Thinking Outside the Box For Your Next Engagement
We’ve all heard the rumors. Client’s are reducing budgets, avoiding contractors, and limiting extensions. Epic needs are down, Meditech is a slow sinking ship, McKesson is for Legacy support only, and Siemens is dead…and no one is even talking Cerner. These rumors are somewhat true, but certainly are not the end of consulting as we know it. It simply means we have to start being aggressive, creative, and a bit more flexible. The days of having 2-3 year contracts within your specific vendor space is quickly coming to an end. So what can we do?
The very first friend I made in the world of consulting came from Cerner. Her analytical skills and workflow knowledge made her a great candidate to cross over into other vendor spaces. If Epic wasn’t all about certifications, many of us would have such opportunities. The timing and client was just right to break into Epic for her all those years ago. Could it still happen today? Well, we are seeing junior consultant programs growing to provide newly trained Epic resources. Why couldn’t that be a Senior Consultant from another vendor space? It can, but you’ll need to be flexible and market yourself creatively. Can you transfer your knowledge from Epic to other spaces? YES!! I’m seeing that everywhere.
Areas that are likely to continue to grow are not your traditional EHR systems. It’s time to look outside the box. Areas like Help Desk services is going to be big. Clients are starting to look for solutions to outsource their Help Desk coverage. Home Health has been overlooked, but is finally catching on to the benefits of newly developed software….and consultants are needed. Specialties like Dentistry, Orthopedics, and Physical Therapy are finally catching on as well. Do you have experience in any of these areas? Regardless of your traditional vendor training, consultants with experience in these areas are likely to continue to be tapped.
Look for firms with this type of “thinking outside the box” philosophy for your next opportunity. Don’t limit your resume to just vendor specific experience. Highlight your department workflow and cross vendor exposure to market yourself. None of us should be facing the bench with so much cross vendor opportunity happening now.
Where is the TSA Pre Check Line???
For your convenience, a complete listing of all the locations of TSA Pre Check Lines…
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American Airlines |
Location |
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Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) |
Checkpoint 2 |
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Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) |
Main Terminal, Checkpoint B; Terminal 3, Checkpoint 8 |
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Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG) |
Terminal 3, Main Checkpoint |
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Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE) |
South Checkpoint |
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Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) |
Terminal A, A35; C, C20; D, D30 |
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Denver International Airport (DEN) |
South Checkpoint |
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Dulles International Airport (IAD) |
Main Terminal, TSA Pre✓™ Checkpoint |
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Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) |
Main Checkpoint; North Checkpoint |
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Honolulu International Airport (HNL) |
Main Terminal, Checkpoint 5 |
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Indianapolis International Airport (IND) |
Main Terminal, Checkpoint A; Terminal 8, Main Checkpoint |
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John Wayne Airport (SNA) |
Checkpoint A2 |
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LaGuardia Airport (LGA) |
Central Terminal, Concourse D |
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Lambert-St. Louis International Airport (STL) |
Terminal C Checkpoint |
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Las Vegas’ McCarren International Airport (LAS) |
Terminal 1 |
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Logan International Airport (BOS) |
Terminal A Checkpoint |
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Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) |
Terminal 4 |
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Memphis International Airport (MEM) |
Checkpoint B |
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Miami International Airport (MIA) |
D2 Terminal Checkpoint |
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Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) |
Lindbergh Terminal, Checkpoint 4 |
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Nashville International Airport (BNA) |
Main Checkpoint; West Checkpoint |
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Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) |
Main Terminal |
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Portland International Airport (PDX) |
ABC Checkpoint |
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Raleigh–Durham International Airport (RDU) |
Terminal 2 Checkpoint |
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San Francisco International Airport (SFO) |
Terminal 2 |
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Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC) |
South Checkpoint |
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Alaska Airlines |
TSA Pre✓™ Location |
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Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) |
Checkpoint 2 |
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Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) |
Terminal 3, Checkpoint 8 |
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Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) |
Terminal E, E15 |
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Denver International Airport (DEN) |
South Checkpoint |
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George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) |
Terminal C, South Checkpoint |
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Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) |
Main Checkpoint; North Checkpoint |
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Honolulu International Airport (HNL) |
Main Terminal, Checkpoint 5 |
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John Wayne Airport (SNA) |
Checkpoint A2 |
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Las Vegas’ McCarren International Airport (LAS) |
Terminal 3 |
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Logan International Airport (BOS) |
Terminal A Checkpoint |
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Miami International Airport (MIA) |
D2 Terminal Checkpoint |
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Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) |
Lindbergh Terminal, Checkpoint 4 |
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Orlando International Airport (MCO) |
West Checkpoint |
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Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) |
Checkpoint D/E |
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Portland International Airport (PDX) |
ABC Checkpoint |
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Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) |
South Pier Gates 10-22 |
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Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) |
Terminal 2 Checkpoint |
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Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) |
Checkpoint 3 |
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Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC) |
South Checkpoint |
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DELTA |
TSA Pre✓™ Lane Location |
Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS)
Checkpoint 2
Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport
Checkpoint D
Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT)
Main Terminal, Checkpoint B
Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD)
Terminal 2 Checkpoint
Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG)
Terminal 3, Main Checkpoint
Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE)
South Checkpoint
Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)
Terminal E, E15
Denver International Airport (DEN)
South Checkpoint
Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW)
Checkpoint 2 on Ticketing Level
Dulles International Airport (IAD)
Main Terminal, TSA Pre✓™ Checkpoint
Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL)
Checkpoint D
Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
Main Checkpoint; North Checkpoint
Honolulu International Airport (HNL)
Main Terminal, Checkpoint 5
Indianapolis International Airport (IND)
Main Terminal, Checkpoint A
John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
Terminal 4, Main Checkpoint
John Wayne Airport (SNA)
Checkpoint A2
LaGuardia Airport (LGA)
Terminal D, Main Checkpoint
Las Vegas’ McCarren International Airport (LAS)
Terminal 1
Logan International Airport (BOS)
Terminal A Checkpoint
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
Terminal 5
Luis Muñoz Marin International Airport (SJU)
Main Terminal, Checkpoint 4
Memphis International Airport (MEM)
Checkpoint B
Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP)
Lindbergh Terminal, Checkpoint 4
Nashville International Airport (BNA)
Main Checkpoint
Orlando International Airport (MCO)
East Checkpoint
Philadelphia International Airport (PHL)
Checkpoint D/E
Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT)
Main Terminal
Portland International Airport (PDX)
ABC Checkpoint
Raleigh–Durham International Airport (RDU)
Terminal 2 Checkpoint
Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA)
South Pier Gates 10-22
Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC)
Terminal 2 Checkpoint
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)
Checkpoint 3
Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC)
South Checkpoint
Tampa International Airport (TPA)
Terminal E, Main Checkpoint
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UNITED AIRLINES |
TSA Pre✓™ Lane Location |
Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS)
Checkpoint 2
Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport
Checkpoint D
Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT)
Main Terminal, Checkpoint B
Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD)
Terminal 1 Checkpoint; Terminal 2 Checkpoint
Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG)
Terminal 3, Main Checkpoint
Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE)
South Checkpoint
Denver International Airport (DEN)
South Checkpoint
Dulles International Airport (IAD)
Main Terminal, TSA Pre✓™ Checkpoint
George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH)
Terminal C, South Checkpoint
Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
Main Checkpoint; North Checkpoint
Honolulu International Airport (HNL)
Main Terminal, Checkpoint 5
Indianapolis International Airport (IND)
Main Terminal, Checkpoint A
John Wayne Airport (SNA)
Checkpoint A2
Las Vegas’ McCarren International Airport (LAS)
Terminal 3
Logan International Airport (BOS)
Terminal A Checkpoint
Luis Muñoz Marin International Airport (SJU)
Main Terminal, Checkpoint 4
Memphis International Airport (MEM)
Checkpoint B
Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP)
Lindbergh Terminal, Checkpoint 4
Nashville International Airport (BNA)
Main Checkpoint
Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)
C3 Checkpoint
Orlando International Airport (MCO)
West Checkpoint
Philadelphia International Airport (PHL)
Checkpoint C; Checkpoint D/E
Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT)
Main Terminal
Portland International Airport (PDX)
ABC Checkpoint
Raleigh–Durham International Airport (RDU)
Terminal 2 Checkpoint
Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA)
South Pier Gates 10-22
San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
Terminal 3, Checkpoint F-3
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)
Checkpoint 3
Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC)
South Checkpoint
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US AIRLINES |
TSA Pre✓™ Location |
Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS)
Checkpoint 2
Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport
Checkpoint D
Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT)
Main Terminal, Checkpoint B
Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD)
Terminal 2 Checkpoint
Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG)
Terminal 3, Main Checkpoint
Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE)
South Checkpoint
Denver International Airport (DEN)
South Checkpoint
Dulles International Airport (IAD)
Main Terminal, TSA Pre✓™ Checkpoint
Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
Main Checkpoint; North Checkpoint
Honolulu International Airport (HNL)
Main Terminal, Checkpoint 5
Indianapolis International Airport (IND)
Main Terminal, Checkpoint A
John Wayne Airport (SNA)
Checkpoint A2
Lambert-St. Louis International Airport (STL)
Terminal C Checkpoint
Luis Muñoz Marin International Airport (SJU)
Main Terminal, Checkpoint 4
Memphis International Airport (MEM)
Checkpoint B
Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP)
Lindbergh Terminal, Checkpoint 4
Nashville International Airport (BNA)
Main Checkpoint
Orlando International Airport (MCO)
West Checkpoint
Philadelphia International Airport (PHL)
Checkpoint C
Phoenix International Airport (PHX)
Terminal 4, Checkpoint A
Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT)
Main Terminal
Portland International Airport (PDX)
ABC Checkpoint
Raleigh–Durham International Airport (RDU)
Terminal 2 Checkpoint
Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA)
North Pier Gates 35-45
Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC)
Terminal 2 Checkpoint
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)
Checkpoint 3
Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC)
South Checkpoint
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VIRGIN AMERICA |
TSA Pre✓™ Lane Location |
Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS)
Checkpoint 2
Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD)
Terminal 3, Checkpoint 8
Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)
Terminal E, E15
Dulles International Airport (IAD)
Main Terminal, TSA Pre✓™ Checkpoint
John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
Terminal 4, Main Checkpoint
Las Vegas’ McCarran International Airport (LAS)
Terminal 3
Orlando International Airport (MCO)
East Checkpoint; West Checkpoint
Philadelphia International Airport (PHL)
Checkpoint D/E
Portland International Airport (PDX)
ABC Checkpoint
Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA)
North Pier Gates 35-45; South Pier Gates 10-22
San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
Terminal 2
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)
Checkpoint 3
Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC)
South Checkpoint
Delta and Virgin Atlantic Announced Partnership, little to no benefits for Delta flyers
The announcement this week that Delta and Virgin Atlantic are now partners is deceiving in its message at best. Like Delta’s partnership with Alaska Airlines, this “partnership” really only opens Delta flyers up to earning miles, using miles, and priority boarding (well sort of). In regards to miles, you’ll only earn miles flown with no double miles for Diamond or Platinum members. To use miles, only a set number of seats will be available for Delta flyers to purchase award seats, as it is with Alaska Airlines. Finally, priority boarding is after Virgin Atlantic elite members board, so really no big plus there.
I may have been an bit more excited if the announcement was for Virgin America. Out of Boston I would have direct flight options to LAX, LAS, SAN, and SEA. The Virgin Atlantic partnership will benefit those flying from NY to London. Let’s face it, nothing that any of us will really benefit from. Thanks for nothing Delta.
Candy Crush Saga or Words with Friends? Which Apps Do you Travel With?
A few years ago, the introduction of Words with Friends was the big news of interactive games for our smart phones. Best news was when Alec Baldwin refused to turn his phone off when the plane was ready for take-off. Angry Birds was such a success, you see stuffed animals in every toy store now. They also have a new Star Wars version out. Thought I would share my favorite apps that keep me entertained for hours.
Ruzzle was recently introduced to me by some friends as an upgrade to Words with Friends. I prefer it far more than Scramble, as it doesn’t have silly freeze or add time buttons. You really just have two minutes to find as many words as possible. Cross word game with a timer.
I’ve also fallen in love with Candy Crush which is great for your iPad. Similar to Bejeweled but a variety of candies replace the gems, and a variation in goals keeps it far more interesting. This has replaced the days of Temple of Zumas as well. It does require friends however, as you can’t move on to the next level without friends helping you.
I’m still a sucker for simple old fashioned game of Backgammon. There are so many versions out there, I just got for the simple ones that don’t kill my battery and allow you to play alone or online.
Want adventure, check out Castle TD, Defender, and Dinosaur War…all are based on building armies and defenses to stop enemies from destroying your home base. But be warned, these games will suck the life out of your battery before you know it.
What is your top game? None of my suggestions make the top list..but that’s ok. I can’t wait to turn my phone back on once up in the air!
List of top 2013 iPhone games:
Games
I Dig It
Temple Run
Temple Run 2
Mega Jump
Tiny Wings
Jetpack Joyride
Angry Birds
Angry Birds Seasons
Angry Birds Space
Cut The Rope
Cut The Rope Experiments
Fruit Ninja
Draw Something
Fieldrunners 2
Where’s My Water?
Where’s My Perry?
Ridiculous Fishing
Letterpress
Consider Tuesday – Friday travel for client savings and airport relief
Yesterday, USA Today reported an all time high on air travel for summer months since 2003. Those of us who typically depart for clients on Sunday evenings or Monday mornings are seeing the increases already. Average tickets prices for flights less than 2 hours are ranging $186, and increase of 12% from March. Flights departing on Tuesday’s and Friday’s are averaging at $144. This is a huge savings for the client not to mention the benefits you’ll enjoy.
Upgrades on Monday’s is practically impossible unless you are in the 125K+ club, regardless of airline. Departing Tuesday morning, you’ll see little to any competition from professional travelers. Not to mention reduction in security lines and easy boarding. Return flights on Friday evenings is typically 1/3 the volume of traffic compared to Thursday’s at airport including LAX, DET, ATL, CHI, BOS, JFK, and SEA. Obviously if you are in ORL, MSY, or LAS…the airport will be a bit busier on Fridays..but you’ll still see a significant savings.
With more clients rolling in expenses with hourly rates, consultants are being limited to airlines and travel schedules. Flexibility in your on site days could open up options for direct flights and even your preferred airline. Check with your client to see if Tuesday – Friday work week would work for them, you’ll both see some great benefits. I especially prefer this schedule during the summer…I hate losing my Sundays.
American will allow passengers without roller bags to board first
Here is another new development in airlines attempting to improve boarding times. American Airlines announced this week they plan to introduce a new boarding policy allowing passengers with only small carry on items that can fit under the seat to board first. Most of us who decide not to check luggage will be standing on the side lines as families board with only backpacks and duffel bags. The obvious loop hole here will be those who will simply plane side check their luggage to avoid fees and then get priority boarding. Interestingly enough, American was the first airline to introduce checked luggage fees back in 2008. Other airlines quickly followed. Leaving the question of whether others will now implement this new policy as well.
You can read more on this topic on other travel related blogs including TripAdvisor and ExpertFlyer.com. Both have interesting insights to the consequences of this loop hole and the impact it may have to the professional traveler. After all, those of us who fly weekly are pretty efficient at boarding and often have a good 30 minutes to wrap up some work while the families struggle to find their seats and get settled in. Who will be the big losers in this set up? Once again, unfortunately it will be us. The good news is that Southwest, United, and Delta all have stated they do not plan to introduce such a policy.
Woman Singing forces flight to make emergency landing…
An American Airlines flight was forced to make an emergency landing and kick a woman off the plane after she refused to stop singing Whitney Houston’s ‘I Will Always Love You” earlier this week. This has to be the most bizarre story I’ve heard in all my years flying. I remember an emergency landing from a passenger passing out in the bathroom and another from a heart attack. But singing? Check out the You-Tube video when you get a chance. This shows the passenger being taken off the plane still singing!
What’s the craziest story you have of strange passenger behavior?
Airport Body Scanners Starting to be Replaced…travelers comments
Last month TSA reported their plans to replace the current body scanners, due to concerns of patient privacy rights. Evidently the current machines show semi-nude images with rather inappropriate clear views of genitals. There are also studies that suggest that frequent flyers are at risk of radiation exposure. So, finally…the machines are being replaced with ones that will supposedly provide only a generic outline of the passengers…”parts.”
Thought I would share some of the best TSA customer complaints in regards to the body scanners…some of these are funny.
- “No to scanners. You want to see my junk? Fine. But first buy me a drink.”
- “You’re really asking us if we want you to be checking out our genitals in the name of national security?”
- “I opted out once and I felt like crying because I’m not a touchy feel person and well, when you are using feminine hygiene products, NO ONE wants to be touched anywhere near there…”
- “Bunch of perverts! You are slowing down our economy.”
- “I spent over 36 years on active duty in the United States Navy. Had numerous very high security clearances and was a qualified Nuclear Weapons delivery pilot. Being ‘frisked’ or forced into an X-ray machine and treated as a common criminal [is] disgusting to someone who dedicated a large portion of his life to the defense of the united States.”
- “I love the new body scan system. I have two artificial knee replacements, and was always put in the uncomfortable position of having to step out of line for an intrusive pat-down. Now, I stand in the machine like everyone else, and I guess they see the artificial knees and I go right through. I’m as happy as can be!”
BBQ at the Hotel … a consultant gathering
For years I was fortunate enough to work with a group of consultants who liked to gather nightly for dinner. When the weather started getting nice, barbecuing at the hotel was something different to do. Now if your at a full service hotel, you’ll be going out for BBQ. However, most of the chains extended stay hotels offer outside electric grills.
The Marriott Residence Inn brings back great memories of barbecuing in Cincinnati. Each of us would bring something different, I was always the meat and wine guy. While in Bakersfield, CA we had a huge pool side bbq in 100 degree weather at the Hilton Homewood Suites. In San Diego, the Marriott Fairfield actually cooked the bbq for us on Monday evenings, with free bottled beer and make your own salads. In Seattle I stayed at a Marriott ExecuStay with a roof top bbq area, where we would have groups of 10-12 on a weekly basis. The Palm Springs Residence Inn was the place to make our own guacamole to accompany grilled chicken tacos.
Try something different this Spring and Summer to get you away from those boring chain restaurants where all the menu’s look the same. Most clients will allow a grocery receipt to be submitted as your meal, minus the beer/wine obviously. No need to worry about cooking utensils, almost all these hotels offer those as well. Just remember, certain items like foil, plastic wrap, and plastic silverware are not reimbursable.
Here is my favorite recipe for steak: Blue Cheese Steak BBQ
- 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese
- 1/4 cup soft bread crumbs
- 4 teaspoons olive oil, divided
- 1 teaspoon pepper, divided
- 3/4 teaspoon minced fresh basil or 1/4 teaspoon dried basil
- 3/4 teaspoon minced fresh oregano or 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- 3/4 teaspoon snipped fresh dill or 1/4 teaspoon dill weed
- 3/4 teaspoon minced chives
- 1/2 teaspoon minced fresh tarragon or 1/4 teaspoon dried tarragon
- 4 beef tenderloin steaks (6 ounces each)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup chopped onion
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup reduced-sodium beef broth
- 3/4 cup Cognac or additional reduced-sodium beef broth
- foil
In a small bowl, combine the blue cheese, bread crumbs, 1 teaspoon oil, 1/2 teaspoon pepper, basil, oregano, dill, chives and tarragon; set aside.
Sprinkle steaks with salt and remaining pepper. Grill for 2 minutes on each side. Transfer to foil covered area of grill with olive oil; top steaks with blue cheese mixture.
Continue grilling on low with top closed for 5-10 minutes or until meat reaches desired doneness
Meanwhile, on the other side of the grill lay down new foil with olive oil, and saute onion until tender. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Gradually stir in broth and Cognac, don’t worry if it spills over. Cook until liquid is reduced by half. Serve with steaks. Yield: 4 servings.
FAA sequestration…expect delays
It appears we are in for some more flight delays across the country. The reduction in staffing is creating a significant slow down in planes being able to get off the gate, but not nearly as bad as originally predicted. Most airlines are sending emails to their passengers suggesting you give yourself more time for security and check your flight status. Today I received letters from both Delta and Jet Blue.
Here is the breakdown released Friday, According to the Associated Press:
In the most extreme case, the furloughs could delay flights up to 210 minutes at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, depending upon the time of day and other factors. The FAA said, however, that the average delay will be far less, about 11 minutes.
Other airports for which officials provided delay estimates include Newark, N.J., with maximum delays of 51 minutes and average delays of about 20 minutes; John F. Kennedy in New York, with maximum delays of 50 minutes and average 12 minutes; LaGuardia in New York, with maximum delays of 80 minutes and average 30 minutes; Los Angeles International, with maximum delays of 67 minutes, and average 10 minutes, and Chicago’s O’Hare, with maximum delays of 132 minutes, average 50 minutes.
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