My company began it's 10th year of staffing this past July. The focus has always been Radiology, Cardiology and Oncology. However, this year, due to doors opened, relationships formed, and the turn in economy,I have decided to branch out!

XRAYZ 4U, started in 2000, on the premise that it would support local temp needs in the Washington DC area. That only lasted about a day! It's been nationwide since the beginning, handling direct hire placements as well, and delving into Cardiology and Oncology right off the bat.

It is time for a name change, and I'm hoping to tap into the talent of RT's and the like out there, to comment back with their ideas for me!

WE have to work together, to keep our industry and the economy as strong as possible. Thanks to all professionals out there who deliver excellent patient care and compassion.

To address the growing concern within Radiololgy about one's future stability for employment, I decided to put out this blog, in true hopes that maybe by putting it in writing (and saying a prayer), that times will change for 2009. I have been witness this past year to a number of technologists who have had to file for unemployment, being either laid off, or for those who have been doing contract work, just not having the jobs out there to take. It really is scary and depressing. I think that everyone is aware of some of the factors, at least these are the factors that I think are most accountable for our "tough times" right now. 1. Schools continuing to push through 30+ students a year in Radiography (when in most recent years, those that have graduated had not found employment quickly) 2. The baby-boomers who were set to begin retiring and till 2010-2012, not having that luxury anymore because of the economy. 3. The geographical trends-housing market being so poor for the past 2-3 years, that even for those who could or would relocate, could not because they could not afford to lose that much on their real estate property, when salaries were never adjusted due to gas or real estate fluctuations. One thing that at least being on the temp staffing end, we've been able to control and keep our techs, pay them a bit more when gas prices were high, etc. But, I do realize that hospitals and such do not have that type of month to month luxury. Let's talk about Ultrasound for a moment. For those of you who may be reading this that are ARDMS, please pat yourself on your back. And, for those who are not-I urge you to make it a priority to sit for that exam. The industry is such that new grads for the most part have not been finding employment the past couple of years. Additionally, I've seen a number of experienced, but just not registered techs, being "terminated" because they did not hold up their end of employment by taking and passing the ARDMS in the first year of employment. This is so unfortunate. I really believe that alot of employers really just need to give those people a chance, hold their hand, etc. (the way it used to be done). These individuals could have had 3-6 more months of training, job would be filled. Instead, that permanent opening just sits there. This is particulary difficult in rural areas, where recruiting is even more challenging.

Now, I have to believe that things will get back to some normal life for those out there who are not working full time. All my best to you and all your efforts. Please do whatever you can do to keep your skills up, even if that means only a PRN position. The next challenge then 1-2 years from now, when things probably will start turning around, is candidates being turned down, because they no longer have "recent experience". I hope that everyone had a joyous holiday, and will have a happy new year. I can say that personally, here at XRAYZ 4U, it has been another very rewarding year. There is hope, and we all just have to hang onto that.

In my days of working as a staff tech (xr, mammo and CT) from the years of 1993-2000, I had the luxury of spending 3 of those years as a traveler. Back then, I could choose a number of assignments at any given time, command more money than, what I can offer now (7-8 years Later). Those were the good old days as some techs know. New graduates are expecting to travel, don't expect that. First of all, I have never recommended it, so I have NEVER hired them for travel work. New graduates should take a permanent postion somewhere for about 2 years before changing into another position. It is so crucial for them to solidify what they have learned in school. You cannot do that on the road. There is an expectation from facilities ground running". This is simply not possible for a new graduate becuase it takes at least 3-6 mths of being a "tech" not a student to gain that confidence and expertise. Ok, off that bandwagon. Travel can be great, the best part being the travel itself I think. Being able to go around the country and not have to pay for it, hey who would not want that. Being able to work in different environments (indian reservations, covering strikes, small rural hospitals, etc.) All of this only adds to your confidence level and helps you flourish in your career. But, the truth is that travel is slow, less job orders for travel. And, when they do go out, many agencies are trying to fill the same job-so with the rad techs I usually see 20-30 submissions within 1 day from companies all over the country trying to fill 1 13 week contract. Of course the facility is overwhelmed by this many submissions, so how do they make their decision? Part of it may be the bill rate, of course it should be the experience level, the availibility, the equipment match, and so on. But not always! Right now is not the best time to start traveling across the board in Radiology. The best modalities are Ultrasound, General, Echo and vascular-so long as you are registered!

The attached tips are what I recommend to my candidates and I pass this on to everyone out there as well!

For those of you who may either be new graduates or just looking for a position and may need assistance with your resume. Please review the attached.