I'm shopping for cubicles, and it is tougher than expected.

Vendor A is the least expensive. Vendor B is the most expensive. He's not negotiating his price, and he tells me he has better quality & is worth it. Vendor C's prices are in the middle. The decision didn't become clear until I saw their work. I ultimately decided on my cubicle vendor based on references, what I saw, how they fit our needs, and price.

All of a sudden, it hit me: just as I struggled with my decision to hire an unknown vendor, rehab managers must have a tough time deciding which therapists or therapy assistants to hire for their travel therapy jobs.

How does this relate to you? I think rehab managers fill their travel therapy jobs in the same way I chose my cubicle vendor. 

Keep reading to learn what shopping for cubicles has in common with choosing the right person for travel therapy jobs.

I nearly forgot, and I know there's physical therapist who's been really working towards these prizes. So, R.L., here you go:

The Anniversary Rewards program, the Paid Time Off program, and the Referral Program will all remain the same.

Great news: MDI Medical is doubling the employer match on your 401(k)!

As long as you're contributing your 401(k), MDI Medical will match those contributions, dollar for dollar, up to 2%. If you're earning $60K, this is equivalent to a $1200 bonus every year!

More helpful information:

- The vesting period is three years from your date of hire with MDI Medical. For example, if a speech language pathology traveler has been with MDI Medical for 2 years, she only needs one more year of employment to be fully vested.

- No 401(k) contributions were made from the past two payrolls while we were getting everything set up.

- You should have received a package of information from SunTrust with your options for your "old" 401(k). It should have arrived this week via US Mail to whichever address you gave SunTrust when you set up your 401k. If you didn't receive the package, or have questions, contact Rick at rhayslip{at}mdigroup.com.

- You should have received an email from Max Hogan about the new 401(k) from The Hartford. It contains enrollment instructions. If you didn't receive it, or have questions, contact Max at mhogan{at}mdimedical.com.

I recommend you enroll as soon as possible. After all, the sooner you participate, the more money you (and MDI Medical) will contribute towards your retirement!

The second question everyone asks when they hear about the new ownership is: what will happen with my benefits?

The great news: no significant changes, and all changes are for the better.

- Your benefits through Blue Cross, MetLife, Aflac, Sturbridge, VSP and Unum are exactly the same. The only change is the group name and the group number. You should have already received new benefits cards. If your insurance card says "Management Decisions," email benefits{at}mdimedical.com and ask for a new card. Some carriers do not require a card; your SSN is enough. If you have any questions, Max at benefits{at}mdimedical.com can help.

- If you are on COBRA, those benefits are also the same.

- If you are in MDI Medical's housing, receiving a bonus, CEU reimbursement, or tuition reimbursement, everything is the same.

- The 401k is new and improved, but I'm saving that for the next blog.

Recently, a physical therapy assistant asked: "if everything stayed the same, why are you so busy all the time?" One of my biggest surprises is how much WORK was required to keep the status quo. But it's worth it.

The first question everyone asks about the acquisition is: what will happen to MDI Medical?

MDI Medical is operating as a separate division, just as we always have. Rather than being owned by MDI Group Inc., an IT staffing company, we are now owned by Cirrus Inc., a health care staffing company. Our management team is the same, and everyone who was employed by the "old" MDI Medical is employed by the "new" MDI Medical.

Our new owner, Cirrus Inc., also owns Cirrus Medical Staffing, a top-10 ranked nurse staffing company. Cirrus Inc. also owns Medtivia, a health care staffing company that specializes in bringing Filipino health care professionals to the U.S. in occupational therapy jobs, PT jobs, speech therapy jobs, and nursing jobs. I am proud to be associated with such great companies in the health care staffing industry.

How will this affect you? Well, first and foremost, it will mean more therapy jobs due to a larger client base. Beginning in October, it also means weekly pay! And, beginning next payroll, it means 2x the match on the 401k. (More on this later.)

Hi everyone! It's been a long time since my last blog, and a lot of GREAT things have happened.

President Bush's veto of the Medicare bill was overridden by Congress. (Thank you to all the physical and occupational therapy and speech language pathology professionals who contacted their congressmen to make this happen.)

Michael Phelps became the winningest Olympic athlete in U.S. history.

And, closer to home, Cirrus Medical Staffing Inc. acquired MDI Medical. This is great news for all of our employees: our physical and occupational therapy & speech language pathology professionals, our recruiters & salespeople, and our management staff will all benefit from this.

Read on for more information on how you will be affected by the acquisition. If you want to hear more & receive updates, subscribe to my blog or check back frequently.

President Bush vetoed HR 6331, legislation that would have addressed the Medicare Cap. 

Unless Congress overrides the veto, Medicare will cap reimbursements for combined physical therapy and speech therapy to $1810 for sub-acute patients, unless they're receiving treatment at a hospital outpatient center. Medicare will also cap occupational therapy reimbursements at $1810 for the same patients. This would effect most of MDI Medical's therapists, therapy assistants, many of our clients, and thousands of Americans in need of therapy.

The bill passed both Houses of Congress with overwhelmingly, so it should have enough support to override the veto, but your support can still make a difference. We need your help. This bill impacts ALL therapist jobs and therapy assistant jobs. It impacts the care that you & your loved ones can receive. Call your Senators and urge them to pass HR6331. You can find your Senators' contact info here.

For additional information, check out the American Physical Therapy Association's site here.

At MDI Medical, quality and safety are of great importance. When you're working your physical therapy jobs, it's important that you're using best practices for safe lifting as well as proper safety equipment. And, if you're ever assigned to physical therapy jobs outside your training or comfort level, contact us immediately.

What happens if you're injured while employed by MDI Medical and working on a client site?

1) If it is a true emergency, go directly to the nearest emergency room. Ask an on-site manager or a coworker to accompany you.

2) If it is not an emergency, it's still important you seek medical attention. Call MDI Medical's HR department & tell them that you were injured on the job. We have a fantastic worker's comp carrier who will direct you to a local treatment center and will follow up to see how you are doing.

3) In all cases, our worker's comp carrier requires a drug screen when you seek treatment.

4) In call cases, you must complete an incident report as soon as you're able... ideally within the same business day. You can find an incident report in our handbook. If  you've already completed the facility's report, in most cases, it will suffice for our records as well.

Stay safe and be careful, but rest assured that MDI Medical has you covered in case of an unexpected workplace injury.

My best friend is married to a talented country music guitarist. He got out of the business about 5 years ago: he was tired of being surrounded by musicians who lost their passion and only cared about a paycheck. For someone of his caliber, with his resume, it was a big deal.

While I was in Nashville last weekend, Jeff pulled together the most amazing group of musicians to play for a small backyard July 4th cookout. Not only were these guys were fantastic, but they had a blast. They played for the sheer joy of it. (Then, they all rushed off to their paid gigs: the drummer even appeared on the Grand Ole Opry that night!) You see, after a short hiatus, Jeff is back in the music business, but he plays on his terms, and only with musicians who are passionate about their trade.

As Jeff and I were talking about this, I thought about therapy travelers. Many people leave their physical and occupational therapy jobs because they're tired of politics and red tape. Like Jeff, they are much happier when they're surrounded by people who share and appreciate their passion. So, make like a musician and hit the road. There are plenty of clients who will provide the right environment, and MDI Medical can match you with the right travel therapy jobs for your goals.

Independence Day means fireworks, parades, and backyard barbecues.

Here in Atlanta, it also means the Peachtree Road Race. My sister will join 50,000 other runners in the largest 10K in the country. (Have fun, R!) In Boston, the Boston Pops Orchestra plays as a spectacular fireworks illuminate the sky. In the small town of Micanopy (say "Mick-an-O-pee"), FL, where the movie Doc Hollywood was filmed, residents turn out in full force for an old-fashioned July 4th parade.

To MDI Medical's Speech Language Pathologists and Physical and Occupational Therapy professionals, who provide patient care from sea to shining sea, I hope you enjoy the July 4th festivities wherever you are. It's a great day to celebrate your independence from traditional staff positions and to revel in your freedom to explore the country & have new experiences.

Happy Independence Day!

'Tis the season for new grads searching for their first job. I seem to speak with a lot of occupational therapy new grads lately who are starting their occupational therapy careers.

I said this in an earlier blog: my #1 tip for new grads is to be flexible, especially for location. An OT I just spoke with was seeking travel OT jobs in Denver, Colorado Springs, or Salt Lake City. But so are hundreds of other people.

Travel is a business of supply and demand. Clients pay increased rates for travelers for three main reasons: peak caseloads, family or medical leave, or  coverage while they search for a staff employee. If there are a lot of therapists in the local area, managers don't need travelers for their occupational therapy jobs. They can quickly find their own staff employee or PRN coverage.

Now, if you're flexible enough to travel a multi-state region, or a high-demand area, we will have plenty of occupational therapy jobs to choose from. Many clients also pay bonuses or have special perks to attract you to their opportunity. 

Talk with your recruiter to find the best solution for you and to develop a personalized career plan. If you don't already have an MDI Medical recrutier, drop me an email & I'll gladly make an introduction.

Tom Hidock is one of the nicest guys you'll ever meet. From his charisma to his quiet self assurance to his fashion sense, Tom is the epitome of "cool." But don't let his laid-back attitude fool you; he is one of the more competitive people I know. Maybe that's why he's such a good recruiter: everyone wants to work with him, and he does what it takes to find the right assignment.

Today is Tom's 5th Anniversary with MDI Medical. Over the years, he has placed 132 therapists and therapy assistants in more than 300 therapy jobs across the U.S. He's the winningest employee at MDI, too, with more Recruiter of the Month awards than I can remember, three President Clubs, and one Ella Award (the most prestigious award at MDI).

Tom's success hasn't come easy: he's worked with some crazy people over the years (including me!) and managed through some stressful situations. But he's one of the best guys to entrust your physical and occupational therapy careers.

Happy Anniversary, Tom! I am proud to work along side you, and our travelers are lucky to have you as their advocate.

The Therapy Cap goes into effect today. This means that CMS (Medicare) caps reimbursements for combined physical therapy and speech therapy to $1810 for sub-acute patients, unless they're receiving treatment at a hospital outpatient center. This effects most of MDI Medical's therapists, therapy assistants, many of our clients, and thousands of Americans in need of therapy.

Last week, the U.S. House passed a bill, HR6331, that would address the cap, but the Senate voted it down. Next week, Congress will negotiate a resolution. In the meantime, CMS is holding payment of all claims until July 10th.

We need your help. This bill effects ALL therapist jobs and therapy assistant jobs. It effects the care that you & your loved ones can receive. Call your Senators and urge them to pass HR6331. You can find your Senators' contact info here.

For additional information, check out the American Physical Therapy Association's site here.

It's Friday, so here's a blog on a lighter note.

One of MDI Medical's occupational therapy assistants is having a baby girl in November. Personally, I am just so excited. When I was talking with the proud dad-to-be, we joked about having a contest to name his baby. Well, J.C., here's what everyone at the office suggested:

Therapeutica (Terri for short)
Emdeeaye (say it out loud & you'll get it)
Hope (as in: I hope she doesn't turn out as crazy as us)
Page (because that's what the receptionist does when you call in)
Mitwol Hidock (names of two recruiters)
Tullahoma Burke (two travel locations, one in TN, and one in VA)

And the best for last, from Candace, our leader & chief: "I'm offering this for that beautiful baby, not all you jokesters - Lauren Alexis (Lexi)."

Enjoy your weekend, J.C. We're working on new assistant occupational therapy jobs for your next assignment. We'll lock down a good one soon.

I was talking with an occupational therapy student last night about MDI Medical's occupational therapy careers.

Like many ambitious new grads with high expectations for their occupational therapy careers, she had a plan: graduate in August, pass the NBCOT in September, wow everyone with her performance on her OT jobs at a prestigious outpatient clinic, make tons of money, climb the career ladder to management, and retire early. 

If you're a new grad, you're thinking, .Exactly. That's what everyone wants, right?' If you're like me & have been around the block a few times, you're probably chuckling right now. Gosh, I remember saying those same words myself (without the reference to occupational therapy careers; I was going to be a Meg Whitman instead).

Here's my advice to new grads: Be flexible. Make a list (like a shopping list) of the things you want in your occupational therapy jobs. Think about things like setting, money, location, benefits, manager's style, team work vs. working alone, contract positions vs. travel therapy jobs vs. part time PRN. Now rank them. Be honest; not everything is going to be a "must have." Use this list when you're interviewing for occupational therapy jobs. If you're flexible about your requirements and your expectations, you might just land a job you love as much as I love mine. (Even though I turned out to be no Meg Whitman.)

OK, Occupational Therapists, the student I spoke with last night will be reading this blog. What one piece of advice would you give her in her job search?

A physical therapist called earlier this week. She's been on an assignment in Texas for a few months. (Hi A.W.!)

This physical therapist had questions about per diem prorating. When her per diems were prorated, her calculations didn't match with ours. After talking for a few minutes, I realized that she didn't read the Orientation package that explains how per diem is prorated.

I know there's a lot of material to read when you accept your physical therapy jobs with MDI Medical (or jobs in other specialties), but it's especially important that you read the Handbook and Orientation package. It explains our policies & many things that could help you along the way. Even if you don't have time to read it the minute you accept your PT jobs, be sure to read it prior to your start dates.

You can find the most recent copy here: http://www.mdimedical.com/resources/#employment 
Click on Start Package, For Review.

I think we all have varied tolerances for change. I know people who crave change & those who resist it.

Most travelers like change. One of our speech language pathology travelers says that she craves variety in the speech language pathology jobs that she chooses. She chooses SLP jobs based on settings, caseload, and location.

So, here's a question for those therapists who want to travel but are reluctant to take the plunge: when you start your new speech therapy jobs, what tips do you have to adjust to the change? 

MDI Medical, along with sister companies MDI Group IT Workforce solutions and MDI Group F&A, have made Atlanta Magazine's 2008 Best Places to Work! The award is based on MDI's benefits, wages, turnover, and workplace environment. Read more by clicking here.

Thanks to the physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, and therapy assistants in Atlanta who voted for MDI for this prestigious award. Even if you're not in Atlanta, if you want more information about working for a company that is recognized for our employee-focused attitude, click the "contact us" page or search our open jobs. We have hundreds of Allied Health jobs across the U.S., and we'd love to hear from you!

MDI's newest occupational therapist was a little slow in returning his paperwork to us. Specifically, his Candidate Confirmation. I'd like to explain why it's so important to get these Confirmations back to us quickly:

When you accept your occupational therapy jobs, and before you begin your occupational therapy careers with MDI Medical, there are a few key documents we need to get started. The most important are Candidate Confirmations. These Confirmations detail exactly what you will receive in benefits & compensation. They also list your start date, end date, on-site manager, dress code, and more.

Candidate confirmations ensure that the clients, the recruiters, the account managers, and you all agree. They prevent misunderstandings. Confirmations are also your official acceptance of your assignments. They are your signal for us to set up benefits, payroll information, housing, and credentialing.

MDI Medical does more than finding your next job. We take your career seriously. We do our best to guide you towards the right assignments for your skills and your desired locations/settings. Candidate Confirmations are the first step towards becoming an employee of one of the best therapy staffing companies around.

I wonder if the general public understands what physical therapists do. When I started at MDI Medical 4 years ago, I had only a basic understanding of rehab therapy; I couldn't explain the difference between physical and occupational therapy.

What a success story for Tiger Woods at the U.S. Open! To imagine playing with cartilage damage AND stress fractures AND winning the tournament - wow.

What I love even more is that physical therapists are mentioned in the national news. With such a shortage of students entering programs for physical therapists, the industry can use all the PR it can get.

How did you first learn about physical therapy jobs? What made you want to become a physical therapist?