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Healthcare organizations struggling to attract, retain workers

Healthcare Strategist Trend Watch, October 13, 2006

More than two-thirds of healthcare providers surveyed by the Washington, DC-based financial consulting firm Watson Wyatt Worldwide reported having difficulty retaining critical-skill workers to a moderate or great extent, according to a release. Retaining registered nurses was the most difficult staffing challenge facing healthcare providers, with 84% listing it among their top three position shortages, followed by pharmacists (39%), and rehab therapists (33%).

The survey also found that healthcare providers are experiencing a median 14% voluntary turnover rate, with 47% of respondents citing relocation as one of the top three reasons employees leave, followed by lack of promotional opportunity (41%) and pay (33%), according to the release.

According to the survey, healthcare organizations are implementing various initiatives to address the staffing problems, including adjusting pay levels to better reflect the market, providing reimbursements and forgiving loan payments for education, and implementing flexible work arrangements. Some organizations are also enhancing retirement benefit programs, according to the release.

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