Category: healthcare jobs

According to AAMC, the United States is anticipated to experience a deficit of around 124,000 physicians by 2034, with a higher demand for physicians surpassing the available supply. It goes without saying that attracting the right doctors is going to take a lot more than listing a generic job posting.

The job description serves as a roadmap, outlining not just the technical skills required but also the intangible qualities crucial for success in a field where compassion, adaptability, and resilience are as essential as clinical expertise. It’s a task that demands foresight, precision, and a deep understanding of the intricate needs within the healthcare sector.

How to Craft the Best Job Description

Crafting a compelling job description for healthcare roles requires a comprehensive approach that effectively communicates both the technical requirements and the broader expectations of the position. Here are some key tips:

Clear Job Title and Summary: Begin with a concise, accurate job title followed by a summary outlining the primary purpose of the role, the scope of responsibilities, and the impact it holds within the healthcare organization.

Detailed Responsibilities: Provide a comprehensive breakdown of day-to-day duties, emphasizing both clinical tasks and non-clinical responsibilities. For physicians, nurse practitioners, and other healthcare roles, this might include patient care, diagnosis, treatment planning, record-keeping, collaboration with multidisciplinary teams, and participation in research or teaching programs.

Qualifications and Requirements: Specify the necessary qualifications, certifications, and experience required for the role. Highlight educational backgrounds, licenses, and any specialized training or expertise needed. For instance, for physicians, specify board certifications, residency training, and any preferred specialties. For nurse practitioners, mention the required advanced nursing degrees and certifications.

Soft Skills and Competencies: Highlight the soft skills essential for success in healthcare, such as empathy, communication, teamwork, adaptability, and problem-solving. These traits are often as critical as technical expertise in providing excellent patient care.

Company Culture and Values: Integrate information about the organization’s culture, mission, and values to attract candidates who align with these principles. Highlight any unique programs, technology, or patient care approaches the healthcare facility employs.

Benefits and Perks: Outline the benefits, compensation packages, student loan payment assistance, continuing education opportunities, paid parental leave and career advancement prospects. Healthcare professionals often consider these aspects alongside the job description itself.

Clarity and Accessibility: Ensure the description is easy to read and understand, using clear language and bullet points to organize information. Avoid jargon and acronyms that might be unfamiliar to applicants outside the field.

Compliance and Legal Requirements: Adhere to legal and compliance standards, especially when mentioning equal opportunity employment, ADA compliance, and any specific regulations relevant to healthcare hiring.

Review and Feedback: Before finalizing the job description, seek input from current healthcare professionals or HR specialists. Their insights can ensure the description accurately represents the role and attracts the right candidates.

Momentum: Healthcare Recruiting that Works

Finding the perfect healthcare professional isn’t just about qualifications and experience; it’s a delicate balance of skill and precision. Crafting the ideal job description for such a role demands a nuanced understanding of the healthcare landscape, a keen eye for the unique blend of expertise needed, and an adeptness at communicating these requirements. Luckily, partnering with Momentum Healthcare Staffing ensures you have experts on your side—we handle the job description, the credentialing and all of the other intricate details involved in hiring qualified physicians, nurse practitioners and other healthcare specialists.

Sources:

Aamc.org
frac.tl
openai.com

Experts in the healthcare industry have been sounding the alarm over worker shortages for decades, and the past few years have seen their warnings come to fruition in a big way. Nearly 20% of healthcare workers have left their jobs since 2020, resulting in a worker shortage already straining the nation’s hospitals.

And as the U.S. medical system sees a decrease in workers, the demand for their services is on the rise. Baby boomers – a huge demographic of around 76 million people – are reaching their twilight years. As these men and women age, they require more complicated and frequent medical care which the current healthcare system is ill-equipped to provide.

The current worker shortage and rising demand may paint a bleak forecast for the healthcare industry – but it also points to big opportunities for folks interested in a medical career. If you’re looking to work in medicine, consider these in-demand careers in 2024.

Physicians

As the U.S. population ages, there will be a sharp increase in the demand for physicians nationwide. According to the Association of American Medical Colleges, Americans over age 65 will need about 407,300 physicians to adequately provide their care. In contrast, the healthcare system only needed 280,700 physicians to provide care to the 65 and older demographic in 2019. Our aging population will clearly require more doctors, particularly in specialties like family medicine (physicians who provide basic healthcare across age demographics), psychiatry (physicians focused on mental health), and internal medicine (physicians who focus on treating and preventing internal diseases).

Online medical network, Doximity, reported that 2023 found that emergency medicine, urgent care, hematology, obstetrics and gynecology, and anesthesiology as part of the ten most in-demand specialties—a trend that could likely continue into 2024.

Individuals looking to become physicians do have a long journey ahead of them. Between a Bachelor’s degree, medical degree, and residency, it can take up to 14 years to become a licensed doctor. But once they’ve finished their education and licensing, physicians can expect to enjoy a rewarding and lucrative career.

Registered Nurses

Registered nurses are a critical part of the American healthcare system, providing patient care in hospitals, doctor’s offices, in-home, and more. Therefore, it should be no surprise that nursing is a highly in-demand profession.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics expects the demand for registered nurses to grow by 177,400 jobs by 2032, leaving plenty of openings for aspiring healthcare workers. This means that many people taking on the four-year challenge of RN training can expect to find work after graduation.  

Medical Billing and Coding

The growing demand for medical jobs extends beyond patient care. Medical coders and billers are responsible for sending claims to insurance companies and billing patients as needed. While this line of work is only expected to grow by 16,500 jobs by 2032, the BLS reports that this figure represents an 8% increase in the market – far greater than the national average. And because individuals can become trained and certified medical coders in just 10 weeks, this is a great opportunity for people looking to quickly start working in healthcare.

Whether you’re interested in providing patient care, navigating medical billing, or any other aspect of healthcare, there is sure to be a job opening in the medical industry for you in 2024 and Momentum Healthcare Staffing is here to help you find your perfect career match! Explore all our openings here .

The selection of the right doctors is a pivotal and multifaceted decision for hospitals and healthcare practices, as the consequences of these choices ripple throughout the entire healthcare system. Physicians serve as the bedrock of patient care, playing a vital role in diagnosing, treating, and ultimately improving the health and well-being of individuals. The caliber of doctors on staff directly impacts patient outcomes, the quality of care delivered, and the overall reputation and success of the healthcare institution. Additionally, the evolving landscape of medicine, with its increasing specialization, technological advancements, and diverse patient populations, places a premium on finding physicians who possess not only the requisite medical expertise but also the adaptability and interpersonal skills to meet the unique needs of each community and healthcare environment.

Handling Shortages

While a strong, enduring relationship with a primary care doctor has traditionally been the cornerstone of quality healthcare, the U.S. lags behind other high-income countries in investing in primary care, reports USA Today. A shortage of primary care physicians, lower salaries, electronic health record complexities, and corporate takeovers of primary care practices are all contributing to the changing landscape. Patients are experiencing longer wait times and, in some cases, opting for alternatives like retail clinics.

A report released by the Association of American Medical Colleges project the following shortages of physicians by 2034:

•         Between 17,800 and 48,000 primary care physicians
•         Between 21,000 and 77,100 non-primary care physicians.
•         Between 15,800 and 30,200 for surgical specialties.
•         Between 3,800 and 13,400 for medical specialties.
•         Between 10,300 and 35,600 for other specialties.

Hard-to-Hire Physicians

Some specialties have historically experienced greater challenges in recruitment due to factors such as a shortage of professionals, changing healthcare needs, or the nature of the work. Some of the types of doctors that hospitals may have difficulty hiring include:

Primary Care Physicians: As we just touched on, there has been a long-standing shortage of primary care doctors, including family physicians, internists, and pediatricians in many areas. This is partly due to the aging population and the increasing demand for preventive and primary care services.

Rural and Remote Specialists: Hospitals in rural or remote areas often struggle to attract and retain specialized doctors such as surgeons, obstetricians, and other specialists due to the limited patient population and resources.

Geriatric Medicine Specialists: With the aging population, there is a growing need for geriatric specialists who are trained to address the unique healthcare needs of elderly patients. However, there’s often a shortage of these professionals.

Psychiatrists and Mental Health Providers: The demand for mental health services has been on the rise, but there is a shortage of psychiatrists, psychologists, and other mental health providers. This shortage can make it difficult for hospitals to provide adequate mental health care.

Emergency Medicine Physicians: Emergency departments often face challenges in recruiting and retaining emergency medicine specialists due to the demanding and high-stress nature of the work.

Subspecialists: Some subspecialties within medicine, such as pediatric subspecialists or interventional radiologists, may be in high demand, and hospitals in certain areas may struggle to attract these specialists.

Physicians in Academic Medicine: Academic medical centers may have difficulty recruiting experienced physicians who are also dedicated to teaching and research in addition to patient care.

Physicians in Underserved Areas: Hospitals, including FQHCs, located in underserved or economically disadvantaged areas may find it difficult to attract physicians due to lower reimbursement rates, limited resources, and other challenges.

Foreign-Trained Physicians: Hospitals may face regulatory and visa-related hurdles when hiring foreign-trained doctors, even when there’s a shortage of certain specialists.

Addressing Physician Hiring Challenges Head-On

Time is of the essence when it comes to securing sought-after physicians who can make a significant impact on patient care. This is where a healthcare recruiting company like Momentum Healthcare Staffing plays a pivotal role. With an extensive and diverse pool of candidates and a rigorous credentialing system in place, we expedite the hiring process while ensuring that only the most qualified physicians are considered. By collaborating with us, hospitals and healthcare practices can rest assured that they are not only saving valuable time but also making well-informed decisions that have a profound and positive influence on the quality of healthcare they provide. Our commitment to streamlining the recruitment process and delivering top-tier talent underscores our dedication to enhancing healthcare access and patient outcomes. We can help you find OBGYNs, primary care physicians, psychiatrists, radiologists, anesthesiologists, and more. Contact us today to get started quickly!

Sources:

Usatoday.com
ama-assn.org
Aamc.org
Pbs.org
openai.com

Busy emergency rooms are often characterized by a whirlwind of activity, with doctors and nurses working tirelessly to provide timely and accurate diagnoses to a stream of patients in need. In these high-pressure environments, every second can make a difference in saving lives. As the demand for healthcare services continues to rise, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into emergency room workflows is emerging as a promising solution. AI-powered tools, such as ChatGPT, have the potential to assist healthcare professionals by rapidly generating diagnostic suggestions, thereby alleviating some of the burden on overworked medical staff and potentially reducing wait times for patients.

ChatGPT for Diagnosing Patients

A pilot study suggests that ChatGPT could assist in diagnosing patients in emergency rooms as effectively as trained doctors. Researchers at Jeroen Bosch Hospital in The Netherlands used two versions of ChatGPT and compared its diagnoses with those of emergency doctors. They found a 60% overlap in the shortlist of possible diagnoses. ChatGPT version 3.5 had the correct diagnosis in its shortlist 97% of the time, compared to 87% for ChatGPT version 4.0. However, regulatory and privacy concerns need to be addressed before such AI tools can be used in clinical settings, and further research is needed to explore their potential in healthcare.

On the other hand, an ER doctor conducted his own experiment to test ChatGPT’s diagnostic abilities in a medical context. They inputted anonymized patient history notes into ChatGPT, asking for differential diagnoses. The results were mixed, with ChatGPT often requiring very detailed information for accurate diagnoses. It correctly diagnosed some common cases but failed to identify critical conditions, such as an ectopic pregnancy and aortic rupture, which could be life-threatening.

The author suggests that ChatGPT’s success in passing medical exams is due to its reliance on classic and deterministic cases rather than its true diagnostic capabilities. They emphasize that the art of medicine involves gathering a comprehensive patient narrative, which AI may not fully grasp. Additionally, they express concern that using ChatGPT as a doctor’s assistant could reinforce biases and lead to crucial questions being overlooked.

Emergency Room Staffing During Labor Shortages

While AI shows great promise in the field of diagnosing patients and streamlining healthcare processes, it’s essential to remember that it’s not a replacement for the expertise of real trained physicians currently. The human touch, empathy, and clinical judgment that experienced doctors bring to patient care are irreplaceable. At the same time, AI can be a valuable tool in supporting medical professionals and enhancing the efficiency of healthcare delivery. As we continue to navigate the dynamic landscape of healthcare, it’s crucial to strike a balance between technology and human expertise. If you’re looking to ensure your healthcare facility is adequately staffed with highly qualified physicians, we’re here to help you connect with reputable physicians, radiologists, nurse practitioners, OB/GYNs, CRNAs, and more that can provide the skilled professionals needed to deliver quality patient care. Contact Momentum Healthcare Staffing today.

Sources:

Euronews.com
fastcompany.com
openai.com

Healthcare facilities, whether hospitals, standalone imaging centers, or outpatient care units, are grappling with the global radiologist shortage. Factors such as the COVID-19 pandemic, burnout-related retirements or career changes, and the increased demand for imaging among an aging population have converged, straining healthcare professionals who were already in high demand.

A recent survey conducted by Radiology Business reveals ongoing challenges within the imaging field, affecting various roles including radiologists, administrators, and technologists. The survey data highlights several key findings:

Challenges: The top three challenges for professionals in the imaging specialty are “increased workload due to organizational changes,” “overall staffing levels,” and “increased patient volumes.” These challenges have persisted over the years.

Recruitment Competition: The competition for hiring radiologists has intensified, leading hospitals and practices to offer incentives such as six-figure sign-on bonuses, flexible hours, extended vacation time, and immediate partnership tracks.

Radiologist Compensation: Radiologist compensation continues to rise, with an average gross annual salary of $481,660 in 2022. This represents a 13% increase from the previous year. Total compensation, including bonuses, averaged $589,505.

Fair Compensation Perception: The majority of respondents across various roles felt fairly compensated, with percentages ranging from 56.8% (radiologic technologists) to 66.7% (across all titles).

Job Stability and Satisfaction: Despite the high demand for professionals, a significant portion (58.8%) decided to stay in their current positions, citing factors like slow licensure processes, long onboarding times, economic uncertainty, and housing challenges.

Financial Pressures: Financial challenges within organizations are a concern across all titles, with “external financial pressure on our organization” ranking as the top concern affecting job security and satisfaction.

Burnout and Workload: Burnout is a significant issue due to high patient volumes, increased workloads, and staffing shortages. Overworked or burned-out feelings were reported by various professionals.

How is the Healthcare Industry Responding to this Radiology Shortage?

Artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a transformative solution in radiology. It expedites diagnoses, improves efficiency, and acts as valuable decision support. This is particularly crucial in remote areas with limited access to radiologists. AI’s potential is highlighted through its applications in various medical scenarios, such as breast cancer detection, tuberculosis detection, lung cancer detection, and fracture detection and prediction. AI offers advantages like enhanced diagnostic accuracy, increased efficiency, early disease detection, decision support, continuous learning, standardization, accessibility, cost savings, and facilitating research. However, challenges include data quality and quantity, integration with existing systems, regulatory and ethical considerations, validation and interpretability, bias and fairness, human-AI collaboration, technical limitations, adoption and training, cost and infrastructure, and malfunction and safety. Despite these challenges, AI holds the potential to revolutionize radiology, address the radiologist shortage, and transform healthcare globally.

Partnering with Momentum for Radiologist Staffing

Partnering with an experienced healthcare recruiting firm like us offers your healthcare facility a strategic advantage in sourcing a pool of qualified radiologists. Our deep industry expertise and extensive network enable us to identify top-tier professionals efficiently, streamlining your hiring process. Our insights into market trends and recruitment challenges empower us to tailor solutions that resonate with candidates and meet your staffing needs. With our guidance, you can overcome the intensifying competition for radiologists and secure the best talent to enhance your team’s expertise and patient care. Contact Momentum Healthcare Staffing to learn more about radiology recruitment.

Sources:

Radiologybusiness.com
Itnonline.com
techopedia.com

The medical industry experiences a high turnover rate due to various factors. During 2022, turnover rates in different sectors of the healthcare industry varied but were all significant: hospitals experienced a 19.5% turnover rate, at-home care providers faced a 65% turnover rate, and nursing homes encountered a staggering 94% turnover rate. An even scarier statistic shows that hospitals average 100% staff turnover every five years.

Why is There Such High Turnover in Healthcare?

First, the demanding nature of healthcare roles, such as long working hours, exposure to stressful situations, and emotional challenges, can lead to burnout and fatigue. According to the 2023 Healthcare Experience Trends Report from Qualtrics, healthcare ranked last for employee satisfaction compared to 27 other industries.

Second, the industry’s high demand for healthcare professionals, coupled with a shortage of qualified workers in certain regions and specialties, creates a competitive job market, making it easier for employees to find alternative positions.

Third, insufficient support and resources, limited opportunities for career growth, and inadequate work-life balance can contribute to dissatisfaction among medical staff. Finally, the complexities of healthcare regulations and administrative burdens can add to the pressures faced by medical professionals, leading to turnover as they seek more supportive and rewarding work environments.

Let’s look at some simple strategies you can implement to help improve healthcare workforce retention:

Competitive Compensation and Benefits: Offer competitive salaries and comprehensive benefits packages, including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off. Fair compensation is essential for retaining healthcare professionals.

Opportunities for Advancement: Provide clear career paths and opportunities for professional growth within the organization. Healthcare workers are more likely to stay if they see a clear trajectory for their career development.

Work-Life Balance: Implement flexible scheduling options and promote a healthy work-life balance. Avoid excessive overtime and consider offering alternative work arrangements to accommodate personal needs.

Recognition and Appreciation: Recognize and appreciate the hard work and achievements of healthcare staff regularly. Celebrate milestones and contributions to foster a sense of value and appreciation.

Invest in Training and Development: Offer continuous training and development programs to enhance the skills of healthcare workers and keep them engaged in their roles.

Mentorship and Support Programs: Establish mentorship programs to provide guidance and support for new healthcare professionals, helping them transition smoothly into their roles.

Reduce Administrative Burden: Streamline administrative tasks and paperwork, allowing healthcare workers to focus more on patient care and less on office work.

Supportive Work Environment: Create a supportive and collaborative work environment where staff feel comfortable voicing concerns and are empowered to make decisions related to patient care.

Address Burnout and Stress: Implement initiatives to address burnout and stress, such as resilience training, counseling services, and wellness programs. See our article on promoting mental wellness.

Employee Feedback and Surveys: Regularly seek feedback from employees through surveys or focus groups to identify potential issues and areas for improvement.

Using a Healthcare Recruiting Company

It’s not just time spent but also a great deal of expense when it comes to handling employee turnover. Substituting a greatly specialized healthcare professional may cost as much as 200% the employee’s annual salary.

There are several advantages to opting for a healthcare staffing firm like Momentum versus traditional hiring methods. Momentum offers efficient recruitment procedures, access to a wide range of skilled professionals, and makes credentialling a breeze. Contact us now to learn more.

Sources:

Fiercehealthcare.com
oracle.com
healthadministrationdegree.usc.edu
openai.com

Pediatric hospitalists play a vital role in the healthcare system, serving as dedicated physicians who provide specialized care to hospitalized children. Their expertise in managing acute and chronic conditions specific to pediatric patients ensures that young individuals receive the comprehensive medical attention they need during their hospital stay. With their unique skill set, pediatric hospitalists contribute to improved outcomes, enhanced coordination of care, and better communication among healthcare professionals, making them essential in delivering optimal healthcare for children in the hospital setting. Conservative estimates indicate that as of 2020, there are approximately 3,000 pediatric hospitalists in the U.S.

Let’s dig deeper into what pediatric hospitalists do.

As their name suggests, pediatric hospitalists are pediatricians who work primarily in hospitals. One of the primary responsibilities of a pediatric hospitalist is conducting comprehensive medical evaluations of patients upon admission. They review the patient’s medical history, perform physical examinations, order and interpret diagnostic tests, and create a tailored treatment plan. They collaborate with specialists, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to ensure coordinated and effective care.

Pediatric hospitalists are skilled in managing acute conditions and medical emergencies. They are well-versed in assessing and stabilizing critically ill children, such as those with severe respiratory distress, dehydration, or sepsis. They closely monitor patients’ vital signs, administer medications, and adjust treatment plans as necessary to optimize their recovery.

In addition to acute care, pediatric hospitalists also provide ongoing management of chronic conditions during a hospital stay. They work closely with patients and their families to educate them about the condition, discuss treatment options, and ensure appropriate follow-up care after discharge.

Communication and Collaboration

Communication and collaboration are essential aspects of a pediatric hospitalist’s role. They regularly communicate with patients’ primary care physicians and subspecialists to ensure continuity of care. They also engage in family-centered care, discussing treatment plans, addressing concerns, and providing emotional support to patients and their families throughout the hospitalization process.

Pediatric hospitalists are also involved in medical education and research. Many hospitalists are actively engaged in teaching medical students, residents, and fellows, sharing their expertise and knowledge in pediatric hospital medicine. They may also participate in research projects aimed at improving pediatric care and outcomes.

Looking for a new Pediatric Hospitalist Position? Check out our job board

Momentum Healthcare Staffing is constantly updating their medical job board with new positions including those for Pediatric Hospitalists, both permanent and Locum Tenens. Further, if you contact us, we can help find your perfect match too. Reach out here or simply give us a call: (877) 558-3782

Sources:

healthychildren.org
mdedge.com
aafp.org
Openai.com 

Equitable healthcare is of paramount importance in the United States as it ensures that every individual, regardless of their background or socioeconomic status, has fair and just access to quality healthcare services. A society that prioritizes equitable healthcare acknowledges that everyone deserves equal opportunities for disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. By promoting equity, the US can work towards reducing health disparities, improving population health outcomes, and fostering a more inclusive and compassionate healthcare system for all its citizens.

FQHCs: What are They?

Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs), also known as Community Health Centers, are community-based healthcare providers that receive funding from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), an agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). FQHCs are designed to provide comprehensive, high-quality healthcare services to underserved and vulnerable populations, regardless of their ability to pay. As of May 2022, there are currently 1,403 official FQHC locations in the U.S.

Here are some key characteristics and features of Federally Qualified Health Centers:

Funding and Support: FQHCs receive federal funding through grants and reimbursements from HRSA. This financial support helps them offer services on a sliding fee scale based on a patient’s income, ensuring affordability for low-income individuals and families.

Comprehensive Services: FQHCs offer a wide range of primary healthcare services, including medical, dental, and behavioral health services. They aim to provide comprehensive care under one roof, addressing both physical and mental health needs.

Accessibility and Availability: FQHCs are typically located in underserved areas, such as rural or urban communities with limited access to healthcare. They strive to improve access to care by offering extended hours of operation, same-day appointments, and accommodating walk-ins.

Patient-Centered Approach: FQHCs focus on delivering patient-centered care, emphasizing the importance of involving patients in their healthcare decisions and tailoring services to meet their specific needs. They often engage in community outreach and health education programs to promote preventive care and disease management.

Affiliation with Special Populations: FQHCs frequently serve special populations, including individuals experiencing homelessness, agricultural workers, veterans, and residents of public housing. They prioritize addressing the unique healthcare challenges faced by these populations.

Collaboration and Coordination: FQHCs often collaborate with other healthcare providers, hospitals, and community organizations to ensure coordinated care for their patients. This collaboration may involve referrals, sharing of patient health information, and integration with local health systems.

Quality Standards: FQHCs must meet specific quality standards set by HRSA. They undergo regular assessments and must demonstrate their compliance with clinical and administrative requirements to maintain their designation and funding.

Why Work at an FQHC?

Working at a FQHC offers numerous benefits for healthcare professionals. Firstly, FQHCs provide an opportunity to make a tangible impact on the health and well-being of underserved communities. By working at an FQHC, healthcare professionals have the chance to address healthcare disparities and provide essential healthcare services to individuals who may otherwise have limited access. This sense of purpose and fulfillment derived from making a difference in the lives of patients can greatly enhance job satisfaction.

Secondly, FQHCs often foster a collaborative and interdisciplinary work environment. Healthcare professionals can work closely with a diverse team of colleagues, including physicians, nurse practitioners, nurses, dentists, mental health professionals, and social workers. This collaborative approach enhances professional growth and provides opportunities for interdisciplinary learning. Working together as a team, healthcare professionals can deliver comprehensive, patient-centered care, drawing on each other’s expertise and perspectives. Workers can find this to be an enriching and supportive environment.

In summary, working at an FQHC offers the chance to contribute to the health and well-being of underserved populations, fostering a sense of purpose and fulfillment. Further, the collaborative and interdisciplinary work environment at FQHCs provides opportunities for professional growth and a supportive atmosphere. These aspects make working at an FQHC a rewarding experience for healthcare professionals passionate about equitable healthcare and making a positive impact in their communities.

Expert Staffing for FQHCs

Momentum Healthcare Staffing can connect healthcare professionals to FQHCs and also help FQHCs find the best professionals, too. It’s Momentum’s expertise to bring together healthcare institutions and professionals to create a synergistic collaboration that benefits everyone! Contact us today to learn more: (877) 558-3782

Sources:

https://www.healthcare.gov

https://www.definitivehc.com

https://www.openai.com

Stress—it’s a six-letter word that resonates with too many of us. In the healthcare industry, it’s especially prominent due to the demanding nature of the work. Healthcare workers often face high-pressure situations, long work hours, emotional challenges, and the need to make critical decisions quickly. They may witness suffering, trauma, and loss on a regular basis, which can take a toll on their mental and emotional well-being. The responsibility of providing quality care, dealing with complex medical cases, navigating bureaucratic systems, and managing patient expectations further contribute to the stress levels. Additionally, healthcare professionals may face organizational and systemic issues such as staffing shortages, resource constraints, and administrative burdens, which can exacerbate the stress experienced in their roles.

A survey of healthcare workers conducted June-September 2020 by Mental Health America showed that:

–          93% were experiencing stress, 86% reported experiencing anxiety, 77% reported frustration, 76% reported exhaustion and burnout, and 75% said they were overwhelmed.

–          Emotional exhaustion was the most common feeling healthcare workers said they felt over the previous three months.

Why is Work-Related Stress Dangerous?

Work-related stress can be harmful because it negatively impacts both the individual and the quality of care provided. It can lead to physical and mental health problems such as burnout, anxiety, depression, and increased risk of chronic conditions. Stress can impair concentration, decision-making abilities, and professional performance, potentially compromising patient safety (quite the opposite of the reason why most healthcare professionals seek these positions) It also affects personal relationships, job satisfaction, and overall well-being. Addressing work-related stress is crucial to ensure the physical and emotional well-being of healthcare workers and maintain high standards of care.

As a healthcare worker, preventing work-related stress is essential for your overall well-being and the quality of care you provide.

Here are some strategies that can help:

Self-Care: Prioritize self-care activities to maintain physical and mental health. Ensure you get adequate rest, eat a balanced diet, engage in regular exercise, and practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or yoga.

Set Boundaries: Set clear boundaries between work and personal life. Avoid excessive overtime and prioritize time for activities you enjoy outside of work. Disconnect from work-related communication during your time off to recharge and maintain a healthy work-life balance.

Seek Support: Build a support system within your workplace and outside. Communicate openly with colleagues, share experiences, and seek guidance when needed. Connect with friends, family, or support groups who understand the unique challenges of your profession.

Practice Mindfulness: Incorporate mindfulness techniques into your daily routine. Focus on the present moment, pay attention to your thoughts and emotions without judgment, and engage in activities that bring you joy and relaxation. Pencil in some time for meditation, even if just a few minutes a day.

Time Management: Develop effective time management skills to reduce stress. Prioritize tasks, set realistic goals, and break them down into manageable steps. Learn to delegate when appropriate and avoid taking on excessive workload.

Develop Coping Healthy Mechanisms: Create healthy coping mechanisms to manage stress. This can include activities such as listening to music, engaging in hobbies, reading, spending time in nature, or participating in activities that promote relaxation and stress reduction.

Seek Professional Help: If work-related stress becomes overwhelming or persists despite your efforts, don’t hesitate to seek professional help. Consult with a mental health professional who can provide guidance, support, and strategies to manage stress effectively.

Practice Effective Communication: Clear and open communication is vital in managing work-related stress. Express your concerns or challenges to supervisors or colleagues, and work together to find solutions or implement changes that can alleviate stressors in the work environment.

Reflect and Learn: Continuously reflect on your experiences and learn from them. Identify patterns or triggers that contribute to stress and explore strategies to address them effectively. Embrace a growth mindset and seek opportunities for professional development to enhance your skills and confidence.

Consider a Career Change with the Help of a Healthcare Recruiting Company

If you want to explore a healthcare career change, such as seeking a Locum Tenens position where you are able to travel to different locations for a set period of time, Momentum can help match you to the perfect company. Or if you’re seeking a better hospital or healthcare facility that meets your professional and personal needs, we can help there too. Contact us to get started.

Sources:

https://mhanational.org/

https://openai.com

When we visit a hospital, we are thinking about illnesses, injuries, and emergencies. Whether it be ourselves, or someone we love, a hospital is a place for fixing the physical problems we have. We take comfort in the fact that when we visit, we will be taken care of. This comfort is possible because of the workers that run a hospital. Doctors, nurses, assistants and myriad medical staff keep watch while we are mended. What we don’t think about when we are visiting a hospital is the mental health of those very workers. Not that it was a cake walk before the pandemic, but since COVID, healthcare workers have been under tremendous stress.

Since May is mental health awareness month, let’s turn our thoughts to the mental health of our healthcare providers and how their own workplaces can serve them so they, too, can stay healthy and happy.

Pandemic-induced burnout for medical professionals is a very real thing, says Healthcaredive, especially for female and infectious disease healthcare workers. Temporary nurses, cross-training staff, and “redeploying” office staff are just a few of the measures healthcare facilities have had to face due to burnout. This has led to a bulletin by the Joint Commission to encourage healthcare facilities to provide more mental health services, such as transparent communication within the workplace, says the article. The more open staff can be with each other, the better, says the article.

Combating Mental Burnout Through Design

Another way to combat mental burnout at work is to design healthcare facilities to already foster employee wellbeing, says Harvard Business Review. Record-high rates of anxiety and depression have run rampant among healthcare workers since the pandemic began, says the article, turning it into not only a problem, but a crisis. Making a healthcare facility to foster mental health was once designed only for patients, but now, it’s for the workers as well. At Massachusetts General Hospital, the Lunder Building offers what seems like simple tweaks to the everyday work environment but, in fact, turn out to be game changers. The building features staff-only stairwells with access to ample sunlight; a place where staff can come to be “alone together,” as well as decompress throughout the day. They also used sound-absorbing materials to create quieter sections in the building, which not only reduces stress, but aids in recovery, says the article. Noise minimizing extras like sliding doors and distanced elevators away from patient rooms were also added. Measures like this can help staff feel they are in a workplace that cares about them as well as the patients they serve.

Raising Awareness for Healthcare Workers

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) is also working to address mental health for healthcare workers by raising awareness. Their aim is to lessen the stigma of seeking and receiving mental health care, improve screening tools, resources, and policies within facilities, says the CDC. They also aim to eliminate barriers to finding mental health care. No longer are the days of hiding mental burdens. It’s become widely accepted to seek therapy, talk to fellow co-workers, and take breaks.

This month serves as an important reminder to take care of yourself and others when it comes to mental health. Healthcare workers may seem like superheroes (and they are), but they’re also just people who do extraordinary things. Let’s be aware of mental health not only this month, but during every month to help the people that help us.

Finding a Better Work Life Balance as a Healthcare Worker

If you’re a doctor, nurse practitioner, or medical assistant seeking a better work-life balance, we totally understand. Good mental health is essential for your overall well-being. Momentum Healthcare Staffing can match you with the career that fits your requirements for a balanced life. Search our job boards for both permanent and Locums Tenens positions at a variety of healthcare facilities.