Month: March 2023

There’s a staffing shortage. That short sentence has been discussed at length and posted at numerous businesses across the country. Businesses are having a difficult time finding employees, but it’s not just the neighborhood restaurant or bookstore.

One of the hardest hit areas of this recent staffing shortage is the healthcare industry. This isn’t an altogether surprising fact. The COVID-19 pandemic put an enormous strain on the healthcare industry – and specifically the workers.

But as the world moves out of the immediate danger of the pandemic, hospitals and clinics around the country are still hurting for qualified workers. And the concern seems to be growing. The American Hospital Association (AHA) believes there will be a shortage of 124,000 physicians by the year 2033. And that’s just doctors.

The numbers get more daunting when the AHA looks at nurses and health aides. Adding in those professions, the shortage projection rises to nearly 6.5 million. And there will only be a fraction of workers to fill that void.

When facing those kinds of numbers, many people wonder what’s causing the shortage, and how can it be remedied? But first things first – the cause.

Reasons for the Healthcare Workers Shortage

The biggest reason for healthcare workers leaving the industry is just burnout. The demands of the healthcare profession are numerous. Not only are these individuals caring for injured and ill patients, but there is also the pressure of paperwork and administrative requirements.

Burnout was always an issue, but the rates grew exponentially during the pandemic. A survey was recently conducted on 1,000 healthcare professionals. Of those 1,000, 28% left the healthcare industry because of burnout.

If it isn’t burnout, it’s an aging issue. With the advancements in medical technology, the entire population is living longer. This means the population at large needs more medical care. But healthcare workers are aging as well and looking to retire. With an aging population and earlier retirement for healthcare workers, there is a big gap to be filled.

On top of the burnout and aging issues, many people feel that the pay is too low and the training is insufficient. The demands of healthcare are never ending. People who work in this field are often stretched to the breaking point. And, with such a demanding workload, many feel the pay leaves a lot to be desired.

Because of these reasons, healthcare workers desperately want to establish a work-life balance. They want to find the flexibility to continue their work in healthcare without losing themselves in the process. It’s a hard balance to strike for many people, even outside the healthcare field, but it’s that much tougher for those faithfully serving in healthcare.

How Can we Fix the Healthcare Shortage?

With the issues identified, it’s time for the healthcare industry to find ways to mitigate and improve the culture and environment in healthcare. How do you alleviate the burnout, improve training, and increase overall pay and benefits?

The truth is more creative than some might think. The first step is investing in technology that can alleviate the slog of paperwork. There are plenty of automated platforms or applications that can significantly minimize the amount of time a healthcare professional spends completing paperwork.

And in the same way, the popularity of telehealth options can increase flexibility and help establish a better work-life balance. Many hospitals and physicians are offering telehealth appointments, which allows those professionals to work remotely and step away from the work-place demands of the hospital or clinic.

The problems are many, that is true. But the creative solutions abound. It’s time to ditch the “old ways” of providing healthcare and invest in ways that continue to provide top notch care while maintaining the sanity and mental acuity of the healthcare workers.

Healthcare Staffing Company on Your Side

Momentum Healthcare Staffing is not your typical medical staffing firm because we focus on being progressive. We understand the challenges the industry has been facing regarding the increase in demands of qualified physicians and nurse practitioners. Please call our healthcare recruiting specialist to get connected to the perfect person for your open healthcare position whether permanent or temporary.

Are you looking for a temporary job in the healthcare field? Then locum tenens might be the perfect fit for you. It’s a great way to get valuable experience and make money without committing to a long-term position. Here are some tips for getting that perfect locum tenens job.

Understand Your Needs and Goals

Before beginning your search, you must understand what locum tenens job you want and why. What is your field of specialty work? Are you looking for a long-term position or a flexible one? What hours do you need?

Start with Research

It’s essential to research and ensure you know the basics of locum tenens, such as what kind of assignments exist and what type of compensation different companies offer.

Once you better understand what type of locum tenens job you want, it’s time to start researching potential jobs. Start by visiting different websites to learn more about locum tenens companies, their culture, benefits packages, and other details that may help you make an informed decision.

You may also consider joining online forums or social media groups related to the locum tenens industry to connect with other professionals who can offer advice on finding the perfect job for your needs.

It’s also essential to understand the legal requirements in your state or country and how they apply to locum tenens physicians. Understanding all this information will help you decide and find the right job.

Be Prepared For Interview Questions

Once you’ve decided to pursue a locum tenens job, it’s time to start preparing for interviews with potential employers.

During the preparation, practice common interview questions to define answers tailored to healthcare positions. Showing that you have done your research beforehand can go a long way in helping you land the perfect locum tenens position.

Create A Professional Profile Online

Creating an online profile is one of the best ways to increase your chances of being noticed by potential healthcare employers. Having a professional portfolio on sites such as LinkedIn can show employers that you are serious about finding a good position and have real-world experience working in healthcare settings.

Include details about any past posts held, educational qualifications, certifications earned, etc., along with links to relevant publications or accomplishments from past projects – these will help create a well-rounded profile that could make all the difference when applying for jobs.

Get Professional Help

If you still need help with the process after researching, consider getting professional help from a staffing agency or recruiter specializing in locums positions.

A good recruiter can guide you through the process, from searching for open jobs to matching your criteria and helping negotiate salary and benefits packages.

Finding the perfect locum tenens job may initially seem intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. Researching will help ensure you know what kinds of assignments exist and what compensation is possible. Then you must create an online profile.

Once you do that groundwork, use resources like staffing agencies or online groups/forums to get guidance so that everything goes smoothly during your search process. Those perfect jobs will seem easy to find with the proper preparation and knowledge.

Momentum Healthcare Staffing: Find Your Perfect Locums Assignment with Us

If you are a doctor or physician seeking the ideal locum tenens job, please contact Momentum Healthcare Staffing. We match you to your perfect position based on your personal and professional requirements (yes, that means the right compensation, too). Search our medical job board now as we constantly post new Locums Tenens positions or call us now and a recruiter can help you: (877) 558-3782 

What Is Colorectal Cancer?

Colorectal cancer is a form of cancer that grows in the colon or rectum, which are parts of the large intestine. Typically it develops as a polyp or growth along the inner lining of the rectum or colon, becoming cancerous over time. 

Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer diagnosis in men and women globally. Approximately 1 in 23 men and 1 in 26 women will develop colorectal cancer during their lifetime depending on their overall risk factors. Preventive measures like regular screenings can help detect colorectal cancer early when it is easier to treat.

Symptoms of colorectal cancer may include rectal bleeding, changes in bowel habits, fatigue, abdominal pain, and unexpected weight loss. However, early stages of the disease may not show any symptoms.

Encourage Your Patients to Get Screened

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends adults ages 50 to 75 should be screened for colorectal cancer. Here are some tips for healthcare providers to encourage and educate their patients to get screened for colorectal cancer:

1. Talk to your patient: Start the conversation by going over the importance of regular screening. Discuss the symptoms, risk factors, benefits of early preventative detection, treatment, and other options. Encourage them to talk openly about their health and concerns.
2. Go over their screening options: Patients may not realize there are other screening options besides a colonoscopy. Advancements in medical technology include visual or structural exams, non-invasive at-home tests, and multi-target stool DNA tests. Of course, there are also imaging tests using x-rays, and CT scans. Together, you can determine the right screening option for your patients. Use simple language that your patients can understand instead of medical jargon and terms that may sound intimidating.
3. Go over the importance of prevention and follow-ups: The best way to mitigate health issues doesn’t end with treatment. It’s equally important that patients understand the importance of follow-ups. Any abnormalities can be quickly detected and treated.
4. Offer educational resources: Patients can process and understand colorectal cancer with brochures and other reading material.

Like any medical procedure, the best way to encourage your patients to screen regularly is through consistent communication and education. Patients who are active participants in their healthcare plan are more likely to understand the importance of early detection and screening for colorectal cancer, which fits the goal for National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month.

Solutions for your Staffing Challenges

If you’re seeking staffing for any of your medical center positions, whether that is for a physician, nurse practitioner or even radiologist, Momentum Healthcare Staffing is here to help! We match the best medical professional candidates to fit your hospital, urgent care center or private practice needs. Call us to learn more: (877) 558-3782.