Trends and Challenges in Medical Staffing: Insights from Industry Experts

28 Jun Trends and Challenges in Medical Staffing: Insights from Industry Experts

One of the most consistently in-demand, fastest growing job sectors is in the medical field. Everyone needs health care at some point, and to some degree, and there is always a need for well-trained, qualified people to fill positions in hospitals, clinics and doctors’ offices, no matter how big or small. 

Let’s take a look at some of the challenges of filling these jobs and where the priorities stand right now. 

• The long shadow of COVID-19. Most of the restrictions put in place to protect everyone’s safety during the early days of the pandemic have long since been lifted. Even many medical establishments have lifted their mask mandates, though there are some exceptions. However, despite the early efforts to celebrate and show appreciation for medical professionals, the pots and pan-hitting demonstrations of thanks have given way to a nursing shortage and some hesitation to go into the medical field. This is resulting in staffing shortages for nursing positions but also other jobs in the health care industry, creating plenty of openings for those looking to work in this field. 

• Technology will continue to lead change in the medical field.  From paperless offices to the incorporation of smart technology, including personal fitness trackers, to the expansion of artificial intelligence capabilities, health care will be vastly changed in ways large and small by technology. Health information technology, including software for keeping patient records, will make it easier for immediate sharing abilities for patients as they move from doctor to hospital to private care, allowing providers to have information within seconds without having to decipher handwritten notes. This will tremendously benefit patients and improve their quality of care. These records can also help reduce costs, as it will improve efficiency and eliminate error or the ordering of repetitive tests. But it will require training of current and future medical staff to stay on top of the changes in technology, which means employers will need to provide it to stay competitive. 

• A diversifying patient population will want medical staff who look like them.  As of the 2020 Census, 40% of Americans identify as people of color, a number that will continue to increase as historically minority populations become the majority over Caucasian populations by 2045. While many racial and ethnic minority-background nurses and other medical and health care personnel will continue to serve the communities they represent, helping to decrease access to care and break down barriers in communication and trust, the lack of more widespread diversity does contribute to poorer health and higher mortality rates, as people do not feel as comfortable raising health concerns to nurses who do not look like them. 

The key to keeping your medical offices fully staffed will continue to revolve around maintaining a sense of safety and security for your employees, while providing training on the latest technology and recordkeeping tools and hiring a diverse and inclusive team that reflects the community you serve.

If you need assistance in filling your open positions, or if you’re looking to recruit additional employees in anticipation of the growing need for care and attention, call LeadingEdge Personnel. Our recruiters are eager to help you find highly qualified candidates who can get to work right away, or to introduce you to eager, enthusiastic workers who are looking to make a change and are ready to learn new skills that will help your company succeed. When you’re ready to expand, give LeadingEdge a call!