Talent shortages remain a persistent problem across healthcare, and Workers’ Comp is no exception. The industry skews older, and the number of retiring baby boomers is growing. Additionally, the median age of nurses is 52 with 20% indicating they intend to retire within the next 5 years. As nurses age, retire or find employment outside of health care the number of employable nurses will decline. The departure of experienced professionals is a significant challenge for the industry and drives home the need for strategic solutions.
Factors Impacting Workers’ Comp
The workers’ comp talent shortage impacts are profound and include:
- Clinical shortages affect not just the workforce but also the quality and timeliness of care necessary for positive outcomes.
- Compounding industry pressures including high caseloads, excessive paperwork, and delays in service approvals threaten to compromise quality of care.
- Talent acquisition struggles and difficulty retaining talent has led to underqualified staff in crucial roles.
Addressing the workers’ comp talent shortage requires prioritizing talent development from within.
A Focus on Training and Education
Shearwater Health’s commitment to addressing talent shortages in Worker’s Comp includes a specialized training academy that provides supplementary education and exposure, giving participants valuable hands-on experience with clinical reviews and navigating the industries’ complexities.
What further sets Shearwater apart is its commitment to going beyond mere transactional relationships. Instead, the focus remains on understanding the entire context, emphasizing that behind every case, there’s a person in need of compassionate and comprehensive care. Staci Watts, Senior Vice President of Clinical Operations, echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the creation of career paths for nurses within Shearwater.
Additionally, Shearwater focuses on job fulfillment and satisfaction that aids in nurse retention. According to Watts, “One of the things I love about Shearwater is that we create a career path for our nurses. Whether you are a Philippines nurse looking to join our academy and take the NCLEX and become a USRN or if you have no desire to leave the Philippines and want to advance your career within the Philippines, you are welcome and encouraged.”
Shearwater Health stands as a beacon of hope for the healthcare industry, particularly in addressing Workers’ Comp challenges and nurturing clinical talent. Their inclusive approach to career development for nurses illustrates their dedication to empowering individuals and ensuring quality care provision worldwide.
