Entering the unique world of healthcare staffing is challenging at best and overwhelming at worst, but it can also prove very rewarding. In its simplest form, the industry involves matching a qualified, credentialed nurse to a unit within a hospital, but there is so much more that goes into making that happen. One thing is for sure: it is not for the faint of heart.
My perspective as a new employee with BlueSky might differ from the experiences of others as they enter the medical staffing industry from the agency side. However, for me, there were several items that took time to wrap my mind around. In retrospect, following the steps below can make a big difference:
1. Accept it, the terminology is daunting. From per diem and travel nursing to locum tenens staffing, the verbiage of the industry takes time to learn if familiarity is lacking. Don't fret if you happen upon a word or phrase that you don't immediately comprehend. It will occur early and often. Allow yourself time to Google around for the answers to questions you come across.
2. Ask a lot of questions. When starting from square one like I did, there is no quicker way to gain an understanding of how things work than asking questions of co-workers that have made it this far in the industry. There is a reason they are still standing. Receiving a high-level overview early on is also recommended even if it seems like information overload. Your retention rate might suffer, but things will start to make sense as you go along. Don't be shy: you can only learn by asking.
3. Take good notes. Not only will good note-taking help you retain information, but it also gives you a strong reference point for revisiting topics you had difficulty comprehending the first time around.
4. Try to grasp the big picture. In healthcare staffing it is so easy to get bogged down in the weeds of how each facet of the industry functions. Keeping your mind focused on the big picture is key, however. If the operation of the entire system starts to make sense then the smaller components will come into clearer focus as well.
From a staffing agency's perspective, finding a way to manage all of the information you have to manage will top the priority list. Once you build relationships, establish contracts between facilities and locate caregivers, you will need a one-stop shop out of which to operate and manage your data.
From credentialing to scheduling to licensing and beyond, placing a caregiver into a short- or long-term assignment can prove challenging.
Thankfully, there is an answer with BlueSky Medical Staffing Software.
