In the evolving dynamics of healthcare staffing, suppliers would like hospitals to believe that they wield the power to provide a proprietary nursing staff. However, this isn’t the reality. The truth is, nurses – the backbone of patient care – will follow the jobs, no matter who controls the opening. To be clear, there are nurses who are loyal to one, or a few companies, that they feel best meet their needs. That said, the notion that suppliers have a proprietary nursing staff at their disposal is a misleading narrative. It’s a well-packaged illusion designed to make hospitals feel as though they’re accessing a select, exclusive pool of talent. In actuality, nurses are not tied to any supplier or agency. They are professionals who will seek and accept positions where their skills are needed, contributions are valued, and professional growth is supported.
In this context, one might then ask: Who should be in control? The answer points towards the institution that stands at the heart of patient care – the hospital. Hospitals should be in control, not the agency or the supplier. The reasons for this are manifold:
· Hospitals are the epicenter of healthcare delivery. They are the institutions that interact directly with patients and bear the responsibility for the quality of care provided. Thus, they are in the best position to understand the specific needs and requirements of their patients and the skills and competencies that their nursing staff need to meet these needs.
· By taking control, hospitals can have direct oversight over the recruitment and placement of nurses. This can ensure that they hire the best fit for their needs, leading to better patient care outcomes and increased job satisfaction among the nursing staff.
· Managing their own hiring process allows hospitals to build a strong organizational culture. When hospitals hire directly, they can instill their values and mission into their nursing staff from day one.
· Hospitals in control can better plan their workforce needs, anticipate shortages, and make strategic decisions about hiring and staff deployment. This can lead to more effective workforce utilization, fewer staffing crises, and better overall patient care.
While suppliers may wish to portray themselves as having an inside track to a proprietary nursing staff, the reality is different. The control should and must lie with hospital, and ultimately, the nurse. After all, they are the ones at the frontline of patient care. The hospital should have the power to decide who makes up their nursing teams, and the nurses should be given the ability to follow jobs that best fit their professional and personal needs.
The Nurses and Hospitals are in Control
