Medical Staffing Trends for 2013

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iStock_000021992141MediumAs 2012 comes to a close, medical facilities are looking to the changes in healthcare as we move into 2013, as well as the long-term changes to come in 2014. By far the largest change that will continue to impact the industry is the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (also known as the ACA) which will transform the healthcare industry. As you no doubt know, these changes will require all healthcare facilities and their staff to conform to new standards, and care for a growing volume of patients in the coming months.

What are some of the changes poised to impact the medical staffing industry in 2013?  Read below for a few trends to look out for.

Data-Driven Staffing

Over the last couple years, there has been a substantial shift in how facilities track, manage, and store patient data. Medical record rooms have fallen by the wayside as a result of improved software and medical record storage. These digital changes are also impacting medical staffing in terms of “data-driven” staffing and scheduling software programs. Such programs allow your facility to:

  • Improve productivity and raise employee morale because they provide open shift management programs as well as mobile access.
  • Provide a staffing schedule that’s visible to your entire organization. It can also provide managerial access to budgeted unit needs and master schedules, thus allowing for more cost-effective scheduling.
  • Such software can also help you reach goals and expectations set by the federal government while reducing costs and improving your patients’ quality of care.

Increased Hiring Means New Recruiting Methods

With the implementation of the ACA, there will be an increase in the number of people who will – perhaps for the first time ever – have access to healthcare. This means that the need for healthcare workers in all sectors will rise exponentially.

The best of the best will have their pick of opportunities. It’s time now to start thinking about how your facility will attract – and retain – these top performers before your competitors get to them. Naturally, physicians and nurses will be in high demand, but so will CNAs, LVNs, allied personnel, healthcare administrators, facility directors – the full spectrum of employees who work at facilities such as yours.

As you aim to attract top talent, facilities will need to update their recruiting strategies to reach candidates in the places that they frequent. Oftentimes, top talent in the industry may be currently employed, and are passive job seekers. In order to reach these candidates who are not perusing your job board, facilities will need to integrate more online recruiting methods such as mobile-friendly websites, and develop strong social media presences.

Andrew Karpie, a research analyst at Staffing Industry Analysts, wrote in October “… That we are only at the beginning of something we are calling ‘social recruiting.'” What that means is that your facility will need to understand and embrace the opportunities on social media in order to stay current with your competitors and to reach top talents. During the coming year, facilities should look to leverage social networks (like Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, etc.) and integrate them into not only your recruiting strategies, but also your facility’s marketing efforts as well.

2012 has been an exciting year for the healthcare industry, and we look forward to helping facilities embrace the opportunities that 2013 holds for you. If your facility needs help in finding great healthcare professionals for direct-hire opportunities, or if you need temporary help as you grow your facility, call upon the professionals at Snelling Medical Staffing. Contact us today!

 

NOTE:  A full-color, downloadable PDF is available.