Summary
Whether you are an experienced “traveler”, new to the profession, or considering a traveling healthcare career, this book is for you. Barry and Donna Padgett have traveled for almost eight years: from Boston to Seattle . . . from Georgia to Alaska. They have produced this concise manual based on their experiences with facilities, agencies, and other travelers. It is an “insight” into what it takes to be a successful traveler.
Prologue - A short narrative about the authors and the book.
Part 1 - What’s It All About?
Describes the traveling healthcare industry and how it began. It helps you evaluate your situation and decide if traveling is right for you. It includes the roles of the facilities, agencies, and travelers. Also included are the characteristics of a good traveler, advantages and disadvantages of traveling, and traveling with others (including your pet). Factors involved in filling openings, areas of expertise needed, seasonal assignments, independent contracting, and internet resources are also discussed.
Part 2 – The Nuts and Bolts of Traveling
Outlines the "nitty gritty" details important to every traveler: such as housing issues and options , details of benefits offered, how tax advantage programs work, contract clauses, taxes, calculating your pay items, the pitfalls of working less than full time, licensing, your 401(k), and other issues.
Part 3 – Ready to Take the Plunge?
Do you think traveling is right for you? If so, Part 3 gets your new career off to a good start. It helps you choose and apply to agencies, negotiate and finalize your assignment, and helps prepare you to pack up and hit the road. It also includes a discussion of bill rates and how your wages, benefits, and tax-free reimbursements are allocated. An entire chapter takes you step-by-step from leaving your permanent job through your first assignment . . . and beyond.
Part 4 – Additional Topics
Contains additional topics of interest such as working strikes, breaking your contract, employment testing, the future of traveling, and special California issues. It also discusses the darker side of traveling describing some "interesting" aspects of working with facilities, agencies, and other travelers.
Included are 64 pages of full color photos showing some of Barry and Donna’s adventures. Featuring hardcover binding and offset printing, this quality product is a must for every traveler’s library.
About the Author
Barry Padgett (BS Civil Engineering) worked for the US Army Corps of Engineers in Mobile, Alabama for 33 years. His experience ranged from staff engineer to project manager of both small and multi-million dollar projects. He was often asked to participate in special studies spotlighting his analytical, graphical, and technical writing skills. Donna Padgett received her BSN degree in 1980. After ten years in the Emergency Department in Mobile, Alabama, she moved to the Cardiovascular Lab where she became supervisor and then Director of Cardiology in 1996. Donna began her traveling career in 2002. Her unique skills and knowledge make her invaluable in the Cath Lab. She often serves as mentor and trainer for those still developing their skills.
