Hospitals are struggling to recruit and retain qualified staff, particularly nurses, physicians, and other clinical professionals. This is leading to increased stress on existing staff and impacting the quality of patient care.
The healthcare industry has evolved in recent years as technology continues to provide innovation for workers and patients alike. And like many industries since the beginning of the pandemic, healthcare organizations increasingly need to find qualified talent.
The healthcare industry is facing considerable challenges in recruiting and retaining top talent. With an aging population and a growing demand for services, healthcare organizations are seeking qualified professionals to meet patient needs. At the same time, high turnover rates and burnout are causing financial and operational disruptions.
Millions of Americans have changed or quit their jobs in recent years, leading to a movement now known as the “Great Resignation.” Over 38 million U.S. workers quit their jobs in 2021, and about 20 million quit in the first five months of 2022.
During the pandemic, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services expanded access to telehealth. In early 2022, that expansion is set to become permanent. While increased access to telehealth opens opportunities for reaching more patients, it also poses additional challenges for long-term hiring practices.
Although the healthcare talent shortage has been looming for years now, it hit home last year during the height of the pandemic. In November, more than 1,000 U.S. hospitals acknowledged experiencing a severe worker shortage.
Even as COVID-19 vaccine distribution is bringing hope for a brighter future, the past 12 months are catching up with healthcare employees and practitioners. A recent survey exploring the pandemic’s impact on healthcare workers’ mental health reveals that 93% reported stress, while 77% said they had frustration and 76% exhaustion and burnout.
Healthcare systems in the United States have been feeling the effects of the workforce shortage for years now, but a more dire impact is still to come. The Health Resources and Services Administration predicts significant increases by 2030 in the demand for respiratory and physical and occupational therapists, among other allied health professions.
It’s no secret that the healthcare industry is facing a hiring crisis. An aging population has increased demand for health services, while the supply of healthcare workers is in decline or leveling off. Amid these challenges, healthcare recruiters are struggling to find quality candidates.
Employee turnover comes at a high cost, especially in healthcare. In 2017, turnovers in nurse staffing cost the average hospital between $4.4 million and $7 million. And the research shows that turnover is more of a risk when dealing with new hires. In 2018, more than 32 percent of new hires lasted less than one year.
