What are Federally Qualified Health Care Centers (FQHCs) and Why Work for One?

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.

fhqc

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

 

 

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How Can Hospitals Promote Mental Wellness for their Workers?

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.

 

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A paramedic experiences signs of burnout


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.

 

therapist speaks to a healthcare worker
Seek therapy to help cope with emotional exhaustion or burnout

 

 

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.

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Recognizing Healthcare Workers’ Impact on Patient Care

Healthcare workers are the backbone of the healthcare industry, working tirelessly to improve patient care and experience. They spend long hours, work hard, and often go above and beyond to ensure their patients receive the best care.

And that’s why healthcare professionals deserve to be celebrated and recognized for their invaluable contributions to the healthcare industry.

 

Healthcare workers are essential for quality patient care.

Healthcare workers are responsible for providing medical assistance to patients in hospitals and other healthcare facilities.

Nurses, Nurse Practitioners, doctors, and other healthcare professionals work together to ensure patients receive the best possible care. They focus on preventing, diagnosing, and treating diseases and injuries and help patients manage chronic conditions.

 

Healthcare workers provide crucial emotional support.

Patients and their families can experience high stress and anxiety levels during a hospital stay.

Healthcare workers provide a listening ear and offer comforting words to help patients and families navigate their healthcare journey. They also provide emotional support during difficult times, showing empathy and understanding toward their experiences.

 

Healthcare workers promote patient education.

Healthcare workers play a vital role in the patient’s learning process by educating them about their health and the importance of taking care of themselves.

They help patients understand their medical conditions, medications, and treatment options to empower them to participate actively in their health care.

 

patient experience

Healthcare workers contribute to patient satisfaction.

Patient experience is the sum of all interactions between the patient and the healthcare system.

Healthcare workers give their best to provide high-quality care, ensure patients’ comfort, and meet their individual medical needs. They are an integral part of the healthcare team, and their efforts can influence the patient experience.

Recognition of healthcare workers’ impact on patient care.

Patient Care and Patient Experience Week is a time to recognize the critical role of healthcare workers in ensuring quality patient care and experience. It is an opportunity to thank them for their selfless dedication, honor their contributions, and appreciate their hard work.

 

Patient Care and Patient Experience Week-How to Celebrate

Some organizations usually offer meals, gift cards, or free therapy sessions as perks to acknowledge the tremendous job done by healthcare workers.

These gestures can help healthcare workers feel valued. Besides, healthcare workers need motivation because they work long hours in stressful environments, making the job harder.

Recognizing healthcare workers’ impact on patient care and experience week is thus crucial. It’s an opportunity to appreciate what they do and show that they are valued.

It doesn’t have to be a grand gesture; simple acts of kindness can make healthcare workers feel appreciated.

 

health care

 

A simple thank you card can mean a lot to a nurse who is going through the day with little rest. Celebrating healthcare workers can be through social media appreciation campaigns, advertisements in newspapers, or even hospital banners that convey a positive message to healthcare workers.

 

Healthcare workers are the heart and soul of the healthcare system and are essential for providing high-quality care and a positive patient experience. We should recognize and celebrate their contributions during Patient Care and Patient Experience Week. Let’s show our appreciation to healthcare workers and celebrate Patient Care and Patient Experience Week together! If you’re looking to expand your team of qualified healthcare professionals who are well-trained and compassionate, reach out to Momentum Healthcare Staffing today.

 

 

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What is Needed to Build the Best Healthcare Team

With the ever-increasing complexities in healthcare, the need for the best healthcare team is paramount. A good team gives the best possible care to the patients and ensures efficient processes, cost-saving strategies, and a fulfilling work environment.

Building a successful healthcare team requires a strategic approach, starting with hiring the right people. However, that’s not enough; several elements need a keen focus to create a thriving healthcare team.

 

1. Create a Culture of Respect and Support

The best healthcare team starts with a culture that fosters respect and support. Healthcare is a high-stress environment, and team members must feel supported and respected to perform their jobs effectively.

roles in healthcare
Healthcare workers need a space to be heard

 

A culture of respect and support fosters collaboration, nurtures accountability, and establishes trust. It creates an environment where team members feel encouraged to share their ideas and opinions and are more likely to work towards a united goal. Promoting communication, active listening, and openness to feedback is essential to cultivate a supportive culture.

 

2. Continuously Develop Skills and Knowledge

Continuous professional development is another vital ingredient for building the best healthcare team. The healthcare industry continuously evolves, and team members must keep up with the latest developments to deliver quality care.

 

Encourage your team to attend training programs, seminars, workshops, and conferences aligned with their roles. Support the pursuit of advanced degrees and certifications that increase knowledge and skills. Every team member should have a development plan that helps them achieve their professional goals.

 

3. Encourage Diversity and Inclusion

Diversity and inclusion are essential for building the best healthcare team. Patients come from diverse backgrounds and cultures, and teams should reflect that too.

 

A diverse group brings various ideas, perspectives, and experiences to enrich patient care. Promoting cultural competence reduces discrimination and fosters mutual respect. Creating a culture that actively encourages and welcomes diversity and inclusion is essential.

 

4. Define Roles and Expectations

Work leaders must define roles and expectations to build the best healthcare team. Every team member must understand what their roles are, the expectations that come with them, and how their roles align with the team’s goals.

Establish transparent workflow processes, standard operating procedures, and protocols. Setting individual and team goals can ensure everyone is aligned and working towards the same objectives.

 

5. Foster a Positive Work Environment

A positive work environment is vital to building the best healthcare team. A positive work environment is where team members feel valued, appreciated, and heard. A positive work environment reduces stress, promotes teamwork, and ensures employee satisfaction.

Hold regular team-building sessions, recognize achievements, and encourage a healthy work-life balance. A good work environment fosters productivity, collaboration, and better care delivery.

team building sessions
Building a great healthcare team

 

Building the best healthcare team starts with hiring but doesn’t end there. Creating a culture of respect and support, developing skills and knowledge, encouraging diversity and inclusion, defining roles and expectations, and fostering a positive work environment are all essential elements in building a high-performing healthcare team. A good team is not just about delivering excellent care; it’s about teamwork, collaboration, and fulfillment in work.

 

When healthcare teams are thriving, patients reap the benefits of quality care. By investing in your healthcare team, you not only create a fulfilling work environment but also contribute to improving the healthcare industry as a whole.

 

We Help you Find the Best Medical Professionals for your Team

 

Momentum Healthcare Staffing has its own super-star team: a group of passionate recruiters here to help you build your perfect group of healthcare professionals. As one of the most trusted recruitment agencies in the country, we connect highly qualified doctors, Nurse Practitioners, and medical assistants—both permanent and temporary—to fill your open positions. Whether you have a healthcare staffing shortage or simply need a hand to find the best team members, contact us: (877) 558-3782

 

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Nurse Practitioners: What to Expect in Nursing Homes

Estimates show that by 2050, the number of Americans over 85 will be about 19 million. Nursing homes will need more help than ever from skilled Nurse Practitioners who love their job.

What are Nurse Practitioners, and what are their roles in nursing home facilities? How do their jobs differ from that of registered nurses and physicians? What are the benefits of working in a nursing home versus a hospital or doctor’s office?

Who Are Nurse Practitioners?

Patients often go to Nurse Practitioners (NPs) for their health needs rather than physicians. Nurse Practitioners bring a personal touch to healthcare that some physicians can’t offer.

NPs begin their careers as registered nurses (RNs). They must go on to complete a master’s degree, and some get a doctoral degree as well. They must also complete advanced clinical training outside of their nursing preparation.

Similar to doctors, Nurse Practitioners can diagnose and treat medical conditions. They also work with patients to manage their health and prevent diseases.

 

Here are some things NPs can do:

  •     Diagnostic testing
  •     Diagnosing & treating both chronic & acute conditions
  •     Prescribing medications
  •     Prevention education
  •     Counseling

What Can NPs Expect While Working in a Nursing Home?

Nurse Practitioners are involved in all aspects of a nursing home patient’s medical visit. They don’t just act as medical providers for the patient’s physical health; they also care for the patient’s psychiatric health.

NPs work with nursing home patients whenever they need regular checkups. They also see the patients when they get sick and can discharge them from the nursing home.

The goal of NPs in nursing homes is to help their patients recover and keep them out of hospitals.

 

 

NP jobs in assisted living home
What is it like to work in a nursing home?

These are some everyday tasks in nursing homes:

  •     Reviewing past medical history
  •     Ordering, approving, & performing testing
  •     Prescribing medication
  •     Performing follow-up appointments
  •     Developing a care plan
  •     Planning for advanced care as the patient’s condition changes
  •     Discharging patients
  •     Performing reviews to get patients more time in the nursing home
  •     Reviewing & signing documents
  •     Educating staff members

 

Nurse Practitioners are qualified to perform many of the tasks that doctors can. They help take the load off of doctors so they can focus on other tasks that NPs are not qualified for.

NPs often work after-hours or on-call when the doctor is not working. They will call the doctor for opinions and support when needed.

nursing home NP jobs
Are you a Nurse Practitioner seeking a career in a nursing home?

 

Steve, an APRN, says Nurse Practitioners in nursing homes don’t usually have strictly set hours. As long as the NP sees their required patients daily and weekly, the facility is unlikely to track their total hours worked.

Nursing home work is often more structured despite not having strict hours. NPs generally have a routine to follow every day that they wouldn’t have in a hospital setting.

Despite having structure, NPs rarely get bored working in nursing homes. Rebecca Lee, a registered nurse (RN), says, “Nursing homes are basically a generalized internal medicine unit.” Nurse Practitioners see all kinds of conditions, offering variety to their days.

NPs working in nursing homes form a better sense of community with their patients. They see and work with the residents and their families regularly. NPs build relationships with these people that they wouldn’t get in other settings.

 

Conclusion

Michael Mileski et al. says that having Nurse Practitioners in nursing homes reduces the rehospitalization of patients and increases their chances of recovery. NPs respond to their patients quickly, spend lots of time with them, and perform more comprehensive evaluations.

In other words, Nurse Practitioners are invaluable assets for nursing homes and their patients. Besides that, they are often great places to work, especially for NPs who enjoy building long-lasting relationships with their patients.

 

Looking for the Perfect NP Opportunity in a Nursing Home?

 

Do you wish to work as an NP in a nursing home or similar environment? At Momentum Healthcare staffing, we help find your perfect job match. We are constantly adding new positions to our job board, from Locum Tenens to permanent opportunities. Please contact us if you would like us to help match you!

 

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Healthcare Workers: Why Are They Quitting?

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

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

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

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

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

Reasons for the Healthcare Workers Shortage

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

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

health care shortage
Sometimes healthcare workers feel they need to choose between “balance” or “burnout”

 

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

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

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

How Can we Fix the Healthcare Shortage?

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

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

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

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

 

Healthcare Staffing Company on Your Side

 

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

 

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Looking to make a Practice Change

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Owned and Private Group practice opportunities

Check out our jobs page click on: Momentum/Jobs

 

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