A New Administration and What it Means for Healthcare Staffing

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Our CEO, Craig Meier, shares his insights on how the recent election and effects from the COVID-19 pandemic will change the healthcare system, and what it could mean for the future of healthcare staffing. Below, Craig shares his unique perspective on how the new administration and COVID-19 will continue to impact healthcare staffing in 2021.

Strengthening the Affordable Care Act (ACA): Strengthening the ACA will likely expand access to healthcare for more individuals, ultimately resulting in an increase in paying patients. An influx in patients means a higher demand for nurses—which creates greater need for companies, like Medical Solutions, to help place nurses in high-demand regions based on staffing needs. Separately, with a nursing shortage at an all-time high, fewer nurses could result in lower quality care for patients if not managed correctly. Consider working with a healthcare staffing partner that can help project staffing needs based on past facility data and can hire travel nurses quickly to alleviate nurse and anxiety and avoid burnout. 

Increase in nursing shortage: Over 60,000 nurses retire every year and with baby boomers reaching retirement age, this number is projected to reach 500,000 by 2022, according to the American Nurses Association. Due to the stress of the pandemic, the rate of retirement may increase even beyond that. Additionally, a lack of nursing school faculty is restricting the number of students accepted into nursing programs. Further exacerbating this issue is understanding how the pandemic may or may not sway some young adults to join the profession.

The COVID-19 vaccine will drive new job demands: With a rising number of COVID-19 cases each day coupled with an aging population, the need for healthcare professionals will not slow down. In addition, the need for non-clinical workers such as nursing assistants, home health aides and contact tracing specialists will also rise to help facilitate ongoing vaccine administration and assist in care for the elderly.

Supply and demand mean a surge in nurse pay: The extreme demand for nurses as well as the stressful working environment is leading to higher compensation. In today’s work environment, nurses are putting themselves at risk each and every day, and the marketplace has become very competitive for their skills and experience. It’s crucial for facilities to work with partners that can provide access to a deep pool of talented, skillful clinicians that can grant hospitals the flexibility they need to adequately guarantee their patients receive the highest level of care.

As the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic continue into 2021 and the new administration starts to take shape, it’s important to recognize how these changes can directly impact the overall healthcare system including the healthcare facilities, nurses and patients.

If you are interested in learning more about our services and our thoughts on the future of healthcare staffing, you can contact our team here or call us directly at 1-866-633-3548.