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.

Houston is a large metropolis in southeastern Texas and home to 10 winding waterways, earning it the nickname The Bayou City. It’s the most populous city in the state and fourth-most populous in the nation, with nearly 2.3 million residents. Houston’s growing economy, affordable housing, cultural diversity and world-class attractions often lure healthcare workers. It’s also home to the Texas Medical Center, the world’s largest medical campus, with more than 50 healthcare, research and educational institutions providing lots of allied health and RN jobs in Houston. If you’re considering a permanent or temporary move to the Lone Star State, use this location guide to explore what it’s like to live and work in Houston, Texas.

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.

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.

Respiratory therapists (RTs) know that when a patient can’t breathe, every second can feel like an eternity for them. Getting air into the lungs so vital oxygen can travel throughout the patient’s body is imperative to prevent potentially long-lasting damage. During the COVID-19 pandemic, respiratory therapists were in high demand, but post-Covid, the demand continues to grow. Learn why, where RTs are needed most and how you can turbocharge your RT career.

Vivian strives to empower nurses and other healthcare professionals (HCPs) to get the jobs they desire by listening to what they want most from employers. To help us do this, we complete an annual survey to learn from healthcare professionals working in various fields and discover what they look for in a job and an employer. We also learned more about their overall attitudes toward their careers. This year marks the third survey we’ve conducted. If you’re curious about what we learned and whether it resonates with what you long for in your healthcare career, here are some highlights covering a few common themes among our respondents, as compiled in The Future of Healthcare Work Report 2023.

Staffing shortages aren’t new in healthcare. There was a critical need for healthcare workers before the COVID-19 pandemic, and the demand has only increased since the pandemic hit in 2020. Shortages in nursing and every healthcare occupation aren’t likely to go away, with many reports predicting these shortages will soon become critical. Many healthcare facilities turn to travel staffing to help fill staffing gaps until they can secure employees for permanent nursing jobs and staff allied health openings. Although it’s difficult to predict the future of travel staffing, one thing holds true – as long as the demand for nurses and healthcare professionals continues to increase and supply remains low, the need for travelers to take up the slack will remain steady.

Most people living in Illinois reside in the north, primarily in Chicago and its surrounding suburbs, which make up the Chicago metro dubbed Chicagoland. Chicago is the largest city in the state and the third-largest city nationwide but still manages to maintain its Midwestern friendliness. Situated along the shores of Lake Michigan and claiming nearly 2.7 million residents in July 2021, the Windy City offers a little something for everyone. Registered nurses and allied health workers seeking an action-packed, cosmopolitan atmosphere and foodie mecca find that and more in Chicago.

From mountains to shores, Virginia is a breathtaking state with unbeatable southern hospitality, named the 7th best state to live in nationwide by U.S. News & World Report in 2021. As one of the original 13 colonies, Old Dominion has a long and storied history. Tributes to the past can be found throughout the state, including Arlington National Cemetery, the United States Marine Corps War Memorial, the George Washington Masonic National Memorial and historic homes that were the birthplaces of eight former Presidents. Virginia also teems with natural beauty, including 1,000s of miles of coastline, four major rivers flowing into the Chesapeake Bay, 217 miles of the Blue Ridge Mountains and 555 miles of the Appalachians. Whether you’re a history buff or nature enthusiast, nurses and allied health professionals find lots to love about working in healthcare in Virginia.

Known as the Prairie State or the Land of Lincoln, Illinois has four distinct seasons and a landscape marked by farmland, rolling hills, wetlands, forests and waterways, including Lake Michigan in the north and Shawnee National Forest in the south. With everything from big bustling cities to charming small towns, this Midwestern state boasts a broad economic base and a wide array of attractions and fun things to do and see, including 309 state parks and recreational sites, numerous museums and cultural institutions, botanic gardens, theme parks, snow and water skiing, hiking and biking, shopping venues and a piece of the historic Route 66. Illinois is also a foodie’s paradise with cuisine from around the world and the self-proclaimed best hot dogs and deep-dish pizza in the nation. These are just a few things that registered nurses in Illinois love about this great state.

Texas is famous for its BBQ, longhorn steers, iconic live music events, scorching summers with pleasant winters (in most parts of the state) and massive size. The state’s famous slogan – Everything is Bigger in Texas – applies to lots of things, including healthcare job opportunities. Nurses and other medical professionals are in high demand and have loads of job options at top medical facilities throughout The Lone Star State. With so many nursing jobs and allied health jobs available in Texas, it might be overwhelming to try and balance employment options with personal desires when trying to choose the ideal place to live. This guide gives you a starting place in the great big State of Texas.

The wind comes sweeping down the Plains, but nurses and allied health professionals in Oklahoma also enjoy a diverse array of other geographic features. Forests cover approximately 24% of the state and water covers about 1,224 square miles with more man-made lakes than any other state. Oklahoma also has parts of four different mountain ranges within its borders, including the Ozarks, Arbuckles, Wichitas and Ouachitas. Besides an amazing topography and tons of outdoor adventures, Oklahoma offers numerous attractions, unique events, delicious southern cooking, a relatively mild climate and one of the lowest costs of living in the nation.

Healthcare professionals (HCPs) working in numerous allied health specialties play essential roles in diagnosing, evaluating and treating acute and chronic diseases and delivering healthcare and related services nationwide. They encompass a wide range of HCPs that include many well-known providers in non-nursing, non-physician healthcare fields, such as imaging specialists, diagnostic medical personnel, physician assistants, dental and optometry professionals, counselors, pharmacy personnel, dieticians and therapists covering everything from physical therapy to respiratory care. Although many allied health specialties require less time in the classroom than doctors and nurses, these fields still offer a lucrative healthcare career, and some pay more than others.

Physician assistants (PAs) are nationally certified, state-licensed advanced practice allied health professionals. As licensed clinicians, they must obtain a license in their state of practice before seeing patients. Before they can earn licensure, PAs undergo rigorous education and training as medical professionals. Once licensed, they may practice in every healthcare setting and specialty. Each state has a PA licensing board and specific laws outlined in its Physician Assistant Practice Act. Because a physician assistant’s scope of practice varies by state, it’s essential that they know and understand the laws governing them in their state(s) of practice.

Allied health travel jobs encompass a slew of medical workers in a wide range of fields, from lab and radiology techs to respiratory and occupational therapists, among many others. While you’re probably used to hearing about travel nurses, allied health workers also have the opportunity to travel, and many do. Some of the best allied health careers are also some of the fastest growing, meaning you’ll be an in-demand healthcare professional no matter where you go. If you’ve ever had questions about travel allied health jobs, this comprehensive FAQ is for you.

The Registered Cardiovascular Invasive Specialist (RCIS) credential has increasingly become the standard in cardiac catheterization laboratories, especially for medical professionals wanting to stand out. Some facilities require RCIS certification, but you should consider pursuing it even if it’s not required. Professional certification can be a vital career-boosting tool. While everyone has different methods of learning and what works for one person doesn’t work for all, these tips on getting your RCIS certification might provide the insight you need to earn this coveted credential.

Healthcare workers across the nation have faced an unrelenting foe throughout their battle against the novel coronavirus dubbed COVID-19. From January 20, 2020, when the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) identified the first COVID-19 case in the United States, through the end of 2021, medical staff have been repeatedly rocked with multiple waves of infections resulting in hospitals filled to capacity, and sometimes beyond. As 2021 drew to a close and 2022 began with yet another COVID-19 surge, the promised return to normal has yet to fully materialize. Manning the frontlines over the last two years has caused resilient healthcare professionals to question their careers and/or the state of healthcare now and in the future.

The healthcare industry continues to be challenged by widespread shortages in talent, which is only expected to get worse. These challenges are continuously felt in healthcare recruiting and recruiters are always looking for the best ways to source candidates to fill the gaps. Job boards and referrals have traditionally been and continue to be some of the best tools for sourcing candidates. Other sources don’t seem to be as effective in the recruitment process. The demand to build a satisfactory candidate pool can be met with Vivian Health in your corner.

Arizona is best known for being home to the Grand Canyon, one of the nation’s most iconic national landmarks, hence its nickname of the Grand Canyon State. However, it’s also known for its perfect winter weather and stunning geography. This spectacular state features breathtaking desert vistas in the south, fabulous forests and mountain ranges in the north, and some of the most vibrant sunsets in the country. Nurses love Arizona’s diversity, reasonable cost of living, abundant hiking and biking trails, eclectic culinary scene, exciting nightlife, and all the little things that make it a great place to live, work, and play.

The dangers of prescription painkillers containing opioids have been well-documented for several years. Warnings are printed on the labels and repeated by doctors and pharmacists for a long list of prescription painkillers that individuals should only use when needed and as directed. These include products containing oxycodone, hydrocodone, or codeine, among others. This guide was written to provide an overview of the painkiller rehabilitation process as well as to offer helpful resources for persons recovering from painkiller addiction.

Prescription pain reliever misuse was the second most common form of illicit drug use in the United States in 2018, with an estimated 9.9 million people aged 12 or older misusing painkillers, corresponding to 3.6% of the population. This guide explains the effects, trends, and dangers of painkiller use, as well as an unbiased analysis of the medicinal and behavioral treatment methods for painkiller addiction based on current research and publicly available statistics. In some cases, usage statistics are derived from general prescription painkiller use, and others are from specific painkillers, including oxycodone, hydrocodone, morphine, meperidine, codeine, morphine, and tramadol, among others.

Oxycodone is a narcotic pain medicine that acts on the central nervous system to relieve moderate to severe pain. Because it’s an opioid-based medication, oxycodone is only available by prescription under a restricted distribution program called the Opioid Analgesic Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy. Oxycodone comes in tablet, capsule, or liquid form in immediate-release and extended-release formulas. It’s sold alone in drugs like OxyContin, combined with aspirin in products like Percodan, or with acetaminophen in Percocet. Oxycodone makes many people feel relaxed and euphoric. Some people abuse it for the high, but patients legitimately taking it for pain also may get hooked because opioids are highly addictive. More than 26 million people in the United States aged 12 and older used oxycodone products in 2018, and over 3 million of them misused the drug, which has been a continuing problem since the early 1960s. This guide was written to provide an overview of the oxycodone rehabilitation process, as well as to offer helpful resources for individuals recovering from oxycodone addiction.

Oxycodone changes the way the brain and nervous system respond to pain by stopping the pain signals from traveling along the nerves to the brain. It also accesses the pleasure center of the brain, releasing dopamine and causing a euphoric high, relaxation, and a sense of well-being. On a chemical level, opioid-based medications, such as oxycodone, are very similar to heroin and present the same risk of a substance use disorder, even when patients take their prescriptions as instructed. Like most opioids, oxycodone comes with serious risks of misuse, abuse, dependence, addiction, overdose, and death. Oxycodone abusers who snort or inject it for a quicker high further increase their risk of accidental overdose and death. This guide explains the effects, trends, and dangers of oxycodone use, as well as an unbiased analysis of the medicinal and behavioral treatment methods for oxycodone addiction based on current research and publically available statistics.

Androgenic anabolic steroids are synthetically produced variations of the naturally occurring male hormone testosterone. Steroid use spread rapidly through the athletics and the bodybuilding realm between the 1950s and 1970s, moving into the general population in the 1980s. Decades later, most anabolic steroid users aren’t competitive athletes, but young to middle-aged men primarily using them to enhance their personal appearance. Anabolic steroid use in the United States is difficult to pinpoint due to a lack of statistics, but a 2013 study estimated that 108.5 million people between the ages of 13 and 50 had used steroids in their lifetime. This guide was written to provide an overview of the steroid rehabilitation process as well as to offer helpful resources for persons recovering from steroid addiction.

Anabolic steroids don’t activate the brain’s rewards system, causing a person to feel high like other drugs of abuse. They also don’t increase dopamine in the brain, which is the chemical that encourages drug-taking behavior. Despite these differences, steroid use can still cause psychological dependence and addiction, with an undetermined percentage of users developing a steroid use disorder. Abusing anabolic steroids can lead to serious long-term or potentially permanent health problems. This guide explains the effects, trends, and dangers of anabolic steroid use, as well as an unbiased analysis of the medicinal and behavioral treatment methods for steroid addiction based on current research and publicly available statistics.

Playing video games is one of the most popular leisure activities in the world and provides known benefits, including improved focus, hand-eye coordination, memory, and multitasking. Most people consider video gaming a hobby or fun pastime, with 75% of American households having at least one gamer in the home. Many gamers say they play video games because it provides mental stimulation, and it’s a good way to relax ... Despite the many positives of gaming, players who use video games to escape real life and avoid stressful situations or negative feelings could fall victim to addictive behavior. Not all researchers agree that video gaming is an addictive activity ... This guide was written to provide an overview of the video game addiction rehabilitation process as well as to offer helpful resources for persons recovering from video game addiction.

Playing video games is generally considered a fun pastime, but there’s a growing concern that spending too much time playing video games can become an addiction. While 75% of American households have at least one gamer, not everyone has a video gaming problem. It’s estimated that between 1% and 9% of all gamers meet the proposed criteria for gaming addiction, and it’s more common in males than females ... This guide explains the effects, trends, and dangers of video game addiction, as well as an unbiased analysis of the behavioral treatment methods for gaming addiction based on current research and publicly available statistics. In some cases, information and statistics are derived from gaming addiction, internet gaming addiction, or compulsive gaming.

Meloxicam is a generic version of Mobic, a high-dose, long-acting nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, or NSAID. This is a relatively new NSAID that works by preventing the release of inflammatory substances in the joints. Meloxicam requires a prescription and was approved in 2000 for use in the United States. There are currently more than 9 million prescriptions of meloxicam filled annually. Meloxicam isn’t a narcotic and doesn’t produce a euphoric feeling like opioids. Because it doesn’t act on the brain, it’s not physically addictive. However, people may abuse or misuse meloxicam while trying to reduce chronic pain and develop a psychological dependence that gives them the perception that they can’t function without it. Abusing meloxicam can damage the liver and increase the risk of serious stomach problems, heart attack, and stroke. This guide explains the effects and dangers of meloxicam use, as well as an unbiased analysis of the behavioral treatment methods for meloxicam addiction based on current research and publicly available statistics. In some cases, usage statistics are derived from general prescription painkiller use, which includes those that contain opioids.

Ketamine is classified as a hallucinogen, but it’s also a medication that’s been used as an anesthetic in humans and animals since the 1960s. It’s commonly used recreationally due to its hallucinogenic and dissociative effects. Ketamine has addictive potential with about 3 million people ages 12 or older reported having used ketamine in their lifetime in 2015. This guide was written to provide an overview of the ketamine rehabilitation process as well as to offer helpful resources for persons recovering from ketamine addiction.

Ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic that can produce hallucinogenic effects, which is why it’s often abused. Its popularity has been driven by the club and rave culture where it’s frequently referred to as Special K. When used recreationally, ketamine can produce delirium and altered states of consciousness that put users at risk. Used outside approved limits, it can produce hazardous mental and physical health effects. Chronic and prolonged use of ketamine can damage numerous organs and lead to tolerance and psychological addiction. This guide explains the effects, trends, and dangers of ketamine use and provides an unbiased analysis of the medicinal and behavioral treatment methods for ketamine addiction based on current research and publicly available statistics. In some cases, usage statistics are derived from common hallucinogen and dissociative drug use, which includes ketamine, PCP, LSD, peyote, DMT, and psilocybin (mushrooms).

Nicotine is a chemical made by the tobacco plant, but it can also be produced synthetically. Nicotine is highly addictive, and tobacco dependency has some extremely harmful effects, including damage to the heart, lungs, and nearly every other organ in your body. Nicotine is found in all tobacco products, including cigarettes, cigars, and smokeless tobacco, and in liquids used in vaping devices, but most of the 58.8 million people ages 12 or older in the United States who used tobacco in 2018 smoked cigarettes. This guide was written to provide an overview of the nicotine rehabilitation process as well as to offer helpful resources for persons recovering from nicotine addiction.

Nicotine is the chemical found in tobacco products, including cigarettes, cigars, snuff, chewing tobacco, and pipe tobacco. Purified nicotine, not tobacco, is also found in the liquid used in electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) and vaping devices. Nicotine is highly addictive, even if you only use nicotine for a short time. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) currently lists smoking as the most common preventable cause of death in the United States with more than 480,000 deaths each year caused by smoking cigarettes. Smoking can harm nearly every organ and cause cancer nearly anywhere in your body. This guide explains the effects, trends, and dangers of nicotine use and provides an unbiased analysis of the medicinal and behavioral treatment methods for nicotine addiction based on current research and publicly available statistics. Nicotine usage statistics are derived from overall tobacco use, including nicotine received through smoking, dipping, and chewing tobacco products. In some cases, usage statistics also include using vaping devices that deliver pure nicotine instead of tobacco.

Lortab is one of several brand name pain medications that include a combination of the semi-synthetic opioid hydrocodone and acetaminophen. Hydrocodone is the most frequently prescribed opiate in the United States. Lortab is prescribed to help relieve moderate to severe pain, but it isn’t intended for long-term use. Besides treating pain, Lortab also gives the user a euphoric, relaxed feeling that may lead some individuals to take more of the drug than they should or use it in a way not intended just to experience a high. This guide was written to provide an overview of the Lortab rehabilitation process, as well as to offer helpful resources for those recovering from Lortab addiction.

Opioids have a high potential for addiction, so abusing Lortab can lead to tolerance, dependence, and addiction. This is especially true when used long term. Once your body develops a tolerance to the prescribed amount, you may take increasingly higher doses to achieve the same effects. Abusing hydrocodone can cause respiratory distress, and the increased amount of acetaminophen can damage your liver. This guide explains the effects, trends, and dangers of Lortab use, as well as an unbiased analysis of the medicinal and behavioral treatment methods for Lortab addiction based on current research and publicly available statistics. In some cases, usage statistics are derived from general hydrocodone/acetaminophen prescription pain reliever use or opioid-based prescription pain reliever use.

To help combat drug overdose deaths involving opioids, which have increased almost six times since 1999, opioid treatment programs began combining behavioral therapy with medication-assisted treatment. One medication approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of opioid addiction is Suboxone, a prescription medication that combines buprenorphine and naloxone. This guide covers basic information on how Suboxone is used to help treat opioid addiction, including what it’s used for, how it works, and how it’s administered. Details on the cost of treatment, potential side effects, risks for dependence and withdrawal, and other considerations of using Suboxone treatment for opioid addiction are provided.

According to the 2018 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, approximately 10.3 million people ages 12 and older misused opioids in the past year, with a majority of opioid users misusing prescription pain relievers. Naltrexone is a non-addictive synthetic antagonist, or inhibitor, for treating opioid dependence with no serious adverse events, if used as directed. When used to treat opioid addiction, naltrexone blocks the euphoric effects of opioid-based prescription pain relievers like OxyContin and Percocet and illicit opioids like heroin. This guide covers basic information on how naltrexone is used to treat opioid addiction, including how it works, how it’s administered, and how often it’s used. Details will also be provided on the cost of treatment, potential side effects, and other considerations of using naltrexone for opioid addiction.

OxyContin is the brand name of a controlled-release capsule or pill form of oxycodone. When taken orally as intended, OxyContin slowly dissolves into your bloodstream to provide a slow, steady release of an opioid pain reliever. When used as prescribed, it can safely and effectively manage chronic pain. It isn’t intended for occasional or as-needed use for mild pain. Oxycodone was second only to Vicodin as the most prescribed opioid in 2016 and the 2018 National Survey on Drug Use and Health ranked it the second most misused pain reliever. This guide was written to provide an overview of the OxyContin rehabilitation process as well as to offer helpful resources for persons recovering from OxyContin addiction.

OxyContin is the brand name of a controlled-release formula of oxycodone, an opioid-based pain reliever. Nonmedical use or abuse of OxyContin makes it one of the most commonly abused drugs. Some people develop a tolerance to the opioid component in OxyContin, causing them to take higher and/or more frequent doses to get the desired effect. Long-term use or abuse of OxyContin puts you at risk of physical dependence, which can lead to addiction with severe withdrawal symptoms likely. OxyContin abuse may cause kidney failure, liver damage, heart disease, osteoporosis, anxiety, and depression. This guide explains the effects, trends, and dangers of OxyContin use, as well as an unbiased analysis of the medicinal and behavioral treatment methods for OxyContin addiction based on current research and publicly available statistics. In some cases, usage statistics are derived from generic prescription pain reliever use, which includes oxycodone or all opioid-based pain relievers.

Percocet is a prescription pain reliever that contains oxycodone hydrochloride and acetaminophen. Oxycodone is an opioid-based substance that works in the brain and nervous system to block pain transmissions, but it also produces feelings of pleasure and euphoria, much like heroin. Opioids are highly addictive and cause changes in the brain that can lead to tolerance, physical and mental dependence, and addiction. This guide was written to provide an overview of the Percocet rehabilitation process, as well as to offer helpful resources for persons recovering from Percocet addiction.

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) is an important coenzyme that helps with energy metabolism. NAD therapy is intended to restore the diminishing levels of this coenzyme in your body. While NAD therapy isn’t approved by the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) for treatment of any condition, numerous facilities across the country have embraced it for various anti-aging treatments, as well as for treating chronic fatigue syndrome, Parkinson’s, and addiction to alcohol and drugs. This guide covers basic information on how NAD therapy works and how it’s used to treat various ailments, including the off-label use during treatment of substance use disorder and withdrawal. Details will also be provided on how NAD therapy is administered, the cost of therapy, potential side effects, and other considerations of using this type of treatment.

Holistic therapy has been used to treat various ailments, but the focus of this guide is using it for the treatment of alcohol and/or drug addiction. This includes issues with anxiety, depression, and pain that may arise due to withdrawal and recovery from substance abuse. Because there are many different types of holistic therapies, how they work varies, but the overall holistic concept is to treat all aspects of the person to increase success in treatment and in positively altering his or her lifestyle.

Depression is often treated with medications and psychotherapy, but these forms of treatment don’t work for everyone. TMS, or transcranial magnetic stimulation, therapy is a noninvasive procedure approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of major depressive disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), but it has also shown promise in the treatment of other mood disorders and conditions. TMS therapy uses magnetic pulses targeted at specific locations in the brain to stimulate nerve cells and improve symptoms of depression. TMS therapy is typically used when other depression treatments have failed to provide desired results. This guide covers basic information on how TMS therapy works and how it’s used to treat depression and various other mood disorders and mental health conditions. Details are also provided on how TMS therapy is administered, the cost of therapy, potential side effects, and other considerations of using this type of treatment.

Equine-Assisted Therapy (EAT), particularly Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP), may provide positive results for individuals recovering from substance abuse, trauma, anxiety, depression, hyperactivity, and many other issues. EAT includes a wide variety of activities performed with horses, but it doesn’t always include riding. It has been shown to help individuals develop impulse control, self-efficiency, trust, communication, and social skills, while learning empathy and coping skills, and taking personal responsibility. This guide covers basic information on how Equine Therapy works and how it’s used to treat ADHD, anxiety, PTSD, substance abuse, and various other conditions. An overview will also be provided on how Equine Therapy is administered, the cost of therapy, potential side effects, and other considerations of using this type of treatment.

Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is a type of cognitive behavioral therapy with a unique dialectical philosophy that encourages balancing acceptance and change. Although it was initially designed to treat patients with borderline personality disorder and/or suicidal behavior, evidence has shown that it can be useful in treating other disorders, conditions, and self-destructive behaviors, including depression and substance abuse. This guide covers basic information on how dialectical behavioral therapy works and how it may be used to treat mental health conditions, including those co-occurring with substance use disorders. Details are also provided on how dialectical behavioral therapy is administered, the cost of therapy, potential side effects, and other considerations of using this type of therapy as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.

Biofeedback therapy has been used to treat a variety of disorders and conditions, including some dangerous or even destructive issues that affect millions of individuals across the United States. Biofeedback is a noninvasive therapy that measures involuntary bodily functions and provides feedback that lets you better control these functions, which helps you gain more control over your health. The goal is to help you make subtle changes to your body that result in a desired effect. This guide covers basic information on how biofeedback therapy works and how it’s used to treat various conditions, including chronic pain, alcohol and/or drug addiction, and other disorders. Details are also provided on how biofeedback therapy is administered, the cost of therapy, potential side effects, and other considerations of using biofeedback therapy.

SMART stands for Self-Management and Recovery Training. SMART Recovery is an alternative to traditional 12-Step programs, such as Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous. It’s one of the largest alcohol addiction support groups of its kind, but the mutual support group also helps people overcome drug addictions and a wide range of addictive behaviors. This guide covers basic information on how SMART Recovery works and how it may be used to treat various substance and activity addictions, especially alcohol and drug addiction. Details are also provided on how SMART Recovery is administered, the cost associated with the program, and other considerations of using this type of addiction recovery program.

Technicians Stepping Up During COVID-19 Pandemic | Healthcare professionals are on the front lines during the response to the COVID-19 outbreak. While they tend to work behind the scenes, medical laboratory technicians and pharmacy technicians are an important part of this response and have vital roles to play. Throughout the nation, lab techs ensure the completion of critical testing for accurate patient diagnosis and treatment, and pharmacy techs put essential prescriptions in the hands that need them. During the ongoing pandemic, support staff are more important than ever.

The demand for certified respiratory technicians continues to rise, which puts talented techs on a precipice of continued growth and job stability for years to come. The American Association for Respiratory Care emphasizes that the need for qualified respiratory techs has never been higher, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics agrees the outlook includes a faster-than-average job growth expected. Make a lasting difference in patients' lives in a location that can be best described as absolute paradise.

Computerized tomography (CT), also called computed tomography, is a unique imaging process using special X-ray equipment to produce detailed scans of various areas inside patients' bodies. CT imaging has made enormous technical advances since its introduction into clinical use in the 1970s. Some of the biggest computerized tomography advancements in recent years include overall improvements in speed, image quality, slice count and radiation dose. What took 30 minutes or more 20 years ago, now only takes a second or two, and the improved image quality and lower patient radiation doses make CT procedures quicker, safer and more accurate for better patient outcomes. According to experts in the field, the future promises further advancements that will enhance the technology even more.

Histotechnologists are specialized laboratory personnel who prepare tissue samples for examination through a microscope. Laboratory tests have become increasingly important, so these samples are often used to detect, diagnose and treat a wide variety of illnesses and diseases. However, samples may also be used to conduct vital research or to teach medical personnel. Histotechnologists are a crucial part of a medical team and must be detail oriented and extremely accurate. If you're considering a histotechnologist career, explore salary expectations and other vital questions to help guide you in your career choice.

Travel allied health jobs can take you all over the country, including the fun-filled Sunshine State. Known for its tropical climate, sandy beaches, diversity and outstanding cuisine, Florida is one of the most ideal locations for your next allied health travel assignment. Warm weather states are always popular choices, but Florida's gorgeous weather packs the added punch of being in a state loaded with entertainment and enough oddities to make it interesting. Although there are plenty of touristy activities in the mix, Florida's vibrant scene offers a wide variety of pursuits and many other benefits for traveling health care workers.

Cath lab technologists, or cardiac catheterization technologists, assist with tests that help diagnose various heart conditions. This may include catheterization of the heart, operating various machines that help test the heart and monitoring patients' vital signs during tests. Another aspect of a cath lab technologist's job is making your patients more comfortable by explaining what will happen during various procedures and providing reassurance if they're nervous. Create a calming, more comfortable environment for your patients by minimizing their stress through these five simple techniques.

Medical laboratory technicians collect samples and perform tests for physicians and other healthcare professionals. As a medical lab tech, you'll play a vital role in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of diseases, and you'll be an important part of a patient's medical team. Due to an increased need for skilled medical lab techs, travel lab tech jobs abound around the country. This demand lets you work in fascinating states like New York, where jobs are plentiful, thanks to top employers around the state, and there's always something to do and see when you're ready to explore.

When it comes to breathtaking landscapes that offer the most stunning scenery, endless recreational opportunities and a myriad of wildlife, nothing beats Alaska. Whether you're looking for adventure or just want to enjoy some of the most spectacular natural beauty in the world, allied health jobs in Alaska provide you with the perfect opportunity to explore America's largest and most tax-friendly state. Here are just a few of the many reasons why you should consider taking an allied health travel job in this gorgeous state.

Hospitals, outpatient centers and imaging labs across the country rely on radiology technologists to provide services to an ever-growing number of patients requiring X-rays, CAT scans and other diagnostic imaging procedures. Medical facilities lacking permanent staff for radiology jobs depend on travel radiologic technologists to fill the gaps. The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists reports that radiology technologists make up the third largest group of healthcare professionals, which is only surpassed by physicians and nurses. Learn more about radiology travel jobs and expected salaries.

The need for respiratory therapists has never been higher with excellent job stability and continued growth, states the American Association for Respiratory Care. The Bureau of Labor Statistics agrees the respiratory therapist job outlook indicates faster-than-average job growth due to an increased demand for skilled cardiopulmonary care. You can look forward to a lucrative career that lets you make a lasting difference in people’s lives.

The Dangers of E-Cigarettes for Teens | Respiratory Therapist Jobs | As a healthcare professional working in respiratory therapist jobs, you’re in a unique position to help get the word out about the dangers of e-cigarettes. Maybe you don’t know the full extent of this danger or you’re not sure what you can do to keep kids from picking up and trying their first e-cig. Use this guide to learn how to explain to kids and teens about vaping devices and how harmful they can be.

Histotechnologists, also called histology technologists, are medical laboratory specialists and a vital part of the medical team. Histotechnologists prepare specimens of biological tissues for diagnosis beneath a microscope to identify any abnormalities. This makes it possible to detect diseases in patients. Histotechnologist should enjoy continued job security, since the occupational outlook for all medical and clinical laboratory technologists shows an expected growth of 12 percent by 2026.

The United States has one of the most complex healthcare systems worldwide, and new healthcare laws in 2019 could potentially make it even more complicated. Regulated by dozens of federal and state agencies, the healthcare industry is constantly evolving with new legislation that often directly impacts clinicians, facility operations and resource use.

Setting career goals for 2019 can help you make improvements in your current position or lead you on a completely new career path. However, ensure you set reachable goals so you don’t set yourself up for failure. Consider these five allied career goals to get you started on formulating your own professional goals.

Mobile devices are prevalent in healthcare with substantial growth in the development of medical software apps for these platforms. Apps for med techs are especially beneficial because they allow quick access to information that makes it easier for medical technologists to perform and accurately interpret complicated tests. Numerous apps have emerged that assist medical professionals in various aspects of their daily activities, but it may be difficult to know which ones are right for you.

Allied health professionals looking for a career change can step up to new challenges in a variety of facilities with allied travel jobs. Visit exciting destinations across all 50 states while building your resume and fulfilling various career goals. Whether you’re a new graduate or long-time medical professional, allied travel jobs offer many benefits at any stage of your career. Learn more about the stimulating world of allied travel with these five reasons to give it a try.

The flu vaccine prevents millions of illnesses and flu-related visits to the doctor every year, reports the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). However, despite it being easily prevented with a vaccine, thousands of people are hospitalized with influenza each year. Why? Because numerous patients simply refuse to get one. When you’re working in respiratory therapy travel jobs, it’s important to learn what to say to patients who won’t get a flu shot, so you can explain the importance of vaccination.

Surpassed only by doctors and nurses, radiology technologists make up the third-largest group of healthcare professionals in the nation, reports the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists. Whether your career path leads to a permanent position or you prefer rad tech travel jobs, radiology technologists are a vital part of any medical team. You’ll stay active throughout your work day, and no two days will be the same in a career that’s expected to see an explosion in job growth.

Mobile devices and apps have become so prevalent, and they're increasingly commonplace in the medical industry. Healthcare professionals around the world have discovered the benefits of mobile apps designed specifically for them, and apps for medical technologists make performing and accurately interpreting complicated tests easier. With so many choices, it’s difficult to know which ones to use, but the following apps are particularly helpful to medical technologists. Here are 5 great apps for medical technologists.

Hepatitis B is a highly contagious viral infection that left untreated can lead to long-term issues with your liver, including cirrhosis or liver disease. There are several ways this virus is passed, including as a sexually transmitted disease (STD) during unprotected sex. If you're exposed to hepatitis B, it can cause acute infection, which may lead to chronic infection. Many people go years without ever knowing they have hepatitis B because they never display any symptoms.

Hepatitis A is a type of liver infection that's highly contagious and caused by the hepatitis A virus. This virus is commonly passed through food and water contaminated by small amounts of human feces from a person infected with hepatitis A. However, it's also a sexually transmitted disease (STD) passed during unprotected sex. If you're exposed to hepatitis A, you may never have any symptoms, or you may develop a mild illness that lasts a few weeks or a severe illness that lasts several months. In rare cases, death may occur due to acute liver failure.

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by a specific type of bacteria that can cause very serious long-term complications, and even death, if left untreated. It's especially important for pregnant women to be tested for syphilis because it can cause potentially life-threatening problems in their babies. Syphilis is treatable and easy to cure in its early stages.

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) that attacks your immune system, making it harder for your body to fight off infections and disease. Although HIV is most commonly spread through contact with bodily fluids during unprotected sex, it can also be passed by sharing needles while injecting drugs. Left untreated, HIV can lead to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Currently, there isn't an effective cure for HIV, but it can be controlled with appropriate care.

Therapist Precautions While Treating COVID-19 Patients | Healthcare professionals should always protect themselves because they come into contact with many people suffering from a wide array of illnesses. When you're on the front lines of the battle against COVID-19, this is even more important. Because this is primarily a respiratory related illness, respiratory therapists providing therapy to COVID-19 patients are busier than ever and at greater risk than before. Take appropriate therapist precautions to keep yourself healthy and fit enough to continue the fight.