Keeping the Faith

If there is one thing I have learned throughout my experience with Advanced Medical, it is to have faith that everything will work out the way it is supposed to. The travel world can be very stressful at times. Because of the massive amount of flexibility in the profession (one of the many perks), it is accompanied by the fear of the unknown. Let me explain...

Within most contracts there is a two-weeks notice clause that allows you and the client (facility you are working for) to end the contract within two weeks. This is good for you, in the case that a jaw dropping opportunity becomes available you can give a two-weeks notice and take it! It is also of the facilities benefit. In a lot of cases, the facilities hire travelers as they attempt to find permanent employees. If they are successful in their search, they are able to give you a two weeks notice... which can definitely present with some (or a lot) of anxiety.. you now have 2 weeks to find a new gig! Now I know what you're thinking, ONLY TWO WEEKS?! Seems crazy, but two weeks in the travel world is probably equivalent to a month any other time.

I have been given a two-weeks notice twice since I began my traveling journey. Without a doubt it elicited some panic. I am probably best described as a type A personality, I like to be prepared, to plan, to plot. This personality characteristic in which control is at the center, has changed drastically in my time as a traveler.

The first time the two-weeks notice occurred, Amy called and said "I want you to sit down and take a deep breath!" Which now makes me laugh because she knew exactly how I was going to react. I was in a facility that was quite unethical, a job that I did not enjoy waking up in the morning for... but I had just signed a lease and moved to the area 3 days prior! Within 7-10 days, the AMPS team had a job lined up that was going to start immediately following my notice. Absolutely no space between the end of one, to the start of the other. This new opportunity required a drive, but it was an absolute AMAZING experience in a facility that I am thrilled to say I was once a part of! It was meant to be, it was supposed to happen this way! My new placement was in a much happier environment, filled with life changing experiences that made me a better therapist and human being.

The second time I encountered this two-weeks notice was for my most recent assignment. (This may be the craziest story yet!) I was legitimately exiting the state of WV on my way to Florida when I received the call from Amy regarding the client cancelling my contract. Without a doubt, the behind the scenes crew in the office had my back and was able to get me a 2 week paid vacation!!! (Totally awesome, right?) We began the search for a replacement job opportunity within the area and had a few options on the horizon. Just when something seemed promising, we were let down. Since Amy and I have developed such an awesome relationship with one another, I always ask her.. "Should I start to stress yet?"

By Thursday of the second week, we began to get a little stressed and started exploring additional options. We were looking at positions in Virginia, applying for jobs across the state of Florida...At this point we just wanted to get me working by Monday! With one high priority in mind, I have Garth Brooks tickets for his show in Tampa the first week of June... though it sounds like any other concert, this was non-negotiable as it is on my bucketlist! (haha, priorities.. Garth>job!) I had found an ad for a job at a hospital in Ormond Beach and sent it over to Amy to check it out. After some investigation into this position, the account manager came in contact with the individual who had originally offered me a position two weeks prior. & would you believe that she wanted to reinstate my contract because they had an influx of patients and wanted me to start Monday?! What are the stinkin' odds?!

So in the end, I came to Florida two weeks ago to do a job, who then cancelled on me and paid me for two weeks to tan on the beach, only to find that they still wanted me to work for them the following Monday!!

Without a doubt this job has allowed me to experience parts of the world that I wouldn't otherwise, increase my skill set in ways no permanent placement could, and has allowed me to develop incredible lifelong friendships in different parts of the country! But what I am most proud of, is how it has changed ME.

I have learned to be patient. I have learned to have faith that everything will work out the way it is supposed to. I have most definitely learned to be more easy going and a lot less uptight. I have become more trusting and less apprehensive. All with a little help from my friends at Advanced Medical !! I cannot brag enough about the company I work for. It is such a blessing to have a team that has your back, that works hard to ensure you have a job when you need one, and who you can honestly and truly call your friends!

So thankful for all my loves in the office who have made this experience a positive one! & to my favorite, Miss Amy Barnes, who is not only amazing at what she does, but is also one of the most wonderful lifelong friends I have acquired throughout the past year! I love you dearly!

FAQs: Tips for New Grads

After answering many questions at the University of St. Augustine's career fair, I thought I would share some common questions/answers from the day that may help new grads who are interested in joining the AMPS team on an amazing traveling journey! I thought this would be the perfect time to answer some of these important questions as my friends from West Virginia University prepare for their board exams and many students prepare for graduation within the next few months!

National Therapy Recruiter, Helina Jones & I at the Career Fair

When should I start talking to a recruiter?
I recommend that you start talking to your recruiter as soon as you are interested in taking the plunge! Obviously I am a bit biased and would recommend chatting with Amy, however after spending time with many recruiters at Advanced Medical, I am confident that you would be well taken care of by anyone from the team! By talking with your recruiter early in the game you are allowing them to have an opportunity to get to know you, your career goals, and personal goals as you embark on your post-grad life! You also have plenty of time to get all of your paperwork in- trust me, there is a lot of it! Your recruiter will discuss your resume, call your references, and make you as marketable as possible before submitting you to your first travel job. Use your recruiter as a great resource in this process, they have assisted many therapists and have a lot of expertise to ensure success!

How should I handle state licensure?
This topic is one of my favorites and one lesson I learned the hard way! As you will soon find, state licensures are expensive, there is tons of paperwork and hoops to jump for a measley, yet very important piece of paper! If you are interested in travel and anticipate visiting and working in multiple states, I highly recommend that you gain state licensure immediately upon taking/passing your boards in all of the states of interest. When you are a new grad, they only require school transcripts and notification from your national board exam (sometimes a few other things). However, once you are licensed in multiple different states it is increasingly difficult to acquire a license in another as you are required to send more and more paperwork. This can delay the start of an assignment if the state you are attempting to acquire licensure has strict requirements.  Therefore a 2 week process may become a 4-8 week process! Save yourself the trouble, spend the money straight out of the gate if you can, and acquire as many state licensures as you anticipate using. Be sure to keep your receipts, as Advanced Medical will reimburse you for your expenses once you have locked in an assignment!

Can I travel locally or within a small area? Where can I get a job?
The possibilities are endless! Advanced Medical has therapists all across the country so you can pretty much go wherever your little heart desires! Some areas are more fruitful in their traveling possibilities as far as availability, pay, setting, etc. this is why it is so important to speak with your recruiter regarding what your best options are as you begin this journey. Some locations have more options than others and this is something your recruiter will definitely help you with if you are interested in traveling locally, but it is totally possible!

What kind of mentorship does the company provide? Do I have any obligations with this program?
The companies new grad coordinator will send you a mentor's information as well as send your mentor your information (did you catch all that?!). You do not have any obligations as a new grad in this program. It is simply there for your benefit. As a mentor I try to contact my travelers before they start and periodically through their assignment. Some have lots of questions and respond, others do not and that is their choice. I also had personally developed a facebook group that has allowed me to keep in touch, post helpful articles, and so we can all have open discussion about any concerns or obstacles!

How long am I required to stay with AMPS? How long are the assignments? Contracts are generally 13 weeks unless it is within the school system or government job.  You do not have a long standing commitment to Advanced Medical outside of each contract. You could travel with the company for 1 assignment or 10 assignments! That is all up to you. I do highly encourage everyone to attempt at least 2 assignments with the company because let's face it, there are bad facilities and really amazing ones! The bad facilities are no reflection of the amazing experience that Advanced Medical can provide. Remember, they are on your team (AMPS) so be honest with them about your concerns and rest assured they will try their best to give you the best experience.

Do I get to make decisions on where, what, when I take an assignment?Yes! Yes! Yes! You are the driver of this crazy roller coaster. Your team at AMPS is there to guide you so that you can be as successful as you possibly can be! You work very closely with your recruiter regarding your priorities. Be honest with them so they can present the best opportunities to not only benefit your career but your life!


I truly hope this was helpful for anyone who is apprehensive with lots of questions regarding travel therapy! If you have any other questions and would like to reach out, do not hesitate to comment or shoot me an email! Happy to help!! Good luck as you prepare for post-grad life! :)

kaylalayner@yahoo.com or klayner.ot@gmail.com

A Day in the Office

I have been quite the blogging slacker, but I assure you that I will catch up this week! :)

Last Friday I had the opportunity to head into the office at Advanced Medical to chat with some of the amazing people I have been getting to know via email, phone calls, etc. The behind the scenes team is even more wonderful than I had anticipated! A full of energy team that welcomed me with warm, open arms!

Friday afternoon my recruiter, Amy, set up a Q&A session with other recruiters so that they could have a more personal look into the lives of their travelers and the therapy world. The conversations were very pleasant and the team was eager to know how they could be of better service to their travelers. I am grateful for this opportunity, not only because it was a lot of fun, but also it has given me even more confidence in the company I work for. I brag all the time about how lucky I am to have such an amazing recruiter in Amy, but now I can honestly say that there are SO many wonderful recruiters at Advanced Medical who want nothing more than for you to have an amazing experience. 

I am certain that the AMPS team is one that will always have my back in any situation. I am forever grateful for the connections I have made since working for this company and could not be more proud to be apart of it. 

In addition to making it into the office, I FINALLY got to meet Famous Amy!! :) We have talked for countless hours and she is without a doubt one of my dearest friends, but it was really great to spend some face to face time with her! I know this will not be the last time (I hope!).