New York, NY—In the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare, nursing homes have been increasingly reliant on a temporary staffing model to fill gaps in their workforce. However, the continuous cycle of “onboarding” these short-term employees may be causing more harm than good for the facilities and the residents they serve.
The concept of temporary staffing in healthcare isn’t new. Yet, its proliferation in nursing homes, driven by staff shortages and budget constraints, has raised significant concerns among industry experts. The challenges of this model mirror those across various sectors, but in healthcare, particularly in nursing homes, the stakes are exceptionally high.
One major issue with the constant stream of temporary staff is continuity of care. Nursing home residents, many of whom suffer from cognitive impairments or chronic conditions, benefit greatly from consistency in their caregivers. The familiarity can foster trust and a sense of safety, which are crucial for effective care. However, with new faces appearing regularly, this continuity is disrupted, potentially leading to increased anxiety and confusion among residents.
“A stable caregiving team is essential for quality healthcare in nursing homes,” notes Dr. Sarah Thompson, a geriatric care expert. “When residents see a revolving door of caregivers, it not only affects their sense of security but can also hinder the staff’s ability to effectively monitor health changes or implement personalized care plans.”
Moreover, the onboarding process for temporary staff itself can be a drain on resources. Training new employees to meet specific facility standards, while necessary, requires time and effort that could be diverted to resident care. This constant cycle can also lead to burnout among permanent staff, who must repeatedly adjust to new team dynamics and often pick up the slack during transitional periods.
Beyond the internal challenges, reliance on temporary staffing could signal deeper systemic issues within a nursing home, such as poor management or an unattractive workplace culture. These underlying problems can deter potential long-term employees, perpetuating the cycle of staffing shortages.
Even with these drawbacks, the demand for temporary healthcare workers, including travel nurses, has surged. According to data from Staffing Industry Analysts, spending on temporary nursing staff in the U.S. rose by 35% in 2020. This boom highlights the growing dependence on flexible staffing solutions amidst a broader nursing shortage exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Critics argue that while temporary staffing may offer a quick fix, it is not a sustainable solution for nursing homes. The focus, they claim, should instead be on improving working conditions, offering competitive compensation, and fostering a positive organizational culture to attract and retain permanent staff.
As nursing homes continue to navigate staffing challenges, the debate over temporary versus permanent staff underscores the complex dynamics of providing quality care in an increasingly strained healthcare system. The long-term health of the elder care industry may depend on its ability to reconcile these competing demands, ensuring that residents receive the consistent, high-quality care they deserve.