Month: August 2024

The United States is projected to face a shortage of up to 86,000 physicians by 2036, according to the AAMC. The report highlights the need for increased investments in training new physicians to mitigate these shortfalls. Although smaller than previous estimates, the projected shortage underscores the critical need for sustained funding for graduate medical education (GME). Without additional investments, the physician shortfall could worsen.

Key drivers include population growth and aging, with the U.S. population expected to grow by 8.4% by 2036 and the elderly population (65 and older) increasing by 34.1%, significantly boosting healthcare demand, particularly for specialists.

A significant portion of the current physician workforce is nearing retirement, further exacerbating the shortage, as approximately 42% of clinical physicians are aged 55 or older.

Addressing the shortage requires lifting the federal cap on Medicare support for GME. The Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act proposes increasing Medicare-supported residency positions by 14,000 over seven years, building on previous investments. This legislation aims to expand and diversify the physician workforce, improving healthcare access, especially in underserved communities.

Despite increased medical school enrollment, the shortage persists, emphasizing the need for expanded GME. The AAMC continues to advocate for these changes to ensure the healthcare system can meet future demands.

AMA National Address: What Needs to be Done

In a national address, AMA President Jesse M. Ehrenfeld, M.D., MPH, highlighted the growing physician shortage and health system crisis. He cited strains on physicians including administrative burdens, burnout, attacks on science, healthcare consolidation, a broken Medicare payment system, and worsening health crises. Ehrenfeld proposed five steps to address the crisis, aligning with the AMA Recovery Plan for America’s Physicians:

1.     Pass meaningful Medicare payment reform
2.     Reduce administrative burdens, especially the inefficient prior authorization process
3.     Pass bipartisan legislation to expand residency training, support student loans, and facilitate foreign-trained physicians
4.     End the criminalization of healthcare
5.     Ensure physicians aren’t penalized for addressing their mental health needs.

Ehrenfeld emphasized the urgency of the physician shortage, already impacting millions, and warned it would worsen. He shared personal anecdotes illustrating physician burnout and the negative effects of legislative overreach. With 83 million Americans lacking sufficient access to primary care, the shortage hits especially hard in underserved areas, leading to critical healthcare gaps.

Latest Job Postings for Physicians

For those seeking new opportunities, we have multiple job listings available on our job blog. Whether you’re looking for locum tenens or a permanent position, Momentum Healthcare Staffing is here to help. If you need assistance, don’t hesitate to call us. We’re dedicated to supporting you in finding the right fit for your career.

Sources:

Aamc.org
ama-assn.org
openai.com

If you’re in the medical field (or even if you aren’t) you know there’s a high demand for excellent practitioners right now. Shortages around the country are leaving hospitals and private practices alike understaffed, with an estimated 83 million Americans living in areas without a primary care provider. The news isn’t all storm clouds, though, especially for nurse practitioners, who have several avenues and a high demand in each one.

Because of the versatile nature of their training, nurse practitioners are able to jump into a lot of different positions and roles. Although they are not doctors, nurse practitioners are able to perform physical exams, order and interpret lab results, x-rays, and tests, diagnose and treat illness and conditions, prescribe medication, perform long-term care, and provide counseling and education on wellness. In some states, nurse practitioners can even open and operate their own private practice independent of doctors.

FNP: Family Nurse Practitioner

One of the highest in-demand positions for a nurse practitioner right now is a family practice nurse practitioner. 17,000 to 48,000 physicians are estimated to leave family medicine by the year 2034, leaving especially rural areas in great shortage. An FNP provides patients with care just as a physician would, with special attention towards preventative care and overall health. Patients are able to see a nurse practitioner for regular physical exams, medicine prescriptions, and chronic illness management.

Psychiatric Care

After COVID, psychiatric care and mental health services skyrocketed, as did the need for more medical professionals. However, even before the pandemic, nurse practitioners were in high demand for psychiatric mental health roles. In this line of specialty, a nurse practitioner would focus on mental health issues in the same way a psychiatrist does; counseling, providing treatment plans, and prescribing medication as needed. Illnesses and disorders that a nurse practitioner can address are depression, anxiety, substance abuse, dementia, autism spectrum disorder, and many more.

Geriatric Care

One of the most skill-demanding positions a nurse practitioner can hold is in the adult gerontology acute care field. This particular field doesn’t just focus on adults, but older adults who are experiencing complex health issues in an in-patient setting such as a hospital or long-term care facilities. As the population ages, this particular role is in very high demand. NPs who serve the elderly community have a deep understanding of the aging process and how it is affected by medicine. They are also an advocate for their patients and their families in support of their treatment plans and decisions.

Pediatric Primary Care

Lastly, nurse practitioners are highly needed in the area of pediatric primary care. They treat children from birth to age 21 and specialize in the health and wellness of their young patients. Pediatric nurse practitioners are able to assess and treat, prescribe medicine, and council patients and families. Many PCPs work in a physician’s office, but they can also work in hospitals, community health centers, urgent care centers, long-term care facilities, or behavioral health service centers. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, PNPs have a job outlook of  38% until the year 2032.

Although these are some of the most in-demand positions for a nurse practitioner this year, there are so many other areas and specialties for NPs to explore, and each one needs incredible, compassionate, and well-trained professionals. Nurse practitioners can take their pick.

Best NP Job Board and Recruiting Company

As a healthcare recruiting company, we understand the crucial role nurse practitioners play in today’s medical landscape. With a growing demand for healthcare services across various specialties, it’s essential to have qualified, compassionate, and skilled professionals to fill these roles. Whether you are a nurse practitioner seeking a new opportunity or a healthcare facility in need of exceptional talent, we are here to help. Momentum’s healthcare recruiting team specializes in connecting healthcare professionals with organizations that value their expertise and commitment to patient care. Contact us today to learn how we can support your career or staffing needs in this evolving field.

Sources:

Nursingprocess.org
Bls.gov
Forbes.com
psychologytoday.com
nurse.org
nursejournal.org
openai.com

The demand for senior care is on the rise, driven by the growing and aging population across the United States. As we navigate through 2024, the senior living and care industry faces numerous challenges, including workforce shortages, regulatory changes, and the need for innovative solutions to meet the evolving needs of older adults.

As the U.S. population ages, with every baby boomer reaching at least 65 by 2030, the healthcare workforce must expand to meet the increasing demand. By then, 1 in 5 Americans will be of retirement age and eligible for Medicare.

Several job roles are in high demand within the senior care industry in 2024:

Nurse Practitioners (NPs) and Registered Nurses (RNs): The growing elderly population and the increasing complexity of their health needs have led to a high demand for NPs and RNs. They play a crucial role in providing primary care, managing chronic conditions, and delivering holistic care​.

Home Health Aides (HHAs) and Personal Care Aides (PCAs): With a preference for in-home care over congregate settings, there is a significant demand for HHAs and PCAs who assist with daily activities and personal care for seniors living at home.

Geriatric Care Managers: These professionals help coordinate care for elderly clients, including arranging for home care services, managing medications, and navigating healthcare systems and insurance​.

Social Workers: As mental health and social determinants of health become more integrated into senior care, social workers are needed to provide counseling, support services, and connect seniors to community resources​.

Physical Therapists and Occupational Therapists: These therapists are essential in helping seniors maintain mobility, recover from injuries, and adapt to physical limitations, thus enhancing their quality of life and independence​.

Dietitians and Nutritionists: With an increasing focus on holistic and preventive care, dietitians and nutritionists are in demand to help seniors manage diet-related health issues and ensure proper nutrition​​.

Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs): CNAs provide basic care to patients and assist them with daily activities that they might have trouble doing on their own, making them vital in both residential and home care settings​.

Medical Directors and Healthcare Administrators: These roles are crucial for managing senior care facilities, ensuring compliance with regulations, and overseeing the delivery of healthcare services​.

Technologists and IT Specialists: With the increasing integration of technology in senior care, there is a growing need for professionals who can manage health information systems, telehealth services, and other technological tools used in senior care facilities​.

Senior Care Careers: Jobs Available Right Now

At Momentum Healthcare Staffing, we specialize in connecting talented healthcare professionals with fulfilling opportunities in senior care. Whether you’re looking for a position in a nursing home, assisted living facility, or home health care, we can help you find the perfect fit. Contact us today to take the next step in your career and make a difference in the lives of seniors.

Aanp.org
healthdimensionsgroup.com
claconnect.com
seniorhousingnews.com
ncoa.org
openai.com