Healthcare staffing shortages have been a pressing issue for many years now, and it’s showing no signs of easing up. The demand for healthcare professionals has been increasing rapidly, with aging populations, increased prevalence of chronic diseases, and new healthcare technologies emerging. However, the supply of quality healthcare professionals isn’t keeping up with this demand, leading to shortages of staff members in important roles.
As talent acquisition professionals, it’s vital to understand the current and future healthcare staffing shortages to be able to plan your talent acquisition strategy for the upcoming years. In this post, we will explore the current situation and what to expect.
The healthcare industry has experienced a shortage of staff members for a long time, and the pandemic has only exacerbated the issue. As frontline healthcare workers are burnt out from long hours and a constant influx of patients, more professionals are leaving the industry. The Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) reported that we could see a shortage of over 100,000 physicians by 2034.
Moreover, the nursing industry, the backbone of healthcare, is also experiencing a massive shortage. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, registered nurse employment is projected to grow 6 percent from 2021 to 2031, with about 203,200 openings projected each year, on average, over the decade. This is due to the growing number of patients needing care, nurses retiring, and a lack of nursing faculty to train the next generation of nurses.
While the demand for healthcare professionals is increasing and supply is lower, the competition for talent acquisition professionals is also heating up. Hospitals and healthcare clinics need to make sure that they remain competitive in offering perks and incentives to attract the best professionals. This includes offering perks like flexible timings, tuition assistance, and employee wellness programs to boost retention rates.
In addition to offering attractive perks and incentives, healthcare facilities can also explore alternative staffing options, such as utilizing telehealth services and hiring locum tenens professionals. Telehealth services allow healthcare providers to reach patients in remote areas and virtual consultations, reducing the need for physical staffing. Hiring locum tenens professionals, who are temporary healthcare workers, can help bridge the gap during staff shortages. It is also essential for healthcare organizations to invest in training and development programs to upskill existing staff and fill critical positions internally. By promoting a positive workplace culture, providing growth opportunities, and recognizing the contributions of healthcare professionals, organizations can improve employee satisfaction and reduce turnover rates.
Healthcare staffing shortages are a critical issue that won’t go away anytime soon. The situation is challenging, but there is a reason to remain optimistic. By investing in the right tools and strategies, healthcare organizations and talent acquisition professionals can manage and overcome staffing shortages and stay competitive. Taking a data-driven approach and using analytics to assess what delivers the best results will be crucial. That's where Talentify can help! We specialize in assisting businesses to navigate the competitive landscape of recruitment marketing. With our expertise, we can assist companies in optimizing their job spending, analyzing data, and managing sponsored ad campaigns effectively. Healthcare organizations that invest in technology like ours will be better positioned to thrive in the coming years!