Staffing shortages continue to challenge healthcare providers across the industry, leading to increased workloads and burnout for full-time employees. According to Advisory.com, by 2028, the U.S. will experience a shortage of 100,000 healthcare workers. Big population centers in California, New York, and Texas will need help finding doctors. Almost every state will see a shortage of Nurse Practitioners and nursing assistants. These are a few, but not all, of what we can expect in the coming years.
In the wake of these challenges, healthcare facilities struggle to maintain high standards of patient care, as overburdened staff are often stretched too thin. To address these ongoing issues, partnering with a specialized healthcare staffing agency has emerged as a powerful solution. By working with agencies like Gotham Companies, healthcare providers can bridge the gap in their workforce, alleviate stress on their permanent teams, and improve overall retention.
The Current State of Staffing Shortages in Healthcare
The healthcare industry is facing an unprecedented staffing crisis. According to recent studies, many healthcare facilities report difficulty finding and retaining qualified staff, particularly for specialized roles. This shortage impacts patient care and the well-being of existing staff, who often face longer shifts, additional responsibilities, and high stress levels. It’s an environment creating a vicious cycle where burnout leads to turnover, further exacerbating the shortage and straining resources even more. Dailypay reports the average turnover at hospitals is 20.7%. Medical Group Management Association (MGMA) says staff retention is healthcare’s top issue.
How Staffing Shortages Affect Employee Retention
One of the most immediate impacts of staffing shortages is increased burnout among permanent employees. As they are required to cover extra shifts or take on additional responsibilities, their job satisfaction inevitably declines. Many leave their positions or, in severe cases, the healthcare field altogether. Turnover leaves the remaining staff with even more responsibilities, perpetuating the cycle of burnout and turnover. A new report says 46% of healthcare workers experience burnout symptoms “often or very often.”
High turnover rates disrupt care continuity and negatively impact team morale. Each time a staff member leaves, others must adjust to new colleagues and train them on workflows, often while juggling their already demanding schedules. It’s clear that retaining existing employees is just as important as filling new positions, but how can healthcare providers achieve this balance?
The Role of Healthcare Staffing Agencies in Alleviating Shortages
Healthcare staffing agencies like Gotham Companies break the cycle with skilled, temporary professionals to fill immediate gaps in coverage. These agencies have extensive networks of qualified healthcare professionals ready to step in, whether per diem, temporary, or contract. This flexibility allows facilities to respond quickly to changes in staffing needs, ensuring patient care standards without overloading existing employees.
By strategically supplementing their teams with agency staff, healthcare providers can prevent burnout among permanent employees, helping to boost retention rates. For example, temporary staff can cover high-demand shifts, allowing full-time staff to rest and recuperate, ultimately reducing their likelihood of leaving due to stress.
Alleviating Workloads and Reducing Burnout
Staffing agencies can provide short-term support that helps lighten the load on full-time employees. With temporary staff to cover busy shifts, core staff members can avoid overworking, which is essential for reducing burnout and promoting job satisfaction. When employees know that their workload will be manageable, they’re more likely to stay with the organization for the long term.
Providing Specialized Skills on Demand
Healthcare staffing agencies have access to a diverse pool of professionals. This capability means that healthcare providers can quickly access specialized skills as needed, without a lengthy hiring process. By meeting specific needs on demand, agencies ensure high-quality care while easing the staff pressures.
Creating a Supportive Work Environment
Working alongside temporary staff provided by an agency can also foster a more supportive and balanced work environment. Job satisfaction increases when healthcare staff feel supported, with backup available during busy periods. Knowing that they have reliable teammates reduces the sense of isolation or being “on their own,” which contributes to a more positive workplace culture that values employee well-being.
Improving Workforce Flexibility
One of the major benefits of agency staffing is the ability to respond to fluctuations in patient demand and seasonal needs. Instead of pushing permanent staff to take on additional hours during peak periods, temporary professionals can fill in, allowing the workforce to remain adaptable and resilient.
Accessing Highly Skilled Professionals
Specialized healthcare staffing agencies like Gotham Companies maintain rigorous vetting and training processes, ensuring that every professional in their network can handle the demands of the healthcare environment. Facilities can trust that they are bringing in competent professionals who will integrate smoothly into the team. Access to a steady flow of skilled professionals helps maintain consistent standards of care, relieving the pressure on permanent staff and contributing to a more stable work environment.
How Gotham Per Diem Supports Retention Efforts
Gotham Per Diem connects healthcare employers with highly skilled professionals ready to provide exceptional care at a moment’s notice. Our vast network of professionals spans various healthcare roles, from nursing to allied health, ensuring the right candidate for every need. We offer our clients:
- Rigorous screening: We ensure that all candidates meet our high standards of professionalism and expertise, allowing healthcare facilities to bring in qualified staff who can step up immediately.
- Tailored staffing solutions: Understanding that every facility has unique needs, Gotham Per Diem provides flexible staffing solutions. Whether you require staff for peak periods, long-term contracts, or specialized roles, we have a solution that aligns with your requirements.
- Commitment to quality care: At Gotham Per Diem, our focus is on more than filling shifts. We work closely with our healthcare partners to ensure that the professionals we provide contribute positively to the team, fostering a collaborative environment where everyone feels valued and patient care is assured.
Benefiting Staff by Partnering for Long-Term Success
The healthcare staffing crisis may not resolve overnight, but by partnering with a specialized staffing agency like Gotham Companies, healthcare providers can take meaningful steps toward alleviating the pressure on their permanent teams. Staffing agencies like ours play an instrumental role in improving employee retention by reducing burnout, providing immediate access to skilled professionals, and supporting a positive workplace culture.
When healthcare facilities have access to a steady flow of qualified temporary professionals, they can deliver uninterrupted, high-quality patient care while their full-time staff are supported and appreciated. Gotham Companies is committed to helping healthcare facilities not only fill positions but also build stronger, more resilient teams for the future. Contact us to find out more.
