Indeed, we are well aware that there is an epidemic shortage in the nursing field. According to the American Nurses Association (ANA), more than 960,00 nurses will vacate the workforce by 2024 as the last of the baby boomers retire. Although the need to supplement the nursing staffing pool is a year-round necessity, there are important markers that accurately and consistently contribute to an increased demand for travel nurses at peak times of the year. When healthcare facilities and hospitals hire travel nurses, there are generally definite seasonal correlations that can be tracked throughout the year. During these already understaffed and overburdened times, healthcare facilities turn to the traveling nurse to bridge the gap.
Flu Season
Flu season undoubtedly requires additional support in all provider settings. The 2017/2018 flu season was the worst recorded in over a decade. Hospitals were overflowing and setting up triage tents in parking lots. Nursing homes were diverting patients and schools were closing to sanitize from top to bottom. There were simply more patients than there was staff. Although this past flu season may be the exception rather than the rule, it is something that all facilities need to be prepared for. While flu season typically runs from December through February, the CDC makes yearly recommendations well in advance. This allows sufficient time for healthcare organizations to plan well in advance and determine their staffing needs.
Residency Season
Teaching hospitals are a necessary part of the medical community for both physicians and nurses. Once, sometimes twice a year, students fill the hospital halls for the first time. They are eager to learn and hungry for experience. However, they often take up our nurse’s most valuable resource, their time that could otherwise be dedicated to patient care. Hospitals often seek out the knowledge of a traveling nurse during this time of hands-on student training. Traveling nurses can step in and offer patient care when permanent staff is otherwise occupied.
Summer Baby Season
Travel nurses are in high demand come the summer months on the L&D floor! It’s likely the busiest season for a couple of reasons. According to the CDC, more babies are born during the summer months than any other season. Coupled with the fact that more people travel during the summer months, staff on the L&D floor is in short supply.
Snowbird Season
Southern and Southwestern states, notably Florida and Arizona, see an influx of visitors from the north during winter – most of these visitors are older people who account for more hospital stays and healthcare visits compared to the general population. According to the CDC, people 65 and over experience three times more hospital stays compared to the general population, while people 75 and over have four times more. Most snowbirds are of retirement age. Both hospital and doctor’s offices in snowbird states may need to augment their staff with contingent nurses, both RNs and LPNs, to manage additional patient loads in the winter.
Hospital Expansions
Hospitals and healthcare organizations that are expanding services often use dedicated traveling nursing staffs to provide additional support. The addition of a new medical facility or clinical units can be a chaotic and trying time. Having extra support can ensure that patient care remains the primary focus and that the transition runs as smoothly as possible.
NurseCore is a national leader in medical staffing and home care services. We are committed to exceeding the expectations of both our clients and employees, we specialize in connecting healthcare professionals, nurses, and caregivers with the medical facilities and home care positions in need of their expertise. NurseCore strives to relevant healthcare news, resources, and industry topics. Explore our blog and “like” us on Facebook!
0 Comments