A Day in the Life of an Interventional Radiologist

Shows like Star Trek depict medicine and medical procedures as easy and painless as an afternoon on a lounge chair. A doctor waves an instrument over the patient’s body and voila! All is fixed. Although we’re not quite that advanced (yet), we’re getting closer and closer. Medical advances in the last twenty years have included wearable devices, HPV and COVID vaccines, and bionic limbs, making medical procedures and healthcare in general faster, smoother, and less painful. Now, with the technologies of interventional radiology, patients can be treated for a variety of diseases, including cancer, without surgery, anesthesia, or pain.

 

Originally founded in the 1960s by Charles Dotter, MD, interventional radiology (IR) treats a variety of conditions, including stroke, transplant support, and cancer. These conditions and diseases are treated through minimally invasive, image-guided treatment that once required surgery, says the Society of Interventional Radiology. This example of modern medicine is performed by board certified interventional radiologists who are trained in radiology and in minimally invasive therapies, says the article.

 

The term interventional radiology may sound vague to some, however, a more in-depth description of what is actually done is this: to diagnose and treat many diseases, an IR can, in many cases, forego surgery and hospitalization by inserting various instruments into the body, says John Hopkins Medicine. Catheters, wires, x-rays, CT scans, and ultrasound technology help guide the IR to internally see the patient and treat the issue. The cuts involved in inserting the tools can be as small as a pinhole, says WebMD.

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Interventional Radiologists review scans

 

Interventional radiology is monumental in cancer treatment, says WebMD. By placing chemotherapy and radioactive medicines into the affected areas, it directly treats the disease, prevents bleeding (during surgery). It also aids in pain from cancer treatment side effects such as blood clots and fluid buildup, says the article. More amazing procedures IRs can perform for cancer are killing cancer tumors via heat through radio waves or electric currents, or freezing them with ice crystals. IR also treats conditions with blood vessels, kidneys, and gallstones.

 

Training to become an IR is extensive. IRs are medical doctors that are trained in radiology, minimally invasive procedures, radiation safety and physics, and must have a comprehensive knowledge of the latest procedures available as well as diagnostic and clinical experience, says Radiologyinfo. IRs can be hospital based, meaning they travel to and from a couple of different hospitals within their work week, and/or they can be a part of specialty group practices, outside of the hospital, says the American Medical Association. An IR usually spends four days a week treating patients, and about one day a week doing administrative work, referring physicians, consults, and completing notes, says the article. They have become an integral part of a treatment team within hospitals and private practices. 

 

We are living in an exciting time of medicine, where seeing and treating the body is becoming less about invasive exploration and more about advanced imagery. It’s not quite body scanners and needle-free hyposprays, but it’s safe to say we are learning and going places, medically, where no man has gone before.

 

Looking for the Perfect IR Placement?

 

Balancing work and life as an interventional radiologist can prove challenging. Finding a position that offers the compensation you deserve and the hours that allow you to have your own free time is important. Luckily, Momentum Healthcare Staffing helps match IRs with the best hospitals. Please contact us to learn more and be sure to bookmark our jobs page for the latest Locums Tenens and permanent placements.

day in life of radiologist
A day in the life of an interventional radiologist

 

 

 

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Urgent Care Centers: Why are they Growing?

Urgent care centers are gaining immense popularity in recent years due to the convenience and quality of care they provide. These centers provide quick, convenient access to medical care, allowing patients to get the care they need without having to wait for days or weeks for an appointment with a primary care provider. Interest is growing 7 percent each year, with over 11,000 urgent cares currently running, according to the Urgent Care Association.

 

Why Do Americans Go To Urgent Care Centers?

Urgent care centers have shorter wait times than many hospitals or emergency rooms, making them an ideal option for those who need medical care quickly. Most patients are seen in less than an hour, which varies greatly from several hours to days before being seen by a doctor.

 

urgent care centers are expanding
A man leaves an urgent care center

Medical Ailments Treated at an Urgent Care

 

Urgent care centers provide a wide range of services and treatments, as well as access to specialists, which can help ensure that patients get the care they need when they need it. This can be especially helpful for those who do not have reliable access to healthcare or who have chronic illnesses that require frequent medical attention. Furthermore, urgent care centers have shorter wait times than many hospitals or emergency rooms, making them an ideal option for those who need medical care quickly.

 

Urgent care centers offer medical assistance for minor to limited-type severe issues. Normal treatments provided include general primary care, lab work, X-rays, and minor surgical procedures, which can be completed in a short amount of time. This makes them an ideal option for those who need medical care but do not have the time or resources to wait for an appointment. Additionally, these centers are often more affordable than visiting a hospital or emergency room, and they often have extended hours, making them accessible to a wider range of people.

 

Since 2019, urgent cares have seen more than 50 percent spike in growth. Covid-19 was a major factor in the increase. Many centers provided Covid-19 testing, and this was a draw towards urgent care because you could get a test much sooner than if you would make an appointment with a primary care provider. The convenience and cost-effectiveness of urgent care centers have made them a popular choice for people seeking prompt medical attention, which was seen widely during the pandemic.

 

Urgent care centers are staffed by experienced medical professionals to include nurse practitioners, medical assistants, etc., and can provide an affordable option for those who do not have access to traditional primary care providers. Also, they can provide a much-needed bridge between primary care and emergency care, helping to ensure that people receive the right level of medical attention when they need it most.

 

Conclusion

In short, urgent care centers are becoming increasingly popular due to their convenience, affordability, and wide range of services. They provide quick access to medical care and can often be more affordable than traditional options, making them an ideal option for those who need medical care but cannot wait for an appointment. Additionally, they provide access to specialists and can help ensure that patients get the care they need when they need it.

 

Staffing Your Urgent Care Center

If you operate an urgent care center, staffing with top notch clinical professionals is of paramount importance. At Momentum Healthcare Staffing, we match you with the best nurse practitioners and physicians and we handle for permanent and Locum Tenens assignments. Contact us if you have any questions: (877) 558-3782.

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Why Your Healthcare Facility or Hospital Needs a Recruiting Agency 

Enticing, hiring, and retaining excellent staff is pretty much the same across the board in every industry. It takes time, effort, and a good amount of patience to get the best fitting staff for your establishment. However, in medicine, especially for the past few years, it is imperative to hire and retain the best staff possible. For many medical facilities, the hiring process can be daunting, and amongst COVID, RSV, the flu and other healthcare challenges, burnout and turnover has been astronomical, says the American Psychological Association. To ease some of the stressors that come with hiring great staff, partnering with an outside recruitment firm can help your facility or hospital hire quicker, smarter, and run smoother overall.

 

burnout healthcare
Burnout in healthcare is a common condition


Attracting potential medical staff can be a big job, executed with serious branding that includes marketing, employee benefits and highlighting workplace culture. According to a survey reported by data company
Ampliz, 90% of healthcare workers found employer branding crucial to recruiting resources. This means making your hospital or facility sparkle through social media, a website, and job postings. Many recruitment firms can highlight your specific qualities that will help catch talent, says the article.

 

In addition to sparkling online, setting up a clear process for recruitment and hiring is one of the biggest assets a medical facility can have, says Ampliz. An in-house hiring process for a hospital can be very complicated because of the many different departments and organizational structures involved. What Human Resources may require for the hiring process may not match exactly what certain other departments look for and need in candidates, says the article. An outside recruitment firm can help streamline the process and match potential staff to desired qualities. This also speeds up the process of hiring, which can be an issue to potential talent. Medical professionals can become impatient if they are asked to perform tedious administrative tasks for long periods of time. Keeping them excited, focused, and within an appropriate time frame will help keep your facility on their radar, says the article.

 

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Working with a healthcare staffing agency helps tremendously

 

One of the most important components in hiring great medical staff is credentialing and licensure. To ensure the best medical care for patients, medical professionals must undergo a series of “stringent scrutiny” to prove their medical abilities, both academically and clinically, says the National Library of Medicine. Making sure your hires are up to date and maintained with national guidelines is vital. This can take a lot of time and effort. However, many specialized recruiting firms assist with both credentialing and software management, says verywellhealth. In an effort to speed up the credentialing process, many companies offer a checklist of requirements and automation to do the heavy lifting for you, says the article. In a medical setting, credentials, license, and professionalism are everything for business, and for patient care. Having an outside firm complete the process from start to finish will not only ease the difficulty of paperwork, but shoulder the weight of constantly checking-in on progression.

 

Gain Momentum for your Hiring with Our Healthcare Staffing Firm

 

Whether you are looking for specific help with one aspect of recruitment or the entire process, specialized recruiting firms such as Momentum Healthcare Staffing are there to assist so you can focus on providing the best possible healthcare with the best possible staff there is. Our team connects your hospital or practice with the best clinicians. Please contact us to learn more: (321) 420-6344.

 

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2023 Top Healthcare Jobs

With the country still recovering from Covid, Covid fatigue still plagues the healthcare system.  Healthcare employers realize they need to provide better benefits for their employees.

This awareness could be good news for those employed in the medical care field. The facilities now have to look hard and find solutions for burnout among their workers due to their being overworked and underpaid.

In addition, the increased demand for treatment and care for diseases and our aging population necessitates adding positions in most hospitals and managed care organizations.

Facilities are looking at facilitating change by streamlining work, eliminating some administrative tasks, and taking better care of their workers. The year 2023 may be much more favorable for healthcare jobs.

 

Nurse Practitioners

Nurse practitioners will continue to be in demand for 2023, and the market will continue to grow through 2030. Quality patient care is a high priority, and nurse practitioners can offer preventative and primary care in some states. The field has opened up to diagnosing and prescribing medications for their patients.

Registered nurses may consider obtaining a master’s degree to advance for a pay increase.

 

Registered Nurses

The demand for registered nurses has always been high, but since the pandemic, demand has been even higher. More specialized nursing degrees have more pay in the field, but hospitals now offer better pay and better benefits for general registered nurses positions.

Occupational Therapy Assistants

Hospitals need to move patients back home as quickly as possible to maintain space for patients with acute care needs. Occupational Therapists help patients to continue their recovery and provide education for life skills outside of the hospital.

The occupational therapy assistant’s role in the medical field is increasingly essential in streamlining hospital care.

Home Health Aides

As our population ages, there is a significant demand for home healthcare aides. Chronic diseases and disabilities are treated more in the home environment, and the need for more home health aides has increased.

nursing homes
A home health aide assists a resident


Physical Therapy Assistants

Physical therapy assistant positions are growing faster than average. Getting people with injuries or illnesses to move and manage their pain is the primary concern of hospitals and physicians.

Home health agencies, nursing homes, and outpatient facilities also know the value of physical therapy assistants during the patient’s recovery.

 

Health Services Managers

Directing and coordinating health services for facilities or departments within the facilities is essential for any hospital or nursing facility. Health services managers manage the patient’s services according to regulations and technology.

 

Physician Assistants

Physician assistants provide medical examinations and diagnoses and offer treatments in collaboration with doctors and surgeons. Physician assistants allow physicians and surgeons to keep track of more patients more economically.

 

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Counselors

More awareness of the need for these counselors is surfacing daily. The evaluation and assessment for problems like addictions, alcoholism, and recovery and the work in mental health services will continue to grow.

 

Medical Imaging

Radiation Therapists, Nuclear medicine Technologists, Diagnostic Medical Sonographers, MRI/Radiologic Technologists, and Cardiovascular Technologists are all in demand. New technologies and streamlining imaging processes have opened the medical imaging field to more job opportunities.

Jobs in the healthcare field continue to grow. The aging population in the United States has continued to expand, and patients continue to require care in the facilities and at home. The pandemic showed weaknesses in our healthcare systems, and a new generation of workers will strengthen those weaknesses.

 

healthcare field
A sonographer speaks to a patient

 

Momentum Healthcare Staffing—Connecting You to Great Healthcare Jobs

 

Momentum is proud to connect healthcare workers with a variety of job openings, from temporary to permanent and we help match you with the position that closes match your personal and professional goals. Please click here to view our available openings.

 

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Healthcare Staffing Shortages—How Are Companies Handling Them?

It’s safe to say modern America has never been more appreciative of healthcare workers than since the pandemic began. Our healthcare, our lives, really, were (and are) in the hands of these medical professionals and they have been the backbone of this crisis. Now, hospitals, urgent care centers, doctor’s offices, nursing homes and other healthcare facilities across the country are experiencing extreme staffing shortages since the 2020 outbreak of Covid, says US News. Long waiting times for patients, weekend closures, and burnout for current staff has been skyrocketing. The need for healthcare workers has never been greater.

The staffing shortage affects every aspect of healthcare, from pediatric hospitals to nursing homes, and making sure patients get the best care is the most important priority, says the CDC. In their “Strategies to Mitigate Staffing Shortages,” the CDC focuses on adjusting staff schedules, hiring additional HCP (health care professionals), and rotating positions. This includes canceling all non-essential visits and procedures and moving healthcare workers to the areas most needed. They also give guidance on postponing elective time off for healthcare workers but to respond to mental health issues and consider the different responsibilities of each worker.

 

Burnout

Burnout within the healthcare community runs high these days, and has been the past few years, because of the influx in patients from Covid and the shortage in staffing. Nurses, especially, are leaving because of the stress alone, says Healthcaredive. In a recent survey, more than a third of nurses polled said they were leaving their jobs by the end of the year, said the article. Healthcare systems have tried to entice new hires and current employees by raising compensative rates and have partnered with nursing schools to ensure future staff.

 

workers feel burned out
Burnout has negatively affecting healthcare workers

 

Technology

In a creative effort to off-put the staffing shortage, some healthcare systems have leaned on technology, says US News. They are planning ahead with analytics and data before procedures and having the patients monitor themselves at home. Using this sort of technological tactic helps nurses manage patient care and also manage more patients at the same time, says the article. Other facilities have used cloud-based technologies to better track workflows, stock levels, and product tracking. Streamlining these systems will help create a more efficient and precise healthcare network that serves both professionals and patients.

 

Healthcare facilities are better equipped now than at the beginning of the pandemic, however, the influx of patients is still daunting, says Politico. Staff members are being pulled from their regular stations to assist with Covid antibody infusions, a labor-intensive process that requires treating immunocompromised patients at separate locations with careful infection control. The patients get the help they need, but where were the staff pulled from, questions the article. It isn’t really a long term solution, but serves as a band-aid for the current crisis.

 

Healthcare Staffing Agency: Momentum Healthcare Staffing

 

Momentum is not your average medical staffing firm—we’re a progressive company with new ideas specializing in healthcare staffing. We understand the difficulties regarding the growing cost of healthcare and the increasing demands of clinicians. It’s our goal to be focused and detailed while understanding that every healthcare facility has its own unique needs. Please call our healthcare recruiting specialist to get connected to the perfect person for your open position!

 

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Momentum Healthcare Staffing matches hospitals to the best medical professionals

 

Our country is going through quite a bit of change, and there doesn’t seem to be an end in sight. Healthcare facilities, and healthcare workers are doing their best to keep our citizens healthy and out of harm’s way. There is a worry within the healthcare community that this will continue for years to come, however, our country has seen it before and we will see it again: Where there is a will, there is a way.

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