The Official Amistaff Blog

So what’s the latest buzz in Healthcare Technology’s hardware department – the Apple iPad. 

Those in the healthcare industry may already be familiar with some medical apps built for the iPhone and iTouch:

• Epocrates – Instant access to prescribing and safety info for over 3,500 prescription medications
• LifeScan – One ping technology allowing diabetes patients to track glucose levels and sugar intake
• iChart – Electronic Management Record system for charting patient files

But, what they might not know is that Apple is planning on marketing themselves heavily as a competitor to the Motion Computing C5 Mobile Clinical Assistant.

Jason Wilk at TinyComb shared some insider info about Apple trying to court doctors at Cedars Sinai in Los Angeles.

Apple has been going around targeting their first major paying customer for the device, which is not the average consumer, but the Healthcare industry (sorry fanbois, you’re not first priority here). This is a move widely overlooked by the media, since Apple has generally tried to own the consumer arena, and besides the film industry, hasn’t dominated enterprise. Well, now that they own the music, mobile, laptop and every teenager market, the medical industry is the next up to take over. [What's my intel? My Dad plays golf with Cedars-Sinai hospital execs, who say they have been getting frequent visits from Apple about a new device in the last 6 weeks].

Do you ever wonder where Jobs and the Apple clan get their inspiration? 

Out of adversity comes opportunity – Perhaps the iPad stemmed from Jobs frequenting hospitals while undergoing treatment for pancreatic cancer. Did seeing nurses carry a hand-held device not branded by the "forbidden fruit" get Jobs’ wheels turning? 

After all – an apple a day keeps the doctor away! 

Regardless of what spurred on the tablet’s development, if the Healthcare Market adopts the Mac, Electronic Management Technology will be one step closer to an iTouch away.
 

January 22, 2010 — Amistaff Healthcare Technology selects RightSignature as the electronic signature complement for their suite of healthcare staffing solutions including NurseTesting.com, BlueSky Synergy, and Prophecy Health. Ron Gonzalez, Chief Executive Officer, stated that after evaluating some of the leading electronic signature software, RightSignature had the right mix of features to meet their clients’ needs.

“RightSignature offers unique, indispensable options for facilitating the signing process,” Gonzalez explained. “RightSignature’s iPhone application and Google Docs integration make working with traveling healthcare providers easier than ever, reducing the time between application and placement. Healthcare staffing companies and hospitals will absolutely benefit from the rich feature-sets available to them, facilitating the recruitment and on-boarding process.”

RightSignature offers unique, indispensable options for facilitating the signing process

RightSignature’s iPhone application and Google Docs integration make working with traveling healthcare providers easier than ever, reducing the time between application and placement. Healthcare staffing companies and hospitals will absolutely benefit from the rich feature-sets available to them, facilitating the recruitment and on-boarding process.

Using the software-as-a-service (SaaS) model, RightSignature provides a clean, simple interface to get documents signed online. Focusing on the small and medium business market, RightSignature ensures secure and compliant signatures globally for corporations, non-profits, and web workers alike.

Daryl Bernstein, Chief Executive Officer of RightSignature, said, "RightSignature is singularly focused on enabling users to fill out and sign documents online with ease. We’re thrilled to work with Amistaff Healthcare Technology to bring our intuitive, elegant signing experience to employee on-boarding processes in the healthcare industry. Amistaff’s NurseTesting, BlueSky Synergy, and Prophecy Health products are the perfect integration partners for RightSignature."

RightSignature’s API allows seamless integration of the electronic signature application with other leading software solutions. Amistaff developers have utilized the API to enable users to send documents for signature from within the Amistaff suite of software solutions.

About Amistaff: Amistaff Healthcare Technology was founded in 2004 as a healthcare staffing solutions provider. Amistaff creates products and services that help healthcare staffing firms and hospitals improve recruitment, retention and placement of caregivers. Amistaff includes a team of IT professionals, RN’s and former recruiters allowing Amistaff to base their products on an in-depth understanding of each client’s unique staffing requirements. All of the Amistaff products are web-based solutions designed to simplify workflows and increase efficiency. These products include NurseTesting, BlueSky Medical Staffing Software and Prophecy Health. Visit www.amistaff.com for additional information.

About RightSignature: RightSignature LLC provides cutting-edge software for signing documents online. Parties complete form fields online and create a handwritten signature with a mouse, on the iPhone touchscreen, or on a fax signature page. Utilizing the world-class infrastructure of Amazon Web Services, RightSignature is a software-as-a-service and is available anytime, anywhere, through a web browser. From solo professionals to Fortune 500 companies, RightSignature users span the globe and represent almost every industry. RightSignature has offices in Santa Barbara, California, and London, England.

The Healthcare Industry falls into the spotlight of non-compliance again as the GAO raises red flags on the credentialing and privileging systems of the Department of Veterans Affairs for doctors.

The results of a VA investigatory report in 2008 of the Marion, Illinois, VA medical center (VAMC) revealed patient deaths exceeding expectations four times between October 2006 and March 2007.  Wanting to further their research in attempts to pinpoint reasons for the results, the GAO launched this research study.

In particular, the credentialing and privileging processes, as well as the continuous monitoring of physician performance, went under the knife (please excuse the pun).  Six VAMCs were selected for scrutiny and 180 credentialing and privileging files were reviewed.  GAO selected files based on various physician characteristics including highly paid specialties and newly hired physicians. 

Although the results did not mirror the original findings from the VAMC in Marion, Illinois, take a look at these shocking findings:

• “29 of the 180…files reviewed lacked proper verification of state medical licensure.”
• “GAO identified 21 files where required malpractice information was not disclosed by physicians and was not detected by VAMCs.”

I am no statistician, but both of these findings show that between 1 and 2 files out of every 10 physicians hired showed major deficiencies in the credentialing department!  The GAO even stated that the malpractice information overlooked (when not shared by the physician on the applicant – which don’t get me started on non-disclosure of pertinent information demonstrating lack of character in the first place) shows up on an external database the VAMCs should already be reviewing!

So what were their conclusions? The title of the GAO’s report gives this away – “Improved Oversight and Compliance Needed for Physician Credentialing and Privileging Processes.” 

I don’t want to get on a soap box, but there are some great medical credentialing software available that make credential management a walk in the park.  Amistaff’s BlueSky Medical Staffing Software paired with NurseTesting’s Validated Competency Exams make a dynamic duo to overhaul, and drastically improve, the Department of VA’s credentialing and privileging processes. 

For more information on this topic – view the GAO’s full write-up.
 

We are pleased to announce the first release of new exams for the 2010 calendar year!  Please use this information to assist with using these exams during your screening process.

2010 Trauma ICU

The 2010 Trauma ICU Exam is a new exam that determines clinician competency based on a critical patient population inclusive of all pathologies familiar to the Trauma ICU setting.  The Pharmacology component has been integrated into this exam; therefore you will not need to administer a separate Pharmacology Exam.

However, you will need to administer the Dysrhythmia Version 2.0 Exam to determine competency for rhythm recognition, as the new Critical Care exams do not contain rhythm strips. Attempting to include the Dysrhythmia strips in the newer exams would have created a very lengthy exam for the applicant.

This exam has a corresponding 2010 Trauma ICU Skills Checklist.

2010 Surgical ICU

The 2010 Surgical Intensive Care Unit (SICU) Exam determines clinician competency based on the patient population inclusive of the critical post-operative phase. The Pharmacology component has been integrated into this exam; therefore you will not need to administer a separate Pharmacology Exam.

However, you will need to administer the Dysrhythmia Version 2.0 Exam to determine competency for rhythm recognition, as the new Critical Care exams do not contain rhythm strips. Attempting to include the Dysrhythmia strips in the newer exams would have created a very lengthy exam for the applicant.

***If you want the newly validated exams included in your profiles, you must change your profiles to reflect this. ***

Your profiles can be modified by following a few simple steps. For step-by-step assistance, check out the training video – “Creating Profiles”.

For your convenience, the “Creating Profiles” training video can also be found in your NurseTesting account under the Help tab! Remember that for the protection of your account; only Admins have access to modifying profiles!

We hope this will assist you in the implementation of these new exams!

NurseTesting Creative Solutions (NTCS), formerly known as NurseTesting Consulting Services, announces another year of 100% success with leading clients to obtain an edge on competitors by achieving Joint Commission certification. This benefit to healthcare staffing clients comes at a time when focus on hospital hiring has shifted from temporary to full-time employees and thus staying above the competition is of utmost importance.

High Point, NC (Vocus/PRWEB ) January 12, 2010 — During the 2009 calendar year, NurseTesting Creative Solutions (NTCS) continued 100% success helping healthcare staffing clients achieve Joint Commission certification. This brings the total to 32 organizations achieving certification in just two years. Achieving Joint Commission certification distinguishes organizations among the elite in the healthcare staffing industry and demonstrates their commitment to the delivery of quality services.

Chris Carrington RN, MS President, NurseTesting Creative Solutions, commented on the anxiety clients mention with starting the intricate certification process. “Many organizations preparing for Joint Commission find the process to be overwhelming and extremely time consuming, pulling key personnel from revenue generating activities for up to 12 months. NTCS partners with organizations to streamline and simplify the process, allowing them to focus on what they do best…recruit and staff.”

Many organizations preparing for Joint Commission find the process to be overwhelming and extremely time consuming, pulling key personnel from revenue generating activities for up to 12 months. NTCS partners with organizations to streamline and simplify the process, allowing them to focus on what they do best…recruit and staff.

NTCS provides on-site consulting that caters to each organization’s needs. All of their consultants are nationally experienced Nurse Executives bringing over 20 years of healthcare staffing industry experience. NTCS executives are designated as consultants of choice for Healthcare Staffing Services Certification.

The steps leading clients to Joint Commission certification includes NTCS:

·     Performing a Gap Analysis – a comprehensive evaluation of operations including recruitment, competency assessment, appropriate placement and performance evaluation to assure the delivery of quality care and compliance with Joint Commission standards
·     Developing a comprehensive consultation plan with required activities to achieve certification
·     Developing key processes, policies and documents to assure compliance with standards
·     Educating staff on the importance of Joint Commission standards and implementation of standards into day-to-day operations.
·     Implementing Performance Measurement data collection & analysis
·     Performing a Mock Survey which simulates the Joint Commission review utilizing Joint Commission evaluation tools
·     Providing ongoing support throughout the certification process.

These steps put the organization on the “fast track” to Joint Commission certification. Survey readiness can be achieved in as little as 3-4 months with NTCS.

NTCS’ “guaranteed certification” provides the organization with confidence and a sense of relief throughout the process. Charles Eales, President of Premier Healthcare Professionals, commented on his appreciation of the NTCS consultants as they led them towards receiving the reputable gold seal:

"PHP engaged the services of NurseTesting consulting in order to prepare for its Joint Commission Certification. We were absolutely delighted with the level of service and attention that we received. The consultants were extremely knowledgeable of the Joint Commission requirements and provided an invaluable amount of support prior to us gaining the Joint Commission Gold Seal of approval. PHP passed the review and did not receive any recommendations from the Joint Commission auditor on how any of our policies or procedures could be improved. I would certainly recommend NurseTesting Creative Solutions to any healthcare staffing company considering Joint Commission certification.”

The NTCS consulting team offers services beyond Joint Commission certification. NTCS offers the Clinical Oversight Program, a cost effective alternative to staffing operations, where one of their consultants serves as clinical supervisor – providing clinical expertise and risk management activities for the organization. Responsibilities of the consultant include:

·        Addressing all issues; clinical or compliance in nature
·        Interviewing/qualifying candidates within the hiring process
·        Assisting with performance evaluations of healthcare professionals
·        Interacting with state board or any appropriate licensing/certification entity
·        Coordinating performance improvement plans for Joint Commission
·        Monitoring Joint Commission standards and expectations to assist with implementation

The Clinical Oversight program keeps the organization at the forefront of both standards compliance and quality healthcare staffing.

About NTCS – NurseTesting Creative Solutions, formerly NT Consulting Services – a division of NurseTesting.com which is an Amistaff Healthcare Techology product – was founded in 2008 in response to the healthcare staffing industry’s need for consultants experienced in Joint Commission’s Health Care Staffing Services Certification. NTCS’ consulting services assist healthcare staffing firms prepare for Joint Commission certification and provide cost effective clinical operation and risk management services. NTCS also provides staffing operations start-up support for new healthcare staffing organizations. NTCS consultants are nationally experienced Nurse Executives with 20+ years of healthcare staffing experience and extensive experience and success with Joint Commission Health Care Staffing Services Certification. Visit www.nursetesting.com/consulting/ for additional information.

Some wonderful questions have come into our Q/A box in Get Satisfaction about exams that incorporate a year in their titles (2009 General ICU Exam A).

So, we figured everyone would benefit from a little explanation of the purpose for including the years on the newly validated exams within NurseTesting.

The numerical year that precedes the exam title for the new competency exams and corresponding skills checklist denotes the year in which the validated exam and skills checklist was created.  The newly validated competency exams are continuously monitored for reliability based on ongoing statistical analysis and the skills checklist are reviewed annually to reflect relevant practice. 

As revisions and/or updates are made to the exams, the year will also change accordingly. So, continue sending the exams based on the content denoted from the exam name and disregard the year that starts the exam name.  This is basically in-house tracking for us and will allow you to know when the last updates were on the particular exams you are sending out.

Hope this helps everyone! We look forward to assisting you with your testing needs in 2010!

Shift Differentials can be difficult and timely to calculate but with BlueSky’s new, and enhanced rates, this process is easy and automatic.

BlueSky worked with the Community’s input to create the easiest way to manage shift differentials while including great features like lunchtime entries for  facilities requesting exact calculations.

So, free yourself from calculating the minutes by letting BlueSky take care of your Payroll and Invoicing needs.  To learn more about shift differentials or BlueSky’s Payroll and Invoicing process please be sure to contact your Community Trainer today!

As frequenters of the blog may remember, our company decided to adopt a local orphanage for the 2009 holiday season. 

We opened up the donations to our entire office complex being that the orphanage is called "home" to 46 teenagers.

Packing & Preparation

The weather truly put us in the holiday spirit as we headed out for delivery!

With coffee in hand and jackets closed tight, a few of us ladies headed out in the treacherous weather.

And for those of you from up north – yes – a bit of sleet is considered "treacherous weather" here in the piedmont of NC!

Unpacking & Delivering

The drive which was only supposed to take 25 minutes ended up closer to 45 when we took the slippery roads into consideration.

From board games to computer monitors and body lotions to bedroom set, we had a great turn out of goodies to help make each child’s holiday brighter.

Looking forward to continuing a charge towards bettering our neighborhood non-profits in 2010!