by Jamie Zarlingo | Apr 23, 2023 | Uncategorized
Lab Week, also known as Medical Laboratory Professionals Week, is an annual event that celebrates the contributions of medical laboratory professionals and promotes awareness of the importance of laboratory medicine in healthcare. Medical laboratory professionals play a critical role in healthcare, working behind the scenes to provide accurate and timely diagnostic information that is essential for patient care.
Lab Week Theme
This year, Lab Week will be held from April 23rd to April 29th, and the theme for 2023 is “Laboratory Professionals Get Results”. This theme emphasizes the vital role that lab professionals play in healthcare and highlights the essential nature of their work in providing quality patient care.
What Positions are Included in Medical Laboratory Professionals Week?
Laboratory professionals, including medical laboratory scientists, medical laboratory technicians, pathologists, and phlebotomists, are responsible for performing a variety of diagnostic tests on patient samples, including blood, urine, tissue, and other bodily fluids. These tests provide healthcare providers with critical information that is used to diagnose and treat a wide range of medical conditions. In addition to performing diagnostic tests, laboratory professionals are responsible for ensuring the accuracy and quality of lab results. They must adhere to strict guidelines and protocols to maintain the integrity of the testing process and ensure that patients receive the best possible care.
Celebrate Medical Lab Week!
Lab Week is an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the contributions of our traveling medical laboratory professionals in healthcare. They play a vital role in ensuring our hospitals can process tests and get results to their patients as quickly as possible. Furthermore, It is also a chance to raise awareness about the critical role of laboratory medicine in healthcare and to promote the importance of ongoing investment in laboratory research and technology.
As we celebrate Lab Week this year, let’s take a moment to recognize the essential role that traveling laboratory professionals play in healthcare. Their dedication and expertise are essential to improving patient outcomes and advancing the field of medicine. Uniti Med celebrates their contributions and commitments to quality patient care. Thank you for all that you do!
by Beth Harner | Apr 18, 2023 | Uncategorized
Every May, nurses around the country are recognized during National Nurses Week for the vital role they play in healthcare. With May right around the corner, it’s time to celebrate nurses. Chances are good that you know a nurse who deserves recognition for their hard work and dedication.
Nursing – The Largest Healthcare Profession
Nursing is the nation’s largest healthcare profession, with nearly 4.2 million registered nurses (RNs) nationwide, according to the 2020 National Nursing Workforce Survey.
Nurses play an essential role in healthcare delivery. They provide care across a wide range of settings, including hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, schools and more. Nurses are responsible for a wide variety of tasks, including assessing and monitoring patients’ health, administering medications, coordinating care, educating patients and families, advocating for patients’ needs, and collaborating with other health care team members to deliver high-quality care.
Nurses are highly skilled professionals. Their dedication and expertise make a significant impact on patient outcomes. They work tirelessly to ensure that patients receive the best possible care and are at the forefront of providing compassionate and competent healthcare services.
Shine the Light on Nurses – National Nurses Week
National Nurses Week is celebrated from May 6-12, and the American Nurses Association leads National Nurses Month through May. The theme for 2023 is “You Make a Difference,” and it was selected to encourage nurses, other health care professionals, employers, community leaders and the public to recognize and promote the vast contributions and positive impact of America’s nurses. It’s the perfect opportunity to show appreciation and gratitude to the nurses who have made a difference in your life or the lives of others.
Nominate a Nurse – Let Them Know They’re Appreciated
Here’s where you come in. Take the time to nominate a nurse in your life. Whether you are a patient, family member, colleague, or friend, we’ve made it easy for you to recognize someone you know. Simply fill out the Nominate a Nurse form and tell us why your nominee deserves to be recognized. Don’t worry, there is no wrong answer or minimum word count. Uniti Med will compile and share submissions on our blog and social media, spreading the well-deserved recognition for the amazing work that nurses do.
As a token of our appreciation, one lucky nominee will be entered to win an Apple Series 8 Smart Watch. It’s a small gesture to show our gratitude for the incredible contributions nurses make every day in the healthcare field.
So, don’t hesitate. Nominate a nurse and celebrate the nursing profession by shining a light on the heroes of healthcare. Together, we can make a difference and honor the invaluable contributions of nurses across the nation.
Recognize a Nurse Here
If you need some inspiration, check out the 2022 Nurses Week nominations.
by Jamie Zarlingo | Apr 6, 2023 | Uncategorized
Healthcare professionals often experience burnout in their field due to long hours, high levels of stress, and limited opportunities. One way to utilize their expertise while addressing these concerns is to transition into roles at healthcare staffing companies as recruiters or client managers. These positions involve assisting travel healthcare workers in finding their next assignments and establishing contracts with clients. By making this shift, healthcare professionals can continue to make a positive impact in the industry while fulfilling their professional goals. To gain insight into this career change and its benefits, we spoke with two healthcare workers who are now corporate employees at Uniti Med.
Meet Megan Johnson Who Turned to Healthcare Staffing as a New Career
Megan Johnson BSN, RN has worked at Uniti Med as a recruiter for over 6 months. We spoke to her recently to find out more about her “why” for changing.
How did you decide that you wanted to leave your healthcare job?
I initially left my healthcare job because I wanted a new challenge. I needed more flexibility and opportunities to grow professionally. I wanted to be part of a great organization that values their employees.
How did you know that travel healthcare recruiting was an option for you?
I had worked with travelers in the past and I never took the opportunity to travel before I started my family. I felt that where I was at, at this point in my life with my family, that traveling was not a good option for us. The next best thing to traveling is to partner with other nurses to learn their “why,” get to know them, help them earn a higher salary, and be their resource with any questions or concerns. I have medical knowledge and my background helps me relate to my travelers and treat them as a teammate. We are working together and for each other; it’s a partnership.
What advice do you have for other healthcare workers who are thinking about joining a recruiting or client manager team?
I would tell others looking to join the healthcare staffing world that it is a rewarding and challenging career path. If they have determination, organization, communication skills, and a positive attitude they will excel.
How did you pick Uniti Med?
I chose Uniti Med over other companies because of the way I felt when I walked through the doors. I could feel the culture without even knowing much about the company and their values. I felt welcomed, relaxed, and valued. Every person I met smiled, greeted me, and treated me like I was on their team. The company offers flexibility and opportunities for career advancement. The leadership team is inspiring, encouraging, and compassionate. You are not just a “number.” They do not treat their travelers or their corporate employees that way.
What has been the easiest part and the hardest part about your new position?
The easiest part of this position is relating to the travelers, understanding their background and modalities, and matching them to the best position for them to excel. I would say the hardest part is learning how to open travelers up to locations outside of their preferred area. During certain times of the year there are a limited number of jobs available which has been difficult as well. However, that’s why it’s so important to really know your travelers and explain to them why certain locations that may look undesirable to them may still be a great steppingstone for their career.
What do you like best about working in the travel healthcare recruiting field?
Connecting with my travelers and finding assignments they will enjoy that will allow them to earn a high income and the opportunity to see the country. Everyone travels for a different reason and getting to know their “why” is the best part.
Meet Katie Ehlers Who Switched from the Nursing Home World to Try Healthcare Staffing
We also spoke to Katie Ehlers LNHA, a Long-Term Care Client Manager that has worked at Uniti Med for over 7 months. Here is what she had to say about making the change.
How did you decide that you wanted to leave your healthcare job?
I was ready for a new challenge but wanted to continue to work in the healthcare related field that allowed me to use my medical background.
What did you know about client management when you were thinking about leaving your healthcare job?
I knew the basics; I knew what it was like from a facility standpoint to work with staffing agencies. I was familiar with contracts, per diem vs. contracted, job needs, managing relationships with the agency and the healthcare workers.
How did you know that recruiting/client managing was an option for you?
I read about the position on LinkedIn and based on the qualifications and job description, I knew the job of being a client manager was a great option for me. It was a new challenge that complimented my background, so I decided to go for it.
When it came down to it, how did you know that recruiting/client management was the right choice for you?
I knew it was the right choice when I stepped into the office for the first time. The environment and culture at Uniti Med are something I had never experienced. There was a sense of calm in the office and that feeling was not present in my last work environment. Everyone was genuinely happy and welcoming. You could tell the people working there enjoyed being at work. Touring the office and learning about all the perks was eye opening! A chef for breakfast every morning, lunch during the week and snacks provided throughout the day were new to me! The office also had activities to help reduce stress, and a gym to improve health and productivity. They also celebrate the wins as a team and the entire office. I knew after my visit, I wanted to be a part of the Uniti team!
What advice do you have for other healthcare workers who are thinking about joining a recruiting or client manager team?
Listen to your gut! If you are ready for a rewarding, challenging, and fun career, this could be the right choice for you. If you want more flexible hours, and the opportunity to work with others within your medical background then this can easily be the next step for you. You do need to like talking to people and helping them solve their staffing issues.
How did you pick Uniti Med?
After receiving a tour of the office and speaking with Chris Sund, COO and Kelsey Leland, Director of LTC, I knew Uniti Med would be a great fit.
What has been the easiest part and the hardest part about your new position?
The easiest part is understanding the healthcare lingo and relating to the clients I work with. I even get to help my co-workers on the healthcare lingo! I know what it’s like to be in the client’s shoes so that is very helpful and refreshing to them. The hardest part is wanting to see quick results when the job takes patience and perfect timing. I’m working on new contracts all the time with clients, and it takes time to create a relationship, understand their needs and create the contracts.
What do you like best about working in the travel healthcare client manager field?
The relationships I get to build with co-workers and the clients is my favorite part. I enjoy the challenges each week brings, and I love being a part of the growth at Uniti Med!
Uniti Med can help you take your career to the next level.
If you are feeling like you need a change then check out open positions at a variety of travel healthcare staffing agencies. You will find there are a lot out there and they are not all the same. Think about the type of company you want to work for, what’s important to you, what they stand for and find a company that fits your needs. There are several travel healthcare agencies that work remotely, in the office, or a hybrid approach. It’s also important to establish why you want to make the change and make sure that your reasons align with the company that you work for.
To see open positions at Uniti Med’s corporate office visit the Uniti Corporate Careers Page.
by Jamie Zarlingo | Apr 1, 2023 | Uncategorized
Occupational therapy (OT) is a healthcare profession that focuses on helping people of all ages to engage in the meaningful activities of daily life. From infants to seniors, occupational therapy plays a crucial role in enhancing physical, cognitive, and emotional well-being by helping people to overcome barriers and challenges that prevent them from participating in activities they need or want to do.
April is OT month, a special time dedicated to celebrating the role of occupational therapy in improving people’s lives. It is an opportunity for OTs and those who benefit from their services to raise awareness about the importance of occupational therapy and its impact on individuals, families, and communities.
The theme for this year’s OT month is “Occupational Therapy Bring Possibilities to Life.” This theme highlights the role of occupational therapy in helping individuals to participate in the activities that matter to them, despite any physical, cognitive, or emotional challenges they may face. It encourages OTs to think outside the box and explore innovative approaches to therapy that can help individuals to overcome obstacles and achieve their goals.
Occupational therapy can benefit people in many ways. For example, it can help children with developmental delays to improve their motor skills and social interactions or assist seniors in maintaining their independence and quality of life. One of the primary goals of occupational therapy is to help individuals achieve their maximum level of independence and function. This may involve developing and improving their physical abilities, such as strength, flexibility, and coordination, or enhancing their cognitive and emotional skills, such as memory, attention, and problem-solving.
As we celebrate OT month this year, it’s important to recognize the incredible work that traveling occupational therapists do to help individuals achieve their full potential and participate in the activities they value most. Their commitment to taking on new assignments where help is needed most is an act of care to their patients.
Whether you are an occupational therapist, someone who has benefited from occupational therapy services, or simply someone who wants to learn more about this vital healthcare profession, OT month is a time to celebrate and honor the impact of occupational therapy on individuals and communities alike. Uniti Med would like to say thank you to all occupational therapists and we hope you enjoy being celebrated throughout the month of April!
And for those considering travel OT, Uniti Med is available to help. Contact a Uniti Med recruiter today!
by Jamie Zarlingo | Mar 23, 2023 | Uncategorized
Identity theft is a continual problem that affects millions of people each year. According to a study conducted by the Identity Theft Resource Center, there were 1,774 reported data breaches in the United States in 2022 alone, with a total of 300 million records exposed. In addition, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) received over 5.7 million reports of identity theft and fraud in 2021, which represented an increase of 21% compared to the previous year. It is important for travelers to take steps to protect their personal information, such as using strong passwords, monitoring their credit reports, and being vigilant about potential scams and phishing attempts. If you suspect that you have been a victim of identity theft, it is important to act quickly to minimize the damage and prevent further fraudulent activity.
A recent incident reported by the Texas Attorney General shows a Houston veterinarian who fell victim to identity theft when an employee at a bank sold his personal information to a ring of cyber criminals. The veterinarian had set up a $90,000 line of credit as an extra layer of financial protection and had never used his line of credit. One day the bank called him asking why he was behind on his first monthly payment of $86,000. Can you imagine the shock and disbelief he must have felt? As it turns out, an identity theft ring had gotten ahold of his line of credit account number and the account info of other customers, that theft ring went on to steal a whopping $12 million dollars through phony checks. If you would like to see more of what an identity theft ring does after they get financial information, you should watch Emily the Criminal (2022) on Netflix.
Securing your phone is an essential step in preventing identity theft. Smartphones are used every day for online banking, social media, and email. However, these activities also put users at risk of having their personal information stolen by cybercriminals. Here is a list of helpful steps that can increase your ability to stay safe and secure in our digitally connected world.
Update your phone, obsessively.
Updates often include security patches that address known vulnerabilities and bugs that could be exploited by cybercriminals to gain access to your device or steal your personal information. Hackers are constantly looking for new ways to exploit weaknesses in operating systems and applications, so updating your phone regularly helps ensure that you have the latest protection against potential threats. Keeping your phone updated ensures that you are running the latest version of the operating system and applications, which can help ensure compatibility with other devices and applications. If you are using an older version of an operating system or application, you may encounter compatibility issues with newer devices and software, which can cause inconvenience and potentially compromise the security of your phone.
If you are an Android OS user, you may remember the Stagefright exploit. The Stagefright exploit, which was discovered in 2015, is a media playback engine used by Android devices that allows attackers to send a malicious MMS message containing a specially crafted media file that could execute remote code on the victim’s device. This vulnerability affected nearly one billion Android devices at the time, and it highlighted the importance of regular security updates and patches. Since then, many other Android OS exploits and vulnerabilities have been discovered and addressed through regular security updates and patches.
Trust, then download.
It is important to only download applications from trusted sources such as the Google Play Store and the App Store because these platforms have strict security measures in place to ensure that the apps listed on their stores are safe and secure for users to download and use. Apps available on these platforms undergo a rigorous review process that includes security checks to identify any potential vulnerabilities or malicious code. This reduces the risk of downloading and installing apps that may contain malware or other security threats that can compromise your device and your personal information.
Downloading apps from untrusted sources can expose your device to various risks, including viruses, spyware, and other forms of malware. These malicious apps can steal your personal information, such as passwords and financial data, and even take control of your device, locking you out or causing other problems. In addition, untrusted apps can drain your device’s battery, slow down its performance, and cause other issues that can impact your overall experience.
Log in, twice.
Hackers typically rely on a few methods to gain access to online accounts, such as using brute force attacks, phishing scams, and stealing passwords through data breaches. Two-factor authentication (2FA) helps to mitigate these risks by requiring an additional layer of authentication that is unique to the user and not easily guessable. It makes it difficult for hackers to gain access to an account even if they have access to the user’s password because they would also need to have access to the second factor, which is typically a device or app that is only accessible to the user.
In addition, 2FA can also help to detect and prevent unauthorized access attempts. If an attacker tries to access an account with an incorrect password, the second factor (such as a code sent to the user’s phone) will not match, and the attacker will be denied access. This can alert the user to an attempted breach and prompt them to take further action to protect their account and personal information. As a best practice, ensure that you have enabled muti-factor or 2-step authentication on all your important accounts.
Don’t always be an open book.
The importance of having a strong password cannot be overstated. It is common for people to use passwords that contain information about themselves because it is easier to remember. For example, someone might use their pet’s name, their birth date, or their favorite sports team. However, this practice is dangerous because it makes it easier for hackers to guess or crack the password. Hackers often use social engineering techniques to gather personal information about their targets and use that information to guess their passwords. A password should not be related to any personal information such as your name, date of birth, or address. Using personal information in passwords also puts users at risk if their personal information is compromised in a data breach. If a hacker gains access to a database of usernames and passwords, they can use that information to try and gain access to other accounts that may share the same or similar passwords. This is called password reuse, and it is a common mistake that many people make.
A bad password is one that is easily guessed or cracked by hackers. A bad password may be a simple word or a sequence of numbers, such as “password123” or “12345678.” Such passwords are easily guessed by hackers using automated tools that can try thousands of possible combinations in a matter of seconds. Another example of a bad password is to use a common word, such as “football” or “monkey,” that can be easily guessed by anyone who knows you well. Additionally, using the same password for multiple accounts is also bad practice, as it allows hackers to access all of your accounts if they manage to crack your password.
A strong password is one of the primary defenses against hackers and cybercriminals attempting to steal your personal information. A good password should be unique, complex, and difficult to guess. It should be a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. A good password should be at least 10 characters long and should not be easily guessed by anyone, including family members, friends, or colleagues.
To create a strong password, it is recommended to use a passphrase, a series of random words or phrases that are easy to remember but difficult to guess. For example, a passphrase like “correct horse battery staple” is much harder to crack than a password like “P@ssword123.” Using a password manager is also a good practice, as it can generate and store strong passwords for you, making it easy to use a unique password for each account.
Lock your device, automatically.
Setting a screen timeout and PIN code is an essential step to ensure the security of your mobile device. Here is how to set them up on both iPhone and Android devices.
For iPhone:
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
- Scroll down and select “Display & Brightness”.
- Select “Auto-Lock” and choose a timeout interval from the available options, such as 30 seconds, 1 minute, or 2 minutes.
- Return to the main Settings menu and select “Face ID & Passcode” or “Touch ID & Passcode”, depending on your device model and settings.
- Enter your current passcode if prompted.
- Select “Turn Passcode On” if it is not already enabled, and follow the on-screen instructions to create a six-digit passcode or custom alphanumeric passcode.
For Android:
- Open the Settings app on your Android device.
- Scroll down and select “Security & location”.
- Select “Screen lock” or “Screen lock type”.
- Choose a lock type from the available options, such as PIN, pattern, or password.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to create a PIN code, pattern, or password that meets the recommended security requirements, such as using at least eight characters or mixing uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.
- Set the “Automatically lock” or “Screen timeout” option to a preferred time interval, such as 30 seconds, 1 minute, or 2 minutes.
By setting a screen timeout and PIN code, you can ensure that your mobile device remains locked and secure when not in use, preventing unauthorized access and data breaches. Remember to use a strong and unique password or PIN code that is not related to personal information or easy to guess, and to update it regularly to maintain the security of your device.
Data, through a hidden tunnel.
A VPN, or virtual private network, provides many benefits to users who want to enhance their online privacy and security. The primary benefit of using a VPN is that it encrypts your internet traffic and data, making it unreadable to anyone who may try to intercept it. This is particularly important when using public Wi-Fi networks, such as those found in coffee shops, airports, and hotels, where hackers may be able to intercept your internet traffic and steal your sensitive information. It can also prevent your internet service provider (ISP) from tracking your online activity and selling your data to advertisers.
The following VPN applications offer various features such as strong encryption, no-logs policy, multiple server locations, and user-friendly interfaces.
It’s important to do your research and choose a VPN that best suits your needs and budget. Additionally, it’s important to note that while using a VPN can enhance your online privacy and security, it’s not a foolproof solution and should be used in conjunction with other cyber security best practices as mentioned above.
Report.
Mobile devices can be vulnerable to attacks. It is crucial to implement cyber security practices to keep your information safe. If you notice suspicious cyber activity report it to the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security.
» https://www.fbi.gov/file-repository/cyber-incident-reporting-united-message-final.pdf/view
» https://www.cisa.gov/reporting-cyber-incidents
One more thing.
Disclaimer: The information presented in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. While we have made every effort to provide accurate and up-to-date information, cybersecurity threats and best practices are constantly evolving, and the effectiveness of specific cybersecurity measures may vary depending on individual circumstances. It is important to conduct your own research and consult with a cybersecurity professional before making decisions about your personal or business security. We are not liable for any damages or losses that may arise from following the subjective advice presented in this article.
If you have any more questions for recommendations contact francis.rhodd@unitimed.com. Francis has more than 15 years of experience in technology and holds 10 certifications from CompTIA, Google, EC-Council and Microsoft.
by Jamie Zarlingo | Mar 20, 2023 | Uncategorized
Uniti Med is thrilled to announce its inclusion in the 2023 Best Places to Work in Omaha list, an annual program created by Baird Holm LLP to help local employers gauge their employees’ engagement through an online survey. Studies have shown that engaged employees tend to stay longer with their employers, provide better customer service, and contribute more to their companies. The survey covers various aspects of the workplace, including morale, environment, engagement and opportunities, management, and co-workers.
Chad Crawford, VP of Sales at Uniti Med, stated, “Omaha is filled with numerous outstanding companies, so being recognized as a Best Place in Omaha winner is an immense honor. As a company that leads with heart, we prioritize people by investing in and empowering them to be their best. Therefore, having our employees rate us as one of the Best Places in Omaha is the most significant compliment. We value their hard work, dedication, and impact on Uniti, the community, and healthcare staffing. Our concern for our colleagues does not end at the close of business hours, and we establish lasting relationships that extend beyond Uniti Med’s walls.”
As a component of the survey, every employer obtains personalized survey outcomes that offer significant input to determine areas requiring improvement, modifications, and strengths. This feedback is essential as it can be transformed into actionable measures to effect change and provides an excellent overview of what is functioning well. In May, a luncheon will be held to bestow awards and acknowledge all the winners.
“Uniti Med has had exponential growth over the last year. In January of 2022, we had 25 internal employees, and we grew to 100 today.” Said COO, Chris Sund. “We invested early on into our employees by hiring a Director of Culture as one of our first leadership roles. Micaela Zimmer works with our employees to make sure we are collaborating with them and listening to their feedback to improve our company. If we want to maintain a great culture, we have to always keep a focus on how we are going to improve it. Every employee has a different view on what matters to them, so we work to get to know them and what matters to them.”
“Uniti’s employees are the cornerstone of our organization. As Maya Angelou famously stated, ‘People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.’ For us, fostering a positive workplace culture goes beyond simply providing fun activities and treats. We strive to ensure that every team member feels heard, valued, appreciated, and leads with heart.” Said Micaela Zimmer, Director of Culture. “When a company demonstrates a genuine concern for the well-being of its people, the results can be truly transformative. While awards and recognition are certainly appreciated, the greatest accomplishment is knowing that our employees leave work each day feeling important and recognized as the key to Uniti’s success. It allows us to connect with hearts, our customers, our travelers, and the communities that we serve.”
Founded in 2021, Uniti Med is a medical staffing company committed to placing travelers in top-tier locations across the United States. What began as a small corporate office in the heart of Omaha has grown to include more than 100 employees in just two years. We take great pride in being recognized as 2023 Best Staffing Firms to Work For by SIA and are thrilled to have also earned certification through Great Places to Work and Best of Omaha in 2023. For more information on Uniti Med, please visit our website at unitimed.com.
