A recent study published by Georgetown University’s Center on Education and the Workforce, Nursing: Supply and Demand through 2020, reveals that the U.S. economy will create 1.6 million job openings for nurses through 2020. Of the 1.6 million job openings, 700,000 will be newly-created opportunities, while 880,000 will result from retirements.
The study also found that the nursing workforce will face a shortfall of about 200,000 professionals by 2020. “This shortfall impacts the operating rooms (ORs) of ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs) all over the country, and is a growing concern for our clients,” said MedHQ CEO Tom Jacobs. “Whether seeking to fill newly-created opportunities or replace retiring nurses, our human resources (HR) professionals are here to help our partner centers solve this issue and locate qualified candidates.”
Three solutions to the OR nursing shortage that ASCs are experiencing:
- From relationships with local nursing programs. Jacobs said that, in some parts of the country, it is challenging to find a pool of quality OR nurses to choose from. He recommends reaching out to nursing programs in the area, and establishing a connection with the school. “This can provide your ASC with a major advantage,” said Jacobs. “However, it’s important to understand that this relationship-building is a long-term solution. It won’t solve the issue today.”
- Pay for relocation expenses. When looking to fill nursing opening, Jacobs noted it is understandable that the ASC wants to perform a local search only. But, that can greatly limit access to the most qualified candidates. Jacobs recommends ASCs should consider paying the relocation expenses of a candidate that is hired outside of the area.
- Establish a great culture at your ASC. There are various ways to accomplish this, but a good start is to provide high-quality health benefits and a competitive salary for OR nurses, said Jacobs. “Overall, make it a great place to work,” he said. “We’re fortunate most of the surgeons and doctors working in our facilities are great people and care deeply about establishing and maintaining a winning culture. And health benefits and competitive salary levels are an important part of the equation.”
If you are looking for a proven and trusted partner to manage your HR department activities, from recruitment and building culture to accounting and consulting, contact MedHQ. We are the premier provider of outsourced HR services and dedicated exclusively to surgery centers.
Email Tom Jacobs or call: 708-492-0519.
