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Like a shark, you need to move to survive. It’s in your DNA. You know the look – when you meet new patients and they look at you with a mixture of excitement, hope and a little anxiety. Perhaps they’ve had an extensive surgery and it hurts to move. Maybe they’re ready to work, but nervous about what’s required of them. Part of your job is to motive them through the anxiety and strain to get them back on their feet again or to help them accomplish a speech therapy goal. In order to do that, you’re constantly finding the right balance of empathy, determination and tough love. It is here, in your personality and in this pressure you’ve invited into your professional life that we find commonality between traveling therapists and the shark of our oceans. And, just like shark, we need you. You’re as integral to the healthcare industry

In terms of patients, the great white is one that seems almost too difficult to handle. In the realm of travel therapy, whether you practice physical therapy or occupational therapy, you will encounter all kinds of personalities. Some patients are easy going and can have a sense of humor about their situation. Others have been through a lot of trauma and as a result can seem standoffish and even aggressive. The way you deal with each type of personality will vary – sometimes you have to use a little tough love, other times you can use the power of laughter to heal. Now imagine that each of those personalities was a different breed of shark. There’s the sleek and cunning tiger shark, the gentle and docile nurse shark  and the great white shark with its awesome power. Let’s pair up the sharks with their corresponding patient personalities.

By getting out and facing new trials, you’ll become a better therapist. While some might think of a career in health care as a job that requires stability of location, there are actually many opportunities for travel and adventure. In fact, travel therapists are like the gypsies of the health care world. If you’re interested in becoming a travel therapist, here are few things to know. You get to see the whole country Travel therapists can choose from thousands of opportunities around the country. Spend six weeks in a fast-paced metropolitan area on the east coast, then head south and spend a month in a beach community in Florida.

Turn your bad day around before it gets worse. Take a deep breath – right here – and read on.   Bad days happen, and as most nurses can tell you, usually one bad thing tends leads to another like a terrible chain reaction. You spilled your coffee right before you were about to head out the door. Your car didn’t start and you were late to work. A patient yelled at you. Once you’ve acknowledge that you’re going to be in a grumpy mood, you’re probably going to stay in that mood the rest of the day. And there’s nothing worse than the advice, “Don’t worry about it,” or “Just smile!” If you need a practical solution to turn your bad day around before it gets worse, then take a deep breath – right here – and read on:

Ready to take your career on the road?   As a licensed therapist, you’ve worked hard to pursue a rewarding career. But have you ever wished that you had more opportunities to travel? Or perhaps wanted to escape to a warm climate during the colder months of the year? Your career and your sense of adventure don’t have to be separate areas of your life. Whether you’re just beginning your career or are looking for a change after years onthe job, consider indulging your sense of adventure while building your resume by working as a travel therapist.