Tag: urgent care staffing

It isn’t unheard of, as a parent, an older individual, or a single person to have a few trips to an urgent care center each year. The reasons could range from a fever to an unusually upset stomach to even more serious things like allergic reactions. Urgent care centers are set up to treat a variety of ailments and conditions with nurses, doctors, and specialists. However, since the outbreak of COVID19, it’s been difficult for urgent care centers to obtain and hold onto permanent medical staff, leaving centers vulnerable to mistakes, burnout, and even shut-downs. When an unfortunate illness or emergency occurs, patients need excellent medical techniques, excellent environments, and most importantly, excellent treatment with caring medical professionals.

Quitting their Jobs

During the harshest days of COVID19, medical staff experienced an unprecedented amount of patients. Patient numbers skyrocketed over 58% the normal volume for urgent care centers in 2020. The increase in stress for medical professionals lead to burn out across the country. According to Heath Care Dive, over 230,000 medical professionals quit their positions in 2021, including physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and other clinicians. Another 117,000 clinicians left the profession all together during the same time, along with 53,000 nurse practitioners. “Internal medicine, family practice, clinical psychology, chiropractic and psychology faced the greatest turnover throughout 2021, according to the report,” says the article. Even more disturbing, a new report told by Forbes claims that 47% of all healthcare workers plan to leave their current jobs by 2025.

Urgent Cares are Unique

In the case of urgent care centers, staffing is exceptionally important because of the unique business model. Staffed with a skeletal team, urgent care centers essentially depend on the volume of patients, particularly flu season, to make profits. Labor is the highest cost in these facilities. According to The Journal of Urgent Care Medicine, recruiting and keeping medical staff were specific to urgent care centers. Rising turnover for urgent care centers, as well as the hiring of temporary staff, may contribute to medical errors, discontent at work for staff members, and a transitory environment.

When it comes to providing steady, reliable, and excellent staff, a big solution is an agency, says verywellhealth. Searching for the right fit, both for the urgent care center and the medical professional is time consuming; time that could be much better spent focusing on the health of patients, says the article. A staffing agency alleviates the process of filling roles temporarily or permanently, and some agencies also help with training, credentialing, and software and vendor management. A staffing agency can also help fill specific gaps in medical staff. Urgent care centers nationwide are especially in need of x-ray technicians, who can bridge the gap between emergency center and doctor’s office. It also helps medical professionals look for exactly what they want in a work environment, increasing morale and retention.

In our rapidly changing world it can be difficult to find consistency, and in the medical world, it couldn’t be more important. Piecing together the right professionals to the right environments can be a huge benefit for all medical centers, and especially urgent care centers. When the bottom line is excellent patient care, the solution is excellent medical staff.

Hiring a Staffing Agency for your Urgent Care Facility

With Momentum, you can feel at ease knowing that we are a trusted hiring partner who handles the entire scope of recruiting the best talent for your urgent care center. That includes permanent and temporary positions for: physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants and more.

In recent years, the mental health of healthcare workers has emerged as a critical topic of concern within the healthcare industry. The demanding nature of their work, compounded by factors such as long hours, high-stress environments, and witnessing human suffering firsthand, has contributed to a growing recognition of the mental health challenges faced by those in the healthcare profession. In this article, we delve into the evolving trends surrounding the mental well-being of healthcare workers.

Mental Health Report from Calm

Calm’s latest workplace mental health report highlights concerning trends affecting employees worldwide. The survey, which gathered insights from 4,000 employees and 150 HR leaders, reveals that despite advancements in mental health support, nearly 70% of employees report stagnant or worsening mental health over the past year. Sleep disturbances, with 68% experiencing trouble falling asleep in the past month, add to these challenges. Key findings point to a pervasive culture of overwork, with 60% of global workers always feeling connected to work and half expressing concerns about the impact of rapidly advancing technologies.

Furthermore, one-third view AI tools as negatively affecting well-being. The report underscores the vital role of supportive management, with 65% of employees believing that good management can enhance mental health, yet only 38% feel their managers foster a low-stress environment. Women’s unique needs in the workplace, particularly regarding reproductive health, also emerge as an area requiring more attention, as only 35% report workplace support in this regard. The top stressors identified include the cost of living and financial instability, particularly impactful for American workers.

Calm suggests proactive measures to address these challenges, advocating for preventative resources in existing benefits and the cultivation of empathetic managers who facilitate open discussions about mental health.

Medscape’s Physician Burnout and Depression Report

Medscape’s 2024 physician burnout and depression report reveals that nearly half of physicians surveyed experienced burnout, with a 49% burnout rate—a slight decrease from the previous year but still higher than pre-pandemic levels. The specialties most affected include emergency medicine, OB-GYN, oncology, pediatrics, and family medicine, while plastic surgery, ophthalmology, psychiatry, pathology, and otolaryngology report lower rates. Key contributors to burnout include bureaucratic tasks, long work hours, and lack of respect from employers or colleagues.

Coping mechanisms include exercise, social support, adequate sleep, solitude, and music. Physicians suggest that increased compensation, additional support staff, and flexible work schedules would alleviate burnout the most.

Women in Healthcare: Are They Experiencing More Burnout?

The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences conducted a comprehensive analysis revealing that women in healthcare occupations face significantly higher levels of stress and burnout compared to men. Lead researcher Leigh A. Frame, from the GW Resiliency & Well-being Center, emphasizes the detrimental impact of the intense pressures faced by female healthcare professionals, exacerbated by societal expectations to prioritize both career and family responsibilities. Analyzing 71 studies spanning over four decades and various countries, the study sheds light on the detrimental effects of gender inequality, poor work-life balance, and limited workplace autonomy on women’s well-being. Conversely, job satisfaction and a supportive work environment are identified as protective factors against stress and burnout. The study underscores the urgent need for systemic interventions to address these challenges, especially given the heightened strain brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Recommendations include fostering supportive workplace cultures, providing access to professional development opportunities, and promoting mindfulness practices. The findings highlight the need for healthcare employers and policymakers to develop solutions to prevent burnout, which can lead to workforce shortages and other systemic issues.

Momentum: Healthcare Staffing for a Better Work Life Balance

If you’re seeking a healthcare job or company that prioritizes work-life balance to combat burnout, Momentum is here to help. By understanding your unique preferences, skills, and career goals, we can help match you with opportunities that offer supportive work environments, flexible schedules, and resources for maintaining well-being. Whether you’re a nurse practitioner, physician, radiologist, or mental health provider, finding the right balance between work and life is essential for sustaining a fulfilling and sustainable career in healthcare. Let us help you find a job or company that aligns with your values and promotes your overall well-being. Together, we can work towards creating a healthier and more balanced healthcare workforce.

Sources:

Eurekalert.org
prnewswire.com
theamericangenius.com
Openai.com

In today’s competitive healthcare industry, finding and retaining top talent is essential. It is reported by Mercer that by 2025, the U.S. is estimated to have a shortage of approximately 446,000 home health aides, 95,000 nursing assistants, 98,700 medical and lab technologists and technicians, and more than 29,000 nurse practitioners. It is clear that staffing is evermore crucial today.

While traditional hiring methods have long been the norm, healthcare staffing firms have emerged as valuable partners in the recruitment process. This article explores the advantages of using a healthcare staffing firm over traditional hiring methods and highlights the benefits for healthcare organizations.

Streamlined Healthcare Recruitment Process

One significant advantage of partnering with a healthcare staffing agency is the streamlined recruitment process. These firms have extensive networks and databases of qualified healthcare professionals—physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants– allowing them to quickly identify suitable candidates for open positions. By leveraging their industry expertise and resources, they can efficiently screen, interview, and present a shortlist of highly qualified candidates to healthcare organizations, saving significant time and effort.

Access to a Diverse Talent Pool

Healthcare staffing companies have access to a vast and diverse talent pool that extends beyond traditional hiring methods. They can tap into their networks of healthcare professionals, including those who may not actively be seeking new opportunities. This widens the talent pool and increases the chances of finding candidates with specialized skills and experience, even for hard-to-fill positions. Healthcare organizations benefit from accessing a larger and more diverse talent pool, ensuring a higher likelihood of finding the ideal fit for their specific needs.

Expertise in Niche Specialties

The healthcare industry is vast and encompasses various specialties and disciplines. Identifying and recruiting candidates with specialized skills and knowledge can be challenging for healthcare organizations. Healthcare staffing firms specialize in understanding the nuances of different healthcare roles and possess the expertise to identify candidates with the required qualifications and experience. Their in-depth understanding of the industry allows them to match healthcare organizations with professionals who possess the precise skill set and expertise needed, ensuring a higher chance of long-term success and reduced turnover.

Flexibility and Cost-Effectiveness

Healthcare staffing firms offer flexibility in managing workforce needs. They provide temporary, contract, or permanent staffing options based on the requirements of healthcare organizations. This flexibility is particularly valuable during seasonal fluctuations, staff shortages, or special projects. Moreover, partnering with a staffing firm can be cost-effective. It eliminates the need for extensive advertising, background checks, and time-consuming recruitment processes. Healthcare staffing firms handle candidate sourcing, screening, and onboarding, saving organizations valuable time and resources.

Mitigation of Hiring Risks

Partnering with a healthcare staffing firm helps mitigate hiring risks. These firms thoroughly screen candidates, conducting comprehensive background checks, verifying credentials, and assessing their qualifications and experience. This ensures that healthcare organizations are presented with candidates who meet the highest standards. Additionally, healthcare staffing firms often provide temporary-to-permanent and Locums Tenens placements, allowing organizations to evaluate a candidate’s fit within their culture and team dynamics before making a long-term commitment.

Top Healthcare Staffing Company in the U.S.

The advantages of using a healthcare staffing firm like Momentum over traditional hiring methods are numerous. From streamlined recruitment processes and access to a diverse talent pool to expertise in niche specialties and cost-effective solutions, healthcare organizations can benefit greatly from the partnership. By leveraging the specialized services and industry knowledge of staffing firms, healthcare organizations like urgent cares, FQHCs, and hospitals can secure top talent and focus on delivering quality patient care.

Sources:

USNews.com
Clutch.co
OpenAi.com

Urgent care centers are gaining immense popularity in recent years due to the convenience and quality of care they provide. These centers provide quick, convenient access to medical care, allowing patients to get the care they need without having to wait for days or weeks for an appointment with a primary care provider. Interest is growing 7 percent each year, with over 11,000 urgent cares currently running, according to the Urgent Care Association.

Why Do Americans Go To Urgent Care Centers?

Urgent care centers have shorter wait times than many hospitals or emergency rooms, making them an ideal option for those who need medical care quickly. Most patients are seen in less than an hour, which varies greatly from several hours to days before being seen by a doctor.

Medical Ailments Treated at an Urgent Care

Urgent care centers provide a wide range of services and treatments, as well as access to specialists, which can help ensure that patients get the care they need when they need it. This can be especially helpful for those who do not have reliable access to healthcare or who have chronic illnesses that require frequent medical attention. Furthermore, urgent care centers have shorter wait times than many hospitals or emergency rooms, making them an ideal option for those who need medical care quickly.

Urgent care centers offer medical assistance for minor to limited-type severe issues. Normal treatments provided include general primary care, lab work, X-rays, and minor surgical procedures, which can be completed in a short amount of time. This makes them an ideal option for those who need medical care but do not have the time or resources to wait for an appointment. Additionally, these centers are often more affordable than visiting a hospital or emergency room, and they often have extended hours, making them accessible to a wider range of people.

Since 2019, urgent cares have seen more than 50 percent spike in growth. Covid-19 was a major factor in the increase. Many centers provided Covid-19 testing, and this was a draw towards urgent care because you could get a test much sooner than if you would make an appointment with a primary care provider. The convenience and cost-effectiveness of urgent care centers have made them a popular choice for people seeking prompt medical attention, which was seen widely during the pandemic.

Urgent care centers are staffed by experienced medical professionals to include nurse practitioners, medical assistants, etc., and can provide an affordable option for those who do not have access to traditional primary care providers. Also, they can provide a much-needed bridge between primary care and emergency care, helping to ensure that people receive the right level of medical attention when they need it most.

Conclusion

In short, urgent care centers are becoming increasingly popular due to their convenience, affordability, and wide range of services. They provide quick access to medical care and can often be more affordable than traditional options, making them an ideal option for those who need medical care but cannot wait for an appointment. Additionally, they provide access to specialists and can help ensure that patients get the care they need when they need it.

Staffing Your Urgent Care Center

If you operate an urgent care center, staffing with top notch clinical professionals is of paramount importance. At Momentum Healthcare Staffing, we match you with the best nurse practitioners and physicians and we handle for permanent and Locum Tenens assignments. Contact us if you have any questions: (877) 558-3782.

It’s safe to say modern America has never been more appreciative of healthcare workers than since the pandemic began. Our healthcare, our lives, really, were (and are) in the hands of these medical professionals and they have been the backbone of this crisis. Now, hospitals, urgent care centers, doctor’s offices, nursing homes and other healthcare facilities across the country are experiencing extreme staffing shortages since the 2020 outbreak of Covid, says US News. Long waiting times for patients, weekend closures, and burnout for current staff has been skyrocketing. The need for healthcare workers has never been greater.

The staffing shortage affects every aspect of healthcare, from pediatric hospitals to nursing homes, and making sure patients get the best care is the most important priority, says the CDC. In their “Strategies to Mitigate Staffing Shortages,” the CDC focuses on adjusting staff schedules, hiring additional HCP (health care professionals), and rotating positions. This includes canceling all non-essential visits and procedures and moving healthcare workers to the areas most needed. They also give guidance on postponing elective time off for healthcare workers but to respond to mental health issues and consider the different responsibilities of each worker.

Burnout

Burnout within the healthcare community runs high these days, and has been the past few years, because of the influx in patients from Covid and the shortage in staffing. Nurses, especially, are leaving because of the stress alone, says Healthcaredive. In a recent survey, more than a third of nurses polled said they were leaving their jobs by the end of the year, said the article. Healthcare systems have tried to entice new hires and current employees by raising compensative rates and have partnered with nursing schools to ensure future staff.

Technology

In a creative effort to off-put the staffing shortage, some healthcare systems have leaned on technology, says US News. They are planning ahead with analytics and data before procedures and having the patients monitor themselves at home. Using this sort of technological tactic helps nurses manage patient care and also manage more patients at the same time, says the article. Other facilities have used cloud-based technologies to better track workflows, stock levels, and product tracking. Streamlining these systems will help create a more efficient and precise healthcare network that serves both professionals and patients.

Healthcare facilities are better equipped now than at the beginning of the pandemic, however, the influx of patients is still daunting, says Politico. Staff members are being pulled from their regular stations to assist with Covid antibody infusions, a labor-intensive process that requires treating immunocompromised patients at separate locations with careful infection control. The patients get the help they need, but where were the staff pulled from, questions the article. It isn’t really a long term solution, but serves as a band-aid for the current crisis.

Healthcare Staffing Agency: Momentum Healthcare Staffing

Momentum is not your average medical staffing firm—we’re a progressive company with new ideas specializing in healthcare staffing. We understand the difficulties regarding the growing cost of healthcare and the increasing demands of clinicians. It’s our goal to be focused and detailed while understanding that every healthcare facility has its own unique needs. Please call our healthcare recruiting specialist to get connected to the perfect person for your open position!

Our country is going through quite a bit of change, and there doesn’t seem to be an end in sight. Healthcare facilities, and healthcare workers are doing their best to keep our citizens healthy and out of harm’s way. There is a worry within the healthcare community that this will continue for years to come, however, our country has seen it before and we will see it again: Where there is a will, there is a way.