North America is facing a looming healthcare staffing shortage. This blog provides an overview of the challenges facing contingent workforce healthcare staffing and how a vendor management system (VMS) can help solve the healthcare staffing shortage.
According to data published in 2020 by the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), projections indicate that the U.S. alone could confront a physician deficit ranging from 54,100 to 139,000 by 2033.
Similarly, in Canada, a recent report by the Government of Canada Employment and Social Development indicated that it is expected that there will be about 78,700 physician job openings over the 2022-2031 period.
It is clear that innovative solutions are required. One such strategy lies in leveraging the power of contingent workers – temporary staff, freelancers, or contract workers – to supplement the permanent healthcare workforce.
Why Contingent Workers are Critical for Healthcare
Contingent workers are not a new concept in healthcare; however, their significance has grown in recent years due to the ongoing staffing shortage. That’s because they can provide critical respite to strained healthcare systems in several ways:
1 - First contingent workers offer flexibility in staffing, allowing healthcare facilities to adjust workforce size based on demand. This is particularly useful during seasonal fluctuations, pandemic surges, or unforeseen staff absences. Contingent staffing can help maintain service levels during high-demand periods without overburdening the existing staff or incurring long-term cost implications.
2 - Secondly, contingent workers bring diverse experience and skills from various healthcare settings. This experience can bring fresh perspectives and best practices into the hosting organization, enriching patient care approaches and potentially enhancing outcomes.
3 - Lastly, using contingent workers can also reduce burnout among permanent staff. By providing additional support during peak periods, contingent staff can help reduce the workload and stress levels of permanent employees, improving work-life balance and job satisfaction, potentially reducing attrition rates.
Challenges for Contingent Workers in Healthcare
Despite the potential benefits, healthcare providers must also consider the challenges associated with contingent staffing. These include:
- Maintaining quality of care as new workers come in.
- Integrating temporary staff with permanent teams
- Finding qualified and skilled contingent healthcare workers.
- Ensuring contingent workers meet regulatory requirements.
- Ensuring contingent workers feel valued and engaged with your business.
The most difficult challenge, however, is managing the administrative aspects of contingent workforce deployment, and implementing a contingent workforce program that gives your organization the visibility and control it needs to ensure workforce success.
Benefits of Contingent Workers in Healthcare
Healthcare providers can maximize the benefits of contingent staffing, while minimizing the challenges, by adopting several best practices.
One critical element is forming partnerships with reputable staffing agencies that specialize in healthcare. Such agencies vet their candidates rigorously, ensuring that the contingent staff meet the required qualifications, certifications, and experience levels.
Another vital aspect is creating an inclusive work culture where contingent workers are welcomed, valued, and supported. Temporary workers should receive appropriate onboarding, access to necessary resources, and inclusion in team communications. This ensures they feel part of the team and can perform their roles effectively.
How Can a Vendor Management System Help Solve the Healthcare Staffing Shortage?
Healthcare providers should also invest in a Vendor Management System (VMS) to streamline the administration of contingent labor. Such platforms can handle rostering, time-tracking, and payroll efficiently, allowing the management to focus on patient care rather than administrative tasks.
The Healthcare industry requires specific tools to manage its contingent workforce. This adds complexity that most VMS’ simply can't handle.
Conexis VMS is different. We have developed VMS functionality specifically to support the Healthcare industry, such as resource pooling and job assignment, work shifts, and per diem billing, Conexis makes it much easier to source, manage and pay your clinical and non-clinical workers.
In conclusion, contingent workers represent a powerful tool to combat the current healthcare staffing shortage in North America. While they are not a silver bullet to the multifaceted staffing crisis, they can undoubtedly be part of a comprehensive solution – one that includes policy interventions, investments in medical education, technology integration, and prioritizing the wellness of our healthcare workforce. As with any strategy, leveraging contingent workers requires thoughtful planning and execution, but the potential rewards for patient care and workforce resilience are well worth the effort.
- Read More about VMS for Healthcare: ➡️ VMS For Healthcare: Get Control of Your Extended Healthcare Workforce➡️ Top 5 Considerations when Choosing a VMS for Healthcare➡️ The Present State of Healthcare Staffing Shortages in North America: A Growing Crisis➡️ 5 Must Have Features when Choosing a VMS for Healthcare
The Conexis Difference: Built for the Healthcare Industry
The Healthcare industry requires specific tools to manage its contingent workforce. This adds complexity that most VMS’ simply can't handle. Conexis is different. We have developed unique VMS functionality specifically to support the needs of the Healthcare Industry, such as resource pooling and job assignment, work shifts, and per diem billing. Conexis makes it much easier to source, manage and pay your clinical and non-clinical workers.
Interested in learning more about Vendor Management Solutions?
Whether you are looking for a new VMS Solution, or just getting started, we are here to help. See how easy Conexis is to use by taking a quick 2 minute Self-Guided Tour. Contact Us for a Free No-Obligation Consultation to discuss your workforce challenges (and get immediate actionable insights) or Book a Personal Demo Today!
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