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November 2020 Jobs Reports Shows Signs of Deceleration; 245K Jobs Added

Posted by HealthTrust Workforce Solutions on Dec 7, 2020 1:00:09 PM


The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) November 2020 Hiring Situation indicated that job growth is stalling, with only 245,000 new jobs gained last month. Payroll employment is still 9.8 million short of pre-crisis levels—at November’s pace, it would take until 2024 to return to pre-crisis employment levels. The unemployment rate edged down to 6.7%.

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Topics: Jobs Report, November

HCA Healthcare experts urge flu vaccine to help avoid ‘twindemic’

Posted by HealthTrust Workforce Solutions on Dec 7, 2020 12:47:57 PM

Make plans to get vaccinated early in fall, before flu season begins

twindemic

[ twin-dem-ik ]

WHAT DOES TWINDEMIC MEAN?

Twindemic refers to the dual threat of a severe flu outbreak on top of the COVID-19 pandemic in the fall and winter of 2020

While the flu vaccine is an important preventative measure every year, it is arguably more important than ever in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. By getting a flu vaccine, you are helping to protect yourself and others from the flu. Since COVID-19 is also a threat this winter, it is important to do what we can to lower our risk of getting ill.

DYK? The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that during the 2019-2020 influenza season, the flu vaccination prevented an estimated 7.52 million flu illnesses, 3.69 million flu-associated medical visits, 105,000 flu hospitalizations and 6,300 flu deaths.

“While we wait for COVID vaccines to be broadly available, the flu remains the number one cause of vaccine-preventable death in the United States,” explains Dr. Jonathan Perlin, president of clinical operations and chief medical officer at HCA Healthcare.  “By getting your flu shot and following the CDC’s advice to prevent the spread of COVID-19, you will be in the best position to protect yourself, your family and your community from illness this winter.”



Dr. Jonathan Perlin, HCA Healthcare’s president of clinical operations and chief medical officer at HCA Healthcare receives his annual flu shot. October 2020 (Nashville, Tenn.)

In the Northern Hemisphere, we typically take cues from our Southern Hemisphere counterparts to predict when seasonal influenza will rise and peak. In years past, the Southern Hemisphere generally has its flu season from April to September. In the Northern Hemisphere, cases rise during the fall months and peak between December and January.

This year the good news – yes, good news – is that the Southern Hemisphere is experiencing a very mild flu season. For example, Australia reported a little over 21,000 cases of flu by the end of August, compared to nearly a quarter of a million at the same time in 2019. Experts theorize that this is due to an unprecedented number of people getting vaccinated and behavior related to the pandemic such as social distancing and mask wearing.

However, this is not the time to let our guards down.

“If both influenza and COVID-19 surge at the same time, it could be very devastating. A ‘twindemic’ is something that we can avoid,” said Dr. Kenneth Sands, HCA Healthcare’s chief epidemiologist.  “While what we’re seeing in the Southern Hemisphere is positive, we need everyone to come together and continue to do their part. We’re advising everyone over 6 months to get a flu shot, just as we do each year. By getting the flu vaccine, masking and distancing we can make it through flu season.”

In 2020, innovative measures are being stood up to ensure safe and convenient access to influenza vaccinations including drive-thru flu shot clinics and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services authorizing state-licensed pharmacists to administer the flu shot to children starting at age 3.

How can you tell the difference between COVID-19 and seasonal flu?

COVID-19 and influenza are both contagious respiratory illnesses, caused by different viruses. COVID-19 is caused by infection with a new coronavirus (called SARS-CoV-2) and flu is caused by infection with influenza viruses: Types A and B. The symptoms can appear similar, however there are key differences that you need to be aware of.

Both COVID-19 and flu can spread from person-to-person, between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet). Both are spread mainly by droplets made when people with the illness (COVID-19 or flu) cough, sneeze, or talk. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.

It may be possible that a person can get infected by physical human contact like shaking hands or by touching a surface or object that has virus on it and then touching your mouth, nose, or possibly your eyes. Both flu virus and the virus that causes COVID-19 may be spread to others by people before they begin showing symptoms, with very mild symptoms or who never developed symptoms (asymptomatic).

According to the CDC, common signs and symptoms that COVID-19 and flu share include:

  • Fever or feeling feverish/chills
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
  • Fatigue (tiredness)
  • Sore throat
  • Runny or stuffy nose
  • Muscle pain or body aches
  • Headache
  • Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children than adults

COVID-19 seems to spread more easily than flu and causes more serious illnesses in some people. It can also take longer before people show symptoms and people can be contagious for longer.

Another important difference is there is a vaccine to protect against flu. There is currently no vaccine to prevent COVID-19. The best way to prevent infection is to avoid being exposed to the virus.

Flu viruses can cause mild to severe illness, while COVID-19 can be more serious. A key difference in the two is that COVID-19 may cause a change in or loss of taste and smell, while that is not experienced with the flu.


Is it a cold, flu or COVID-19? Learn about similarities and differences.

Available flu vaccines this season

Those who are interested in getting a flu shot have multiple options. Trivalent (three-component) and quadrivalent (four-component) flu vaccines are approved for the 2020-2021 flu season.

The CDC breaks down available flu shots below:

Trivalent flu vaccines include:

Quadrivalent flu vaccines include:

  • Standard-dose quadrivalent influenza shots that are manufactured using virus grown in eggs.  These include Afluria Quadrivalent, Fluarix Quadrivalent, FluLaval Quadrivalent, and Fluzone Quadrivalent. Different influenza shots are licensed for different age groups. Some are licensed for children as young as 6 months of age. Most influenza shots are given in an arm muscle with a needle. One quadrivalent influenza shot (Afluria Quadrivalent) can be given either with a needle (for people aged 6 months and older) or with a jet injector (for people aged 18 through 64 years only).
  • quadrivalent cell-based influenza shot (Flucelvax Quadrivalent) containing virus grown in cell culture, which is licensed for people 4 years and older. This season, all four of the vaccine viruses used in Flucelvax have been grown in cells, making the vaccine totally egg-free.
  • Recombinant quadrivalent influenza shot (Flublok Quadrivalent), an egg-free vaccine, approved for people 18 years and older.
  • quadrivalent flu shot using an adjuvant (an ingredient that helps create a stronger immune response), approved for people 65 years of age and older.
  • quadrivalent high-dose influenza vaccine (Fluzone High-Dose), licensed for people 65 years and older.

Stay vigilant to protect yourself and others

In addition to a flu shot, individuals can also help prevent getting the flu and help stop the spread of COVID-19 by taking these simple steps:

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
  • Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. If you don’t have a tissue available, it is best to cough into your elbow.
  • Cover your mouth and nose with a mask when you are around others outside of your household and maintain a distance of at least 6 feet.
  • Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with germs daily.
  • Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
  • If you are sick with flu-like symptoms, the CDC recommends that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone, except to get medical care or other necessities. (Your fever should be gone for 24 hours without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.)

Consider getting the annual flu vaccine to protect yourself and those around you. Call your healthcare provider today to schedule your flu shot.

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Topics: Coronavirus, Health & Safety, Flu

HWS President & CEO Brendan Courtney Recognized With 2020 Apogee Award

Posted by HealthTrust Workforce Solutions on Dec 4, 2020 3:49:00 PM

We are proud to share that our President and CEO, Brendan Courtney, has been recognized with a 2020 South Florida Business & Wealth Apogee Award!

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Topics: Employee Spotlight, HealthTrust Workforce Solutions, Apogee Awards

COVID-19: Infectious disease specialist weighs in on safely celebrating the holidays

Posted by HealthTrust Workforce Solutions on Dec 4, 2020 1:12:03 PM

As we near the end of 2020, it’s probably safe to say that we could all use some holiday cheer. But with the number of COVID-19 cases on the rise throughout the country, it’s important to remain vigilant. While it might be hard to hear, that means the way we celebrate the holidays this year will be a little different.

“Conventional wisdom would be that this is not the year to have a big, multigenerational get together with people that you haven’t seen for a while,” says Dr. Carl Vartian, an infectious disease specialist and chief medical officer at HCA Houston Healthcare Clear Lake.

Dr. Vartian understands the desire to see loved ones, but is concerned that people will let their guard down, not thinking about wearing a face mask at grandma’s house or not practicing social distancing when around cousins they haven’t seen in a year.

College-age kids will also be returning home from their universities, where there have been more than 252,000 cases at more than 1,700 U.S. schools, according to a survey conducted by the New York Times.

“Since we don’t really know who has [COVID-19], who doesn’t have it, who could be an asymptomatic carrier of it, I think it’s just best to avoid contact with people you haven’t seen for a while because you really don’t know where they’ve been or what they’ve been exposed to and what they might be carrying,” Dr. Vartian says.

Or, you might be the one who is unknowingly spreading the virus.

Virtual-only activities, events and gatherings pose the lowest risk of spreading COVID-19. Instead of meeting in person, Dr. Vartian suggests using Skype, Zoom or FaceTime to share a meal virtually with long-distance loved ones.

Celebrating in-person carries higher risk and myriad precautions should be taken into consideration if individuals from different households will be gathering. If you do decide to host family and friends for the holidays, Dr. Vartian recommends keeping your gathering small, outside and socially distanced.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued guidelines for holiday celebrations, noting that even “small household gatherings are an important contributor to the rise of COVID-19 cases.” In Canada, where Thanksgiving was celebrated on Oct. 12, there was a spike in cases three weeks after the holiday.

The CDC shares these factors to consider when deciding whether to host or attend an event:

  • Community levels of COVID-19: Consider levels both where the gathering will be held and where all guests are coming from. High or increasing levels mean a greater risk of infection and spread. Check your local health department’s website for case numbers, as well as information on local guidelines and restrictions.
  • Exposure during travel: Staying home is the best way to ensure the safety of yourself and others, but if you do decide to travel, Dr. Vartian says driving may be safer than flying because you’re in your own “bubble” and can stop where you want, or not stop at all, depending on the length of your trip. If you travel, wear a mask on airplanes, trains, ships, ferries, taxis and ride shares; stay at least six feet apart from others; wash your hands often or use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol; and avoid touching your mask, eyes, nose and mouth.
  • Location of the gathering: Outdoor gatherings are preferred over those indoors, but even if you’re outside, guests should wear masks when not eating and stay six feet apart. If inside, open windows and doors to increase ventilation.
  • Duration of the gathering: Shorter gatherings are less risky than longer gatherings. Being within six feet of someone who has COVID-19 for a cumulative total of 15 minutes or more greatly increases the risk of becoming sick.
  • Number of guests: The number of guests should be determined based on the size of the yard or house and how many people can be there while remaining six feet apart. The World Health Organization also suggests that hosts control crowding by staggering arrivals and departures and assigning seats, among other recommendations.
  • Behavior of guests before and during the event: Guests should practice safety measures like social distancing, wearing a mask and frequently washing their hands before attending, and avoid contact with people outside their household for the two weeks leading up to the holiday. Continue to follow safety measures during the event, and disinfect surfaces and shared items.

When it comes to food, Dr. Vartian says it’s important to avoid potluck-style dinners this year, where everyone uses the same serving utensils and passes around dishes. Instead, consider having everyone bring their own food this year (which might be a welcome change for stressed hosts!) or support a favorite local restaurant and order individual meals for everyone.

And don’t forget about the flu.

“Get your flu shot,” Dr. Vartian says. “We suspect that flu season may not be quite as bad just simply because people are wearing masks, they’re social distancing and they’re that much more concerned about hand hygiene, but that remains to be seen. Dual-infection can occur, so you just have to be careful. You can’t do anything yet about vaccinating against COVID, but you can do something about the flu.”

Should you find that your Thanksgiving celebration does produce an actual medical emergency, delay dessert and head to the nearest emergency room. HCA Healthcare ERs are equipped to care for common Thanksgiving health matters such as cuts and burns, food poisoning and chest pain.

In the end, remember this from Dr. Vartian: “You certainly do not want a festive time to become the scene of something really unfortunate, where someone gets sick and ends up in the hospital. That would not be a good way to remember a family get together. Stay safe during Thanksgiving 2020. If we all continue to do our part to curb the spread of COVID-19, I’m optimistic that the 2021 holiday season will look much more normal.”

HealthTrust Workforce Solutions and HCA Healthcare is demonstrating leadership in our behaviors both inside and outside of work so that we can stay as healthy as possible to respond to our patients. But, we can’t do this without the help of those around us. Thank you for safely celebrating the holidays this year! Find more tips and considerations from the CDC here.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention classifies holiday-related activities at three risk levels:

Lower risk

  • Having a small in-person dinner with only those in your household
  • Delivering food to loved ones without contact
  • Virtually gathering for dinner with family and friends
  • Shopping online and watching sporting events at home

Moderate risk

  • Having a small in-person dinner outside with loved ones who live in your community
  • Doing outdoor activities or attending outdoor sporting events while wearing face masks, social distancing and using hand sanitizer

Higher risk

  • Having a large indoor gathering with people outside your household
  • Attending crowded events, like parades or races, or shopping at crowded stores
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Topics: Coronavirus, Health & Safety, Holiday

Thousands of Top U.S. Hospitals Encourage Everyone to #MaskUp

Posted by HealthTrust Workforce Solutions on Dec 2, 2020 11:41:47 AM
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Topics: Healthcare, Coronavirus

Happy Thanksgiving from HealthTrust Workforce Solutions

Posted by HealthTrust Workforce Solutions on Nov 26, 2020 9:00:00 AM

This Thanksgiving we would like to take a moment to share our gratitude and thank each of our clinical and corporate team members for your hard work and dedication to our organization over this year. We are grateful for your dedication and the continued impact that you make on patient care delivery.

We are thankful that the HWS organization is made up of incredible associates who work hard each day, creating both career opportunities for healthcare professionals and ensuring the delivery of patient care across the country. In times of uncertainty, it is important to remember that we are all a part of something so much bigger than our ourselves and the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others every day is something we all should be truly grateful for.

Although the holiday might look different this year, we hope that you and your family have a Happy Thanksgiving! 

While 2020 has tested each of us and our communities in many unprecedented ways, we invite you to comment on what you are grateful for this year.

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Topics: Special Holiday Message

Welcoming Jodi Cook, VP of MSP Operations

Posted by HealthTrust Workforce Solutions on Nov 20, 2020 11:05:02 AM

As we continue to grow our MSP program and preserve our position as the healthcare industry’s largest vendor neutral healthcare MSP, we are pleased to announce that Jodi Cook will be joining HealthTrust as our new Vice President of MSP Operations. In her role, Jodi will serve as a dedicated resource for our staffing vendor partner community with a focus on the continued cultivation of our valued partnerships within the healthcare staffing industry. Jodi has nearly 25 years of experience in the healthcare staffing industry branch operations and MSP program management leadership at some of the largest and most recognized healthcare staffing and recruitment firms. Jodi lives in Pennsylvania with her fiancé and teenage son. When she isn’t working, she enjoys biking, hiking, snowboarding and most outdoor activities.

We are looking forward to the positive impact Jodi’s energy, passion and expertise will bring to our organization and our continued pursuit of operational excellence. Please join us in welcoming Jodi Cook to HealthTrust Workforce Solutions!

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Topics: Employee Spotlight, HealthTrust Workforce Solutions

HWS CFO Jennifer Chemtov Makes 2020 Edition of Global Power 150- Women in Staffing List

Posted by HealthTrust Workforce Solutions on Nov 18, 2020 4:33:37 PM

We're honored to announce that HealthTrust Workforce Solutions CFO Jennifer Chemtov was recognized by Staffing Industry Analysts in the 2020 edition of Global Power 150- Women in Staffing.

The 2020 Global Power 150 — Women in Staffing list is comprised of professionals who are doing what it takes to boost the bottom lines of the businesses they serve while ensuring the safety and health of those under their employ. They have devoted themselves to developing and guiding diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives amid renewed focus on these issues. They are dedicated to their firms’ women leadership programs and involved in efforts to serve females in their communities as well.

Please join us in congratulating all of the women recognized in the 2020 Global Power 150 — Women in Staffing. We thank you for leading the way and celebrate those women who continue to take our industry forward while inspiring you to take notice of others who are making a difference in varied ways.

 
To view the full article from SIA, click here
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Topics: HealthTrust Workforce Solutions, SIA

Veterans Day 2020: Honoring our Veterans

Posted by HealthTrust Workforce Solutions on Nov 11, 2020 9:12:32 AM

Today is Veterans Day, which offers us a special opportunity to express our gratitude to those who served in the United States military, especially the many among us now working within the HealthTrust Workforce Solutions family. Thank you to all of the courageous individuals put their lives in harm's way to protect our country and ensure the freedoms that Americans embrace each and every day.  I would also like to thank families of veterans, because, just like our veterans, their families are just as courageous, making countless sacrifices to protect our great country and all of the rights we enjoy everyday.

As the coronavirus continues to impact our communities and we all deal with a lot of uncertainty, we remain concerned about the veterans and their families who struggle every day to make ends meet. HWS is proud to partner with the United Way of Broward County’s MISSION UNITED, which provides veteran employment services, legal assistance, education, financial services, health and housing support. I am proud that HealthTrust has been provided the opportunity to assist such a worthy cause.  If you are interested in learning more about what you can do to support veterans as they transition back to civilian life, I invite you to visit unitedway.org/mission-united to learn more about this growing program in cities across the country.

We are also proud that our parent company, HCA Healthcare,  has been recognized by Military Times as one of the country’s best employers based on the organization’s military-connected employment programs, benefits and support efforts. Since 2012, HCA Healthcare has hired more than 39,000 veterans, active-duty personnel and military spouses.

Today and every day we are grateful for our veterans and honor all who have served. 

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Topics: Special Holiday Message

638K Jobs Gained in October 2020 as Economic Recovery Continues

Posted by HealthTrust Workforce Solutions on Nov 9, 2020 1:16:58 PM

The October Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) 2020 Hiring Situation reported job growth of 638,000 new jobs last month, with the unemployment rate dropping down one percentage point to 6.9%. In October, employment in healthcare rose by 58,300 new jobs, with the largest gains occurring in ambulatory care settings (50,700) and hospitals (+16,200) These increases were partially offset by a decline of 9,000 in nursing and residential care facilities.

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Topics: Jobs Report, Coronavirus, October

  

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Engage is an emerging blog which features relevant, informative and engaging content designed to promote and advance the healthcare industry and the professionals who work within it.

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