You can’t avoid it…you’re surrounded. Everywhere you turn there is a blip, icon, image, app, joke, discussion, or posting about social media. Whether you are being harassed by family and friends to join Facebook or following your favorite celebrity on Twitter, social media is a definite presence. As overwhelming as the entire buzz can be, there are benefits to being aware of the many forms of social media that are out there. More importantly, as a healthcare traveler, you can find a world of resources at your fingertips.
First and foremost, what exactly is social media? According to Wikipedia, “the term social media refers to the use of web-based and mobile technologies to turn communication into interactive dialogue.” Basically, any site that you find on the web or via your cell phone that involves blogs, podcasts, forums, videos, and networking (to name a few) is a form of social media. LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, MySpace, Wikipedia and Second Life are probably the most commonly known. By reading this blog article, you are participating in social media!
You may be wondering what the big hoopla is around this subject. All I can say is that it’s important to be tapped into the world around you. Being a healthcare provider, you should be up on the changing world, aware of new practices, and keeping with the latest research. Social media shouldn’t necessarily be used as an educational tool, but it is a great way to find out what others think about certain practices, how they use techniques and to share opinions about the changes in the health field. As a traveler, there are communities out there that allow you to connect with other travelers who can share their “lessons learned” while on assignment. Whether you participate in a forum, blog or a networking site, there is something for everyone. To help you get started, I’m listing a few sites to try:
- LinkedIn: Your profile consists of your education and work experience so basically, you post an online resume. On this site, you can give status updates, join groups relevant to your interest or look for jobs. More importantly, it’s an opportunity for you to build your professional network.
- Healthcare Travelbook and Med Traveler Club: Both are social communities that were created by healthcare travelers for healthcare travelers. MTC focuses primarily on rehab therapists whereas HT encompasses everyone. On both sites, you can review ratings of different companies and facilities or give them ratings yourself. In addition, there are blogs from various professionals as well as open forums to ask/answer questions.
- Putmebacktogether.com: Online community that posts articles relevant to PT, OT, RT, and SLPs. They also have forums for you to post questions or provide answers to others.
- Facebook: Connect with old friends or make new ones. This is a great way to let your family and friends know what you are doing or where you are heading.
- Flickr: Being a traveler means you see some fantastic places, so post those wonderful photos on this site and share them with family and friends. You can edit photos or map out where you have been with photos along the way. It’s a great way to record your travel adventures.
No matter what you choose, just get in there and get started. It’s a great way to build relationships and to stay in tune to what’s going on.
Sun Hui (Sunny) Snook graduated with a B.A. in Psychology from Truman State University and received a Master’s in Human Services from Bellevue University. She has been in the healthcare staffing field for 11 years, first working with nurses before moving to a nationwide work strategies consultant where her key responsibilities were to coach staffers and hospital managers on effective staffing. In 2009, Sunny started with Aureus Medical as an Account Manager in the Rehab Therapy division, working with both clients and prospective employees. Most recently, she moved to Student Outreach Coordinator. Prior to working in healthcare staffing, she served as an addictions therapist and residential treatment coordinator for five years.
Sunny Snook / 800.456.5857 ext 6578 / ssnook@aureusmedical.com / Facebook / LinkedIn
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