How Can Healthcare Systems Continue to Keep up with Challenges Related to COVID?
The current challenges that hospitals are facing span far beyond the effects to the individuals that have contracted the disease. There has been immense death and an increased level of acuity with COVID but, currently, the largest challenge in acute hospitals is the staffing shortage and the burnout associated with this ongoing pandemic.
The current challenges that hospitals are facing span far beyond the effects to the individuals that have contracted the disease. There has been immense death and an increased level of acuity with COVID but, currently, the largest challenge in acute hospitals is the staffing shortage and the burnout associated with this ongoing pandemic.
COVID shortages and management of the ongoing effects:
Senior leadership teams across the nation are meeting regularly to discuss how to stay ahead of the staffing shortages related to COVID. Daily huddles held by hospital leaders discuss staffing challenges related to COVID including ways to handle staffing that has now reached near crisis levels. Within healthcare systems, there is no department that has not been affected. EVS, dietary, nursing, respiratory therapy, and all other departments that have been deemed essential to service patients inside of the hospital during this time are experiencing unprecedented shortages that are affecting the care that all patients receive.
What has changed from pre-COVID?
Depending on your region, hospitals across the country are now in the third to fourth surge of COVID. Staff, especially nurses and frontline caregivers, are experiencing burnout related to the number of COVID patients. Additional frustration has been added to the most recent surge as it is significantly related to patients that have chosen not to be vaccinated. Nursing and case management are dealing with dire situations in which entire families, who have likely chosen not to vaccinate, are hospitalized with an increased number of deaths in younger populations as compared to previous surges. These stressors and the continued loss of life are difficult for caregivers to deal with which has led to caregiver burnout.
How high can the pay increases go to retain workers?
The first state to begin to attract nurses with increased wages was New York. This was due to the first large surge that began there in March 2020. Since that time, travel positions for nurses, all emergency department staff including techs and EMTs, and respiratory therapists have been sought after to work in hospital systems. The offered incentives and pay wages have greatly affected staff positions at all hospital systems as they cannot compensate at a comparable rate to the travel positions. Discussions regarding increases of pay across hospital systems continue to occur at an executive level to retain staff but the pay offered by these travel positions are not the only incentive to healthcare workers. Travel positions are luring staff to higher paying jobs with the flexibility to travel and take time off between assignments. This is perceived to give healthcare workers the ability to decrease burnout as they are not committed to a long-term position. These positions and the significant increase in pay also gives the freedom to take breaks between assignments.
Another effect that COVID has had on the world has been the option and opportunities to work from home. Work from home options now represent approximately 42% of the workforce. The concern of being exposed to COVID in the hospital setting has made it increasingly challenging to hire on staff in all areas. Entry level staff such as environmental services and dietary can make equal or more money working at hotels or restaurants without the fear of being exposed to the infectious diseases, including COVID, that exist in hospitals. Acute care settings must continue to find ways to make staff feel safe at work from COVID but also with a sense of purpose and inclusion with their team. There are benefits to working remotely but the collaboration and relationships that develop in the workplace are also a job satisfier.
How has the vaccination affected this?
The new government mandate requires vaccinated caregivers at all facilities that receive revenue from Medicaid and Medicare. Prior to this legislation, hospital organizations were struggling with mandating the vaccine with an increased concern that staff will leave vaccine mandating organizations to go to another facility that does not require vaccination requirements. This new law levels the playing field for hospitals to meet the same standards and requirements across the country. The new rule has not curbed the continued concerns and fears that many individuals have related to the vaccine. Organizations need to continue to educate staff and answer questions to resolve fears that exist. Whether or not we agree or disagree with the related concerns, the fears are real to the person experiencing them.
How can leaders affect change and improve staff satisfaction?
A leadership presence with an understanding of the struggles that the frontline staff are experiencing will improve employee satisfaction. Employee forums, led by hospital leaders, where staff can ask vaccination and COVID related concerns alleviate stressors. Wages continue to increase across healthcare. To address wage inequities, complete a market analysis to determine if your wages are competitive for your region. Lastly, be a present leader. Round with your staff, listen to their concerns with sincerity and compassion for the challenges that they are facing. Individuals that have a strong connection and that feel supported by their leader are less likely to leave their position even if a higher wage is available. Be that leader! Spend time with your staff and let them feel heard. You will also find satisfaction with the connection that you build with them and grow as a more effective leader.