Thanks primarily to the COVID-19 pandemic, many hospitals, clinics and health organizations are finding it challenging to locate and hire the healthcare professionals they need.
And this challenge is especially acute when staffing assisted living facilities.
Senior living organizations across the country have been feeling the brunt of the Great Resignation. With a 50% turnover rate pre-COVID-19, the pandemic proved to be the straw that broke the camel’s back.
Attracting and retaining senior living staff has never been more challenging. But regardless – with the lives and well-being of senior residents on the line, shifts still need to be filled.
Reviewing applications, interviewing candidates and negotiating salaries all take precious time – which could be in short supply if you need to fill a position quickly. That’s why healthcare staffing firms have become a commonplace remedy for the industry-wide labor shortage. So how does engaging with a staffing firm work, and will it really make your hiring process smoother?
6 Reasons to Partner with an Assisted Living Staffing Firm:
Horizon Healthcare Management, a specialized staffing agency for assisted living facilities, shares the benefits of hiring through a firm.
#1 Staffing Firms Get to Know Your Assisted Living Facility
The first step is to reach out to an agency that specializes in senior care/assisted living staffing, specifying information like the job responsibilities, the number of employees needed, the timeline to hire new workers and the wage or salary rate.
#2 Assisted Living Recruiters Have a Wide Network of Talent
With access to top talent in the assisted living industry, staffing firms provide you with the most qualified, pre-vetted candidates to ensure jobs are filled seamlessly and efficiently. Assisted living recruiters know where to look – their network is large and can be based specifically on the needs of the job opening, the location, salary, and many other variables.
#3 The Staffing Firm Vets Candidates
Once candidates begin applying for the open position, the assisted living staffing agency reviews their experience and qualifications before scheduling and conducting interviews. They then choose the most qualified individuals to introduce to the hiring manager at your business.
#4 The Assisted Living Facility Makes the Final Decision
The hiring manager or administrator will interview the staffing agency’s choices before making a final hiring decision. This saves you and your staff hours that you would otherwise spend sorting through countless applicants.
#5 Staffing Firms Help Fill Scheduling Gaps
Partnering with a staffing firm is a less timely solution with greater administrative efficiencies for senior living facilities to ensure all shifts are covered by skilled care professionals. This can make room for additional flexibility and better work-life balance for full-time staff, which can directly feed your community’s retention efforts.
#6 Hire Nurses for the Short-Term, Long-Term or In-Between
Senior living organizations that haven’t previously worked with staffing firms may think they only provide contractors for short-term assignments. In fact, most staffing firms offer contract-to-hire and even direct placement, or permanent placement opportunities.
Whether the new-hire is temporary or long-term, it’s still very important to train, supervise and manage temporary employees similarly to your direct employees. This will offer piece-of-mind and ensure that continuity of care remains consistent across your organization.
Staff Your Assisted Living Facility with Horizon Healthcare Management
Horizon Healthcare Management is a proven staffing agency for nurses based in Evansville, IN, serving assisted living facilities around the country. If you’re a healthcare organization seeking to add permanent, temporary, per diem, locum tenens, or executive-level professionals, visit our Employer Opportunities page today.