How US Healthcare Staffing Firms Can Address the Nursing Shortage

As the US healthcare staffing industry strives to expand in size, services, and volume to keep up with inflation, they face an on-going challenge: overcoming nursing workforce shortages. This pressing issue limits their ability to implement new services, ultimately affecting their revenue and community care.

The Nursing Shortage Crisis

Recent statistics paint a grim picture for the future of nursing:

• According to a report by NCSBN, approximately 900,000 nurses plan to leave the profession by 2027.
• A survey by HFMA and Eliciting Insights reveals that 75% of healthcare CFOs anticipate nursing shortages will remain a significant challenge for the next two years.
• The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects an average of 193,100 annual openings for registered nurses over the next decade.

These shortages have intensified pressure on hospital margins, making it difficult to invest in new services.

Leveraging Technology and Flexibility

To address these challenges, healthcare staffing industries must adopt innovative approaches.

• Leveraging tech-enabled solutions and alternative staffing models can ensure patients receive timely care.
• One critical factor contributing to nurse burnout is the lack of flexibility in scheduling.
• The rigid nature of traditional nurse schedules, coupled with increased administrative workloads and workplace violence, exacerbates post-pandemic burnout.

Nurses, like many other professionals, seek greater flexibility. A 2022 Upwork survey revealed that 60 million Americans performed freelance work, representing 39% of the U.S. workforce. This trend underscores the growing demand for flexible work arrangements.

The Benefits of Rethinking Staffing Approaches

Adopting flexible staffing models offers multiple benefits. It helps health systems close short-term staffing gaps without overburdening existing nurses or incurring high costs associated with travel nurses. Moreover, leveraging technology to optimize nurse staffing and automate administrative tasks can attract and retain nurses, preventing them from leaving the profession.

Last Words

In conclusion, addressing the nursing workforce crisis requires healthcare systems to rethink their staffing approaches. By embracing flexibility and technology, they can ensure the delivery of high-quality care, maintain patient loyalty, and sustain their growth amidst ongoing challenges.