Staffing struggles certainly aren't new for hospital and healthcare facility administrators in Port St Lucie, yet the pandemic exacerbated the issue. As a result, Florida’s healthcare industry is facing a serious nursing supply shortage. Nursa research shows an overwhelming majority of healthcare executives identify nurse staffing as a significant challenge.
Nursa's PRN staffing is the best solution for your Port St. Lucie, FL, hospital or healthcare facility. Keep reading to learn why.
Hospitals and Facilities Face Staffing Challenges
According to a report published in 2021 by the Florida Hospital Association (FHA) and the Safety Net Hospital Alliance of Florida, nursing shortage projections show that by the year 2035, the registered nurse (RN) supply will only be able to meet 88 percent of the projected demand, and licensed practical nurse (LPN) supply will only be able to meet 70 percent of the projected demand.
These statistics are supported by the report's projected overall population growth for the state (21 percent) and projections for certain groups of the aging population:
- 32% increase for ages 65-74
- 74% increase for 75 and older
The report warns that according to current trends, "by 2035, there is a projected shortfall of 37,400 RNs and 21,700 LPNs". The projections presented by this report were made before the depth of the consequences of the COVID pandemic were studied.
Since then, healthcare systems continue to face staffing challenges. According to a Florida Nurse Workforce report published by the FHA, nurse turnover was measured at the following rates in 2023:
- RNs 20%
- LPNs 34%
- CNAs 36%
Meanwhile, hospitals and healthcare facilities are scrambling to find flexible staffing solutions and long-term strategies to mitigate nurse burnout while also facing recruitment challenges for their vacancies.
Digital Tools as Solutions for Nurse Staffing in Port St. Lucie
Fortunately, the increase in the application of technology spurred on by the limitations imposed by the pandemic has resulted in the accelerated acceptance of telehealth and digital solutions. Thus, healthcare is more accessible for many, and digital tools aid healthcare clinicians with procedures and documentation.
Sourcing RNs, LPNs, and CNAs to work on-demand (PRN) by using Nursa is an important piece to securing safe patient-to-nurse ratios for Port St. Lucie facilities and hospitals as they work parallel on nurse recruitment and retention strategies for the long term.
Leveraging technology, Nursa has streamlined the frustrating process into an adaptable and responsive staffing solution. Nursa is a healthcare staffing platform that connects nursing clinicians on-demand to the hospitals and healthcare facilities that need them.
How to Source Nursing Clinicians in Port St. Lucie
Nursa connects Florida hospitals and healthcare facilities to licensed and certified clinicians in their communities with ease. PRN RNs, LPNs, and CNAs have professional profiles on the platform. Once their credentials have been verified and they have passed the background checks, they search for PRN shifts in facilities nearby. Facility schedulers can review shift applicants and their profiles, and approve their candidate of choice.
Nursa's talent pool is wider and more diverse than nurse staffing companies can find; here's how.
According to the previously mentioned workforce projections report, "The number of nurses licensed to work in Florida is substantially higher than FTE supply estimates, as some licensed nurses choose not to work or choose to work part-time."
A significant benefit of using Nursa is gaining access to nursing clinicians who are not looking for internal staff positions but are looking to pick up shifts.
The number of nurses and assistants who pick up PRN shifts around their other responsibilities is growing. This type of work arrangement allows them the flexibility they need while also filling integral gaps in staffing so that hospitals and facilities don't compromise patient care or overburden internal staff.
Solve Acute and Post-Acute Staffing Needs
Long-term care facilities and hospitals can post PRN shifts on Nursa.
Long-term care, often referred to as "post-acute" facilities, includes nursing homes, skilled nursing, rehabilitation, memory care, and others. Acute care includes hospitals and long-term acute care hospitals, or LTACHs.
Nursa Solves Staffing Issues and Saves Facilities Money
Not only is Nursa's access to clinicians vital as a short-term staffing solution for hospitals and facilities, but it saves money as well. Nursa is not a contract or subscription service. There are no quotas imposed on either clinicians or facilities. Nursa is intended to be used on an as-needed basis, which means facility administrators don't have to worry about hidden fees. It's free for Port St. Lucie facilities and hospitals to post shifts; you only pay for shifts completed.
Furthermore, by having staffing solutions for the now, the hiring process for full-time staff positions doesn't have to be rushed which may end in a bad fit for both facility and clinician and adding another number to the nursing turnover statistics. Nursa doesn't impose hire-away fees, so if your facility wants to hire a PRN nurse as internal staff, there are no consequences.
Hospitals and facilities don't pay benefits or salaries for PRN staff with Nursa. You only pay for the hours worked. This allows schedulers the flexibility to adjust staffing levels in accordance with patient intake fluctuations and even find solutions for short-notice call-offs from regular staff.
Why wait? Start solving your staffing challenges now by signing up and posting PRN shifts with Nursa.
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