In recent years, the healthcare staffing industry has been confronted with a significant challenge: a growing nursing shortage. This issue has been further exacerbated by the far-reaching impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. As healthcare providers strive to ensure quality patient care, they must also grapple with the complexities of staffing their facilities with the right healthcare workers.
In this article, we will delve into the multifaceted issue of healthcare staffing. Also, we will explore the challenges it poses and the innovative solutions that are emerging to address these challenges. By examining the evolving landscape of nursing shortage, we aim to shed light on the dynamic nature of the industry. We also want to showcase the pivotal role that technology and strategic partnerships play in overcoming hiring obstacles.
The Growing Demand for Healthcare Workers
One undeniable truth is that the demand for healthcare workers, particularly nurses, is on an upward trajectory. According to McKinsey, by 2025, the healthcare industry is projected to face a shortage of 200,000 to 450,000 nurses. The current nursing shortage is driven by several factors, including an aging population, the rise of alternative healthcare delivery models such as home health and ambulatory care, and the competition between traditional healthcare systems for limited nursing talent.
It’s essential to note that the COVID-19 pandemic did not create these staffing challenges; rather, it magnified and accelerated pre-existing issues. Bart Valdez, CEO of Ingenovis Health, a healthcare workforce solutions company, remarks, “In the pre-COVID world, we were already seeing the beginnings of a national crisis in the shortage of healthcare workers.”
The Real Impact of Nursing Shortage in Healthcare Staffing
Staffing shortages in healthcare have profound implications. They negatively affect patient care, exacerbate nursing burnout, and lead many healthcare professionals to consider leaving the profession. In 2022, almost 30% of nurses in the U.S. expressed readiness to leave their current roles. Their reasons included diminished engagement, frustrations with providing care under challenging circumstances, compensation concerns, and personal health considerations.
Understanding Contingent Nursing Workforce
Contingent nursing staff, comprising travel nurses, per diem nurses, and temporary nurses, play a pivotal role in helping healthcare organizations meet fluctuating staffing demands. Travel nurses work under agency contracts, typically in various regions and facilities. They represent approximately 2% of the pre-pandemic nursing market and are often a younger, more mobile, and diverse demographic.
Per diem nurses, on the other hand, fill temporary nurse vacancies. They are typically located within a two-hour radius of the healthcare facility. While contingent nurses are crucial for healthcare organizations’ flexibility, they can also be less cost-effective and, when not integrated properly, may compromise operational efficiency and care quality.
The Changing Dynamics of Contingent Labor
The pandemic had a significant impact on contingent labor in healthcare. The demand for travel nurses skyrocketed, with their wages increasing by 25%, three times more than for employed nurses. While demand has somewhat subsided in 2022, open travel nursing job requisitions remain high, leaving healthcare systems vulnerable to staffing fluctuations.
Partnering with Staffing Firms
To navigate the challenges posed by the evolving healthcare staffing landscape, healthcare systems are increasingly turning to staffing firms for innovative solutions. These partnerships offer healthcare providers a more comprehensive, integrated, and strategic approach to workforce management.
Staffing firms help healthcare organizations predict staffing needs, identify qualified candidates, and streamline credentialing processes, but the question is – are they enough?
SkillGigs: Bridging the Talent Gap
In the dynamic landscape of healthcare staffing, SkillGigs is another player making a difference. SkillGigs offers a comprehensive platform that connects healthcare organizations with top-tier talent efficiently. Our cutting-edge technology simplifies the hiring process by matching the right healthcare professionals with the right opportunities. Thus, helping organizations bridge the talent gap and ensure continuity of care.
Join the Future of Healthcare Staffing
Whether you’re a healthcare organization seeking to optimize your workforce or a healthcare professional looking for the ideal opportunity, the future of healthcare staffing is here. Explore the possibilities, enhance your operations, and ensure the best patient care by partnering with leading staffing firms like SkillGigs to leverage state-of-the-art technology.
As the healthcare industry continues to evolve, it’s crucial for healthcare providers to stay ahead by embracing innovative solutions. Embrace the future today to meet the ever-growing need for quality healthcare. Reach out to SkillGigs to embark on this transformative journey. Click here for a demo to accelerate your hiring process.
