Houston Chronicle
Short-Term, Contract to Work Offer Nurses Variety and Flexibility

By K. Pica Kahn
Jobs Correspondent

Angela Xeller is rejoining the work force after years as a stay-at-home mom.  Unsure of where she wants to work as a nurse, she hopes to re-enter the field in a short-term position.
“It will give me a chance to explore the industry again, to figure out if I want to go back to the operating room or try something else,” she said.

Xeller is like many nurses, and the industry continues to offer flexibility, variety
and scheduling options.  Staffing agencies play a key role in filling part-time and short-term
positions.
“Short-term nursing positions allow our nurses to try different facilities, from hospitals,
clinics and doctors’ offices to home health care,” said John Scheirman, RN, MSN, president
of UltraStaff, a medical personnel placement company.
“The nurses have the opportunity to see where they feel comfortable.  They can explore
employers to make sure it is a good fit.”

There is another advantage to short-term work in nursing- top pay, said Sal Rampelli,
vice president of operations for Medical ProSource.
“Since nursing talent is so scarce, and compensation is slightly above what the market bears, the ability to leverage relationships with clients to secure the next assignment before the current assignment wraps up is exactly what Medical ProSource offers…coupled with benefits such as a 401(K) and insurance.  We also help with networking, which is so important,” Rampelli said.  Temporary assignments offer nurses exposure to different scenarios, modalities and environments, he said.

Those with young children or nurses pursuing additional degrees may find the scheduling flexibility a good fit.  Some want to build a resume through different opportunities, often using the positions as a springboard to other jobs.
“We see short-term nurses needed everywhere,” Scheirman said. “Sometimes it is the
employer who wants to see if it is a good fit.”  Although the economy has changed some
aspects of the industry, the shortage of nurses continues.

The health-care industry is seeing tremendous growth due to the large number of baby
boomers hitting retirement age.  The Best Fit: Short-term assignments give nurses the chance to work in different settings, such as hospitals, and discover the best fit for their skills and personalities.

“The economy has not affected this industry like it has other industries.  People are going to get sick(and) have surgeries.  In the next 10 years, we will see the top 10 jobs in the United States’ economy will be health-care driven,” Rampelli said.