Ready for Change? Exploring Medical Staffing Trends
The healthcare industry constantly evolves and promises to change medical staffing significantly. New trends are emerging, driven by technological advances, demographic shifts, and changes in healthcare delivery. The demand for healthcare professionals is rising, and various staffing models are becoming increasingly popular. As we look ahead, it is essential to understand the factors shaping the medical staffing landscape. At the forefront of this dynamic field is the role of the health staffing agency.
Exciting Trends in Medical Staffing By Health Staffing Agency
The Rise of Locum Tenens Opportunities
Locum tenens positions, where healthcare providers work temporary assignments, continue to gain popularity. This model offers flexibility for both providers and healthcare facilities. In 2024, we can expect a surge in locum tenens opportunities due to several factors. First, there is a growing need to fill gaps caused by physician shortages.
Many doctors are retiring, and new graduates are not entering the workforce quickly enough to replace them. This gap creates a perfect opportunity for locum tenens providers to step in. Locum tenens clinicians to step in for physicians who are unavailable due to leave, training, or increased patient demand. They serve both their local areas and distant locations as independent contractors. Health staffing agency claims in 2023, the number of locum tenens positions increased by 12 percent. This role is expected to grow by another 7 percent in 2024, as indicated by recent industry reports.
The Thriving World of Travel Nursing
Travel nurses take on temporary roles for specific contracted periods, filling in where there's a high demand for their skills. They often move across the country, providing vital support in various healthcare settings.
In recent years, travel nursing has seen significant growth within the medical staffing industry. As we look ahead, this trend appears to be stabilizing, with job opportunities remaining steady and travel nursing continuing to be a critical component of healthcare staffing solutions.
Key Factors Shaping Medical Staffing
The growing appeal of travel nursing and locum tenens roles is driven by several key factors:
Aging Demographic Shifts
Every day, around 10,000 individuals in the U.S. reach the age of 65. By 2060, the population aged 65 and older is expected to increase by 75%, from 54.1 million to nearly 95 million. Modern healthcare advancements have also extended life expectancy by about ten years compared to the 1950s.
As baby boomers retire and encounter age-related health issues, the demand for healthcare services will surge. This escalating need for healthcare professionals highlights the crucial role of a health staffing agency in providing qualified medical staff to meet these demands.
Healthcare Personnel Deficit
Ongoing Impact of COVID-19- The medical workforce shortage is influenced by various factors. The demands and pressures faced by healthcare workers during and after the COVID-19 pandemic are still evident. Many clinicians have left the field, leaving their remaining colleagues with a heavier workload. Efforts have been made to alleviate this burden, but challenges persist in several areas.
Addressing Provider Burnout- Burnout among healthcare providers is a major issue. Before the pandemic, the burnout rate among physicians was 38 percent. This rate surged to 63 percent in 2021 and then decreased to 53 percent in 2022, still significantly higher than pre-pandemic levels. Several factors contribute to burnout, including inefficiencies in the healthcare system, administrative overload, and increased regulations. These challenges have led many clinicians to reduce their working hours or exit the profession altogether.
The Solution to Projected Labor Shortages- The aging population in the U.S. is creating a significant need for healthcare professionals. According to reports, more than a million additional nurses will be required by 2031. Many older physicians and nurses retiring compound this projected shortage. The increasing deficit in healthcare personnel is leading to a rise in demand for travel nursing and locum tenens roles. This trend is creating more opportunities for temporary providers, with healthcare organizations increasingly relying on them. As a result, the outlook for professionals in these roles is positive.
Surge in Telehealth Utilization
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the utilization of telehealth services experienced a remarkable surge, with the number of users skyrocketing from approximately 911,000 in 2020 to exceeding 8.5 million in 2022. This significant increase in telehealth adoption enabled healthcare providers to bill for their services, prescribe medications, and receive reimbursement through waivers.
Moreover, the widespread adoption of telehealth during the pandemic facilitated access to medical care for individuals residing in rural areas. As a result, many healthcare organizations expanded their telehealth services, often resorting to hiring locum tenens clinicians to fill these critical roles.
Looking ahead to 2024, the continued growth of telehealth remains a prominent trend in the healthcare industry. Healthcare facilities are expected to continue to rely on locum tenens clinicians and other temporary staff to support and enhance their telehealth offerings.
Advantages of Interim Healthcare Positions
Locum tenens positions provide greater schedule control and allow healthcare providers to assist colleagues on leave, avoiding administrative burdens and burnout.
Locum physicians benefit from diverse experiences, competitive pay, and flexible work arrangements.
Travel nursing offers short-term assignments in new locations, working with different teams, and contributing to underserved communities.
Travel nursing can be exhilarating for those who enjoy traveling, with competitive pay and a vast range of opportunities.
Temporary provider roles in healthcare offer flexibility and a chance to explore different aspects of the field.
Healthcare professionals can find rewarding opportunities in locum tenens positions or travel nursing assignments that suit their lifestyles and career goals.
Your Premier Health Staffing Agency
For over 25 years, Choctaw Professional Staffing Group has been delivering top-notch staffing solutions in Medical, Behavioral Health, Mission & Family Readiness, Administrative and Technical, Credentialing, Program Management, and Telehealth.
We take pride in offering comprehensive workforce solutions both domestically and internationally. Join us and be a part of a legacy of excellence. Experience the difference with us, your trusted health staffing agency. Apply now to explore exciting opportunities in healthcare staffing!
