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Working at a Veterans Affairs (VA) hospital offers healthcare professionals a unique and fulfilling career path. Physicians, nurse practitioners (NPs), and related specialists can find numerous advantages in serving those who have served our nation. From comprehensive benefits to a supportive work environment, the VA provides a platform for both personal and professional growth.

Comprehensive Benefits and Competitive Compensation

The VA offers a robust benefits package designed to support healthcare professionals throughout their careers. This includes 13 to 26 days of paid annual leave, 13 sick days annually with unlimited accumulation, 11 paid federal holidays, and 12 weeks of paid parental leave. Additionally, up to 15 days of leave are available for active reservists and National Guard members.

In terms of compensation, VA physicians receive competitive salaries. For instance, across the U.S., VA physicians earn an average base salary of $250,000, which is comparable to the national average for physicians. They are also eligible for performance bonuses of up to $15,000 annually. Pay rates are subject to regular cost-of-living increases, with additional raises based on tenure.

Student Loan Repayment Programs

The VA recognizes the financial burden of medical education and offers programs to alleviate student loan debt. The Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) provides up to $200,000 in student loan repayment for healthcare professionals committed to serving Veterans. For physicians-in-training, the Specialty Education Loan Repayment Program (SELRP) offers up to $160,000 over four years.

Work-Life Balance and Flexibility

Maintaining a healthy work-life balance is a priority at the VA. Healthcare professionals have access to flexible scheduling, work-from-home options, and the ability to work anywhere in the U.S. with one active license. This flexibility allows for a more balanced lifestyle, accommodating personal and family needs.

Professional Development and Research Opportunities

The VA is committed to the continuous professional development of its staff. Healthcare professionals have access to a variety of educational incentives, scholarships, and loan repayment programs to support their growth. Additionally, the VA conducts thousands of studies annually, contributing significantly to advancements in healthcare for Veterans. This environment fosters innovation and offers professionals the chance to engage in groundbreaking research.

Serving a Unique and Deserving Patient Population

Working at a VA hospital provides the opportunity to serve a unique patient population—our nation’s Veterans. This patient group offers diverse medical cases, allowing healthcare professionals to apply and expand their skills in various specialties. The sense of purpose derived from serving those who have served the country adds a profound dimension to the healthcare profession.

Addressing Staffing Needs and Making an Impact

The VA has identified significant staffing shortages in various clinical and non-clinical occupations. For instance, as of December 2022, there were 23,448 physicians on board in the Veterans Health Administration (VHA), with a 12.9% vacancy rate. This shortage presents an opportunity for healthcare professionals to make a substantial impact by joining the VA and contributing to the delivery of quality care to Veterans.

Conclusion

A career at a VA hospital offers healthcare professionals a unique blend of benefits, professional growth opportunities, and the profound satisfaction of serving those who have served the nation. The VA’s comprehensive benefits package, student loan repayment options, work-life balance, and research opportunities make it an attractive choice for physicians, NPs, and related specialists. For healthcare professionals exploring a career change, Momentum Healthcare Staffing provides additional pathways and support to find the ideal role within the VA system or other healthcare settings. By joining the VA, professionals can advance their careers while making a meaningful difference in the lives of Veterans.

Sources:

va.gov

vacareers.va.gov

Otolaryngologists, also called ENTs, treat a wide range of issues pertaining to the ears, nose, and throat. They are known as ear, nose, and throat doctors.

The COVID-19 pandemic brought a strong positive light to the ENT community. At that time, clinicians worked quickly and well with local networks. Digital technology was increased with the use of telemedicine, improving patient care. Information was generated on how services should be handled differently to reduce infections regarding ENT surgeons and procedures producing aerosols. ENTs were a leading force in world change at that time. Their research and publications on how to render services safely have impacted how the medical community functions today.

ENTs for OSA

Aside from the challenges of the pandemic shutdown, ENTs treat thousands of patients daily for many ailments, ranging in demographics from pediatrics to geriatrics. In addition to allergy and sinusitis cases, hearing loss solutions, and removing a small piece a child has inserted into one of their passageways, sleep disorder treatments are at the forefront of ENT’s daily demands. Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) disrupts breathing patterns and affects ear, nose, and throat health. ENT’s expertise with these symptoms is crucial as sleep deprivation is detrimental to life. Analyzing how breathing obstruction affects the tonsils, soft palate, and adenoids, as well as anatomical anomalies causing airway narrowing, this knowledge and skill set is vital to supporting daily human functioning. Collaborating with sleep health specialists, ENTs determine how to treat these conditions, including the possibility of surgery.

ENTs for Treating Hearing Loss

In addition to OSA, the main issue facing ENTs is hearing loss. Today, we understand that age-related hearing loss does not start when a person is 60 or 70 years old. In reality, people in their 30s begin experiencing gradual hearing loss. Depending on the degree and type of hearing loss, as well as the shape of the ear, hearing aids can drastically improve hearing. They are the standard “go-to” for treating hearing loss. Today’s technological advances include clipping a piece on your ear that communicates to a computer system. Background noise could be eliminated through a device at places such as restaurants or theaters where low-level background noise is prevalent. With ENTs studying how diseases function and symptoms can be bypassed, audiologists, psychologists, engineers, architects, and health advocates have come together to improve communication for people with hearing loss.

AI in ENT Patient Care

Advances in AI programs are promising for ENT patient care. Visual art images that allow patients to identify symptoms that are difficult to describe have aided in diagnosis and alleviated suffering. Medical illustrations customized to patient experience help relay concepts, information, and support. Generative AI has been helpful with counseling for rhinoplasty, and some AI applications have proved beneficial in identifying clinically important information, such as detecting extra nodules on diagnostic imaging. While many clinicians currently use AI voice recognition software for transcribing dictated notes and scheduling tools, AI is also used in simulation-based surgical training to teach skills assessment and provide structured feedback. AI algorithms have begun to show the ability to predict risk and prognosis for oral cavity, thyroid, and laryngeal cancers. Evolving AI includes endoscopic narrow-band imaging and noninvasive diagnosis of malignant lesions. These cutting-edge applications lend support to clinical decisions on many levels, including improving future otolaryngology head and neck surgery.

What Specialties are Hot Right Now?

The otolaryngologist job market is changing. Most ENTs are reaching retirement age, and replacements are in short supply.

Specialties within the field include:

Rhinologists (treat the nose and sinuses)

Laryngologists (treat the throat, including the larynx and the voice box)

Otology and Neurotology (treats outer and inner ear, mastoid, and surrounding areas)

Audiologists (treat hearing and balance)

and more.

These jobs are critical to public health. If you or anyone you know is considering a career in the medical field, consider Otolaryngology.

Permanent and Locum Tenens ENT Job Openings Available Now

We need ENTs! Look to Momentum to find that latest and greatest opportunities for ENTs across the United States. Whether you’re a seasoned specialist or just starting your medical career, Momentum has the latest and greatest ENT job openings available nationwide. Join the frontline of healthcare innovation—find your next career move with us today!

The healthcare landscape is evolving, and for Obstetricians and Gynecologists (OB-GYNs), locum tenens positions offer a unique pathway to enhance career satisfaction. These temporary assignments provide flexibility, diverse clinical experiences, and a wealth of opportunities for professional growth.

Understanding Locum Tenens

Locum tenens, meaning “to hold the place of,” refers to physicians who temporarily fill roles in various healthcare settings. For OB-GYNs, this can mean stepping into positions across different hospitals, clinics, or private practices, often to cover for staff shortages, leaves, or during recruitment periods.

Benefits of Locum Tenens for OB-GYNs

Flexibility and Work-Life Balance

One of the primary advantages of locum tenens work is the control over your schedule. OB-GYNs can select assignments that fit their personal and professional needs, allowing for a healthier work-life balance. This flexibility can help prevent burnout, enabling you to continue practicing medicine without compromising personal well-being.

Diverse Clinical Experience

Working in various settings exposes OB-GYNs to different patient populations, medical practices, and healthcare systems. This diversity enhances clinical skills and adaptability, making physicians more versatile and experienced. Additionally, this exposure broadens one’s perspective on healthcare delivery and patient care, enhancing cultural competency. (National Institutes of Health)

Competitive Compensation

Locum tenens positions often offer higher pay rates compared to permanent roles. The average income for locum tenens OB-GYNs averages to around $125/hour, contributing to better financial stability and the opportunity to pay off debts faster or invest in long-term financial goals.

Professional Independence

Locum tenens work allows OB-GYNs to choose assignments, negotiate terms, and direct their career paths. This autonomy fosters greater job satisfaction and a sense of control over one’s professional journey.

Current Demand for Locum Tenens OB-GYNs

The demand for locum tenens OB-GYNs is strong across the U.S., with demand particularly high in underserved areas. This trend is expected to continue, especially in the Midwest and Southeast, where rural hospitals face shortages of specialized providers.

Considerations Before Pursuing Locum Tenens

While the benefits are compelling, it’s essential to consider certain factors:

Licensing and Credentialing: Working in multiple states may require obtaining additional medical licenses. Understanding each facility’s credentialing process is essential.

Adaptability: Success in locum tenens roles depends on the ability to quickly adapt to new environments, electronic health records systems, and team dynamics.

Travel Requirements: Assignments may require travel, which can be both an opportunity and a challenge, depending on personal circumstances.

Getting Started with Locum Tenens

For OB-GYNs interested in exploring locum tenens opportunities:

Research Licensure Requirements: Ensure all required medical licenses and certifications are current and meet the requirements for states of interest.

Prepare Documentation: Have your certifications, malpractice insurance, and other essential documents accessible for streamlined onboarding.

Define Your Preferences: Consider types of facilities, locations, and assignment durations that align with your career goals and personal life.

Conclusion

Locum tenens positions offer OB-GYNs a valuable pathway to diversify their careers, achieve work-life balance, and experience diverse clinical environments. By exploring these opportunities, OB-GYNs can enhance their professional skills, broaden their expertise, and make a meaningful impact on communities with critical healthcare needs.

Sources:

aamc.org
ziprecruitier.com
openai.com

If you’re seeking a job in general medicine, you might think your options are limited to clinics or hospitals. However, the field offers a variety of career paths beyond traditional settings. Whether you’re beginning your career or searching for new opportunities, there are many roles that can match your skills and interests.

In this blog, we’ll explore various career paths in general medicine, each providing opportunities to grow and make a significant impact in healthcare.

1. Clinical Roles in Diverse Settings

While many general medicine professionals work in hospitals or private practices, other clinical settings offer unique opportunities:

• Urgent Care Centers: Provide immediate care for non-life-threatening conditions in a dynamic environment.
• Community Health Clinics: Serve underserved populations, addressing diverse health needs.
• Long-Term Care Facilities: Care for elderly patients or those with chronic conditions in a stable, long-term setting.
• Home Health Services: Offer in-home medical care, including routine check-ups and chronic condition management.

These roles allow you to choose a setting that matches your preferences and career goals.

2. Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs)

FQHCs are community-based providers that receive federal funding to deliver primary care to underserved populations. Working at an FQHC offers:

• Diverse Clinical Roles: Provide a wide range of medical services in areas with limited access to healthcare.
• Public Health Outreach: Collaborate with local health departments to promote health initiatives, disease prevention, and education.
• Telemedicine Integration: Use telehealth to reach rural or underserved patients, expanding patient access to care.

3. Veterans Hospitals

Veterans Hospitals, part of the Veterans Health Administration (VHA), provide care specifically to military veterans and offer unique opportunities:

• Specialized Clinical Roles: Serve veterans with unique health needs related to their service, such as PTSD or chronic conditions.
• Leadership Positions: Take on roles like Medical Director or Quality Improvement Coordinator to impact care delivery and participate in federal healthcare initiatives.
• Public Health and Policy: Engage in public health research and initiatives focused on veterans’ health, such as mental health and chronic pain management.

4. Telemedicine Opportunities

Telemedicine is rapidly growing, offering new job prospects for general medicine professionals:

• Virtual Consultations: Diagnose and treat patients remotely from home or office.
• Remote Monitoring: Support patients who require continuous monitoring for chronic conditions through digital platforms.

Telemedicine provides flexibility, a better work-life balance, and the ability to reach patients in underserved areas.

5. Public Health and Community Outreach

General medicine professionals can make a substantial impact in public health through roles like:

• Public Health Physician: Manage community health programs and promote wellness.
• Health Educator: Develop programs to educate the public on topics like nutrition and disease prevention.
• Epidemiologist: Analyze health data, monitor outbreaks, and devise prevention strategies.

These roles allow you to address health concerns at the community or population level.

6. Clinical Research and Trials

For those interested in advancing medical knowledge, clinical research offers many opportunities:

• Clinical Research Coordinator: Oversee clinical trials, ensuring protocols are followed.
• Research Physician: Contribute to the development of new treatments and therapies.
• Medical Science Liaison (MSL): Connect with healthcare professionals to share insights about new treatments or medications.

These positions keep you at the forefront of medical innovation and patient care.

7. Healthcare Administration and Leadership

If you enjoy organizational work and leadership, consider roles in healthcare administration:

• Medical Director: Oversee clinical operations, ensuring high standards of patient care.
• Healthcare Manager: Manage teams, resources, and budgets to deliver efficient care.
• Quality Improvement Coordinator: Enhance patient outcomes through data analysis and best practice implementation.

These roles blend clinical knowledge and leadership to impact patient care and organizational success.

8. Corporate Healthcare Opportunities

General medicine professionals are often sought in corporate settings:

• Occupational Health Physician: Develop workplace wellness programs and advise on health regulations.
• Pharmaceutical or Biotech Companies: Work as a medical advisor or product manager.
• Health Insurance: Serve as a medical reviewer or consultant for policy development and case management.

These roles offer a chance to utilize your medical expertise in non-clinical environments, often with opportunities for career growth.

Conclusion

General medicine offers a diverse range of career paths, each with its own rewards and challenges. Whether you’re interested in a clinical position, administrative role, or a unique career path, there are plenty of opportunities to find a job that suits your skills and aspirations. Keep exploring and stay open to new opportunities—the field of general medicine is full of possibilities.

Momentum is your First Stop for General Medicine Opportunities

If you’re actively looking for a new job in general medicine, Momentum is here to help you find the right fit. As a leading healthcare recruiting company, we regularly post job openings across the USA, from clinical roles to leadership positions. Stay updated with our listings and take the next step toward your ideal job in general medicine today!

Sources:

bouve.northeastern.edu
dhcs.ca.gov
openai..com

To address critical shortages in the U.S. healthcare workforce, the Biden-Harris administration recently announced a substantial investment of nearly $100 million to expand the number of healthcare providers, including nurses, nurse practitioners, physicians, and behavioral health professionals. This funding, administered through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), will be used to recruit and train healthcare professionals in underserved communities, offering significant growth in job opportunities for healthcare providers across various fields.

Key elements of this initiative include over $19 million dedicated to increasing the nursing workforce in acute and long-term care settings, as well as nearly $12 million aimed at boosting the number of primary care physicians in high-need areas like rural and tribal communities. Additionally, the funding will enhance behavioral health services by providing more than $63 million to train peer support specialists and community health workers to support families impacted by the opioid crisis. Pediatric care will also benefit from an additional $4.6 million aimed at integrating mental health services into pediatric practices.

Strengthening the Nursing Workforce

A significant portion of the funding—over $19 million—is allocated to expanding the nursing workforce, particularly in acute and long-term care settings. This initiative is expected to increase the number of qualified nurses, which includes nurse practitioners (NPs) who can provide a range of services in both primary and specialty care. Nurse practitioners play an especially vital role in delivering primary care services, often serving as the primary healthcare provider in rural and underserved areas. This push to increase their numbers will create more job openings, ensuring that communities lacking healthcare access receive the support they need.

More Opportunities Await for APPs and Physicians

With nearly $12 million directed toward boosting the number of primary care physicians, this funding is also aimed at placing more doctors in high-need areas such as rural and tribal communities. In addition to physicians, the growing demand for Advanced Practice Providers (APPs) like nurse practitioners and physician assistants (PAs) will see a rise in job openings, as they are critical in providing accessible primary care. APPs can fill gaps in healthcare services, often performing roles traditionally held by physicians, making their recruitment a priority in high-need regions.

Addressing Behavioral Health Needs Amid the Opioid Crisis

Another key focus of the funding is addressing the mental health needs of families impacted by the opioid crisis. Over $63 million has been allocated to train peer support specialists, behavioral health workers, and other community-based providers. This is especially critical given the rising demand for mental health services. Psychiatric nurse practitioners (PMHNPs), PAs, and other mental health providers will play an essential role in supporting children and families affected by substance use disorders. This aspect of the funding presents a wealth of opportunities for professionals specializing in mental and behavioral health to find employment in both clinical and community settings​

Find Your Perfect Healthcare Job with Momentum

At Momentum, we specialize in healthcare recruitment and are excited to connect qualified professionals with the many opportunities generated by this new federal initiative. Whether you’re a nurse practitioner, physician, physician assistant, or behavioral health provider, we have a wide range of job openings that align with the areas covered in this article, including primary care, mental health, telemedicine, and underserved community placements. We’re dedicated to helping healthcare providers find fulfilling roles that make a real impact. Explore our latest opportunities and let us help you take the next step in your healthcare career.

Sources:

voice.ons.org
hhs.gov
openai.com

You love the patients, the collaboration, the compassion, and the work of modern medicine . You may even love the paperwork and reports, but you’re looking for something bigger in your field. Something that requires a bit more leadership, and a bit more troubleshooting the larger problems. You’re not alone, and in fact, clinicians make excellent healthcare leaders because they know the ins and outs of it all. What’s available in the field of healthcare leadership is abundant and worth exploring. So, where do you go from here?

As a clinician, long hours, demanding patients, and quick thinking is a part of the job description. In healthcare leadership, the same applies. Anyone who’s visited a healthcare facility in the last four years has probably noticed a lot of changes. The pandemic brought with it not only a significant crisis, but significant changes in the structure, staffing, and care of patients. As a healthcare leader, the job requires one to think on their feet, and give support and morale to the people they are leading.

Healthcare Program Manager

One of the most important leadership positions is a healthcare program manager. In this role the manager is responsible for planning, developing, and executing what patients need most in their particular program. A program manager collaborates with medical staff to oversee and strategize care. They are also responsible for budgets, negotiating contracts, and making adjustments as needed.

Nurse Management

For those who are nurses looking for leadership roles, a nurse management position may be the right move. In the role of nurse manager, the leader is essentially in charge of making sure everything runs smoothly, from the nursing staff, to the implementations they are making, to budgets, and the patients they are helping. Communication, role modeling, and teamwork are tremendous assets for this position as they will help prevent burnout and turnover of the team.

If managing a team seems a little too contained for you, consider the role of clinical administrator. In this role, you would be overseeing all of the day-to-day operations of an entire healthcare facility. Scheduling, budgeting, compliance with healthcare regulations, and maintaining balance between patient care and operations are some highlights of the position. You would also be in charge of recruiting and hiring the medical professionals to create the amazing workforce of your facility.

CEO

If it’s vision and innovation that calls, then going even beyond management leadership roles may suit you. Becoming the Chief Executive Officer of a hospital or medical system is a big job, but a rewarding one. Studies show that CEOs play a dramatic role in how patients receive the experience of their stay. Promoting a positive environment, setting strategic goals, and executing change within a whole system is only part of the enormous work of a CEO. Although the CEO wears many hats, it’s their leadership that keeps everything running smoothly and new ideas implemented.

There are so many avenues to consider as a clinician and medical facilities need excellent professionals as their backbone. Becoming a leader in the medical field means not only can you put your expertise to work but you are the one steering the ship. 

Your Healthcare Recruiting Partner: Land that Dream Job with Us

At Momentum, we specialize in healthcare recruiting, connecting talented professionals with exceptional career opportunities. We are proud to offer a wide range of healthcare leadership positions across various disciplines, from clinical management to executive roles. Whether you’re an experienced leader or looking to step into a leadership position, we have opportunities that align with your career goals. Join us and take the next step in your healthcare leadership journey with confidence, knowing that our team is here to support you every step of the way.

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

Medical directors play a pivotal role in healthcare facilities, but those in hospice have a special kind of personality. It takes a unique person to work with patients who know they’re dying and to give them the care they deserve.

In general, medical directors oversee and manage the facility’s operations and staff, directly influencing the quality of patient care.

Physicians may be directly responsible for their patient’s medical care, but how they treat and care for their patients reflects on the facility and everyone who works there. Medical directors must keep things running smoothly to maintain their facility’s standards and ensure the best patient care.

Medical Directors Are Business People 

Medical directors run a facility’s business side, ensuring the medical side remains top-notch.

They work with vendors to keep their stock supplied, they maintain the budget, and they ensure government and insurance compliance, among many other things.

Creating A Good Work Environment

Medical directors are also responsible for maintaining the best possible working environment for their physicians and other staff. Facilitating a good work environment includes ensuring the staff feels supported and keeping an excellent physical environment with up-to-date equipment.

They develop and uphold the facility’s policies, procedures, and protocols to ensure everything runs smoothly.

Medical directors continually work to improve their facilities. The medical field is highly competitive, and science is constantly changing, so medical directors must stay on top of their game to keep their facilities running at the highest standards.

Likewise, this means that medical directors push their staff to continually learn, whether it be in-facility medical training, scientific research, or other educational tools.

Why Are Medical Directors Needed In Hospice Care?

Hospice patients are some of the most vulnerable in the medical community. As such, medical directors are essential in regulating their facilities and staff so patients reach the end of their lives with peace and dignity.

What Do Hospice Medical Directors Do?

One study observed six medical directors working in hospice care over two years to understand their responsibilities better. Here are the primary responsibilities these medical directors were observed performing:

•     Consulting and maintaining communication with physicians
•     Work with the patient’s primary physician to determine life expectancy
•     Approve cases for hospice admission
•     Education of staff
•     Helping with care plans
•     Maintaining quality assurance
•     Handling budget issues
•     Work as a primary physician as needed

Interestingly, most medical directors in hospice care work only a few hours a month, meaning they are not involved in the day-to-day activities.

While the job of a medical director in other settings sometimes involves communicating directly with the patient and their family, hospice medical directors rarely interact with those receiving care in their organizations.

So You Want To Be A Medical Director In Hospice Care?

Becoming a medical director is not a linear path. It’s a complex career with many responsibilities, and medical directors come from various medical and professional backgrounds.

Medical Directors Come From Many Backgrounds

Some medical directors begin their careers as physicians, eventually expanding their jobs to include running a facility as medical directors.

Others are hospital administrators with less of a medical background and more of a professional one. Others may be leaders of specific units, such as hospice, or clinical directors.

It’s common for medical directors to earn a master’s degree in public health, health administration, or other healthcare-related fields.

Certifications For Hospice Medical Directors

While certifications aren’t always necessary depending on the organization, they are wonderful for educating current and prospective medical directors and can improve the quality of their work.

The American Academy Of Hospice And Palliative Medicine

The American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine offers medical directors and physicians certification in hospice care. Hospice regulations are complex, and knowledge of hospice care is constantly evolving. The certification helps prepare hospice medical directors by expanding their skills and expertise.

The Hospice Medical Director Certification Board

Other facilities may require prospective hospice medical directors to pass the Hospice Medical Director Certification because hospice care requires unique skills and knowledge that typical medical directors may not have.

To be eligible for the HMDCB certification exam, you must have a license to practice medicine in the United States or Canada, have participated in at least 400 hours of hospice “activities,” and conform to the HMDCB’s code of conduct.

The Qualities Of A Good Hospice Medical Director 

Various qualities are helpful for someone pursuing a hospice medical director career, but organizations typically seek the following skills:

Professionalism. Situations in healthcare can be stressful, especially in situations where the patient is nearing the end of their life, like in hospice. A medical director must be able to remain professional, no matter what complications may arise.

Respect. Likewise, patients nearing the end of their lives want respect and dignity—they don’t want to be treated like a number. Medical directors must also treat their staff with respect since the staff can make or break an organization.

Responsibility. Medical directors have many duties, including maintaining patient care, policies and procedures, and adequate work conditions for their staff.

Integrity. Caring about people and wanting to do the right thing is invaluable for anyone working in the healthcare industry, even if they aren’t hands-on with the patient’s care.

Empathy. A significant part of a medical director’s job is ensuring that physicians and other staff members provide the best patient care. They must look out for the patient’s best interest, evaluate the quality of care, and recognize areas where care is lacking.

Will You Become A Hospice Medical Director?

The road to becoming a hospice medical director may be long, but it’s rewarding in all the best ways. You’ll be responsible for maintaining an amazing facility where the staff feels supported, and the patients feel cared for.

If you have the right qualities and the drive to work hard, becoming a hospice medical director might be your calling.

We have Openings for Hospice Medical Directors

Momentum Healthcare Staffing is all about connecting medical professionals to their dream jobs. If you’re seeking a rewarding career as a Hospice Medical Director, please reach out to us today or visit our job board to learn more. We can help match you to the position that aligns with your professional and personal goals.