Kellion Johnson joins Eskridge & Associates

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

"Kellion Johnson has recently joined Eskridge & Associates as a Physician Recruiter. "

Round Rock, TX, March 28, 2008. - Eskridge & Associates is excited to announce Kellion “KJ” Johnson has recently joined the sales team as an Associate Physician Recruiter. Mr Johnson has a strong technology sales and consulting background after having spent close to five years with Dell, Inc., where he held various positions from Sr. Account Manager to Technical Sales Consultant specializing in servers, storage, and networking. At Dell, he was recognized and honored for multiple Team Player, Customer Experience, and Rep of the Quarter awards for his hard work and dedication to excellence on both the internal and consumer sides of the business.. "I have known KJ for about a year and count myself very lucky to have him on our team. I am looking forward to working with him," says Bob Eskridge, President of Eskridge & Associates.

Kellion attended The University of Texas at Austin for his undergraduate career with a focus in Psychology/Pre-Medical, minoring in Biochemistry. After deciding to take some time off after graduation, Kellion held both sales and supervisory roles in the residential, restaurant, and healthcare industries.

Personally, Kellion’s interests lie in multiple outdoor sports, multiple disciplines of martial arts, to include Shaolin-Do Kung Fu where he is a 1st degree brown belt, gaming, culinary arts, poetry, and spending time with his son..

About Eskridge & Associates. Eskridge & Associates (www.eskridge-associates.com) is a service disabled, veteran owned, small business (SDVOSB), recruiting Physicians of all specialties for locum tenens (contact) and permanent employment opportunities in hospitals and practices nationwide.

For more information:

CONTACT:

Bob Eskridge, CPC, CTS, PRC, CSP, CERS
President &
Board Certified Physician Recruiter
Eskridge & Associates
512.244.7023 (Office)
512.532.0771 (fax)

Member - National Coalition of Healthcare Recruiters
Member - National Association of Physician Recruiters
Member - National Association of Personnel Services
"A Service Disabled, Veteran-owned, Small Business"

"Top Ten Most Dependable Search Firm in Texas - Texas Monthly Magazine, Jan 08"

Visit our website: http://www.eskridge-associates.com

Managing the Next Generations

We’ve all heard stories about the younger generations – the “slacker” Generation X, the inexperienced Generation Y (or N-Gens) – and how their work values and efforts are much different than the Baby Boomers who are starting to retire. Researchers have noted that the events happening while an individual comes of age greatly impacts how the person perceives work and how he or she will typically perform as an employee. A group of people reaching adulthood at a particular time, called a group of cohorts, tend to have similar characteristics.

With a shifting work population we will see changes in what an employee values, how they respond to authority, and what will motivate them to do their best. Truly, the workforce will look different in 10-15 years, and managers must prepare for the future.
That preparation starts during the recruiting process. By understanding a cohort’s characteristics, a recruiter can more effectively place an individual, and an employer can manage the professional to the greatest benefit for both the company and the employee.

The generations taking over for the retiring Baby Boomers are technically savvy and un-intimidated by authority. They communicate best when the conversation is interactive – even if the communication tool is an instant message or an email. Gen X’ers tend to be goal-oriented, adaptable, and independent; they have a strong interest in balancing work and life, and place more importance on their careers than on loyalty to an employer. For this reason, employers who offer opportunities for advancement and self-improvement will best motivate this cohort. Gen Y’ers like to work in teams, but have a strong need to assert their individuality. This group will work well in self-directed teams, in a position that offers flexible hours. Mentoring programs can be especially effective.

A physician recruiter takes time to understand the characteristics of different cohorts, as well as the qualifications, personality, and desired work environment of the candidate. At the same time, the recruiter become familiar with the client’s work culture and expectations. From this information, he or she can help place a cohort into the position that will work best for both the client and the physician.

Eskridge & Associates: Nikkisa Christian joins the team

Round Rock, TX, February 12, 2008. Eskridge & Associates is excited to announce Nikkisa Christian has recently joined the sales team as a Physician Recruiter. Ms Christian has a strong background in sales and consulting, mainly in the field of technology. "I have known Nikkisa for about a year and count myself very lucky to have her join us. I am looking forward to working with her," says Bob Eskridge, President of Eskridge & Associates.


Ms Christian spent her undergraduate at the University of Missouri-Columbia in physics before realizing computer science was a better fit. Early in her career she was in supervisory sales roles and did marketing pieces for Socket Holding Corp. for their internet sales division. When she relocated to Austin, TX she went to work for Dell, Inc. at their corporate headquarters. She spent over four years with Dell as a Sr. Account Manager starting in their Channel (VAR) division working with Major Accounts before moving into Direct Sales in their Middle Market Corporate division. She’s worked with small businesses and global corporations across a wide range of industries including Banking, Retail, Sports, Real Estate, and more.

Nikkisa also has experience in the game development industry and continues to do freelance writing. Her main interests include gaming, writing, almost anything related to the internet, satisfying the demands of her dog, and Shaolin-Do Kung Fu where she is a 2nd degree brown belt.

About Eskridge & Associates. Eskridge & Associates (www.eskridge-associates.com) is a service disabled, veteran owned, small business (SDVOSB), recruiting Physicians of all specialties for locum tenens (contact) and permanent employment opportunities in hospitals and practices nationwide.

For more information:

Bob Eskridge, CPC, CTS, PRC, CSP, CERS
President &
Board Certified Physician Recruiter
Eskridge & Associates
512.244.7023 (Office)
512.532.0771 (fax)

Member - National Coalition of Healthcare Recruiters
Member - National Association of Physician Recruiters
Member - National Association of Personnel Services
"A Service Disabled, Veteran-owned, Small Business"


"Top Ten Most Dependable Search Firm in Texas - Texas Monthly Magazine, Jan 08"

Visit our website: http://www.eskridge-associates.com/

Eskridge & Associates: Stephen Thurmond joins the Team

Round Rock, TX, February 29, 2008. Eskridge & Associates is excited to announce Steve Thurmond has recently joined the sales team as an Account Executive based out of Nashville, TN. Steve's background is in sales, marketing, and promotions. "We are all very excited to have Steve join us and look forward to working with him," says Bob Eskridge, President of Eskridge & Associates.

Steve began his career as a sales executive with the Los Angeles based marketing and advertising firm, MTI Studios, were he provided comprehensive media, marketing, and campaign solutions to hospitals, Banks, and other service industry focused clientèle throughout the Southeast. Steve also co-owns and operates a small firm - HTS Marketing - that provides web development solutions for clients nationwide. In addition, Steve has owned and operated a concert promotions company -Dimensions of Sound - for over six years, bringing sights and sounds to thousands in “Music City USA”.

Steve graduated with a BS in Business Management from Middle Tennessee State University, and an AS in Mass Communications from Chattanooga State Technical Community College. He is also a licensed realtor with Keller Williams Realty in Nashville, TN.

About Eskridge & Associates. Eskridge & Associates (www.eskridge-associates.com) is a service disabled, veteran owned, small business (SDVOSB), recruiting Physicians of all specialties for locum tenens (contact) and permanent employment opportunities in hospitals and practices nationwide.

CONTACT:

Bob Eskridge, CPC, CTS, PRC, CSP, CERS
President &
Board Certified Physician Recruiter
Eskridge & Associates
www.eskridge-associates.com
512.244.7023 (Office)
512.532.0771 (fax)

Member - National Coalition of Healthcare Recruiters
Member - National Association of Physician Recruiters
Member - National Association of Personnel Services
"A Service Disabled, Veteran-owned, Small Business"

"Top Ten Most Dependable Search Firm in Texas - Texas Monthly Magazine, Jan 08"

Eskridge & Associates: Bob Eskridge selected as Training Chairman.

Round Rock, TX, February 22, 2008. Bob Eskridge, President of Eskridge & Associates has accepted the position as the Training Chairman for the National Coalition of Healthcare Recruiters (NCHCR) based out of San Clemente, CA. Mr Eskridge’s duties will include teaming with other interested senior members of the coalition to develop a training program for all members to continue to refine their skills. “Bob Eskridge is only one of the handful of successful physician recruiters with such impressive credentials. We are very fortunate that he has agreed to chair the training committee,” says John Frey, President, NCHCR.

Bob Eskridge is certified through the National Association of Personnel Services, as a Certified Personnel Consultant for Permanent Placements, Certified Temporary Staffing Specialist, Certified Physician Recruiter, Certified Employee Retention Specialist in addition to being a Certified Staffing Professional through the American Staffing Association.

About Eskridge & Associates. Eskridge & Associates (www.eskridge-associates.com) is a service disabled, veteran owned, small business (SDVOSB), recruiting Physicians of all specialties for locum tenens (contact) and permanent employment opportunities in hospitals and practices nationwide.

About the National Coalition of Healthcare Recruiters. NCHCR (www.nchcr.com) is a forum exclusively for the independent healthcare recruiter. The coalition encourages the utilization of tools and education to assist in the development of its partner companies and services.

About the National Association of Personnel Services. NAPS (www.recruitinglife.com) has been the staffing industry educator since 1961 and enjoys its reputation as the oldest industry association. We continue to maintain the position as the search and staffing industry educator through our certification program, continuing education initiatives, eLearning and our annual conference.

About The American Staffing Association. ASA (www.americanstaffing.net) promotes legal, ethical, and professional practices for the staffing industry. The voice of the U.S. staffing industry, ASA and its affiliated chapters promote the interests of the industry through legal and legislative advocacy, public relations, education, and the establishment of high standards of ethical conduct.

CONTACT:

Bob Eskridge, CPC, CTS, PRC, CSP, CERS
President &
Board Certified Physician Recruiter
Eskridge & Associates
www.eskridge-associates.com
512.244.7023 (Office)
512.532.0771 (fax)

Member - National Coalition of Healthcare Recruiters
Member - National Association of Physician Recruiters
Member - National Association of Personnel Services
"A Service Disabled, Veteran-owned, Small Business"

"Top Ten Most Dependable Search Firm in Texas - Texas Monthly Magazine, Jan 08"

Eskridge & Associates: A Recruiter’s New Years’ Resolutions

A new year is an excellent time for looking back over the past and re-dedicating yourself to the work you love. I have taken the opportunity to count my blessing for all the great clients and candidates that I have encountered in 2007 and look forward to continued as well as new relationships in 2008. I’ve reflected over my role as a physician recruiter, and in the coming year, I resolve the following:

1. I resolve to always treat each physician candidate with the same consideration that I’d what top be treated.
2. I resolve to stop making coffee while profiling candidates.
3. I resolve to hone my knowledge of current issues and news about recruiting so that I can offer organizations and candidates the best services and opportunities.
4. I resolve to get a clearer picture of each open position to ensure I know as much as possible that will fit the right candidate to the right job.
5. I resolve to learn more about my own potential ailments through a sweeping generalized search of Internet medical information and pepper my personal physician with tons of “what about this one’s.”
6. I resolve to use my knowledge of employment and staffing to become a more active voice and helpful resource in the ongoing employment challenges with retention and job satisfaction.
7. I resolve to continue training my own recruiters, as well as encourage other recruiters, to uphold the highest ethics and principles of our profession.
8. I resolve to medically treat myself through the Internet advice I receive on rapid heartbeat, a feeling of elation, sweating palms, and the desire to shout “YEHAA!” (Yes, I am a Texan) whenever I’ve facilitated a perfect match between an employer and a physician.
9. I resolve to “go the extra mile” by expanding my business services in travel arrangements, so that physicians can look to me for a complete solution to cross-country relocations or locum travel arrangements.
10. I resolve to take myself less seriously and take my job placement mission even more seriously.

Respectfully Submitted

About Eskridge & Associates. Eskridge & Associates is a service disabled, veteran owned, small business (SDVOSB), recruiting Physicians of all specialties for locum tenens and permanent employment opportunities in hospitals and practices nationwide.

CONTACT:

Bob Eskridge, CPC, CTS, PRC, CSP, CERS
President &
Board Certified Physician Recruiter
Eskridge & Associates
www.eskridge-associates.com
512.244.7023 (Office)
512.532.0771 (fax)

Member - National Coalition of Healthcare Recruiters
Member - National Association of Personnel Services
"A Service Disabled, Veteran-owned, Small Business"

"Top Ten Most Dependable Search Firm in Texas - Texas Monthly, Jan 08"

Eskridge & Associates: Preparing for the Future

Board-Certified Physician Recruiting, Part 4

In other blog posts in this series, I have described why it benefits clients and physicians to work with a board-certified recruiter, what each of the certifications mean to someone who is looking for a recruiter, and how the ongoing education of certified recruiters will help both hiring managers and candidates. In this last post, I want to talk about how certified recruiters play a crucial role in the future of the staffing and medical industries.

Many changes are in store for the staffing profession, and recruiters must respond to new challenges. One of the biggest issues in the staffing profession as a whole is the ability to attract and retain top talent. For every ten professionals who leave the workplace, only four or five physicians are replacing them. Certified physician recruiters can help alleviate the problems of retention when they facilitate discussions with clients on retention issues and best practices. They can provide solid advice on managing the workplace to minimize attrition. Those recruiters who are certified through NAPS have the advantage of a wide network of information and resources to remain on top of current issues and trends.

Certified recruiters can be a source of guidance and counsel for HR professionals and hospital environments as they work with personnel issues. Physicians who change practices are making a decision that affects them and their families deeply - especially if they are relocating. These decisions are not made lightly, and any difficulties along the way can greatly affect their attitude and response to their new employer. When recruiters ensure that procedures are followed when a physician is hired, and make sure that no steps are missed during the process, physicians are assured of a smooth transition and a favorable impression of the new organization. Ongoing reviews of the situation, with both the client and the physician, can help uncover problems with the position that are more easily resolved if caught early on. The physician recruiter is a key part of retention and satisfaction in the client/physician relationship.

In fact, board certified recruiters can be seen as the ultimate professionals in the personnel arena. Just as someone would go to an accountant for tax issues or a lawyer for legal problems, when you have staffing, employment or retention questions, you should contact your recruiter. By working with a certified professional, you are assured that you’re contacting a professional who has gone the extra mile to learn all he or she can about the profession. You are working with a staffing expert who has high standards and an up-to-date education about the industry.

About Eskridge & Associates. Eskridge & Associates is a service disabled, veteran owned, small business (SDVOSB), recruiting Physicians of all specialties for locum tenens and permanent employment opportunities in hospitals and practices nationwide.

CONTACT:

Bob Eskridge, CPC, CTS, PRC, CSP, CERS
President &
Board Certified Physician Recruiter
Eskridge & Associates
www.eskridge-associates.com
512.244.7023 (Office)
512.532.0771 (fax)

Member - National Coalition of Healthcare Recruiters
Member - National Association of Personnel Services
"A Service Disabled, Veteran-owned, Small Business"

Eskridge & Associates is a Texas Top Ten Executive Search Firm!

Round Rock, TX, December 15, 2007. Eskridge & Associates has been selected as one of the Top Ten Most Dependable Executive Search Firms and Staffing Agencies in the state of Texas as determined by Goldline Research. The full list was published in the January 2008 issue of Texas Monthly magazine. Firms were selected based on excellent client references, no grievances or lawsuits, having more than 60 clients, eight or more years of industry experience, and no client loss within the last 12 months. Eskridge and Associates was the only firm that specializes in physicians and is the only service disabled, veteran–owned small business selected. “We are extremely happy to be selected for this top ten list and continue to work hard to meet the needs of our clients and candidates,” says Bob Eskridge, President of Eskridge and Associates.

About Eskridge & Associates. Eskridge & Associates (www.eskridge-associates.com) is a service disabled, veteran owned, small business (SDVOSB), recruiting Physicians of all specialties for locum tenens (contact) and permanent employment opportunities in hospitals and practices nationwide.

CONTACT:
Bob Eskridge, PRC, CPC, CTS, CERS
President
Eskridge & Associates
(p) 512.244.7023
(f) 512.532.0771
bob@eskridge-associates.com
www.eskridge-associates.com

Member - National Coalition of Healthcare Recruiters
Member - National Association of Personnel Services
"A Service Disabled, Veteran-Owned Small Business"

Eskridge & Associates: A Recruiter’s Ongoing Education

Board-Certified Physician Recruiting, Part 3

Certification is a process that benefits the recruiter, the client, the physician, and the recruiting profession as a whole. In the first blog post of this series, I talked about why this certification is important to a physician or hiring manager. The knowledge that a recruiter absorbs in the certification effort pays big dividends to their candidates and clients, because they are the tops in their professional knowledge. In my second post, I outlined the various certifications and which specialties are most likely to benefit candidates and clients. In this post, I’d like to explain the process for a recruiter to remain certified, and how that assures you, as either a client or physician, that your recruiter has a strong working knowledge of today’s trends, legislation, staffing issues, and current events in the staffing profession. Certified recruiters are always the most educated leaders of the field.

To remain certified, staffing professionals must complete 50 hours of professional development or training experiences in each three year period after certification. The NAPS certification states that if the continuing education requirement is not met every three years, the recruiter’s certification rights will be revoked.

However, the continuing education can be met in a variety of ways. There is no standard procedure or specific course of study to retain the certification. This benefits recruiters as they can take advantage of the educational media and subjects that suit their individual growth plans, local issues, and specialized interests. Anything that recruiters learn to enhance their ability to perform professionally and serve their clients and candidates can be submitted for continuing education credit. For example, a recruiter might study personal productivity books or read industry-specific training magazine. Studying a book is worth 5 hours or .5 Continuing Education Credits (CEUs). Recruiters are expected to complete 50 hours of learning, which can be satisfied by a number of learning opportunities. They can complete classroom training, attend seminars or conferences, study training materials, or meet with industry experts.

These requirements ensure the public that the recruiter remains up-to-date on all aspects of his or her profession. Rather than just responding to industry changes, the recruiter becomes an industry leader who helps guide his or her clients and candidates through new issues in the field. These specialists have resources and knowledge at their disposal that go beyond the reach of the average non-certified recruiter. To answer the question – How do you choose a recruiting professional? The answer is ask if they are a board certified recruiter!

About Eskridge & Associates. Eskridge & Associates is a service disabled, veteran owned, small business (SDVOSB), recruiting Physicians of all specialties for locum tenens and permanent employment opportunities in hospitals and practices nationwide.

CONTACT:

Bob Eskridge, CPC, CTS, PRC, CSP, CERS
President &
Board Certified Physician Recruiter
Eskridge & Associates
www.eskridge-associates.com
512.244.7023 (Office)
512.532.0771 (fax)

Member - National Coalition of Healthcare Recruiters
Member - National Association of Personnel Services
"A Service Disabled, Veteran-owned, Small Business"

Eskridge & Associates: Types of Physician Recruiting Certification

In my previous post, I talked about why medical facilities and physicians should work with board-certified physician recruiters. Today I’d like to explain the different certification designations and what each one indicates.

The National Association of Personnel Services (NAPS) is the board that provides education and the certification process for recruiters. There are several types of recruiting certifications. Currently, there are more than 10,000 professionals designated as Certified Personnel Consultants (CPC) or Certified Temporary-Staffing Specialists (CTS) through NAPS, while more than 300 professionals hold both certifications. The Physician Recruiting Consultant (PRC) is a third certification that focuses exclusively on the nuances of placing physicians in both permanent positions as well as contract or locum tenens positions. These recruiters are thoroughly familiar with physician training, licensing, credentialing and referencing of physician recruiting laws and regulations. A recruiter is required to take either the CPC or the CTS prior to being allowed to take the Physician Recruiting certification. The NAPS certification helps recruiting professionals become knowledgeable about employment law, changing regulations, best business practices and the highest standards of ethics in the industry.

The CPC certification focuses on direct hire placement. If you are a physician looking to join a hospital or new practice, you will do well to find a recruiter who has studied and become certified in this field. Hiring managers for an organization will also benefit from the experience of a CPC/PRC combination.

CTS certifications pertain to recruiters of locum tenens placements. Physicians looking for locum tenens work or clients who want to fill contract or temporary positions will appreciate the specialized education of CTS/PRC-certified recruiters.

Certification also requires candidates to have experience in the field in which they desire to become certified, whether that experience comes through employment as a recruiter, manager, HR professional, or other related role. In the past, recruiters were required to have two years of experience in the field before working toward certification, but now even a new recruiter can begin the certification process. If your recruiter tells you that he or she is working through the certification process, you know that the person is making an investment to grow and excel in the profession.

When a recruiter is certified, he or she must agree to uphold the National Association of Personnel Services (NAPS) Standards of Ethical Practices and certification program rules. In addition, the recruiter must participate in continuing education programs and re-certify every three years. The continuing education requirement helps keep recruiters current with legal, business and related practices.

As I mentioned in my previous blog post, certification enhances the recruiter’s career and aids in professional growth. Those recruiters who achieve certification stand out from all the other recruiters, and have the advantage of knowledge that makes their job easier than the average professional. Though the path to certification takes additional effort, the end results are well worth it.

About Eskridge & Associates. Eskridge & Associates is a service disabled, veteran owned, small business (SDVOSB), recruiting Physicians of all specialties for locum tenens and permanent employment opportunities in hospitals and practices nationwide.

CONTACT:

Bob Eskridge, CPC, CTS, PRC, CSP, CERS
President &
Board Certified Physician Recruiter
Eskridge & Associates
www.eskridge-associates.com
512.244.7023 (Office)
512.532.0771 (fax)

Member - National Coalition of Healthcare Recruiters
Member - National Association of Personnel Services
"A Service Disabled, Veteran-owned, Small Business"

Eskridge & Associates: Why Choose Certified Recruiters?

Whether you’re a client or a candidate, you may be wondering why it matters if your recruiter is board certified. Clients just want the right physician. Physicians just want the right job. What difference does it make if the recruiter has a certification or two?

Board certification is becoming more recognized all the time. Fortune magazine has actually recommended that clients ask their recruiters for certification (July 20, 1998 issue). Certification is an assurance that the recruiter you have chosen has made a large investment in his or her professional growth. The certification program through the National Association of Personnel Services provides information on key areas that a recruiter must know intimately, including employment law and regulations, standards of business practice, ADA, drug testing, contract issues, and standards of business practices. Not only must the recruiter have a solid understanding of these areas, he or she must also keep that information up-to-date through continuing education. Sound like a lot of work? Maybe, but in an industry of employment experts, a certified recruiter is at the top of the game.

Certification also provides recruiters with a set of standards and guidelines that help them respond to and resolve ethical dilemmas or difficult situations. These recruiters have the knowledge and experience of many other professionals to help guide their behavior and enable them to make quicker decisions. The certification is a reassurance that you have chosen an expert who holds themselves to high standards of quality.

Certification requires recruiters to learn all they can about their profession, and no learning is ever lost. As a client, if you have thorny question on employment you can have a higher level of confidence in the answers a certified recruiter can provide over a non-certified recruiter. As a physician, if you contact your recruiter with concerns about your contract, they will more likely be able to offer the right solution or an alternative solution as a result of being very familiar with the legislation regarding the Stark Laws, for instance. The continuing education requirement will keep recruiters informed about all that is new in the industry, as well as growing each recruiter as a leader and professional. In the competitive field of recruiting, certification ensures you have the sharpest staffing professional representing your interests.

About Eskridge & Associates. Eskridge & Associates is a service disabled, veteran owned, small business (SDVOSB), recruiting Physicians of all specialties for locum tenens and permanent employment opportunities in hospitals and practices nationwide.

CONTACT:

Bob Eskridge, CPC, CTS, PRC, CSP
President &
Board Certified Physician Recruiter
Eskridge & Associates
www.eskridge-associates.com
512.244.7023 (Office)
512.532.0771 (fax)

Member - National Coalition of Healthcare Recruiters
Member - National Association of Personnel Services
"A Service Disabled, Veteran-owned, Small Business"