Staff shortages in healthcare were prevalent before COVID and are still a concern post-pandemic. Medical facilities still need to employ temporary staff, like locum tenens providers, to fill in the gaps in their workforces. Consider these six trends in the state of travel healthcare today:

1. Demand is lower but is still there

The demand for travel providers remains stable because of staff turnover. Provider satisfaction has ranked high in comparison to some professions. However, in 2023, the national average dropped from 80-85 percent to 71 percent. According to providers, a significant factor in job satisfaction is staff shortages and the expectation that it will only worsen.

Medical facilities can address the provider shortage by bringing in short-term providers to fill vacancies. Temporary placements can also help them adjust staff based on patient numbers and relieve permanent staff of long shifts.

2. Competitive compensation

Travelers know their value, so compensation packages continue to be competitive. In addition to attractive locum tenens salaries, many assignments offer sign-on bonuses, housing stipends and benefits.

This trend will continue into 2024 as healthcare facilities see the importance of hiring skilled temporary workers to fill workforce gaps.

Incentives like referral programs are common for travel providers who meet others in their field. Their staffing agency compensates them for referring a candidate who then completes a travel assignment.

3. Specialization

General traveling physicians and other advanced providers are still in demand, but there is a growing need for those with specialized training. Positions that are currently in demand include:

• Emergency room
• Critical care (ICU)
• Operation room (OR)
• Radiology
• Oncology
• Medical surgery (med-surg)

Locum tenens can be more competitive candidates in the job market if they have specialized training. They may also get higher pay and placements in more desirable locations.

4. Work-life balance

Healthcare professionals are placing a higher emphasis on a healthy work-life balance to prevent burnout.

Knowing their profession’s emotional toll, providers seek placements that allow flexible work schedules. Some also prefer to take time off between assignments to recharge.

5. Technology

Electronic health records and mobile apps are the norm today as more healthcare facilities are streamlining their operations. Providers must learn new systems to streamline communication and protect patient information during an assignment.

Medical facilities are adding protocols to maintain database security for temporary staff. Cyber safety measures will undoubtedly continue in 2024.

6. Diversity initiatives

Healthcare organizations are adding diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives to ensure fair hiring practices and an inclusive work environment.

They understand the importance of creating a diverse workforce representing their community. Locum tenens professionals look for placements in supportive facilities so they can provide better patient care in a positive environment.

The state of travel healthcare – what to expect in 2024

As priorities and technology evolve, many recent trends will become mainstays in the medical landscape. Here’s what to expect with the state of travel healthcare in 2024 and beyond:

Continued demand

The demand for skilled travel providers will remain as the current workforce begins to retire. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there will be a projected 203,300 jobs for providers each year through 2031.

Higher pay

As the cost of living increases, provider pay will likely increase. The increase may mean higher hourly rates or more benefits, like health insurance coverage, housing stipends or bonuses.

Mental health concerns

The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health says healthcare workers are more likely to have mental health issues.

Providers work long hours with irregular shifts. As medical professionals, they undergo emotional and physical labor and face exposure to suffering and death. These work conditions can result in higher rates of mental health issues.

Medical facilities will need to provide more mental health resources and support to all staff, including locum tenens providers .

Enhanced training

Providers may have more opportunities to develop their skills to meet the evolving needs of patients. Training benefits both the providers and the facilities they serve and ensures high-quality patient care across the board.

Leveraging technology

Technology will play a more significant role in matching providers with assignments that align with their skills and preferences. This will result in more personalized experiences for travel providers and healthcare facilities.

As more health care organizations use telehealth for patient care, more providers may be able to work remotely. Instead of providing care in person, they would work with patients through virtual consultations.

TinkBird locum tenens placements

Our travel locum tenens agency stays abreast of the state of travel healthcare and can help you meet your goals. We value the skills and high level of care locum tenens providers give to their patients.

TinkBird Healthcare Staffing shows our appreciation by offering attractive healthcare jobs. We help our providers negotiate competitive compensation and attractive travel benefits.

Contact our recruiters to learn more about all the reasons to work with TinkBird for your assignments.