As our country heads into winter, there are the traditional joys that come with this time of year. The holidays have always been a time of gathering, of families, of eating together, or giving gifts, of celebrating, and being joyous. This year's winter will put a lot of that to the test.
Despite the fact that states have lifted lock down measures, the recommendations for wearing face masks, social distancing, and avoiding large gatherings remain. Moreover, we know that many people are taking those measures to protect themselves and their family members, while yet others have lessened their vigilance. This is not an indictment of that behavior, maintaining a high level of vigilance for such an extended period of time is difficult, both emotionally and physically.
However, with that lessened vigilance, and the weather's turn to mean more time spent indoors, the rise of COVID-19 in cities and communities across the nation is being seen. Hospitals and medical facilities are accustomed to an increase in patient intake this time of year, due to influenza. However, as we move into flu season this year, many facilities are concerned about the combination of flu and COVID-19 and how it may overwhelm healthcare this year like never before.
Colorado Needs Double the Number of Nurses this Winter
The mega health system Banner Health that runs hospitals across the northern part of the state of Colorado reported that during a typical flu season they hire an additional 900 nurses for the rise in patient intake. Furthermore, Banner Health stated, "We expect that number to double due to COVID-19. We anticipate that this will be very challenging given the national demand as the entire country surges.”
Facilities in Denver, Aurora, and Greeley are offering impressive pay-packages and benefits to be competitive for nurse staff. Which is a total 180 turn from just 6 months ago when many of these same facilities were furloughing and laying off staff due to lock down measures that shut down all non-emergency operations.
California Hospitals Offering Bonuses and Higher-than-Usual Pay Rates
Hospitals have turned to travel nursing agencies and PRN nursing agencies such as NursaTM to help fill these enormous nurse staffing gaps. We're seeing hospitals in California for example offer almost 80% the normal rate, and some are even offering a bonus of up to $5,000 for completion of contract.
Georgia ICU Nursing Shortage Ranks 4th in Demand
Georgia is surprisingly high in the demand for ICU nursing shortages, coming in behind only the large states such as California, Texas, and Florida. This is believed to be due to the fact that prior to the pandemic, Georgia was already struggling with a serious nursing shortage. When the state went on lockdown and most facilities were limited to emergency and urgent care only, many nursing staff was put on furlough or even laid-off. Now that everything is open again, and the COVID-19 numbers are back up on top of the already typical rise of winter season patient intake, the demand is concerning.
Arizona COVID-19 Testing Up by 46% From the Week Prior
The virus is spreading rapidly throughout the state of Arizona, as they see rising numbers at a rate as fast as the summer wave in June. Banner Health in Arizona reported an increase in their drive-thru testing of 46% up from the week prior. The current expectation is that they will need approximately 1,000 nurses to account for the uptick in patient volume this winter season.
NursaTM the Solution for Nursing Shortages
NursaTM operates as a solution for these extreme nurse staffing shortages. We connect local and traveling qualified registered nurses (RNs), licensed practical nurses (LPNs), and certified nursing assistants (CNAs) to facilities who need staffing immediately.
Our platform allows facilities to easily post the job or PRN shift that needs to be filled, and it is then viewable by thousands of qualified clinicians who are looking for a PRN shift to fill. Our talent pool is large; a product of using technology as a quick and simple medium to make work available to everyone looking for it. Our talent pool is skilled; we have nurses and assistants with experience and specialized certifications. Our talent pool is flexible; our clinicians like the flexibility that comes with choosing where and when to work. Our talent pool is adaptable; our RNs, LPNs, and CNAs use our platform to find short-term PRN work because they appreciate the benefits that come with working per diem, and they have the adaptation skills required to jump from working in one facility one week and a different the following.
Apply Today and Ease the Burden Tomorrow: With NursaTM
Download our application to your smartphone today. It's easy to register and set up. Create your professional portfolio complete with your license, certifications, resume, and other compliance documents. Then browse our thousands of listings to find the jobs and shifts near you. Apply for shifts in real-time and share your professional portfolio with medical facilities securely within the application.
Regardless of your location, you'll find PRN shifts and jobs at facilities near you that are in dire need of your skills. For more information about the benefits of working PRN, read our in-depth post titled, "Advance Your Nursing Career by Picking up RN PRN Jobs Nearby" or "Should I Pick Up CNA Jobs Near Me?" Whether you're an LPN, RN, or CNA you'll find facilities that need your skills and need your capability to shoulder the burden through this winter season. Choose where you work, and when, with NursaTM.
