How One Health System Filled Their Open Positions in Under 30 Days

Addressing the Nursing Shortage: Innovative Solutions for California's Healthcare System

California is grappling with a significant nursing shortage, projected to reach a 26% deficit by 2036, equating to over 106,000 unfilled registered nurse (RN) positions, according to the Health Resources and Services Administration. This shortfall is exacerbated by an aging workforce, with approximately one-third of California's nurses over the age of 50.

The implications of this shortage are profound. Research published in the New England Journal of Medicine highlights a strong correlation between inadequate staffing, high turnover, and increased patient mortality rates. Hospitals are under pressure to enhance patient satisfaction and outcomes by reducing readmission rates and hospital stays associated with adverse events.

Understanding Nurses' Preferences

To effectively recruit and retain nurses, it's essential to understand their preferences. A recent survey of over 7,000 job-seeking nurses in the U.S. revealed that nearly 70% held advanced degrees (MSN, DNP, or BSN) and had an average of nearly a decade of professional experience. Notably, many expressed willingness to relocate to California, attracted by competitive salaries. In 2016, the California Board of Registered Nursing reported 14,381 endorsement requests from out-of-state nurses, indicating the state's appeal.

Challenges in Traditional Hiring Methods

Hiring permanent RNs in competitive markets like the San Francisco Bay Area and Los Angeles can take 90 days or more, far exceeding the optimal 25-day timeframe for maintaining adequate staffing. This prolonged process leads to increased costs due to overtime and reliance on temporary staffing solutions. Hospitals with 300 to 500 beds may incur losses averaging nearly $90,000 daily.

Traditional recruitment methods, such as job boards and online postings, often yield low success rates. Studies indicate that recruiters may need to screen around 500 applicants online to secure just one hire, resulting in a mere 0.2% success rate. Hospital job boards perform slightly better, with a hiring rate of 2.6%.

Embracing Technological Solutions

To address these challenges, healthcare organizations are turning to innovative platforms like Lantum. Lantum leverages advanced algorithms and data analytics to match qualified nurses with suitable positions efficiently. By focusing on active candidates and streamlining the recruitment process, Lantum has reduced the average time-to-hire to under 20 days, significantly cutting costs and improving staffing outcomes.

Hospitals utilizing Lantum have reported:

• 10% of open roles filled in 30 days or less
• A 50% reduction in hiring costs
• A positive return on investment

By adopting such technological solutions, healthcare systems can enhance their recruitment strategies, reduce turnover rates, and ensure better patient care.

For more information on how to optimize your healthcare staffing, visit GoodWork.