The healthcare sector is experiencing a period of immense transformation. From an aging population to the growing adoption of telehealth, these changes significantly impact how healthcare facilities approach staffing. As a healthcare recruiter, staying ahead of the curve is crucial to attracting and retaining top talent. This blog explores the latest healthcare hiring trends in 2024, equipping you with valuable insights to optimize your recruitment strategies. 

1. The Rise of the Gig Economy 

The traditional model of full-time healthcare professionals is evolving. There’s a surge in demand for temporary staffing solutions, with healthcare facilities increasingly relying on locum tenens physicians, contract nurses, and other specialists for short-term assignments. A study by AMN Healthcare found that 72% of healthcare facilities planned to increase their use of locum tenens physicians in 2023, highlighting the growing popularity of this staffing model. ¹ This healthcare hiring trend is fueled by a desire for greater flexibility and cost-efficiency. 

Insight: Healthcare recruiters can leverage staffing agencies specializing in locum tenens placements and build relationships with freelance healthcare professionals to fulfill these temporary needs. 

2. Building a Hybrid Healthcare Workforce 

The pandemic accelerated the adoption of telehealth services, and this trend shows no signs of slowing down. A recent survey by McKinsey & Company revealed that 41% of patients surveyed expect to use telehealth services even after the pandemic subsides. This necessitates a workforce comfortable working in both in-person and virtual environments. Recruiters should prioritize healthcare workers who can seamlessly transition between these settings while ensuring quality patient care. 

Insight: When evaluating candidates, assess their comfort level with telehealth technology and their ability to build rapport with patients virtually. 

3. High Demand for Specialized Skills 

The healthcare industry is experiencing an increased demand for diverse and skilled healthcare workers and healthcare workforce shortage at the same time. Healthcare providers should take note of growing need skillsets and devise their hiring strategy accordingly. Here’s a breakdown of some of the most sought-after specialties in 2024: 

• Behavioral Health Specialists: Growing awareness of mental health issues has led to a significant demand for therapists, counselors, and psychiatrists. The American Psychological Association reports a 16% increase in the need for mental health professionals between 2020 and 2030. ²
  
• Data Analysts & Health Informatics Specialists: The healthcare industry generates vast amounts of data. There’s a high demand for professionals who can analyze this data to improve patient outcomes and inform strategic decisions. A HIMSS Analytics survey found that health data analytics ranks as the top emerging technology trend in healthcare. 
  
• Nurse Practitioners & Physician Assistants: Nurse Practitioners (NPs) and Physician Assistants (PAs) are increasingly taking on a wider range of patient care tasks, alleviating pressure on physicians. The American Association of Nurse Practitioners projects a growth rate of 26% for NPs between 2023 and 2033. ⁵
  
• Infection Control Specialists: Preventing hospital-acquired infections remains a top priority. Specialists skilled in infection control protocols and implementation are in high demand. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that hospital-acquired infections cost the US healthcare system an estimated $30 billion annually. 
  
• Patient Monitoring Specialists: The rise of remote patient monitoring tools necessitates specialists who can interpret data and ensure proper use of this technology. The global remote patient monitoring market is expected to reach $27.5 billion by 2027, according to a report by Grand View Research. ⁷

Insight: Tailor your job descriptions and recruitment strategies to target candidates with the specific skillsets your healthcare facility needs. 

4. Technology’s Role in Healthcare Recruitment and Training

• AI & Machine Learning in Recruitment (continued): on pre-defined criteria, and expedite the recruitment process. A study by Aptitude Research suggests that 60% of healthcare organizations are planning to leverage AI in recruitment by 2025. 
  
• Focus on Building Strong Online Presence: Healthcare facilities need a strong online presence to compete for top talent in the digital age. This includes a user-friendly careers website with clear job descriptions and benefits information, as well as active social media engagement that showcases your facility’s culture and mission. 

Insight: Utilize AI-powered recruitment tools to streamline your screening process and identify qualified candidates efficiently. Develop a strong employer brand online by showcasing your facility’s unique offerings and positive work environment. 

5. Prioritizing Workforce Diversity and Retention 

Creating a diverse workforce that reflects the patient population is crucial for quality care delivery. Here are some key considerations: 

• Emphasis on Diversity & Inclusion: Healthcare recruiters should develop strategies to attract candidates from underrepresented groups, fostering a more inclusive work environment. This can involve partnering with diversity recruitment agencies and attending job fairs targeted at these groups. 
  
• Importance of Soft Skills: While technical skills are essential, soft skills like empathy, communication, and teamwork are equally important. Prioritize candidates who excel in both. A study by the American Hospital Association revealed that soft skills are becoming increasingly important factors when evaluating healthcare professional candidates. 
  
• Focus on Employee Retention: Developing strategies to keep valuable professionals engaged and satisfied reduces turnover costs and ensures continuity of care. This can involve offering competitive compensation and benefits packages, opportunities for professional development and skill-building, and recognition and appreciation programs that acknowledge employee contributions. 

Insight: Invest in your workforce by offering competitive compensation and benefits, professional development opportunities, and a healthy work-life balance. This will not only improve employee satisfaction but also enhance your employer brand and attract top talent. 

A Glimpse into the Future of Healthcare Staffing 

The healthcare industry is constantly evolving, and so should your healthcare recruitment strategies. Here’s what to look forward to: 

• Increased Focus on Telehealth & Digital Health: As telehealth and digital health solutions become more prevalent, healthcare facilities will need to recruit professionals skilled in using and optimizing these technologies to deliver quality care remotely. 
  
• Data-driven Decision Making: Data analytics will play an increasingly vital role in healthcare staffing. By leveraging data on patient needs, staffing needs, and workforce trends, healthcare facilities can make informed decisions about talent acquisition and resource allocation. 
  
• Growing Importance of Global Workforce: The traditional talent pool may not always suffice. Recruiters may need to explore opportunities to recruit and retain talent from a wider geographical area, leveraging technology to facilitate remote work arrangements. The global healthcare workforce is projected to grow by 20 million by 2030, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). This trend presents an opportunity to tap into a wider pool of qualified candidates but also necessitates considerations around cultural competency and language skills. ⁴

• Insight: Stay informed about advancements in telehealth and digital health. Develop data-driven recruitment strategies, and explore the potential of a global talent pool to meet your healthcare facility’s evolving needs. Be mindful of cultural competency and language barriers when considering global recruitment. 

Building a Future-Proof Healthcare Workforce 

The healthcare industry is undergoing a period of significant transformation. While challenges exist, these trends also present exciting opportunities. By embracing a data-driven approach, prioritizing a diverse and well-trained workforce, and staying adaptable to technological advancements, healthcare recruiters can play a crucial role in building a future-proof healthcare workforce equipped to deliver exceptional patient care in the years to come. 

Sources

1. https://www.medicaleconomics.com/topics/staffing 
2. https://consulthagnos.com/ 
3. https://www.medicaleconomics.com/topics/staffing  
4. https://www.who.int/health-topics/health-workforce