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We have been fortunate over the past few years to hold on to most of our

inpatient acute therapists. Having said that, however, we did just lose a

great PT in November to a local school district. It's hard to compete with

summers off! It took almost three months to hire a replacement, which in

the grand scheme of things is not too bad.

As for retention of this group, I start in the recruitment process by only

considering those who appear passionate about the inpatient population and

plan to remain in the inpatient for the long term, rather than starting in

inpatient then moving to outpatient. If people cringe at the mention of

" ICU, " then that says it all. My experience in the past year has been that

fewer therapists are looking for inpatient acute positions (more want

outpatient, including new grads), but I have spoken to other directors who

have not had that experience, so it remains variable.

Other things that I believe help with retention in this group at my facility

are:

- Strong camaraderie among all of the inpatient PT's, OT's, and SLP's. We

are very fortunate to have such a cohesive group.

- Uncomplicated inpatient documentation system that does not lend itself to

staying late, getting behind on discharges, etc. The result is that

inpatient staff rarely stay late or work overtime, whereas I cannot say the

same for our outpatient staff due to the more burdensome outpatient

documentation system. By the way, both inpatient and outpatient systems

remain handwritten with only our home exercises computerized at this point.

- Diverse responsibilities by having the therapists involved on the nursing

units through participation in discharge rounds on every floor, teaching in

the pre-op bariatric and TKA/THA classes, teaching in the pulmonary class,

teaching lifting/transfer techniques to all new nurses, etc.

- Inpatient therapists do their own scheduling each morning (it used to be

done by supervisory staff).

- Inpatient staff meetings every other month to secure regular input and

feedback from this group.

- Keeping adequate equipment available for these therapists, such as

walkers, canes, oxygen tanks, etc. One of their biggest frustrations, and

justifiably so, is having to spend ten minutes tracking down a walker or an

oxygen tank.

- Good continuing education support.

- We are located in a suburban near where many therapists live, so we a

short drive for many of our staff.

- We have a large PRN pool who cover 80-90% of our weekends shifts, so our

inpatient staff rarely have to work weekends unless they want to. Also, ALL

of our therapists, both inpatient and outpatient, cover weekends, so even if

extra help is needed the inpatient therapists do not bear that burden alone.

Those are the things that I believe have helped us be successful in

retaining our inpatient staff. It would be interesting to put your question

to our staff to see if their responses mirror mine. Given that we are

moving into a shortage of therapists, I will plan to do just that.

Mark Dwyer, PT, MHA

Director of Rehabilitation Services

Olathe Medical Center

markdwyer87@...

PT Staffing shortage

In light of the fact that PT's are in short supply, what initiatives

have inpatient facilities creatively devised more recently to entice

recruitment and retention? We are seeing an increase in our experienced

staff who wish to move to outpatient and home health arenas because of

the increased flexibility that environment lends, which helps meet the

staff person's family needs. Additionally in some situations they

receive " bonus " pay for visits that are done above and beyond set

expectations. As a result, we are losing our more experienced highly

trained individuals to those work sites. We are also seeing significant

pay differentials once again between hospitals and contract companies,

ECF's, etc. Trying to think outside the box with more options for

shift schedules, benefits, etc. If you are experiencing a PT shortage,

how are you seeing this affect your ability to provide 7 day week

coverage? Would just like to pick everyones' brains to see if you are

experiencing similar situations and if you have any new ideas to share.

Carol Rehder, PT Mgr

Genesis Medical Center

NOTICE: This communication is intended only for the use of the individual

or entity to which it is addressed and may contain information that is

privileged, confidential and exempt from disclosure under applicable law.

If the reader of this communication is not the intended recipient or the

employee or agent responsible for delivering the communication, you are

hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution or copying of this

communication is strictly prohibited. If you have received this

communication in error, please notify me immediately by replying to this

e-mail.

REMINDER: The disclosure of medical information is strictly prohibited by

federal regulation. Unauthorized release of medical information may result

in administrative, civil and criminal sanctions.

Looking to start your own Practice?

Visit www.InHomeRehab.com.

Bring PTManager to your organization or State Association with a

professional workshop or course - call us at 313 884-8920 to arrange

PTManager encourages participation in your professional association. Join

and participate now!

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Share on other sites

We have been fortunate over the past few years to hold on to most of our

inpatient acute therapists. Having said that, however, we did just lose a

great PT in November to a local school district. It's hard to compete with

summers off! It took almost three months to hire a replacement, which in

the grand scheme of things is not too bad.

As for retention of this group, I start in the recruitment process by only

considering those who appear passionate about the inpatient population and

plan to remain in the inpatient for the long term, rather than starting in

inpatient then moving to outpatient. If people cringe at the mention of

" ICU, " then that says it all. My experience in the past year has been that

fewer therapists are looking for inpatient acute positions (more want

outpatient, including new grads), but I have spoken to other directors who

have not had that experience, so it remains variable.

Other things that I believe help with retention in this group at my facility

are:

- Strong camaraderie among all of the inpatient PT's, OT's, and SLP's. We

are very fortunate to have such a cohesive group.

- Uncomplicated inpatient documentation system that does not lend itself to

staying late, getting behind on discharges, etc. The result is that

inpatient staff rarely stay late or work overtime, whereas I cannot say the

same for our outpatient staff due to the more burdensome outpatient

documentation system. By the way, both inpatient and outpatient systems

remain handwritten with only our home exercises computerized at this point.

- Diverse responsibilities by having the therapists involved on the nursing

units through participation in discharge rounds on every floor, teaching in

the pre-op bariatric and TKA/THA classes, teaching in the pulmonary class,

teaching lifting/transfer techniques to all new nurses, etc.

- Inpatient therapists do their own scheduling each morning (it used to be

done by supervisory staff).

- Inpatient staff meetings every other month to secure regular input and

feedback from this group.

- Keeping adequate equipment available for these therapists, such as

walkers, canes, oxygen tanks, etc. One of their biggest frustrations, and

justifiably so, is having to spend ten minutes tracking down a walker or an

oxygen tank.

- Good continuing education support.

- We are located in a suburban near where many therapists live, so we a

short drive for many of our staff.

- We have a large PRN pool who cover 80-90% of our weekends shifts, so our

inpatient staff rarely have to work weekends unless they want to. Also, ALL

of our therapists, both inpatient and outpatient, cover weekends, so even if

extra help is needed the inpatient therapists do not bear that burden alone.

Those are the things that I believe have helped us be successful in

retaining our inpatient staff. It would be interesting to put your question

to our staff to see if their responses mirror mine. Given that we are

moving into a shortage of therapists, I will plan to do just that.

Mark Dwyer, PT, MHA

Director of Rehabilitation Services

Olathe Medical Center

markdwyer87@...

PT Staffing shortage

In light of the fact that PT's are in short supply, what initiatives

have inpatient facilities creatively devised more recently to entice

recruitment and retention? We are seeing an increase in our experienced

staff who wish to move to outpatient and home health arenas because of

the increased flexibility that environment lends, which helps meet the

staff person's family needs. Additionally in some situations they

receive " bonus " pay for visits that are done above and beyond set

expectations. As a result, we are losing our more experienced highly

trained individuals to those work sites. We are also seeing significant

pay differentials once again between hospitals and contract companies,

ECF's, etc. Trying to think outside the box with more options for

shift schedules, benefits, etc. If you are experiencing a PT shortage,

how are you seeing this affect your ability to provide 7 day week

coverage? Would just like to pick everyones' brains to see if you are

experiencing similar situations and if you have any new ideas to share.

Carol Rehder, PT Mgr

Genesis Medical Center

NOTICE: This communication is intended only for the use of the individual

or entity to which it is addressed and may contain information that is

privileged, confidential and exempt from disclosure under applicable law.

If the reader of this communication is not the intended recipient or the

employee or agent responsible for delivering the communication, you are

hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution or copying of this

communication is strictly prohibited. If you have received this

communication in error, please notify me immediately by replying to this

e-mail.

REMINDER: The disclosure of medical information is strictly prohibited by

federal regulation. Unauthorized release of medical information may result

in administrative, civil and criminal sanctions.

Looking to start your own Practice?

Visit www.InHomeRehab.com.

Bring PTManager to your organization or State Association with a

professional workshop or course - call us at 313 884-8920 to arrange

PTManager encourages participation in your professional association. Join

and participate now!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

We have been fortunate over the past few years to hold on to most of our

inpatient acute therapists. Having said that, however, we did just lose a

great PT in November to a local school district. It's hard to compete with

summers off! It took almost three months to hire a replacement, which in

the grand scheme of things is not too bad.

As for retention of this group, I start in the recruitment process by only

considering those who appear passionate about the inpatient population and

plan to remain in the inpatient for the long term, rather than starting in

inpatient then moving to outpatient. If people cringe at the mention of

" ICU, " then that says it all. My experience in the past year has been that

fewer therapists are looking for inpatient acute positions (more want

outpatient, including new grads), but I have spoken to other directors who

have not had that experience, so it remains variable.

Other things that I believe help with retention in this group at my facility

are:

- Strong camaraderie among all of the inpatient PT's, OT's, and SLP's. We

are very fortunate to have such a cohesive group.

- Uncomplicated inpatient documentation system that does not lend itself to

staying late, getting behind on discharges, etc. The result is that

inpatient staff rarely stay late or work overtime, whereas I cannot say the

same for our outpatient staff due to the more burdensome outpatient

documentation system. By the way, both inpatient and outpatient systems

remain handwritten with only our home exercises computerized at this point.

- Diverse responsibilities by having the therapists involved on the nursing

units through participation in discharge rounds on every floor, teaching in

the pre-op bariatric and TKA/THA classes, teaching in the pulmonary class,

teaching lifting/transfer techniques to all new nurses, etc.

- Inpatient therapists do their own scheduling each morning (it used to be

done by supervisory staff).

- Inpatient staff meetings every other month to secure regular input and

feedback from this group.

- Keeping adequate equipment available for these therapists, such as

walkers, canes, oxygen tanks, etc. One of their biggest frustrations, and

justifiably so, is having to spend ten minutes tracking down a walker or an

oxygen tank.

- Good continuing education support.

- We are located in a suburban near where many therapists live, so we a

short drive for many of our staff.

- We have a large PRN pool who cover 80-90% of our weekends shifts, so our

inpatient staff rarely have to work weekends unless they want to. Also, ALL

of our therapists, both inpatient and outpatient, cover weekends, so even if

extra help is needed the inpatient therapists do not bear that burden alone.

Those are the things that I believe have helped us be successful in

retaining our inpatient staff. It would be interesting to put your question

to our staff to see if their responses mirror mine. Given that we are

moving into a shortage of therapists, I will plan to do just that.

Mark Dwyer, PT, MHA

Director of Rehabilitation Services

Olathe Medical Center

markdwyer87@...

PT Staffing shortage

In light of the fact that PT's are in short supply, what initiatives

have inpatient facilities creatively devised more recently to entice

recruitment and retention? We are seeing an increase in our experienced

staff who wish to move to outpatient and home health arenas because of

the increased flexibility that environment lends, which helps meet the

staff person's family needs. Additionally in some situations they

receive " bonus " pay for visits that are done above and beyond set

expectations. As a result, we are losing our more experienced highly

trained individuals to those work sites. We are also seeing significant

pay differentials once again between hospitals and contract companies,

ECF's, etc. Trying to think outside the box with more options for

shift schedules, benefits, etc. If you are experiencing a PT shortage,

how are you seeing this affect your ability to provide 7 day week

coverage? Would just like to pick everyones' brains to see if you are

experiencing similar situations and if you have any new ideas to share.

Carol Rehder, PT Mgr

Genesis Medical Center

NOTICE: This communication is intended only for the use of the individual

or entity to which it is addressed and may contain information that is

privileged, confidential and exempt from disclosure under applicable law.

If the reader of this communication is not the intended recipient or the

employee or agent responsible for delivering the communication, you are

hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution or copying of this

communication is strictly prohibited. If you have received this

communication in error, please notify me immediately by replying to this

e-mail.

REMINDER: The disclosure of medical information is strictly prohibited by

federal regulation. Unauthorized release of medical information may result

in administrative, civil and criminal sanctions.

Looking to start your own Practice?

Visit www.InHomeRehab.com.

Bring PTManager to your organization or State Association with a

professional workshop or course - call us at 313 884-8920 to arrange

PTManager encourages participation in your professional association. Join

and participate now!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Carol - You state a convincing case that acute care is indeed one of the

most challenging settings, at that setting should, in fact, be the one

offering the bonuses and incentives. I/P rehab, outpatient, and home health

have a relatively easy time recruiting PT's because of the flexibility.

Acute care, by comparison, is generally a more difficult and demanding work

environment and is a constant recruitment challenge. Logic would seem to

dictate that acute, NOT outpatient and home care, would be the setting

offering flexible schedules, bonuses and incentives.

(we do provide financial incentives to per diem staff for covering weekends

and holidays, but not to regular staff)

Regards,

Trager, PT

Rehabilitation Services Manager

Kaweah Delta Health Care District

Visalia, CA.

rtrager@...

PT Staffing shortage

In light of the fact that PT's are in short supply, what initiatives

have inpatient facilities creatively devised more recently to entice

recruitment and retention? We are seeing an increase in our experienced

staff who wish to move to outpatient and home health arenas because of

the increased flexibility that environment lends, which helps meet the

staff person's family needs. Additionally in some situations they

receive " bonus " pay for visits that are done above and beyond set

expectations. As a result, we are losing our more experienced highly

trained individuals to those work sites. We are also seeing significant

pay differentials once again between hospitals and contract companies,

ECF's, etc. Trying to think outside the box with more options for

shift schedules, benefits, etc. If you are experiencing a PT shortage,

how are you seeing this affect your ability to provide 7 day week

coverage? Would just like to pick everyones' brains to see if you are

experiencing similar situations and if you have any new ideas to share.

Carol Rehder, PT Mgr

Genesis Medical Center

NOTICE: This communication is intended only for the use of the individual

or entity to which it is addressed and may contain information that is

privileged, confidential and exempt from disclosure under applicable law.

If the reader of this communication is not the intended recipient or the

employee or agent responsible for delivering the communication, you are

hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution or copying of this

communication is strictly prohibited. If you have received this

communication in error, please notify me immediately by replying to this

e-mail.

REMINDER: The disclosure of medical information is strictly prohibited by

federal regulation. Unauthorized release of medical information may result

in administrative, civil and criminal sanctions.

Looking to start your own Practice?

Visit www.InHomeRehab.com.

Bring PTManager to your organization or State Association with a

professional workshop or course - call us at 313 884-8920 to arrange

PTManager encourages participation in your professional association. Join

and participate now!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Carol - You state a convincing case that acute care is indeed one of the

most challenging settings, at that setting should, in fact, be the one

offering the bonuses and incentives. I/P rehab, outpatient, and home health

have a relatively easy time recruiting PT's because of the flexibility.

Acute care, by comparison, is generally a more difficult and demanding work

environment and is a constant recruitment challenge. Logic would seem to

dictate that acute, NOT outpatient and home care, would be the setting

offering flexible schedules, bonuses and incentives.

(we do provide financial incentives to per diem staff for covering weekends

and holidays, but not to regular staff)

Regards,

Trager, PT

Rehabilitation Services Manager

Kaweah Delta Health Care District

Visalia, CA.

rtrager@...

PT Staffing shortage

In light of the fact that PT's are in short supply, what initiatives

have inpatient facilities creatively devised more recently to entice

recruitment and retention? We are seeing an increase in our experienced

staff who wish to move to outpatient and home health arenas because of

the increased flexibility that environment lends, which helps meet the

staff person's family needs. Additionally in some situations they

receive " bonus " pay for visits that are done above and beyond set

expectations. As a result, we are losing our more experienced highly

trained individuals to those work sites. We are also seeing significant

pay differentials once again between hospitals and contract companies,

ECF's, etc. Trying to think outside the box with more options for

shift schedules, benefits, etc. If you are experiencing a PT shortage,

how are you seeing this affect your ability to provide 7 day week

coverage? Would just like to pick everyones' brains to see if you are

experiencing similar situations and if you have any new ideas to share.

Carol Rehder, PT Mgr

Genesis Medical Center

NOTICE: This communication is intended only for the use of the individual

or entity to which it is addressed and may contain information that is

privileged, confidential and exempt from disclosure under applicable law.

If the reader of this communication is not the intended recipient or the

employee or agent responsible for delivering the communication, you are

hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution or copying of this

communication is strictly prohibited. If you have received this

communication in error, please notify me immediately by replying to this

e-mail.

REMINDER: The disclosure of medical information is strictly prohibited by

federal regulation. Unauthorized release of medical information may result

in administrative, civil and criminal sanctions.

Looking to start your own Practice?

Visit www.InHomeRehab.com.

Bring PTManager to your organization or State Association with a

professional workshop or course - call us at 313 884-8920 to arrange

PTManager encourages participation in your professional association. Join

and participate now!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Carol - You state a convincing case that acute care is indeed one of the

most challenging settings, at that setting should, in fact, be the one

offering the bonuses and incentives. I/P rehab, outpatient, and home health

have a relatively easy time recruiting PT's because of the flexibility.

Acute care, by comparison, is generally a more difficult and demanding work

environment and is a constant recruitment challenge. Logic would seem to

dictate that acute, NOT outpatient and home care, would be the setting

offering flexible schedules, bonuses and incentives.

(we do provide financial incentives to per diem staff for covering weekends

and holidays, but not to regular staff)

Regards,

Trager, PT

Rehabilitation Services Manager

Kaweah Delta Health Care District

Visalia, CA.

rtrager@...

PT Staffing shortage

In light of the fact that PT's are in short supply, what initiatives

have inpatient facilities creatively devised more recently to entice

recruitment and retention? We are seeing an increase in our experienced

staff who wish to move to outpatient and home health arenas because of

the increased flexibility that environment lends, which helps meet the

staff person's family needs. Additionally in some situations they

receive " bonus " pay for visits that are done above and beyond set

expectations. As a result, we are losing our more experienced highly

trained individuals to those work sites. We are also seeing significant

pay differentials once again between hospitals and contract companies,

ECF's, etc. Trying to think outside the box with more options for

shift schedules, benefits, etc. If you are experiencing a PT shortage,

how are you seeing this affect your ability to provide 7 day week

coverage? Would just like to pick everyones' brains to see if you are

experiencing similar situations and if you have any new ideas to share.

Carol Rehder, PT Mgr

Genesis Medical Center

NOTICE: This communication is intended only for the use of the individual

or entity to which it is addressed and may contain information that is

privileged, confidential and exempt from disclosure under applicable law.

If the reader of this communication is not the intended recipient or the

employee or agent responsible for delivering the communication, you are

hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution or copying of this

communication is strictly prohibited. If you have received this

communication in error, please notify me immediately by replying to this

e-mail.

REMINDER: The disclosure of medical information is strictly prohibited by

federal regulation. Unauthorized release of medical information may result

in administrative, civil and criminal sanctions.

Looking to start your own Practice?

Visit www.InHomeRehab.com.

Bring PTManager to your organization or State Association with a

professional workshop or course - call us at 313 884-8920 to arrange

PTManager encourages participation in your professional association. Join

and participate now!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

We recently revised our schedule to meet demands of late arriving ortho

surgeries and in doing so went to a 4 ten hour day schedule option. The good

news is that we actually had 2 PTs that wanted to switch and 3 that did not - so

we have a continuous coverage flow and later PM coverage. The bad news is a

month into it - the 10 hour folks are flagging.... they are physically exhausted

by the 4th day. We have been running our OP peds on 4/10s for years and that

does not seem to result in the fatigue - tho by Friday they are ready for a kid

break. Both 4/10 have done so with no additional pay change and want to

continue another month to see if their fatigue changes. They love the " quiet "

that comes over the halls after 4pm when most other support services are

leaving... after team conferences, etc and are often there for MD rounds too as

a bonus. I am interested in hearing what type of pay bonus incentive is being

offered for weekend only work and how that is affecting your full time staff

that rotate and comp as a part of their job... Thanks

PT Staffing shortage

In light of the fact that PT's are in short supply, what initiatives

have inpatient facilities creatively devised more recently to entice

recruitment and retention? We are seeing an increase in our experienced

staff who wish to move to outpatient and home health arenas because of

the increased flexibility that environment lends, which helps meet the

staff person's family needs. Additionally in some situations they

receive " bonus " pay for visits that are done above and beyond set

expectations. As a result, we are losing our more experienced highly

trained individuals to those work sites. We are also seeing significant

pay differentials once again between hospitals and contract companies,

ECF's, etc. Trying to think outside the box with more options for

shift schedules, benefits, etc. If you are experiencing a PT shortage,

how are you seeing this affect your ability to provide 7 day week

coverage? Would just like to pick everyones' brains to see if you are

experiencing similar situations and if you have any new ideas to share.

Carol Rehder, PT Mgr

Genesis Medical Center

NOTICE: This communication is intended only for the use of the individual

or entity to which it is addressed and may contain information that is

privileged, confidential and exempt from disclosure under applicable law.

If the reader of this communication is not the intended recipient or the

employee or agent responsible for delivering the communication, you are

hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution or copying of this

communication is strictly prohibited. If you have received this

communication in error, please notify me immediately by replying to this

e-mail.

REMINDER: The disclosure of medical information is strictly prohibited by

federal regulation. Unauthorized release of medical information may result

in administrative, civil and criminal sanctions.

Looking to start your own Practice?

Visit www.InHomeRehab.com.

Bring PTManager to your organization or State Association with a

professional workshop or course - call us at 313 884-8920 to arrange

PTManager encourages participation in your professional association. Join

and participate now!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

We recently revised our schedule to meet demands of late arriving ortho

surgeries and in doing so went to a 4 ten hour day schedule option. The good

news is that we actually had 2 PTs that wanted to switch and 3 that did not - so

we have a continuous coverage flow and later PM coverage. The bad news is a

month into it - the 10 hour folks are flagging.... they are physically exhausted

by the 4th day. We have been running our OP peds on 4/10s for years and that

does not seem to result in the fatigue - tho by Friday they are ready for a kid

break. Both 4/10 have done so with no additional pay change and want to

continue another month to see if their fatigue changes. They love the " quiet "

that comes over the halls after 4pm when most other support services are

leaving... after team conferences, etc and are often there for MD rounds too as

a bonus. I am interested in hearing what type of pay bonus incentive is being

offered for weekend only work and how that is affecting your full time staff

that rotate and comp as a part of their job... Thanks

PT Staffing shortage

In light of the fact that PT's are in short supply, what initiatives

have inpatient facilities creatively devised more recently to entice

recruitment and retention? We are seeing an increase in our experienced

staff who wish to move to outpatient and home health arenas because of

the increased flexibility that environment lends, which helps meet the

staff person's family needs. Additionally in some situations they

receive " bonus " pay for visits that are done above and beyond set

expectations. As a result, we are losing our more experienced highly

trained individuals to those work sites. We are also seeing significant

pay differentials once again between hospitals and contract companies,

ECF's, etc. Trying to think outside the box with more options for

shift schedules, benefits, etc. If you are experiencing a PT shortage,

how are you seeing this affect your ability to provide 7 day week

coverage? Would just like to pick everyones' brains to see if you are

experiencing similar situations and if you have any new ideas to share.

Carol Rehder, PT Mgr

Genesis Medical Center

NOTICE: This communication is intended only for the use of the individual

or entity to which it is addressed and may contain information that is

privileged, confidential and exempt from disclosure under applicable law.

If the reader of this communication is not the intended recipient or the

employee or agent responsible for delivering the communication, you are

hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution or copying of this

communication is strictly prohibited. If you have received this

communication in error, please notify me immediately by replying to this

e-mail.

REMINDER: The disclosure of medical information is strictly prohibited by

federal regulation. Unauthorized release of medical information may result

in administrative, civil and criminal sanctions.

Looking to start your own Practice?

Visit www.InHomeRehab.com.

Bring PTManager to your organization or State Association with a

professional workshop or course - call us at 313 884-8920 to arrange

PTManager encourages participation in your professional association. Join

and participate now!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

We recently revised our schedule to meet demands of late arriving ortho

surgeries and in doing so went to a 4 ten hour day schedule option. The good

news is that we actually had 2 PTs that wanted to switch and 3 that did not - so

we have a continuous coverage flow and later PM coverage. The bad news is a

month into it - the 10 hour folks are flagging.... they are physically exhausted

by the 4th day. We have been running our OP peds on 4/10s for years and that

does not seem to result in the fatigue - tho by Friday they are ready for a kid

break. Both 4/10 have done so with no additional pay change and want to

continue another month to see if their fatigue changes. They love the " quiet "

that comes over the halls after 4pm when most other support services are

leaving... after team conferences, etc and are often there for MD rounds too as

a bonus. I am interested in hearing what type of pay bonus incentive is being

offered for weekend only work and how that is affecting your full time staff

that rotate and comp as a part of their job... Thanks

PT Staffing shortage

In light of the fact that PT's are in short supply, what initiatives

have inpatient facilities creatively devised more recently to entice

recruitment and retention? We are seeing an increase in our experienced

staff who wish to move to outpatient and home health arenas because of

the increased flexibility that environment lends, which helps meet the

staff person's family needs. Additionally in some situations they

receive " bonus " pay for visits that are done above and beyond set

expectations. As a result, we are losing our more experienced highly

trained individuals to those work sites. We are also seeing significant

pay differentials once again between hospitals and contract companies,

ECF's, etc. Trying to think outside the box with more options for

shift schedules, benefits, etc. If you are experiencing a PT shortage,

how are you seeing this affect your ability to provide 7 day week

coverage? Would just like to pick everyones' brains to see if you are

experiencing similar situations and if you have any new ideas to share.

Carol Rehder, PT Mgr

Genesis Medical Center

NOTICE: This communication is intended only for the use of the individual

or entity to which it is addressed and may contain information that is

privileged, confidential and exempt from disclosure under applicable law.

If the reader of this communication is not the intended recipient or the

employee or agent responsible for delivering the communication, you are

hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution or copying of this

communication is strictly prohibited. If you have received this

communication in error, please notify me immediately by replying to this

e-mail.

REMINDER: The disclosure of medical information is strictly prohibited by

federal regulation. Unauthorized release of medical information may result

in administrative, civil and criminal sanctions.

Looking to start your own Practice?

Visit www.InHomeRehab.com.

Bring PTManager to your organization or State Association with a

professional workshop or course - call us at 313 884-8920 to arrange

PTManager encourages participation in your professional association. Join

and participate now!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I forgot to add that we have been very flexible with our inpatient staff

regarding full-time to part-time conversions. It used to be that almost all

of them were full-time, but as they have had kids, etc., now all but a few

of them are part-time. While this has caused some problems, it has been

more than worth it in retention and goodwill toward our staff.

Mark Dwyer

markdwyer87@...

PT Staffing shortage

In light of the fact that PT's are in short supply, what initiatives

have inpatient facilities creatively devised more recently to entice

recruitment and retention? We are seeing an increase in our experienced

staff who wish to move to outpatient and home health arenas because of

the increased flexibility that environment lends, which helps meet the

staff person's family needs. Additionally in some situations they

receive " bonus " pay for visits that are done above and beyond set

expectations. As a result, we are losing our more experienced highly

trained individuals to those work sites. We are also seeing significant

pay differentials once again between hospitals and contract companies,

ECF's, etc. Trying to think outside the box with more options for

shift schedules, benefits, etc. If you are experiencing a PT shortage,

how are you seeing this affect your ability to provide 7 day week

coverage? Would just like to pick everyones' brains to see if you are

experiencing similar situations and if you have any new ideas to share.

Carol Rehder, PT Mgr

Genesis Medical Center

NOTICE: This communication is intended only for the use of the individual

or entity to which it is addressed and may contain information that is

privileged, confidential and exempt from disclosure under applicable law.

If the reader of this communication is not the intended recipient or the

employee or agent responsible for delivering the communication, you are

hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution or copying of this

communication is strictly prohibited. If you have received this

communication in error, please notify me immediately by replying to this

e-mail.

REMINDER: The disclosure of medical information is strictly prohibited by

federal regulation. Unauthorized release of medical information may result

in administrative, civil and criminal sanctions.

Looking to start your own Practice?

Visit www.InHomeRehab.com.

Bring PTManager to your organization or State Association with a

professional workshop or course - call us at 313 884-8920 to arrange

PTManager encourages participation in your professional association. Join

and participate now!

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Share on other sites

I forgot to add that we have been very flexible with our inpatient staff

regarding full-time to part-time conversions. It used to be that almost all

of them were full-time, but as they have had kids, etc., now all but a few

of them are part-time. While this has caused some problems, it has been

more than worth it in retention and goodwill toward our staff.

Mark Dwyer

markdwyer87@...

PT Staffing shortage

In light of the fact that PT's are in short supply, what initiatives

have inpatient facilities creatively devised more recently to entice

recruitment and retention? We are seeing an increase in our experienced

staff who wish to move to outpatient and home health arenas because of

the increased flexibility that environment lends, which helps meet the

staff person's family needs. Additionally in some situations they

receive " bonus " pay for visits that are done above and beyond set

expectations. As a result, we are losing our more experienced highly

trained individuals to those work sites. We are also seeing significant

pay differentials once again between hospitals and contract companies,

ECF's, etc. Trying to think outside the box with more options for

shift schedules, benefits, etc. If you are experiencing a PT shortage,

how are you seeing this affect your ability to provide 7 day week

coverage? Would just like to pick everyones' brains to see if you are

experiencing similar situations and if you have any new ideas to share.

Carol Rehder, PT Mgr

Genesis Medical Center

NOTICE: This communication is intended only for the use of the individual

or entity to which it is addressed and may contain information that is

privileged, confidential and exempt from disclosure under applicable law.

If the reader of this communication is not the intended recipient or the

employee or agent responsible for delivering the communication, you are

hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution or copying of this

communication is strictly prohibited. If you have received this

communication in error, please notify me immediately by replying to this

e-mail.

REMINDER: The disclosure of medical information is strictly prohibited by

federal regulation. Unauthorized release of medical information may result

in administrative, civil and criminal sanctions.

Looking to start your own Practice?

Visit www.InHomeRehab.com.

Bring PTManager to your organization or State Association with a

professional workshop or course - call us at 313 884-8920 to arrange

PTManager encourages participation in your professional association. Join

and participate now!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

We too tried the 4 10's on Ortho. It was a huge success. I would have

liked to continue it, but staff satisfaction with it started to wane

after about 2 years. No one with kids wanted to rotate there. They want

flexible schedules so that they can drop their kids off at school, come

in at 9 and leave again at 3 to pick them up. We are seeing an

increase in the number of staff shifting to home health and outpatient

because of the ability to provide that kind of flexibility. Does anyone

offer Inpatient staff a differential based upon staff perceptions of

increased physical demand requirements which are becoming more the norm

then the exception (i.e., 350 lb new CVA's that nursing doesn't want to

get up but Dr. wants mobilized, etc.), working weekends, holidays,

dealing with patient, family, nursing, and physician complaints because

" we don't get as much therapy as they said we would, or as we did when

we were here 5 years ago.......... "

Are other facilities facing similar situations? Staff perspectives?

What are you doing about it?

Thanks again,

Carol Rehder

Genesis Medical Center

>>> Lmartin@... 2/2/2005 10:18:50 AM >>>

We recently revised our schedule to meet demands of late arriving ortho

surgeries and in doing so went to a 4 ten hour day schedule option. The

good news is that we actually had 2 PTs that wanted to switch and 3 that

did not - so we have a continuous coverage flow and later PM coverage.

The bad news is a month into it - the 10 hour folks are flagging....

they are physically exhausted by the 4th day. We have been running our

OP peds on 4/10s for years and that does not seem to result in the

fatigue - tho by Friday they are ready for a kid break. Both 4/10 have

done so with no additional pay change and want to continue another month

to see if their fatigue changes. They love the " quiet " that comes over

the halls after 4pm when most other support services are leaving...

after team conferences, etc and are often there for MD rounds too as a

bonus. I am interested in hearing what type of pay bonus incentive is

being offered for weekend only work and how that is affecting your full

ti

me staff that rotate and comp as a part of their job... Thanks

PT Staffing shortage

In light of the fact that PT's are in short supply, what initiatives

have inpatient facilities creatively devised more recently to entice

recruitment and retention? We are seeing an increase in our

experienced

staff who wish to move to outpatient and home health arenas because of

the increased flexibility that environment lends, which helps meet the

staff person's family needs. Additionally in some situations they

receive " bonus " pay for visits that are done above and beyond set

expectations. As a result, we are losing our more experienced highly

trained individuals to those work sites. We are also seeing

significant

pay differentials once again between hospitals and contract companies,

ECF's, etc. Trying to think outside the box with more options for

shift schedules, benefits, etc. If you are experiencing a PT

shortage,

how are you seeing this affect your ability to provide 7 day week

coverage? Would just like to pick everyones' brains to see if you are

experiencing similar situations and if you have any new ideas to

share.

Carol Rehder, PT Mgr

Genesis Medical Center

NOTICE: This communication is intended only for the use of the

individual

or entity to which it is addressed and may contain information that is

privileged, confidential and exempt from disclosure under applicable

law.

If the reader of this communication is not the intended recipient or

the

employee or agent responsible for delivering the communication, you

are

hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution or copying of

this

communication is strictly prohibited. If you have received this

communication in error, please notify me immediately by replying to

this

e-mail.

REMINDER: The disclosure of medical information is strictly prohibited

by

federal regulation. Unauthorized release of medical information may

result

in administrative, civil and criminal sanctions.

Looking to start your own Practice?

Visit www.InHomeRehab.com.

Bring PTManager to your organization or State Association with a

professional workshop or course - call us at 313 884-8920 to arrange

PTManager encourages participation in your professional association.

Join

and participate now!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

We too tried the 4 10's on Ortho. It was a huge success. I would have

liked to continue it, but staff satisfaction with it started to wane

after about 2 years. No one with kids wanted to rotate there. They want

flexible schedules so that they can drop their kids off at school, come

in at 9 and leave again at 3 to pick them up. We are seeing an

increase in the number of staff shifting to home health and outpatient

because of the ability to provide that kind of flexibility. Does anyone

offer Inpatient staff a differential based upon staff perceptions of

increased physical demand requirements which are becoming more the norm

then the exception (i.e., 350 lb new CVA's that nursing doesn't want to

get up but Dr. wants mobilized, etc.), working weekends, holidays,

dealing with patient, family, nursing, and physician complaints because

" we don't get as much therapy as they said we would, or as we did when

we were here 5 years ago.......... "

Are other facilities facing similar situations? Staff perspectives?

What are you doing about it?

Thanks again,

Carol Rehder

Genesis Medical Center

>>> Lmartin@... 2/2/2005 10:18:50 AM >>>

We recently revised our schedule to meet demands of late arriving ortho

surgeries and in doing so went to a 4 ten hour day schedule option. The

good news is that we actually had 2 PTs that wanted to switch and 3 that

did not - so we have a continuous coverage flow and later PM coverage.

The bad news is a month into it - the 10 hour folks are flagging....

they are physically exhausted by the 4th day. We have been running our

OP peds on 4/10s for years and that does not seem to result in the

fatigue - tho by Friday they are ready for a kid break. Both 4/10 have

done so with no additional pay change and want to continue another month

to see if their fatigue changes. They love the " quiet " that comes over

the halls after 4pm when most other support services are leaving...

after team conferences, etc and are often there for MD rounds too as a

bonus. I am interested in hearing what type of pay bonus incentive is

being offered for weekend only work and how that is affecting your full

ti

me staff that rotate and comp as a part of their job... Thanks

PT Staffing shortage

In light of the fact that PT's are in short supply, what initiatives

have inpatient facilities creatively devised more recently to entice

recruitment and retention? We are seeing an increase in our

experienced

staff who wish to move to outpatient and home health arenas because of

the increased flexibility that environment lends, which helps meet the

staff person's family needs. Additionally in some situations they

receive " bonus " pay for visits that are done above and beyond set

expectations. As a result, we are losing our more experienced highly

trained individuals to those work sites. We are also seeing

significant

pay differentials once again between hospitals and contract companies,

ECF's, etc. Trying to think outside the box with more options for

shift schedules, benefits, etc. If you are experiencing a PT

shortage,

how are you seeing this affect your ability to provide 7 day week

coverage? Would just like to pick everyones' brains to see if you are

experiencing similar situations and if you have any new ideas to

share.

Carol Rehder, PT Mgr

Genesis Medical Center

NOTICE: This communication is intended only for the use of the

individual

or entity to which it is addressed and may contain information that is

privileged, confidential and exempt from disclosure under applicable

law.

If the reader of this communication is not the intended recipient or

the

employee or agent responsible for delivering the communication, you

are

hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution or copying of

this

communication is strictly prohibited. If you have received this

communication in error, please notify me immediately by replying to

this

e-mail.

REMINDER: The disclosure of medical information is strictly prohibited

by

federal regulation. Unauthorized release of medical information may

result

in administrative, civil and criminal sanctions.

Looking to start your own Practice?

Visit www.InHomeRehab.com.

Bring PTManager to your organization or State Association with a

professional workshop or course - call us at 313 884-8920 to arrange

PTManager encourages participation in your professional association.

Join

and participate now!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

We too tried the 4 10's on Ortho. It was a huge success. I would have

liked to continue it, but staff satisfaction with it started to wane

after about 2 years. No one with kids wanted to rotate there. They want

flexible schedules so that they can drop their kids off at school, come

in at 9 and leave again at 3 to pick them up. We are seeing an

increase in the number of staff shifting to home health and outpatient

because of the ability to provide that kind of flexibility. Does anyone

offer Inpatient staff a differential based upon staff perceptions of

increased physical demand requirements which are becoming more the norm

then the exception (i.e., 350 lb new CVA's that nursing doesn't want to

get up but Dr. wants mobilized, etc.), working weekends, holidays,

dealing with patient, family, nursing, and physician complaints because

" we don't get as much therapy as they said we would, or as we did when

we were here 5 years ago.......... "

Are other facilities facing similar situations? Staff perspectives?

What are you doing about it?

Thanks again,

Carol Rehder

Genesis Medical Center

>>> Lmartin@... 2/2/2005 10:18:50 AM >>>

We recently revised our schedule to meet demands of late arriving ortho

surgeries and in doing so went to a 4 ten hour day schedule option. The

good news is that we actually had 2 PTs that wanted to switch and 3 that

did not - so we have a continuous coverage flow and later PM coverage.

The bad news is a month into it - the 10 hour folks are flagging....

they are physically exhausted by the 4th day. We have been running our

OP peds on 4/10s for years and that does not seem to result in the

fatigue - tho by Friday they are ready for a kid break. Both 4/10 have

done so with no additional pay change and want to continue another month

to see if their fatigue changes. They love the " quiet " that comes over

the halls after 4pm when most other support services are leaving...

after team conferences, etc and are often there for MD rounds too as a

bonus. I am interested in hearing what type of pay bonus incentive is

being offered for weekend only work and how that is affecting your full

ti

me staff that rotate and comp as a part of their job... Thanks

PT Staffing shortage

In light of the fact that PT's are in short supply, what initiatives

have inpatient facilities creatively devised more recently to entice

recruitment and retention? We are seeing an increase in our

experienced

staff who wish to move to outpatient and home health arenas because of

the increased flexibility that environment lends, which helps meet the

staff person's family needs. Additionally in some situations they

receive " bonus " pay for visits that are done above and beyond set

expectations. As a result, we are losing our more experienced highly

trained individuals to those work sites. We are also seeing

significant

pay differentials once again between hospitals and contract companies,

ECF's, etc. Trying to think outside the box with more options for

shift schedules, benefits, etc. If you are experiencing a PT

shortage,

how are you seeing this affect your ability to provide 7 day week

coverage? Would just like to pick everyones' brains to see if you are

experiencing similar situations and if you have any new ideas to

share.

Carol Rehder, PT Mgr

Genesis Medical Center

NOTICE: This communication is intended only for the use of the

individual

or entity to which it is addressed and may contain information that is

privileged, confidential and exempt from disclosure under applicable

law.

If the reader of this communication is not the intended recipient or

the

employee or agent responsible for delivering the communication, you

are

hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution or copying of

this

communication is strictly prohibited. If you have received this

communication in error, please notify me immediately by replying to

this

e-mail.

REMINDER: The disclosure of medical information is strictly prohibited

by

federal regulation. Unauthorized release of medical information may

result

in administrative, civil and criminal sanctions.

Looking to start your own Practice?

Visit www.InHomeRehab.com.

Bring PTManager to your organization or State Association with a

professional workshop or course - call us at 313 884-8920 to arrange

PTManager encourages participation in your professional association.

Join

and participate now!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

The equipment discussion has been raised several times on this discussion board

and many agree it is a frustration in acute care. How have you been successful

in keeping up your equipment supplies? What is the size of your facility?

Thanks. Janis McLaughlin, PT Mission Hospital Asheville, NC

PT Staffing shortage

In light of the fact that PT's are in short supply, what initiatives

have inpatient facilities creatively devised more recently to entice

recruitment and retention? We are seeing an increase in our experienced

staff who wish to move to outpatient and home health arenas because of

the increased flexibility that environment lends, which helps meet the

staff person's family needs. Additionally in some situations they

receive " bonus " pay for visits that are done above and beyond set

expectations. As a result, we are losing our more experienced highly

trained individuals to those work sites. We are also seeing significant

pay differentials once again between hospitals and contract companies,

ECF's, etc. Trying to think outside the box with more options for

shift schedules, benefits, etc. If you are experiencing a PT shortage,

how are you seeing this affect your ability to provide 7 day week

coverage? Would just like to pick everyones' brains to see if you are

experiencing similar situations and if you have any new ideas to share.

Carol Rehder, PT Mgr

Genesis Medical Center

NOTICE: This communication is intended only for the use of the individual

or entity to which it is addressed and may contain information that is

privileged, confidential and exempt from disclosure under applicable law.

If the reader of this communication is not the intended recipient or the

employee or agent responsible for delivering the communication, you are

hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution or copying of this

communication is strictly prohibited. If you have received this

communication in error, please notify me immediately by replying to this

e-mail.

REMINDER: The disclosure of medical information is strictly prohibited by

federal regulation. Unauthorized release of medical information may result

in administrative, civil and criminal sanctions.

Looking to start your own Practice?

Visit www.InHomeRehab.com.

Bring PTManager to your organization or State Association with a

professional workshop or course - call us at 313 884-8920 to arrange

PTManager encourages participation in your professional association. Join

and participate now!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

The equipment discussion has been raised several times on this discussion board

and many agree it is a frustration in acute care. How have you been successful

in keeping up your equipment supplies? What is the size of your facility?

Thanks. Janis McLaughlin, PT Mission Hospital Asheville, NC

PT Staffing shortage

In light of the fact that PT's are in short supply, what initiatives

have inpatient facilities creatively devised more recently to entice

recruitment and retention? We are seeing an increase in our experienced

staff who wish to move to outpatient and home health arenas because of

the increased flexibility that environment lends, which helps meet the

staff person's family needs. Additionally in some situations they

receive " bonus " pay for visits that are done above and beyond set

expectations. As a result, we are losing our more experienced highly

trained individuals to those work sites. We are also seeing significant

pay differentials once again between hospitals and contract companies,

ECF's, etc. Trying to think outside the box with more options for

shift schedules, benefits, etc. If you are experiencing a PT shortage,

how are you seeing this affect your ability to provide 7 day week

coverage? Would just like to pick everyones' brains to see if you are

experiencing similar situations and if you have any new ideas to share.

Carol Rehder, PT Mgr

Genesis Medical Center

NOTICE: This communication is intended only for the use of the individual

or entity to which it is addressed and may contain information that is

privileged, confidential and exempt from disclosure under applicable law.

If the reader of this communication is not the intended recipient or the

employee or agent responsible for delivering the communication, you are

hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution or copying of this

communication is strictly prohibited. If you have received this

communication in error, please notify me immediately by replying to this

e-mail.

REMINDER: The disclosure of medical information is strictly prohibited by

federal regulation. Unauthorized release of medical information may result

in administrative, civil and criminal sanctions.

Looking to start your own Practice?

Visit www.InHomeRehab.com.

Bring PTManager to your organization or State Association with a

professional workshop or course - call us at 313 884-8920 to arrange

PTManager encourages participation in your professional association. Join

and participate now!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

We have our Rehab Aides make " equipment roundups " at least once per month

(preferably twice but there is rarely the time). They find our walkers

stashed in closets, in the ED, etc. and bring them back onto the units and

place them in their proper storage areas. It also allows them to inspect

the walkers, canes, etc. to be sure they still have their wheels, tennis

balls, etc. If not, they take action to repair them. They also count the

walkers when they do the roundups as we have a walker inventory that they

can compare against. Once we drop we order more. Our preference, of

course, is not to have to do that.

I asked your question below a few years ago on PTManager regarding walkers

and learned that the facilities having the most success in keeping their

walkers painted them, some in pretty funky colors (one facility used pink

and yellow!) that made them undesirable to take home. I could not convince

my VP to let us paint our pink and yellow (just kidding), so we began

painting ours red.

After we painted them red we found we retained more of them as compared to

the older unpainted ones. Our painter was out much of 2004 so none of our

walkers purchased in 2004 were painted, and sure enough, we are losing them

while we still have many of our red walkers. The problem is that painting

them is fairly labor intensive as they have to be sanded in order for the

paint to stay on and not flake off the smooth aluminum. Hope this helps.

Mark Dwyer, PT, MHA

Director of Rehabilitation Services

Olathe Medical Center

Olathe, Kansas

markdwyer87@...

PT Staffing shortage

In light of the fact that PT's are in short supply, what initiatives

have inpatient facilities creatively devised more recently to entice

recruitment and retention? We are seeing an increase in our experienced

staff who wish to move to outpatient and home health arenas because of

the increased flexibility that environment lends, which helps meet the

staff person's family needs. Additionally in some situations they

receive " bonus " pay for visits that are done above and beyond set

expectations. As a result, we are losing our more experienced highly

trained individuals to those work sites. We are also seeing significant

pay differentials once again between hospitals and contract companies,

ECF's, etc. Trying to think outside the box with more options for

shift schedules, benefits, etc. If you are experiencing a PT shortage,

how are you seeing this affect your ability to provide 7 day week

coverage? Would just like to pick everyones' brains to see if you are

experiencing similar situations and if you have any new ideas to share.

Carol Rehder, PT Mgr

Genesis Medical Center

NOTICE: This communication is intended only for the use of the individual

or entity to which it is addressed and may contain information that is

privileged, confidential and exempt from disclosure under applicable law.

If the reader of this communication is not the intended recipient or the

employee or agent responsible for delivering the communication, you are

hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution or copying of this

communication is strictly prohibited. If you have received this

communication in error, please notify me immediately by replying to this

e-mail.

REMINDER: The disclosure of medical information is strictly prohibited by

federal regulation. Unauthorized release of medical information may result

in administrative, civil and criminal sanctions.

Looking to start your own Practice?

Visit www.InHomeRehab.com.

Bring PTManager to your organization or State Association with a

professional workshop or course - call us at 313 884-8920 to arrange

PTManager encourages participation in your professional association. Join

and participate now!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

We have our Rehab Aides make " equipment roundups " at least once per month

(preferably twice but there is rarely the time). They find our walkers

stashed in closets, in the ED, etc. and bring them back onto the units and

place them in their proper storage areas. It also allows them to inspect

the walkers, canes, etc. to be sure they still have their wheels, tennis

balls, etc. If not, they take action to repair them. They also count the

walkers when they do the roundups as we have a walker inventory that they

can compare against. Once we drop we order more. Our preference, of

course, is not to have to do that.

I asked your question below a few years ago on PTManager regarding walkers

and learned that the facilities having the most success in keeping their

walkers painted them, some in pretty funky colors (one facility used pink

and yellow!) that made them undesirable to take home. I could not convince

my VP to let us paint our pink and yellow (just kidding), so we began

painting ours red.

After we painted them red we found we retained more of them as compared to

the older unpainted ones. Our painter was out much of 2004 so none of our

walkers purchased in 2004 were painted, and sure enough, we are losing them

while we still have many of our red walkers. The problem is that painting

them is fairly labor intensive as they have to be sanded in order for the

paint to stay on and not flake off the smooth aluminum. Hope this helps.

Mark Dwyer, PT, MHA

Director of Rehabilitation Services

Olathe Medical Center

Olathe, Kansas

markdwyer87@...

PT Staffing shortage

In light of the fact that PT's are in short supply, what initiatives

have inpatient facilities creatively devised more recently to entice

recruitment and retention? We are seeing an increase in our experienced

staff who wish to move to outpatient and home health arenas because of

the increased flexibility that environment lends, which helps meet the

staff person's family needs. Additionally in some situations they

receive " bonus " pay for visits that are done above and beyond set

expectations. As a result, we are losing our more experienced highly

trained individuals to those work sites. We are also seeing significant

pay differentials once again between hospitals and contract companies,

ECF's, etc. Trying to think outside the box with more options for

shift schedules, benefits, etc. If you are experiencing a PT shortage,

how are you seeing this affect your ability to provide 7 day week

coverage? Would just like to pick everyones' brains to see if you are

experiencing similar situations and if you have any new ideas to share.

Carol Rehder, PT Mgr

Genesis Medical Center

NOTICE: This communication is intended only for the use of the individual

or entity to which it is addressed and may contain information that is

privileged, confidential and exempt from disclosure under applicable law.

If the reader of this communication is not the intended recipient or the

employee or agent responsible for delivering the communication, you are

hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution or copying of this

communication is strictly prohibited. If you have received this

communication in error, please notify me immediately by replying to this

e-mail.

REMINDER: The disclosure of medical information is strictly prohibited by

federal regulation. Unauthorized release of medical information may result

in administrative, civil and criminal sanctions.

Looking to start your own Practice?

Visit www.InHomeRehab.com.

Bring PTManager to your organization or State Association with a

professional workshop or course - call us at 313 884-8920 to arrange

PTManager encourages participation in your professional association. Join

and participate now!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

We have our Rehab Aides make " equipment roundups " at least once per month

(preferably twice but there is rarely the time). They find our walkers

stashed in closets, in the ED, etc. and bring them back onto the units and

place them in their proper storage areas. It also allows them to inspect

the walkers, canes, etc. to be sure they still have their wheels, tennis

balls, etc. If not, they take action to repair them. They also count the

walkers when they do the roundups as we have a walker inventory that they

can compare against. Once we drop we order more. Our preference, of

course, is not to have to do that.

I asked your question below a few years ago on PTManager regarding walkers

and learned that the facilities having the most success in keeping their

walkers painted them, some in pretty funky colors (one facility used pink

and yellow!) that made them undesirable to take home. I could not convince

my VP to let us paint our pink and yellow (just kidding), so we began

painting ours red.

After we painted them red we found we retained more of them as compared to

the older unpainted ones. Our painter was out much of 2004 so none of our

walkers purchased in 2004 were painted, and sure enough, we are losing them

while we still have many of our red walkers. The problem is that painting

them is fairly labor intensive as they have to be sanded in order for the

paint to stay on and not flake off the smooth aluminum. Hope this helps.

Mark Dwyer, PT, MHA

Director of Rehabilitation Services

Olathe Medical Center

Olathe, Kansas

markdwyer87@...

PT Staffing shortage

In light of the fact that PT's are in short supply, what initiatives

have inpatient facilities creatively devised more recently to entice

recruitment and retention? We are seeing an increase in our experienced

staff who wish to move to outpatient and home health arenas because of

the increased flexibility that environment lends, which helps meet the

staff person's family needs. Additionally in some situations they

receive " bonus " pay for visits that are done above and beyond set

expectations. As a result, we are losing our more experienced highly

trained individuals to those work sites. We are also seeing significant

pay differentials once again between hospitals and contract companies,

ECF's, etc. Trying to think outside the box with more options for

shift schedules, benefits, etc. If you are experiencing a PT shortage,

how are you seeing this affect your ability to provide 7 day week

coverage? Would just like to pick everyones' brains to see if you are

experiencing similar situations and if you have any new ideas to share.

Carol Rehder, PT Mgr

Genesis Medical Center

NOTICE: This communication is intended only for the use of the individual

or entity to which it is addressed and may contain information that is

privileged, confidential and exempt from disclosure under applicable law.

If the reader of this communication is not the intended recipient or the

employee or agent responsible for delivering the communication, you are

hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution or copying of this

communication is strictly prohibited. If you have received this

communication in error, please notify me immediately by replying to this

e-mail.

REMINDER: The disclosure of medical information is strictly prohibited by

federal regulation. Unauthorized release of medical information may result

in administrative, civil and criminal sanctions.

Looking to start your own Practice?

Visit www.InHomeRehab.com.

Bring PTManager to your organization or State Association with a

professional workshop or course - call us at 313 884-8920 to arrange

PTManager encourages participation in your professional association. Join

and participate now!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Does anyone have a physician survey that they send to their referring

physicians to get feedback about their outpatient services? If so, would

you be willing to share that with me as we are considering this but would

like to see what has worked (or not worked) for other facilities. Thank

you!

Mark Dwyer, PT, MHA

Director of Rehabilitation Services

Olathe Medical Center

Olathe, Kansas

(Fax)

markdwyer87@...

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Does anyone have a physician survey that they send to their referring

physicians to get feedback about their outpatient services? If so, would

you be willing to share that with me as we are considering this but would

like to see what has worked (or not worked) for other facilities. Thank

you!

Mark Dwyer, PT, MHA

Director of Rehabilitation Services

Olathe Medical Center

Olathe, Kansas

(Fax)

markdwyer87@...

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Does anyone have a physician survey that they send to their referring

physicians to get feedback about their outpatient services? If so, would

you be willing to share that with me as we are considering this but would

like to see what has worked (or not worked) for other facilities. Thank

you!

Mark Dwyer, PT, MHA

Director of Rehabilitation Services

Olathe Medical Center

Olathe, Kansas

(Fax)

markdwyer87@...

Link to comment
Share on other sites

We have used tape that is black and yellow striped. We cover the legs of

the walker with this and put a red sticker on the top that says " return to

Physical Therapy " This has worked very well. It is easy to do, holds up

well, and doesn't look too bad.

Dennis Kaster PT

Director, Rehabilitation Services

Saint 's Hospital

s Point, WI 54481

PT Staffing shortage

In light of the fact that PT's are in short supply, what initiatives

have inpatient facilities creatively devised more recently to entice

recruitment and retention? We are seeing an increase in our experienced

staff who wish to move to outpatient and home health arenas because of

the increased flexibility that environment lends, which helps meet the

staff person's family needs. Additionally in some situations they

receive " bonus " pay for visits that are done above and beyond set

expectations. As a result, we are losing our more experienced highly

trained individuals to those work sites. We are also seeing significant

pay differentials once again between hospitals and contract companies,

ECF's, etc. Trying to think outside the box with more options for

shift schedules, benefits, etc. If you are experiencing a PT shortage,

how are you seeing this affect your ability to provide 7 day week

coverage? Would just like to pick everyones' brains to see if you are

experiencing similar situations and if you have any new ideas to share.

Carol Rehder, PT Mgr

Genesis Medical Center

NOTICE: This communication is intended only for the use of the individual

or entity to which it is addressed and may contain information that is

privileged, confidential and exempt from disclosure under applicable law.

If the reader of this communication is not the intended recipient or the

employee or agent responsible for delivering the communication, you are

hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution or copying of this

communication is strictly prohibited. If you have received this

communication in error, please notify me immediately by replying to this

e-mail.

REMINDER: The disclosure of medical information is strictly prohibited by

federal regulation. Unauthorized release of medical information may result

in administrative, civil and criminal sanctions.

Looking to start your own Practice?

Visit www.InHomeRehab.com.

Bring PTManager to your organization or State Association with a

professional workshop or course - call us at 313 884-8920 to arrange

PTManager encourages participation in your professional association. Join

and participate now!

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Share on other sites

We have used tape that is black and yellow striped. We cover the legs of

the walker with this and put a red sticker on the top that says " return to

Physical Therapy " This has worked very well. It is easy to do, holds up

well, and doesn't look too bad.

Dennis Kaster PT

Director, Rehabilitation Services

Saint 's Hospital

s Point, WI 54481

PT Staffing shortage

In light of the fact that PT's are in short supply, what initiatives

have inpatient facilities creatively devised more recently to entice

recruitment and retention? We are seeing an increase in our experienced

staff who wish to move to outpatient and home health arenas because of

the increased flexibility that environment lends, which helps meet the

staff person's family needs. Additionally in some situations they

receive " bonus " pay for visits that are done above and beyond set

expectations. As a result, we are losing our more experienced highly

trained individuals to those work sites. We are also seeing significant

pay differentials once again between hospitals and contract companies,

ECF's, etc. Trying to think outside the box with more options for

shift schedules, benefits, etc. If you are experiencing a PT shortage,

how are you seeing this affect your ability to provide 7 day week

coverage? Would just like to pick everyones' brains to see if you are

experiencing similar situations and if you have any new ideas to share.

Carol Rehder, PT Mgr

Genesis Medical Center

NOTICE: This communication is intended only for the use of the individual

or entity to which it is addressed and may contain information that is

privileged, confidential and exempt from disclosure under applicable law.

If the reader of this communication is not the intended recipient or the

employee or agent responsible for delivering the communication, you are

hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution or copying of this

communication is strictly prohibited. If you have received this

communication in error, please notify me immediately by replying to this

e-mail.

REMINDER: The disclosure of medical information is strictly prohibited by

federal regulation. Unauthorized release of medical information may result

in administrative, civil and criminal sanctions.

Looking to start your own Practice?

Visit www.InHomeRehab.com.

Bring PTManager to your organization or State Association with a

professional workshop or course - call us at 313 884-8920 to arrange

PTManager encourages participation in your professional association. Join

and participate now!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

We have used tape that is black and yellow striped. We cover the legs of

the walker with this and put a red sticker on the top that says " return to

Physical Therapy " This has worked very well. It is easy to do, holds up

well, and doesn't look too bad.

Dennis Kaster PT

Director, Rehabilitation Services

Saint 's Hospital

s Point, WI 54481

PT Staffing shortage

In light of the fact that PT's are in short supply, what initiatives

have inpatient facilities creatively devised more recently to entice

recruitment and retention? We are seeing an increase in our experienced

staff who wish to move to outpatient and home health arenas because of

the increased flexibility that environment lends, which helps meet the

staff person's family needs. Additionally in some situations they

receive " bonus " pay for visits that are done above and beyond set

expectations. As a result, we are losing our more experienced highly

trained individuals to those work sites. We are also seeing significant

pay differentials once again between hospitals and contract companies,

ECF's, etc. Trying to think outside the box with more options for

shift schedules, benefits, etc. If you are experiencing a PT shortage,

how are you seeing this affect your ability to provide 7 day week

coverage? Would just like to pick everyones' brains to see if you are

experiencing similar situations and if you have any new ideas to share.

Carol Rehder, PT Mgr

Genesis Medical Center

NOTICE: This communication is intended only for the use of the individual

or entity to which it is addressed and may contain information that is

privileged, confidential and exempt from disclosure under applicable law.

If the reader of this communication is not the intended recipient or the

employee or agent responsible for delivering the communication, you are

hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution or copying of this

communication is strictly prohibited. If you have received this

communication in error, please notify me immediately by replying to this

e-mail.

REMINDER: The disclosure of medical information is strictly prohibited by

federal regulation. Unauthorized release of medical information may result

in administrative, civil and criminal sanctions.

Looking to start your own Practice?

Visit www.InHomeRehab.com.

Bring PTManager to your organization or State Association with a

professional workshop or course - call us at 313 884-8920 to arrange

PTManager encourages participation in your professional association. Join

and participate now!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

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