Cleaning out the office

It has to be done right.  Organization, files, and keeping the house in order.  Just like updating your credentialing, reviewing your licenses to see which ones are coming up for renewal and ensuring the CEUs are all up to date, and finally ensuring the CV has your affiliations, contacts, npi, coi, etc etc etc  all up to date. 

Not an easy task as I continued on the road for a while and returned home to stacks of paperwork.  Yes, my office is a general mess at any given time.  I start to file and realize I don't have files for everything.  I then write out a list for the store so I can get the files and then something happens.  Then Francisco comes in and says hmm... I'll make it neat and clean in here and all my papers are neatly stacked in the same mix of OMG stuff that never was sorted or filed away.  

Long story short... get the files in order.  Just like all those credentialing items you need to have in a file ready to go at a moments notice.  Just like the CV being up to date.  Your office needs to be organized enough that you can tell your partner, child, mom or dad, or maybe even a neighbor... whomever is there to go look for that one thing you need while you are on the road. 

There will be something that is missing, unless you moved your whole life into an RV and sold every possession (ie no storage or other).  Someone will have to look for something you need at some point.  We've all been there.  

This is my week.  I'm off.  I only have a few Pampered Chef things.  I only have an application for school to do.  Francisco flies out for the weekend and mom flies in for the weekend.  This will get done.  I'm excited to get going.  I ordered additional files from Amazon so I wouldn't get sidetracked.  I'm ready for an exciting office day.  

This is also time to review insurance, investments, IRAs, Accounting documents, and those business pieces that keep you going even when your working.

Summer Needs

Vacation coverage time is coming up and those that are wanting to get some of the summer coverage. This is at the same time new graduates are looking to start so you need to work on getting the contracts secured and credentialing completed.  Credentialing takes longer due to multiple credentialing needs with new grads starting after passing boards.

It is not unheard of for credentialing to take 3-5 months.  Tack on time if you have to apply for state licenses.  Are you thinking you can wait until next week or next month as it won't matter that credentialing could take a while?  Think again and start acting on it now.  Remember the credentialing paperwork you need to get together?  If not click here

Are you credentialed at a few facilities that need help consistently or is there something just in case the credentials take a little longer?  Have you talked to them about the spring and summer?  

This might be a place to discuss a plan B?  You know in anesthesia we talk about plan A/B/C/D

You say I'm going to apply to this Full Time job.  It sounds awesome but then 6 months later you are reviewing your options.  You have just moved to this town that you love but the work is less than stellar.  Maybe the opposite is true.  You didn't think about the school systems and now the kids are not getting the education you want for them or the house is amazing and the rest is just ok.  Maybe, just maybe, life is awesome and you work 2 weeks on and 2 weeks off.  

Locums can be plan B or just the extra work in between.  Locum work tends to be intermittent and the need drives up and down throughout each year and ebbs and flows in a cycle.  This is dependent on both needs and compensation structures.  The new workforce creates a moderate need by being fluid as millennials change positions at hospitals more regularly and/or are working less trying to take on more of a life outside of employment.

Plan C D E There are a multitude of plans further down the list from independent contracting.  I do Pampered Chef for fun and some correlation to other side hustles.  That said I'm also looking at how I can make an impact with my side hustle.  There are a huge number of side hustles that people have but the only one that might make sense for you is the one that will actually be worked by you.  If you want information on side hustles.  Contact Betsy Majma re Rodan and Fields.  Me on Pampered Chef (even if you just want to host a party and get free Kitchen utensils, gadgets, cookware, and more).  There are so many others that I just don't know.  

The biggest thing is staying active and making a plan with decisions.  Decisive action is necessary.  Find the time today.  Reach out to an agency or two.  Three recruiters are listed here.  tell them Jonathan Wildy sent you :)

info@BlocHealth.com

Rcarter@nationalanesthesia.com

smasinelli@odysseystaffing.com

Looking for a Full time 1099 in a small town vibe?  Jared at info@BlocHealth.com has some options for the Full time job seeker as well.  If you want me to keep you in mind for when I'm asked... send me an E-mail at locumCRNAs@gmail.com

Credentialing

I just had the nightmare.  A recruiter for a company that didn’t follow-up on my credentials despite my repeated requests to ensure all was ready to go for my March 1 start.  I received an e-mail after hours and very late that questions 4 parts of the credentialing packet which makes no sense.  This means they could not have ever looked at my credentialing paperwork.  I’m telling them that I am taking other work and if they desire to credential I will give them days as I have them available.   

I have called them every two weeks and this failure is blatantly unacceptable.  This is the reason agencies get a bad reputation as they fail to perform at the job.  Credentialing, follow-up, and ensuring an easy contract is the whole reason I see to utilize an agency.   

I am now having to go back to some standby work in order to fill a month but those fill in days don’t pay what they should as a day here and day their do not pay for the days missed in-between.   

I honestly don’t know how I could have been more on top of this.  I have written each of the people at the company and told the how unacceptable this is.  I am now scrambling to be able to pay my financials as I have been biding my time since January to start in March.  

I have been saying more and more that I have to get to zero (credit) debt as I know things happen.  I’m now kicking myself for these things.  So, learn from me and at least have more than two months of savings.  I do have multiple places I am credentialed so work isn’t the problem... it’s work in the area I wanted that is more of a challenge.  

I am contacting several contacts ASAP.  I’ll let you know what happens.  

At the Grind

Here I am back at the grind of everyday life of a locum.  I met with BlocHealth yesterday and it is so exciting to be meeting with agencies and making sure they are actively seeking great opportunities for you!  I made sure those getting credentialed are well on their way and doing well.  They are actively gaining daily contracts with groups across the US that are big and small!  

I was on call last night and I'm currently in the hospital enjoying being back at a facility I have had a long standing locum relationship despite a change of Anesthesia Management Groups.  

Relationships in Anesthesia are where it is at.  Keeping a good working relationship and providing services that can be dependable and cost effective are the keys to mutual respect.  

I've added a Newsletter to the main page so as strategic relationships and major advancements come to the site I can keep you informed and up to date.  I'm not anticipating doing mass e-mails or annoying mail on a regular basis so I hope you sign-up and stay up-to-date as we grow!  

Write off or included in your contract?

Here are a few things I didn’t think about when negotiating my next two weeks.  

1.  How am I getting to the airport?  I typically drive to every assignment so when it came to the airport I didn’t think about ... Will I Uber there?  Do I leave my car in airport parking?  Do I assume my husband will take me?  Ok the later is typically true but, now he is sick and didn’t want to take me.  I have$7 in tolls just to get that trip to the airport.  

2.  When I get the rental car in Massachusetts will they pay the tolls to and from the airport?  It’s not in my contract per say.   

3. I have clothes for a week but they don’t have baggage as an expense for taking the flight so now I don’t have enough to wear for two weeks without doing laundry.  Has anyone been reimbursed for laundry?  I also can’t take fluids or razors so no toothpaste, shaving cream, razor.... that stuff can be expensive right?  

4.  It’s a travel day before my assignment starts ... a day with no family and a day that i can’t work.  Non-productive and a loss of income.  Does anyone get paid a travel day on either end?  Usually if I drive ... I at least get travel expenses.   

These are a few things we might look at for future travel contracts.  does everyone consider these written off expenses or do you get them paid out so you get to save the expense in the first place?

A little independence

It’s been a great start.  Do you ever get to the point of I’m going to a new place and you are super excited until a little before you actually go?   

After all the excitement dies, the nerves kick in. You wonder why are they having such difficulty? Why am i needed?  What are the surrounding politics and issues? Then it’s a myriad of conjecture that has you just about to say “nope, I’m good to stay home.” Yes, after multiple years i continue to get those pre jitters.  This time was more because it was very temporary and only a couple weeks work.  I need the work but I could just ride the debt wave just a little.  If you don’t know debt and your a Ramsey fan... i sooooo applaud you and I’m jealous.  

Anyways,  I’m here & so happy i didn’t just give in to staying home.  I’m at a GI center with just myself and another CRNA and it’s nice.  Just enough work to pay some bills. Yet, I get home in time to do things and relax.  We even went to find a YMCA to join while we are around the country! (Did you know they have babysitters for two hours a day?!) yes, that last comment makes me sound ... older.   

Today is another day that will be busy with deliveries and paperwork that is all being pushed to Francisco and my parents as I’ll be working!  It’s awesome to be able to say that I’m sorry and have to work. It’s very true as i had more available weeks and they just couldn’t use me.   

I’ve supplemented with work back in Massachusetts for two weeks!  That’ll be somewhat more of a challenge but still fun to see people i worked with in the past.  

I can’t wait to keep you updated on locum life.  this weekend I start making my presentation for Costa Rica! What an adventure the next 6 months will be!

Rough start

We left Philadelphia and things were looking good for the first 30 seconds.... 

We hit rush-hour traffic and were in a losing battle of time and weather.  I drove the blasted uhaul (26 foot beast) straight down as much as I could.  By 8:30pm it was snowing.  I was supposed to be in by 8:55 and I had so far to go.  Francisco became overwhelmed by the night and snow forcing he and Elizabeth to stop about 80 miles from Hampton Roads.  I forged on with the thought that i would not miss closing on the house or work.   

  I woke this morning to the information that the tunnel was closed and snow would last well into the day.  I made e-mails and texts in order to get the closing on the house accomplished.  Finally, i had an Uber to the notary’s home.  I officially closed and Uber said no cars were available.... i walked through the snow in order to get back to the hotel.  We are now the proud owners of a home loan.  

I found out i was cancelled for work on Friday.  Very happy for the 8 hour guaranteed day!   

This potentially gives me time to get things moved into the house!  Many things to be done!   

All those on the New England coast... be careful in snowmageddon.  

Calendar

i don’t know about you but it’s pretty crazy around our household.  My calendar for January is looking busy. Next week will be a crazy time and my husband might disown me.  

Wednesday, like all days I’ll be up and going to work at 6 AM.  The difference is that the movers will be walking in the door at 6AM.  They are packing everything then loading the Uhaul.  Then, I’ll get home from work and we drop off the keys, fobs, and say see ya later to Philadelphia.  We are to make it 2.5 hours south into Maryland.   

Sounds totally easy right?  We only have to put the dogs up front in the Uhaul.  Get the kid in the back seat of the Jeep and have everything packed/loaded in 10 hours.  The next morning we have to leave by 7AM.  If not we miss the walk-through on the home that has caused some stress over the past weeks.  

We’ll drive another 2.5 hours and arrive immediately at the house.  Park in the driveway walk through the home and make sure all is in good order.  We’ll rush to the hotel and drop off the dogs, check in for my parents and us for the two whole nights.  Then it’s again off to closing in Virginia Beach.  When that part is done we’ll again be home-owners.   

It doesn’t sound like too much.  But, I start work the following day so again it’s up to Francisco to get things unloaded from the Uhaul and unpacked.  my parents are coming to help install, set-up, baby-proof, and shop.  I don’t know if they are ready for what they are in for!

The one-day move and in-between contracts.  It’s going to be a bit stressful but i know we can do it!   

The rest of the month is just surrogacy, 3 work places and contracts, two birthday parties, and having a fence built.  

Planning just like all things is key but being able to maintain the plan as a fluid work is key.  Happy almost New Years! 

House

Have i told you lately how challenging I never thought buying a home would be?  It wasn’t the loan process.  It wasn’t finding the house. It wasn’t that i wanted something high in the price range or terribly crazy. It was the IRS. 

2015 they say they never got my taxes despite them saying they should have.they were electronically submitted twice, mailed and 3 weeks ago faxed. They have given time ranges of 3weeks to 6 months.   i still don’t have the transcript of them being entered. I gave up.  

My mortgage broker is at the top of his company and my brother.  He has been there 9 years and a lender for years before starting.  I knew he was good but he was able to get some exceptions based on who he is and my financial past helped.  It’s not that it was easy or normal and I know i stressed him out.  

Thing is i have been a rule following good boy for nearly 38 years and beurocracy and things out of my control were affecting me.   

I have to say i will time and again always go to him because I know no other mortgage broker would have gone through allllll the hasslesfrom proof of 1099 income, rental properties, strange stock investments, and just one crazy life with a history of moving 38 times in 38 years.  

If you have any mortgage needs i don’t hesitate to recommend him.  You should know that his company will require 2 years 1099 income history, if you are 1099. If W-2 just a contract or statement of employment and verification of income are needed.   

To get Matt please E-mail: MWildy@mloausa.com

Tell him I said he is amazing and you heard on locumCRNA.com ... no i don’t get anything for this.... just want him to know his little bro knows he is amazing!  

Holiday

Merry Christmas Eve, 

This means the Holidays are here!  You would not believe the trouble that surrounds this time of year.  Scheduling work is more challenging as most groups are not looking for summer vacation or the recruiters seem to know this time of year can be more challenging so pay can be less.  I see groups looking for just the holiday week coverage thinking 105 is great pay for that.  It’s sad that groups, recruiters, or CRNAs take advantage of other CRNAs by paying so little.  These rates have been the same since the early 2000s where R.N. travel rates have continued to climb steadily.   

I’ve seen many new CRNA owned companies coming out for CEUs, jobs, & other.  We are becoming more resourceful and entrepreneurial.  Just like going to a new group or workplace please do your diligence in knowing the people you are working with.  I’m going to be speaking for the first time with Education Adventures for CRNAs.  I have a one hour trial lecture with them in Costa Rica where I hope to talk on the pros and cons of locum anesthesia and what i believe some of the requisites, helpful qualities, and needs of the market are through my experiences in the past 7-8 years.  

Christmas can be a challenge for some and even for those that don’t “do” Christmas it’s a period that comes with down-time.  Less activity, less to do and work is minimal.  Look out for those that might have challenges, recent loss in the family, seem to be super happy but no plans.  Sit and chat or ask how they are doing.  Lend an ear or just be a happy person that’s there for them!   

I hope you have an amazing holiday season and from my family to yours.  Have an excellent holiday season and I’ll be chatting with you right here!