We’ve been working closely with our senior living clients who’ve all responded exceptionally to COVID-19. Some measures we’ve seen them take are:
Providing personal video messages from the CEO and leadership teams to keep residents educated about the development of COVID-19 within their respective communities. Testing Facilities
Teams are leveraging iPads and other handheld technologies to help residents connect with their loved ones virtually!
Sharing touching moments in the media to remind us of the positives during this time. Senior living staff are also teaching their residents new skills like how to shop online.
Additionally, some of the communities we serve are working on rapid testing availability.
Overall, it’s incredible to see how senior living leadership is working together during this time to protect their residents. It’s a reminder that even in the darkest of times, the goodness of humanity always shines through.
At ultraHealth Agency we pride ourselves in our hiring process. One important element is our interview process. Prior to interviewing anyone, our recruiters take the time to thoroughly comb through each resume that comes in. On average, recruiters take 6 seconds to look at a resume. Not us. If they have the basic qualifications we take a closer look. A bulk of the interview process starts with the resume, and then phone interview. After that we bring in each qualifying candidate to meet our Director of Talent Acquisition and Director of Placement for an in person interview. It allows us to get to know who they are and vice versa.
Today, this has become a challenge we can not overcome due to the COVID-19 pandemic. So we adjusted. We decided to implement video interviews. It’s not ideal for our model, however the process up to this point has remained the same.
It been about 3.5 weeks now since we have adopted this method and we have come to realize there are some unique advantages of doing this as well as challenges. Unlike our other challenges, we can overcome these.
Whether your team has experience with video interviews or not, it’s important to prepare yourself for the adaptation of a digital interview process. In no way do we want to come across unprofessional. Having the ability to polish your process will help both the interviewer and candidate .
We’ve developed the following 5 tips for a successful video interview process plus a bonus tip: :
Make sure your equipment is ready to go
Do some research on what equipment you will need, and make sure that it is something that you , your team, and the candidate can easily use. We have been using zoom. We make sure ahead of time that the invite is easy to understand. Our connections are ready to go, and our mic and sound are clear. I will admit, initially I had some trouble connecting my ear pods! Right now we have a full house and everyone is working in some capacity. It’s loud, so it’s important to find a quiet place. Silence your other devices and mute notifications. . Understand what you need to connect. If possible try to logon early. In the event technical difficulties arise, have a backup plan. Something I’ve noticed is during this time many providers are offering free trials for video conferencing. Zoom allows for the first 40 minutes free! There are other platforms that are completely free such as Google Hangouts.
Understand your process
Understanding how you will conduct your interview is important. It’s even more important to convey this to your hiring team. Outline what will be needed during the interview. When we interview candidates we evaluate a few different qualities they may have. At the top would be : How do they come off when they interview? This matters because if they move on to the next step of the hiring process they will need to sit in front of the hiring manager. We are staffing nurses primarily. Most likely they will continue to interview via video conference. It’s important that they have a good presence and it’s properly projected during this virtual process. As the recruiter and interviewer it’s important that we help them with this. We are only able to do that if we know what we are looking for and at during the interview.
Keep your candidate in the loop
Make sure that your candidate understands your expectations, just as you would during an in person interview. This method is an adjustment in itself so its help to provide them with this ahead of time, preferably during the phone interview and reiterate it with a follow up email. Thank them for applying, give them the necessary information needed to logon for the video interview. Explain to them what you will be going over and for good measure offer them the opportunity to reach out if they have any questions prior to the interview; whether it be about the position or the video process.
Optics
Even though this is a video interview, make sure you speak with your candidate the same way you would if they were right in front of you. Be aware of your body language and theirs as well. Sit up straight, keep eye contact, and nod when appropriate to show you are following along. Another important factor is dress. They can only see the top half so make sure it’s your best half! Looking presentable will make you look professional, and don’t forget to smile, it goes a long way!
The Interview
We work in the healthcare space. Right now especially, it’s crucial that qualified people are finding work. They are needed more than ever. During our interviews we introduce ourselves, talk about who we are as an agency and how we are here to help them. If it’s applicable, highlight your company culture or core values. Talk about your mission and how you’ve helped in the past. Painting a clear picture of who you are will put them at ease. They will know they are in good hands and will want to work with you. Review your phone interview notes and continue to take notes. Give them the respect they deserve by being attentive, in a quiet environment, remain considerate and compassionate. Should there be a technical issue on their side, don’t hold it against them. We are all trying. Thank them for their time and let them know you will be in touch.
Optional: Implement a feedback process
If this is a new process it’s important to know what you did right and what you didn’t get so right. You can create a simple feedback survey. Keep the questions general, ask about how they felt , the technical process and what we could have done differently. This will allow you to improve your overall process as you go along.
An important reason why we conduct in person interviews is because we focus on a particular area in Los Angeles, Ca. It has allowed us to maintain the growth we desire without compromising our quality to attention for each and every candidate. What we have found is that this will give us the opportunity to expand our business beyond the City of Angels. For ultraHealth Agency, we want to make sure we stay as true to our process as possible. This is just another way we are able to do so.
ultraHealth Agency in Pasadena, Ca just announced their new hiring initiative called HIRE NOW. They will be able to provide staffing for hospitals and care facilities for a one set fee. They will provide quality talent at a valued price.
The world is experiencing a crisis like no other. It is important that we adhere to the recommendations set forth. While we take this time to take a step back and stay home with our loved ones, our healthcare professionals are at the frontline of this crisis. ultraHealth realizes the importance of having an experienced workforce during these times.
“Above all we are here to help “
-Dane Flanigan ultraHealth Agency CEO.
877.390. 0992
ultrahealthagency.com info@ultrahealthagency.com
Take steps to protect yourself
Clean your hands often
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.
Avoid touchingyour eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands
Avoid close contact
Avoid close contact with people who are sick
Put distance between yourself and otherpeople if COVID-19 is spreading in your community. This is especially important for people who are at higher risk of getting very sick.
Take steps to protect others
Stay home/ Social Distancing
Stay in touch with your doctor. Call before you get medical care. Be sure to get care if you feel worse or you think it is an emergency.
Cover: Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
Dispose: Throw used tissues in a lined trash can.
Wash hands: Immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
Do not share: Do not share dishes, drinking glasses, cups, eating utensils, towels, or bedding with other people in your home.
Wash thoroughly after use: After using these items, wash them thoroughly with soap and water or put in the dishwasher
Clean and disinfect: Routinely clean high-touch surfaces in your “sick room” and bathroom
Watch for symptomsThe following symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposureIf you develop emergency warning signs for COVID-19 get medical attention immediately. Emergency warning signs include*:Difficulty breathing or shortness of breathPersistent pain or pressure in the chestNew confusion or inability to arouseBluish lips or face
What To Do if You Are Sick Call ahead: If you have a medical appointment, call your doctor’s office or emergency department, and tell them you have or may have COVID-19. This will help the office protect themselves and other patients. People who are mildly ill with COVID-19 are able to recover at home. Do not leave, except to get medical care. Do not visit public areas.If you are sick: You should wear a facemask when you are around other people and before you enter a healthcare provider’s office.If you are caring for others: If the person who is sick is not able to wear a facemask (for example, because it causes trouble breathing), then people who live in the home should stay in a different room. When caregivers enter the room of the sick person, they should wear a facemask. Visitors, other than caregivers, are not recommendedFollow care instructions from your healthcare provider and local health department: Your local health authorities will give instructions on checking your symptoms and reporting information
There is a simple proverb told in the countryside of South India. If two good people coming from opposite directions are walking on the same narrow footpath, there will be three roads. If there is one good person, there will be two roads.
If both are bad people, there will be only one road. Probably this needs a little explanation. If both of the people are good, both will give Room for the other one to walk on the path. That means they will create two more paths,emptying the center one. There will be three paths and they will comfortably pass, Smiling at each other.
If there is one good fellow and one bad fellow, the good fellow will move out of the way and give room on the path for the bad fellow. So there will be two paths.When both are bad fellows, they will come and push each other. “Hey, You! Get out!” “No, no, no! You get out!”
There will be only one path. The moral of the story is this: If you want peace forget yourself. Think of the benefit of the other fellow first. “How can I serve you? How can I make you comfortable?” That’s the way it should be.
Giving brings harmony. Love and give, love and give. Think of the other person first. With this kind of attitude, The whole world will be a fantastic place.
How To Meditate:
Sit Still Just be still. Outer stillness will lead to inner stillness.
Relax
It’s not a process. You just let go. Surrender. It’s a beautiful thing.
Pay Attention
To nothing in particular. Just be aware.
Let the happiness bubble up!
Guru’s Book Club: The Golden Present – Sri Swami Satchidananda Getting Past No; Negotiating your way from confrontation to cooperation – William Ury The Alchemist – Paulo Coelho Autobiography of a Yogi – Paramahansa Yogananda
Special Message from the Guru Whatever you want in your life, you want it because you love it. Take a moment and think about it. You don’t want things you don’t love, do you? Every person only want what they love;
Nobody wants what they don’t love. Talk about what you love. Talk about who you love. Be mindful of your words, thoughts, and your actions.
Give Love, Spread Love, Be Love.
Press Play to Enter Nirvana
Ask A Guru: Send questions to myke@ultrahealthagency.com and look for your answer in next month’s newsletter!
A Pasadena-based medical staffing company that connects medical professionals with hospitals and specialty care facilities has launched a new hiring program where these facilities can hire quality talent now and pay a set fee later.
ultraHealth Agency company officials said they started the program, called Hire Now, in response to the increasing need for more competent health care workers due to the COVID-19 emergency.
Hire Now includes marketing, a dedicated coordinator who will conduct one-on-one interviews, and credentialing services. It also allows healthcare facilities to fill multiple positions at a discounted price of $500 per hire, the company announced.
“Above all we are here to help and although we do have a business to operate, we feel as if we can be of service to the community,” Dane Flanigan, ultraHealth Agency CEO, said. “It is our social responsibility to do God’s work and help the best way we can. We realize the gravity of the situation and we need to do our best. We pray for the people that have been affected and we send our deepest condolences to those who have lost loved ones.”
The Hire Now program requires no upfront cost for the hiring employer, and ultraHealth provides a 90-day guarantee for each hire.
“Should the candidate need to be replaced for any reason within the 90-day period, we will gladly do so at no additional cost,” ultraHeath said.
The Hire Now program covers Level 1 licensed vocational nurses (LVNs) and Level 1 and 2 registered nurses (RNs), according to the company website.
ultraHealth said they source local California-based medical professionals that are “credentialed, compassionate, and professional.”
“The company has gained a high reputation in the San Gabriel Valley area for having some of the best staff in the country,” the company said.
