal partner based on their existing footprint in the hospital IT space. Additionally, their expertise in several other areas of hospital staffing will allow us to become a complete solution for our clients. Frank Myeroff, Practice Leader and Managing Partner of the Direct Recruiters existing staffing group will work closely with Joel to continue to grow this division for Starfish across leading medical centers and several other strategic markets that we have identified,”shared Dan Charney, President and CEO of Direct Recruiters, Inc.

In 2023, Starfish Partners, an international investment and ownership platform for niched professional and mid- to upper-management search specialists, announced the acquisition of INNOVA People, an Oregon-based firm that works across North America placing supplemental talent in the healthcare and technology industries.

Learn more at www.innovapeople.com.

Starfish Partners provides capital for recruiting firms looking to scale, as well as exit strategies for owners seeking to secure value for their firm in cash and/or stock. It also provides liquidity and the ability to monetize some value while simultaneously providing equity opportunities for key producers and leaders. The collective revenues of Starfish Partners will exceed $300 million annually while continuing to pursue aggressive growth through a variety of mergers, acquisitions, and capital infusion activities.

Learn more at www.starfishpartners.com.

Starfish Partners Acquires INNOVA People

November 22, 2023 by INNOVA People Leave a Comment

PLANO, Texas – Starfish Partners, an international investment and ownership platform for niched professional and mid- to upper-management search specialists, announced the acquisition of INNOVA People, an Oregon-based firm that works across North America placing supplemental talent in the Healthcare and Technology industries. CEO Joel Slenning, with his over two decades of experience and the INNOVA People team will expand Starfish Partners’ reach into the Healthcare and Technology industry by continuing to utilize their unique technology stack and artificial Intelligence platform that has allowed the firm to be recognized as an essential staffing partner for the Healthcare and Technology industry.

Joel Slenning, founder of INNOVA People shared, “For so many years now, the team that drives Starfish Partners has been coveted advisors to the businesses that I have built and managed. The opportunity to partner directly with this team, as well as bring a whole new dimension and business offering to Starfish Partners in Healthcare Staffing, is incredibly exciting and a long time coming.”

“Joel is one of those rare combinations of superior capabilities and production as a search professional while also establishing himself as an extraordinary leader, having built several firms in the industry. Joel is a visionary but also one who can execute and implement with excellence. We are very fortunate to welcome Joel as an owner and are thrilled his team has joined as well,” shared Jeff Kaye.

Learn more at www.starfishpartners.com.

How Taking 5 to Meditate Can Improve Your Leadership Skills

June 6, 2023 by INNOVA People Leave a Comment

From the moment the alarm goes off, you’re inundated with distractions. The pull to respond to the notifications on your phone, emails fill your inbox, and requests pile up. Within moments your attention is scattered.

As our lives have become filled with technology, the distractions we face have increased exponentially. With it, our ability to focus has diminished, but our need to think clearly to make complex decisions has not. More than ever, leaders need to train themselves to be fully present.

How can mindfulness meditation help?

Incorporating meditation into daily practice can help reduce stress, improve decision-making, increase focus, enhance creativity, and boost emotional resilience. Avoid burnout and reduce negative thinking.

The fundamental concept underlying meditation is the intentional act of being still. This can prove to be challenging in a society that values busyness, but its benefits have been scientifically proven.

Now it’s more convenient than ever to learn how to meditate on your own. Popular apps such as Headspace, Sattva, Buddhify, Calm, Healthy Minds Program, and the Mindfulness App, help those discover the benefits of this ancient old practice and guide you along the way. Its benefits have also caught the eye of the business world, as companies like Apple, Google, Ford Motor Company, Nike, McKesson, and American Express offer employees training in meditation programs to enhance leadership skills. Cloud computing giant, Salesforce created “mindfulness zones,” or quiet areas, on every floor of its building in San Francisco.

According to a National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health report, 75% of Americans believe that workers today have more on-the-job stress than people did a generation ago. Constant anxiety increases the risk of mental and health ailments ranging from mood and sleep disorders to cardiovascular disease to musculoskeletal problems to having a negative impact on your relationships and productivity. The estimated $300 billion each year costs U.S. businesses due to absenteeism, turnover, disabilities, and reduced productivity.

David Gelles explains in his book, “Mindful Work,” that a highly stressed employee requires more healthcare spending by the company as compared to a less stressed employee. However, the implementation of mindfulness programs by companies has resulted in decreased healthcare costs.

Pause and take a breath.

Mindfulness meditation, at its origin, is a style of meditation that involves paying attention to sensations, feelings, and thoughts in a non-judgmental way. Research shows that 15 minutes of mindfulness-based meditation results in more rational thinking when making business decisions.

Leaders who focus on mindfulness at work tend to have happier employees and improved morale, according to the results found in this study. Mind training, of which meditation is one form, can change the composition of your mind. Research by Wisconsin’s Richard Davidson demonstrated a direct correlation between mindfulness and changes in the brain – away from anger and anxiety and toward a sense of

calm and well-being. UCLA’s Mindful Awareness Research Center found meditation can improve executive functions (sustaining attention, diminishing distractibility) better than medication in many cases.

What are ways you’re incorporating mindfulness meditation into your business? We’d love to hear what kind of results you are seeing.