Hiring Healthcare Workers During a Crisis

Nurses and other medical providers have challenging jobs during normal times, working long hours to care for patients. In fact, many work 10- or 12- hour shifts and often can’t find the time to take a break because of a high patient caseload and so many demands during their time on the job.

Now, the situation is worse due to the COVID-19 crisis. Not only are nurses, nursing aides, and other medical providers more at risk for the disease because they’re on the front lines, but also to the burnout and stress caused from it.

What is Burnout?

Burnout is defined by National Nurses United, the largest union of registered nurses in the country, as “physical, mental, and emotional exhaustion.” Even before COVID-19 hit, 63% of hospital nurses reported experiencing it.

Today, nurses and other caretakers are even more vulnerable to it because of the tremendous stress and pressure they’re under, as well as the anxiety due to this pandemic. They’re taking care of patients who are sick and even dying, causing a deep emotional toll, all while trying to remain safe and healthy from the disease.

The Impacts of Burnout in Healthcare

As a result, it can sometimes be difficult for them to stay on the job, leading to turnover at hospitals and healthcare facilities; organizations that need nurses and other caregivers now more than ever. According to one study, in 2018, turnover for bedside RNs was at about 17.2%, costing each hospital around $4.4 to $6.9 million each year. While we don’t know the exact numbers yet, they’re expected to be far higher in the face of COVID-19 as stress and burnout both mount.

What You Can Do to Combat Burnout

So if your healthcare organization is dealing with a high level of turnover while balancing more patient demand, what can you do? That’s where Provisional Recruiting can help.

As a healthcare recruitment agency, we can source, screen and vet candidates, all so you hire qualified ones for a range of positions in healthcare, including nurses and support staff. Not only can we give you access to skilled candidates, but do so faster, so you get the professionals you need where and when you need them.

In addition, when you hire a healthcare staffing agency, like Provisional Recruiting, we can recruit those with specialized skills, such as directors of nursing, certified nursing assistants, clinicians, and occupational therapists. This means you can focus on running your hospital or facility, while we ensure you don’t have a shortage of medical workers.

If you’re ready for expert help hiring from our healthcare staffing agency, contact Provisional Recruiting today. We’re here for you with an extensive network of candidates, experienced healthcare recruiting professionals, and the processes in place to thoroughly vet each potential new hire. You’ll be able to hire faster and gain more peace of mind with access to our top talent.