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5 Pivotal Healthcare Staffing Trends You Should Know About
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The landscape of healthcare staffing trends continues to evolve rapidly, driven by changing patient needs and technological advancement. As these healthcare industry trends accelerate, facilities face mounting staffing challenges. Understanding current healthcare staffing trends and the strategic role of a managed service provider (MSP) is crucial for healthcare administrators and facility managers looking to stay ahead in 2024.
Healthcare Staffing Trends to Watch For
- High Demand for Travel Nurses
According to the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA)’s Health Workforce Analysis, a projected shortage of up to 80,000 full-time RNs is expected by 2025. This nationwide nursing shortage continues to fuel the travel nursing field as healthcare facilities seek quick, efficient solutions to fill critical nursing roles.
A managed service provider (MSP) can optimize staffing levels to reduce overtime costs and expensive last-minute staffing solutions. They maintain active pipelines of qualified nursing candidates while identifying temporary staff with the potential for permanent placement, helping facilities build sustainable workforce solutions.
- Rise of Flexible Staffing Models
Healthcare organizations are increasingly embracing flexible staffing arrangements, including travel nursing, part-time, and per diem positions. These models help manage fluctuating patient volumes while attracting more applicants, particularly younger professionals who prioritize work-life balance.
As healthcare industry trends shift toward flexibility, an MSP can develop comprehensive workforce strategies that balance permanent staff with flexible solutions, enabling facilities to adapt quickly to both shortages and surpluses. They manage varied staffing arrangements while ensuring consistent quality of care and regulatory compliance.
- Increased Need for Locum Tenens Physicians
The nationwide physician shortage, which is particularly acute in rural areas, has driven increased demand for locum tenens (temporary physician staffing). This healthcare staffing trend extends to greater utilization of physician assistants (PAs) and nurse practitioners (NPs) to meet healthcare delivery needs.
A managed service provider can provide data-driven insights to inform long-term staffing decisions while maintaining networks of qualified physicians, PAs, and NPs. They coordinate placements strategically to ensure continuous coverage and quality care delivery across different facility locations.
- Emphasis on Telehealth Positions
The expansion of telehealth has created a growing demand for remote care providers and support staff. Following current healthcare industry trends, organizations are investing in specialized telehealth providers while training existing staff in virtual care delivery, creating new roles in telehealth coordination and support.
An MSP can streamline recruitment, onboarding, and payroll management for telehealth positions, allowing facilities to focus on core patient care missions. They maintain pools of technology-proficient healthcare professionals and can coordinate comprehensive training programs for virtual care delivery.
- Use of Technology for Recruitment and Retention
Among the most significant healthcare staffing trends is the integration of technology in healthcare staffing through applicant tracking systems (ATS), AI-driven recruitment tools, and workforce management software. These solutions streamline hiring processes, reduce time-to-fill, and enable proactive retention strategies through enhanced employee engagement monitoring.
A managed service provider leverages cutting-edge technology to optimize staffing decisions while providing analytics-driven insights. They implement advanced recruitment platforms, maintain comprehensive candidate databases, and utilize data analytics to improve hiring outcomes and staff retention.
Healthcare staffing requires strategic proficiency and efficient management in today’s rapidly evolving landscape. Connect with Sunburst Workforce Advisors today to learn how our MSP expertise can help transform your staffing approach and keep you ahead of these healthcare staffing trends.