Overcoming key challenges to rural hospital medical staff recruitment
?A job is one just aspect of life, albeit a significant one
Yes, it is a large part of our character and sense of self. Most would also agree that it is also the place where we spend the majority of our time. Therefore, it needs to be an activity that we find rewarding and want to continue doing. However, although sometimes it doesn’t seem like this is true in reality, there are other considerations in life! Honest!
We need people, places, experiences, and all kinds of amenities
We took for granted our ability to visit the theatre, a gym complex, go to a cinema, go out with friends and family, visit a wide range of restaurants and food outlets etc. However, the pandemic taught us just how we had not given that ability very much thought until 2020. Who could have predicted such a thing as a lockdown? Photo: Milanda Vigerova
Promoting rural area medical staffing positions requires a considered approach
Even though Internet shopping is here to stay, many enjoy the experience of going out for a retail fix and just being part of a busy environment. Yet, when considering a move to a rural location for work are people prepared to sacrifice the ease and buzz of an urban landscape? As specialist recruiters, we understand that promoting medical staffing positions in rural areas requires a different and perhaps more subtle approach. It’s another perspective entirely. Yes, there are things to overcome when working in rural areas. But there are equivalent and worse challenges in cities and large conurbations and we shouldn’t forget that.
Photo: Vek Labs
?However, here are a few things that require employers to give consideration to before thinking about starting the complex recruitment process.
Family Need and Consideration
Support is important.
Photo: Artem Maltsev
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Location, Location, Location
Rural locations are often sparsely populated. There can be long distances from large cities and other facilities urbanistas take for granted. In addition, ties can become much looser when long distance is put between family members. This can be a reason for deciding not to push the boundaries when considering location. People often like to remain fairly close to where they grew up and a massive shift can be quite an undertaking.
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Photo: Hans Isaacson
Ask yourself:
We have plenty of ideas that will help you create the perfect package to attract the best medical staff to your location.
?Residency Programs and Training
Consider where most residency programs are run? It’s like they are in major urban centres. Training is a very positive experience, full of optimism and is often consolidated by the personal experiences within a city. As human being we attach good times and good memories to certain places where we felt happiest. Therefore, if that can be replicated when medical staff being work then why not stay where they trained? You can see how easy it is for people to slip into what they know.?Why would they consider a position in a place that is completely outside their knowledge and comfort zone? Have you ever considered what your organization is offering over and above a vacancy? The preparation you do at the start of the process will reap rewards later on, especially when staff decide to stay with you.
Photo: Leon
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If you are asking someone to move hundreds of miles there has to be a payoff
Rural areas are often very beautiful. As the pandemic raged across the globe many people have reconsidered how they want to live life. Concentrated urban areas have become less attractive than they were even a couple of years ago. It is worth capitalising on this sentiment and sell the rural experience as a great place where children can grow up with a little more freedom and a lot more space. To be closer to nature and more in rhythm with the seasons and the landscape is an ambition for many Gen Z youngsters. Research needs and desires of your potential workforce and see your role from their perspective.
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Ongoing Professional Development
What Covid has taught us is that within every risk or crisis there is an opportunity. Behaviours and expectations have changed. Humans are incredibly flexible and have embraced the digital landscape in ways people might have predicted would take ten years or more. Yes, larger urban organisations will be at the heart of things, physically and yes they ay attract more research opportunities and funding but rural organizations offer some amazing opportunities. With good internet access, then courses and ongoing career professional development continue. It doesn’t really matter where you are working. Organizations have to offer mentorship, careful and considered career support to ensure their medical staff feel there is a clear career structure and that they are not being left behind in any way. Photo: Campaign Creators
If you recognise any of these challenges then please do contact me for a confidential and absolutely no obligation conversation. We'll use our experience, knowledge and professional processes to find the right people to drive your organization forward. Why not set up a Calendly meeting today? Then ask me for my brand new Rural Recruitment ebook that's available very soon
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Director of Nursing -Mother Baby Units, CEO, Guiding Hand Nursing Consultant, Owner-Nursing Consultant
3 年Interesting read. Very difficult decision to make especially in healthcare.