After emerging from the crisis mode healthcare systems faced during the COVID-19 pandemic and entering what was deemed the new normal, many hospitals and health systems found that their staffing issues had only gotten worse. Nurses and other healthcare professionals (HCPs) experienced increased burnout from the prolonged healthcare crisis, with many choosing to switch gears within their professions or leave the profession altogether.

Deciphering travel nursing pay and tax rules is one of the most complicated aspects of being a travel healthcare provider (HCP). Tax homes, tax-free stipends, hourly wages, bonuses, benefits, housing and per diem reimbursements are all vital in understanding your travel nursing pay package and your taxes. Now that the 2023 tax season is in full swing, many travel nurses have questions that Vivian Health hopes to answer with some help from Brittany J. Benson, Esq., a lead tax research analyst in The Tax Institute at H&R Block.

In the world of sustainable gardening, biochar has been gaining attention for its promising ability to improve soil for small-scale farmers. This technique dates back thousands of years and is making a comeback as a modern solution to potentially enhance soil fertility, increase crop yields and reduce environmental impacts. Let's dig into the nitty-gritty of biochar and discover its potential for small (and large) gardeners everywhere with the help of some soil scientists at the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Learn more in the Jan/Feb 2024 issue of of Hobby Farms magazine.

Can chickens eat table scraps? Most backyard chicken-keepers feed their birds kitchen scraps, but whether this is a good practice has been highly debated. Poor diet is one of the leading causes of various health issues in chickens. Good nutrition relies on feeding your flock a quality diet consisting primarily of commercial feed. Kitchen scraps can make chickens fat and unhealthy if provided without considering their regular rations. Here's what and how much you can give your birds. Originally appeared in the Sept/Oct 2023 print issue of Chickens magazine.

World Mental Health Day is an ideal time to discuss compassion fatigue and burnout in nursing because it highlights the critical link between mental well-being and a demanding healthcare profession. It also raises awareness, open conversations and the importance of support systems – all essential components when addressing the mental health challenges nurses may face in their daily work environment. Caring for others in distress can take a toll on nurses and other healthcare providers who provide empathy and compassion.

New York City (NYC) is a popular choice among travel nurses and allied health professionals seeking lucrative employment opportunities in one of the most exciting cities in the nation. Its slew of entertainment options, shopping and dining experiences, cultural offerings and iconic landmarks often attract healthcare professionals from all specialties. But all the sights and sounds of the Big Apple come at a steep price, with housing costs leading the way. A new law in the city could limit short-term housing options, but how much will it impact those taking NYC travel nursing jobs or allied health positions?

Kitchen scraps can make chickens fat and unhealthy, if provided without consulting their regular rations. Most backyard chicken-keepers feed their birds kitchen scraps, but whether this is a good practice has been highly debated. Poor diet is one of the leading causes of various health issues in chickens. Read more about it in the Sept/Oct 2023 print issue of Chickens magazine.

If you long for a career that combines compassion with healthcare skills and greatly impacts people’s lives, but you don’t want to spend years in medical school, an entry-level certified nursing assistant job (CNA) might be the answer. Get ready to explore a rewarding CNA career where care meets opportunity and dedication leads to an expanding career path. Although the steps to become a CNA are similar in most states, each state creates its own regulations, certification requirements and CNA reciprocity agreements.

Healthcare professionals looking for a location where they’re treated like superstars may want to consider Tulsa, Oklahoma, where the prescription for career satisfaction comes with a side of Southern hospitality. As the second largest city in Oklahoma, Tulsa offers excellent opportunities for nurses and allied health professionals. Its thriving healthcare sector and lower-than-average cost of living provide a rewarding place to live and work in the Sooner State. Learn more about this dynamic city before you embark on the next leg of your career journey on the Vivian Health Community Blog.

Oklahoma City (OKC) beckons to healthcare superheroes with a promising dose of career development and some serious Southern charm. As Oklahoma’s capital, Oklahoma City presents an attractive location to live and work in the Sooner State, with an affordable cost of living that's much lower than other major metros. This vibrant, growing city boasts a thriving healthcare sector with top-notch hospitals, diverse neighborhoods and rich cultural experiences that offer a fulfilling professional and personal life. Whether you’re here for the long haul or just passing through on a temporary contract, OKC has much to offer nurses and allied health professionals looking to enhance their careers while enjoying a high quality of life. Learn more on Vivian Health's Community Blog.

As the weather hits scorching temperatures, the dangers of heat stress and possibly deadly heat stroke also heats up. Learn how to detect and treat heat stress and dehydration in this helpful guide for equine owners. Originally appeared in the print edition of Horse Illustrated – July 2023

Dallas, dubbed the Big D, is part of the Metroplex region of Texas, along with Fort Worth. It’s the third-largest city in the state and among the nation’s fastest-growing cities. in the winter, making it easy to enjoy all the greenspaces and outdoor recreation, such as hiking, biking and communing with nature. Dallas also boasts a thriving art and music scene and hosts a broad array of annual festivals and events.

Miami is the most populous city in Florida and noted for its beautiful beaches, active nightlife, unique food options, diverse culture and varied real estate. But let’s not forget the amazing year-round weather that makes this fabulous city even more enjoyable, no matter the season. While the Miami/Ft. Lauderdale area has long been a popular snowbird and retirement destination, healthcare professionals also flock to this fun-filled area for the numerous employment opportunities. Whether you’re looking for staff or travel nursing jobs or allied health careers in a sunny, state-income-tax-free locale, Miami, Florida, might just be the place you seek.

Horse owners often find it challenging to keep up with the latest vaccination recommendations, and some may not grasp their importance in keeping horses healthy and strong. Your horse needs certain “core” vaccines, and may also need non-core vaccines based on his usual activities, geographic location, and other considerations. One of the best measures to protect your horse’s health is a vaccination program. Originally appeared in print in the March 2022 issue of Horse Illustrated.

Healthcare is a lucrative field with many in-demand specialties, but completing the necessary schooling to achieve licensure in nursing and other medical careers often comes with hefty student loans that eat away at your paychecks for years. All 50 states either provide some type of state-level student loan forgiveness program or act as a liaison for national programs. Loan forgiveness programs help nurses and other medical workers combat the debt they took on to enter the healthcare field and help ease the national shortage of nurses and healthcare professionals.

Having your horse stolen right out of his paddock, get lost during a natural disaster or wander out through a broken fence are some of a horse owner’s worst nightmares. Making a bad situation even worse is locating your missing horse and not being able to prove he’s yours. Learn everything you need to know about microchipping your horse. Originally appeared in print in the November/December 2021 issue of Horse Illustrated.

Deciphering travel nursing pay and tax rules is one of the most complicated aspects of being a travel nurse or any travel healthcare provider (HCP). Tax homes, tax-free stipends, hourly wages, bonuses, benefits, housing and per diem reimbursements are all vital in understanding your travel nursing pay package and your taxes. With 2022 coming to a close and tax season right around the corner, many travelers have questions that Vivian hopes to answer with some help from a couple of tax professionals.

The holiday gift-giving season is officially here. If you’re scrambling to find the perfect gift for that friend or family member who lives to hunt rocks, you’re not alone. Knowing what to get a rockhound can be challenging when you have no interest in the hobby. Luckily, gifts related to rockhounding are plentiful, available at various price points and suitable for rock and gem enthusiasts of all ages. Here are several ideas if you haven’t found something special for the rock lover(s) in your life.

Feeling Stressed? There May be a Stone for That! Stress is an ongoing problem for many people that can be difficult to solve. Enter seven stunning little stones that are said to possess healing abilities that may help diffuse anxiety by alleviating stress.

If you’re passionate about the work you do as a nurse, but your daily routine has become stale, it might be time to consider whether a travel nurse career is right for you. Travel nurses fill in temporarily when hospitals and other healthcare facilities experience staffing shortages for various reasons. They may work in one community for an extended period or move around to different cities or states every few weeks. Travel nursing can be highly lucrative and professionally rewarding, not to mention you get to travel essentially for free, but that doesn’t mean it’s right for you. We’ll help you answer this question and other frequently asked questions about travel nursing with a little help from an experienced traveler.