While burnout was already a problem in the healthcare industry, it is no secret that the COVID-19 pandemic has only made it worse. But COVID-19 can't take all of the blame.

Forrester Consulting partnered with Sterling, a leading provider of background and identity services, and found that, while the pandemic holds the lead as the top concern for healthcare organizations, attracting and retaining top talent is a close second.

Overcoming the Healthcare Talent Shortage

There are a number of factors contributing to the healthcare talent shortage, from an aging workforce to increasing demand for care. But whatever the cause, the effect is clear: hospitals and other healthcare organizations are struggling to find and keep the staff they need. Thus, the cycle is perpetuated–-high burnout leads to turnover, which then creates more vacancy and increases the workload for those who remain, leading to even higher rates of burnout.

As a result, 60% of Forrester's surveyed respondents agreed that the decline in healthcare talent has contributed to a decline in patient care quality as healthcare workers are spread thin across facilities.

This spells bad news for patients and the healthcare industry as a whole as the pandemic still has yet to show any signs of slowing down, and many young people are still undecided about whether or not they want to enter the field.

So what can be done to combat this issue that just won't go away? Well, to start, healthcare organizations need to get creative.

A Staffing Model Overhaul

Many healthcare organizations are finding that they need to get creative when it comes to staffing their facilities. One way to do this is by partnering with tech-based staffing solution providers that can help to identify and staff hard-to-fill shifts. These agencies have access to a large pool of qualified candidates and can help to fill any staffing gaps you may have.

If it can be done safely, another option is to bring in staff from other countries where the demand for healthcare workers is not as high. This can be a great way to attract top talent and help to fill the gaps in your workforce.

Of course, this option is not without its challenges, including the potential for language barriers and cultural differences. But if you are able to overcome these challenges, it can be a great way to attract top talent to your organization.

Simplify the Onboarding Process

Another issue healthcare organizations face is that the onboarding process can be very complicated. This is especially true for foreign-trained workers who may not be familiar with the American healthcare system.

To simplify the onboarding process, start by creating a checklist of all the tasks that need to be completed during the first few weeks on the job. This will help to ensure that nothing is forgotten and that each employee has a clear understanding of what is expected of them.

You should also consider creating an onboarding packet that includes all the information new hires will need to know, such as the employee handbook, a list of important contact numbers, and an overview of the organization's policies and procedures. These packets can be a great resource for new hires and make the onboarding process much simpler.

Offer Competitive Salaries

In order to attract top talent, you need to be willing to pay competitive salaries. This is especially true in the healthcare industry where the demand for workers is high and the competition for talent is fierce.

One way to determine what salaries you should be offering is to use salary surveys from organizations like the American Medical Association or the American Nurses Association. These surveys can help you to see what salaries are being offered by other healthcare organizations in your area and ensure that you are offering competitive wages.

You should also keep in mind that benefits are becoming increasingly important to employees, especially in the healthcare industry. So, in addition to offering competitive salaries, you should also offer a benefits package that meets the needs of your employees.

Create a Positive Work Culture

Another way to attract top talent is to create a positive work culture. This can be done by investing in employee development, offering flexible work schedules, and providing opportunities for career growth.

When employees feel like they are valued and that their work is fulfilling, they are much more likely to be engaged in their work and less likely to look for new opportunities.

So, if you want to attract top talent, it's important to create a work environment that is positive and supportive.

The Takeaway

As you can see, it's not a  simple task to overcome the healthcare talent shortage. But if you are willing to invest in your workforce, you can be successful. By offering competitive salaries, finding holes in your recruitment strategy, and creating a positive work culture, you can attract top talent to your organization.

Adaptation is key to a successful future in the healthcare industry. With the right strategies in place, your organization can overcome the talent shortage and evolve through whatever changes come your way.