Intro
The U.S. staffing industry is vast, and the healthcare sector is no exception. In 2015, U.S. staffing companies hired 15.9 million temporary and contract employees and employed an average of 3.3 million workers per week during that time period. The health sector employs approximately 9% of U.S. temporary and contract employees. Flexibility is the primary factor driving the growth of healthcare staffing. A flexible workforce enables healthcare organizations to adapt quickly to changing patient needs and demands, which is necessary for today’s fast-paced environment.
Hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, acute care facilities, hospice agencies, assisted living facilities, physician practices, wellness centers, outpatient surgery centers, correctional facilities, schools, rapid response organizations, and even government agencies utilize healthcare staffing services. Kindcare is a medical staffing agency in Indiana that strongly focuses on creating a kinder and healthier world. Kindcare is committed to compassionate patient care by staffing reliable and experienced professionals and providing employee staffing support.
Staffing agencies provide access to competent employees, minimize employee turnover, and are fast to respond to staffing needs. These benefits can make a big difference in a business’s profitability. According to the American Staffing Association, “Staffing firms are trusted partners to find the best talent and have the knowledge to educate their clients on competitive wages and benefits based on skill shortages and other challenges.”
Here are five frequently asked questions about healthcare staffing agencies:
5 Frequently Asked Questions
1) Are supplemental nurses as experienced as permanent nurses?
According to a 2013 study published by Health Affairs, supplemental nurses are just as educated and more diverse than permanent nurses. They are also more likely to have nursing licenses that allow them to work in several states. Supplemental nurses are critical in alleviating shortages that cause an increase in patient mortality rates. Additionally, according to a 2014 study led by researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, published in the Journal of Nursing Administration, "Overall patient satisfaction with care and evaluations of the quality of nurse communications are not affected by the employment of supplemental (temporary or contract) nurses compared to permanent nurses.”
2) What responsibility does a staffing firm have for the employee placed on site?
The responsibility of the staffing firm is determined by the contract and the client's needs. Generally, the staffing firm is responsible for unemployment insurance, payroll, tax issues, and workers' compensation.
3) What types of positions can my company fill using a staffing firm?
Your company can fill almost any type of position using a staffing firm ranging from per diem and daily staffing to longer-term contracts and direct-hire placements. A nursing agency like Kindcare can help fill positions such as Certified Nurses Aides, Qualified Medication Aides, Licensed Practical Nurses, and Registered Nurses.
4) What is the range of services that healthcare staffing firms provide?
The ASA writes, "Staffing companies are experts at recruiting. A staffing firm has the expertise to find the best candidate (or candidates) for client needs and affords companies the flexibility to address skills shortages or fluctuating demand.” Healthcare staffing firms provide a wide range of services. These include:
● Recruitment
● License verification
● Background checks
● Clinical assessment testing
● Skill validation
● Technology for reviewing and maintaining caregiver information
5) When can I utilize supplemental staffing support?
Kindcare is available 24/7/365 to assist your organization with temporary and permanent healthcare staffing solutions. Staffing agencies understand that the demands of healthcare staffing can fluctuate throughout the year, and we are here to help your facility maintain a consistent level of service for your patients.
Conclusion
Staffing companies allow healthcare businesses to adjust their workforce to meet their dynamic needs and remain fully staffed. The ASA postures that healthcare organizations are "turning to staffing agencies to grow their businesses; address seasonal labor fluctuations, acuity needs, and the opening and closing of units; provide for unanticipated vacancies; and assist with fluctuations in census or business project management; software conversions; and other critical challenges." From PRN to direct hire, staffing companies serve to meet the ever-changing labor demands of healthcare.
If you're in Indiana and are looking for a staffing solution, Kindcare is here to help! Contact us today, and we will work with you to determine the best staffing solution for your facility. Call us at (866) 62-STAFF.
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