As a healthcare professional, it's essential to be aware of the latest medical staffing trends and the challenges that the healthcare industry has faced in the last few years. There have been dramatic changes in the world of healthcare since the COVID-19 pandemic and thankfully, the world of healthcare staffing is getting back to a somewhat normal state. With 2023 getting into full swing, now is the time to consider what upcoming changes and trends will have an impact on medical staffing and the healthcare sector as a whole. From a surge in demand for registered nurses to new approaches in the recruitment of more qualified healthcare workers, there are many important developments and factors that could shape the future of healthcare organizations and the healthcare workforce. In this article, we’re taking a look at some of the top medical staffing trends for 2023 and how you can make sure your healthcare staff remains strong in a competitive job market.

Top Medical Staffing Trends for 2023

The need for more qualified healthcare staff has never been higher, as the baby boomer generation is going to be reaching retirement age within the next decade or so. The healthcare staffing industry is in major need of medical professionals and qualified candidates for a number of critical roles. In this section, we will break down some of the top medical staffing trends for 2023 and the healthcare landscape of the future. 

Job Growth is Still Rising for Healthcare Jobs

The COVID-19 pandemic has increased demand for healthcare professionals, and this trend is expected to continue in the upcoming year. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, healthcare employment is projected to grow by 15% from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations. Additionally, the estimated growth rate for nurse practitioners and registered nurses is 40% and 6%, respectively. However, staffing shortages will continue to have an effect on job growth in the sector. 

Over 91,000 qualified nursing applicants were turned away from nursing programs in the 2021-2022 school year, according to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing. Faculty shortages, insufficient number of preceptors, and a lack of clinical sites are some of the key factors for so many applicants being denied. There is also a wave of nursing professionals that are going to be retiring in 2022 due to burnout, which also plays a factor in the shortage of nurses.

An Emphasis on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Healthcare organizations are becoming more focused on DEI initiatives, which includes diversifying their workforce. According to a report by Mercer, 84% of healthcare organizations have established DEI strategies, and 51% of healthcare employers are actively trying to recruit a more diverse workforce. Despite facing many staffing challenges as it is, if healthcare leaders focus on creating a more inclusive and diverse workplace, it may encourage more diverse job seekers to apply for these open healthcare positions.

Improvements in Technologies

The adoption of technology in healthcare is continuing to grow, and this trend is expected to increase the need for specialized IT professionals in healthcare organizations. According to a report by Burning Glass, the demand for healthcare IT jobs is expected to grow by 23% from 2018 to 2028. These individuals can help improve healthcare systems and improve the operations of a healthcare facility to hopefully reduce some of the stresses that healthcare providers face on a daily basis. Improvements in technology, such as artificial intelligence, can also lead to better medical care, but improving the mental health of nurses and healthcare practitioners should be the top priority.

Telemedicine and Remote Work Opportunities in Healthcare

One of the aftermaths of the COVID-19 pandemic has been an increase in the use of telemedicine and remote work for healthcare professionals. This trend is expected to continue, with more healthcare organizations offering telemedicine services and flexible work arrangements to their employees. It still poses some big challenges and barriers. Employee engagement, lack of quality technology, and funding are some of the biggest challenges facing telehealth, but it is still expected to continue to rise with rapid growth in 2023. Telemedicine could end up playing a major role in how healthcare in our country advances.

The Reliance on Per Diem Staff and Travel Nursing will Remain for Now

Travel nurses and per diem nursing staff have played an important role in ensuring patient care since before the pandemic. However, because of the pandemic, the cost for this sect of the nursing workforce exploded with the demand for qualified healthcare professionals. From 2019-2022, the cost for these staff rose 213% for healthcare institutions. Many nurses quit their full-time roles to make more money as travel nurses, which has posed a threat to the healthcare system and the patients in our hospitals. 

As the number of new nurses will continue to rise in the coming years, many hospitals will continue to use travel nurses and per diem nurses and physicians to fill the gaps in care for their patients. 

More Focus on Mental Health

One of the major factors for the nursing shortage has been their mental health and wellbeing. Stress, burnout, and fatigue have all played a large role in the exodus of nurses from the healthcare system. Despite the many resources available to healthcare workers, prioritizing the mental health of their nursing staff is becoming increasingly important. Offering more mental health services like virtual therapy or apps that aid in meditation can help improve mental health for nursing professionals.

Scion Medical is Your Preferred Healthcare Staffing Partner!

With so many different trends to keep up on in the world of healthcare and medical staffing, having a reliable staffing partner can be an incredible ally in times of dire need. Scion Medical can help provide qualified candidates in the healthcare staffing market! Our proven method of recruiting the top talent in the medical field can help you fill the gaps in your staffing or help you find your next big hire! Contact our experienced medical recruitment team today or visit our website to learn more about how we can help your healthcare institution!