Healthcare Leaders Cite Patient Safety and Quality of Care on Par with Employee Retention Needs

Cross Country Healthcare, Inc. (NASDAQ: CCRN), a market-leading, tech-enabled workforce solutions platform and advisory firm, today announced the results of a nationwide survey of human resource (HR) leaders and chief nursing officers (CNOs) examining the dynamics and trends impacting talent at healthcare institutions. The study revealed that 84 percent of HR leaders and CNOs rate quality of care and patient safety as the most critical issue to address in their organization, followed by strengthening employee engagement and retention (77 percent) and improving the caregiver experience (73 percent). However, only one in two leaders believed their organization has effectively improved employee recruitment (53 percent) or strengthened employee engagement and retention (51 percent).

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Healthcare Workforce Trends Survey by Cross Country shows that patient safety is top priority, and it starts with engagement and retention. (Photo: Business Wire)

“Healthcare institutions are facing monumental challenges due to talent shortages and stressful working conditions that were enhanced by the COVID-19 pandemic,” said John A. Martins, President and Chief Executive Officer of Cross Country Healthcare. “Although many leaders are actively investing in solutions to enhance employee recruitment, heighten the caregiver experience, and optimize and manage the workforce, fundamental changes are needed. There are sustainable and proven solutions that can help institutions invest in their employees from the ground up, curating a positive and safe experience for patients—the number one goal and priority.”

According to the survey, healthcare institutions are moving in the right direction to address the staffing crisis, with leaders reporting that their top priorities include improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the hiring process, strengthening employee engagement and retention, and improving employee attraction and recruitment.

When asked about healthcare organizations’ barriers to implementing workforce strategies, one HR leader responded, “It is keeping staff. A lot of people don't want to work nowadays, and it's hard to keep people interested, especially in healthcare.” A CNO reported another challenge: “having enough RN staff available to hire. We are doing great with hiring to some extent but at the same time still have the younger workforce choosing to leave for ‘better hours,’ or a ‘better life balance blend.’”