In the ever-evolving field of healthcare, nurses and healthcare professionals play an invaluable role in ensuring the well-being of patients. While the healthcare industry offers a plethora of opportunities, it’s interesting to note that many healthcare professionals prefer stability in their careers over job hopping or pursuing gig opportunities. Read on to explore the various reasons why more nurses are choosing to stick around at facilities that meet their needs and highlight the importance of providing a stable and long-term career at your facility.
Building expertise and experience
One of the primary reasons healthcare professionals seek stability in their careers is the opportunity to build expertise and gain valuable experience. Healthcare is a complex and multifaceted field, and it takes time to become proficient in a particular specialty. The longer you work in a specific area, the more confident and competent you become.
By staying in one place for an extended period, healthcare professionals can develop a deep understanding of their patients’ needs, learn the nuances of their roles, and build a strong foundation of knowledge. This expertise not only benefits the professionals themselves but also ensures better care for patients.
Establishing strong patient relationships
Long-term careers in healthcare enable professionals to establish strong and meaningful relationships with their patients. Patients often feel more comfortable and secure when they see familiar faces and can rely on healthcare providers they trust. These relationships can lead to better patient outcomes, improved compliance with treatment plans, and overall satisfaction with the healthcare experience — all of which are important for your facility to provide the best care possible.
Nurses, in particular, play a crucial role in patient care and advocacy. By staying in a healthcare facility for an extended period, they can forge deep connections with their patients, making it easier to address their unique needs and concerns.
Emotional well-being and job satisfaction
Job stability in healthcare can have a significant positive impact on emotional well-being and job satisfaction. The constant change and unpredictability associated with gig opportunities or frequent job hopping can lead to increased burnout and stress among healthcare professionals, which is what they’re often seeking to find reprieve from in their next role. On the other hand, a stable and supportive work environment allows professionals to develop a sense of belonging, camaraderie, and purpose. In fact, most healthcare workers are searching for their professional “home,” or the place where they can see themselves staying employed long-term.
Knowing that they are part of a team and making a meaningful difference in patients’ lives can boost healthcare professionals’ job satisfaction and overall mental health. This, in turn, translates into better patient care, as happier and less stressed professionals are more likely to provide high-quality services. In fact, we found that 31% of healthcare applicants would choose a lower paying job if the work was fulfilling or enjoyable, according to our 2023 State of Healthcare Hiring Report.
Opportunities for career advancement
Stability in a healthcare career often opens doors to various opportunities for career advancement. Healthcare facilities value experienced and dedicated professionals and are more likely to invest in their growth and development. Nurses and healthcare professionals who stay with a single employer can benefit from mentorship programs, tuition reimbursement, and opportunities to climb the career ladder. In that same study from earlier, we found that over a third of healthcare applicants (36%) would choose a role with a lower paying salary that offered them career opportunities if the other job did not.
Additionally, long-term employees may be considered for leadership roles or specialized positions within their organization. This not only allows them to further their careers but also enables them to have a more significant impact on healthcare policies, practices, and patient outcomes. As an employer, your facility benefits from this longevity because you’ll have this internal pool of candidates to choose from when vacancies arise.
Continuity of care
Continuity of care is a critical aspect of healthcare delivery. When patients see the same healthcare professionals over time, it ensures consistent and coordinated care. It reduces the risk of medical errors, improves communication among healthcare providers, and enhances the overall patient experience.
Healthcare professionals who value stability understand the importance of providing continuity of care. By remaining in their positions, they contribute to the seamless delivery of healthcare services, benefiting both patients and the healthcare system as a whole.
In the ever-changing landscape of healthcare, nurses and healthcare professionals often seek stability in their careers for several compelling reasons. Building expertise and experience, establishing strong patient relationships, improving emotional well-being, and ensuring job satisfaction are just a few of the benefits of long-term careers in healthcare. While gig opportunities and job hopping may have their appeal, it’s clear that healthcare professionals who prioritize stability play a crucial role in maintaining the integrity and quality of healthcare services. Their commitment to their patients and their profession is truly commendable and worthy of recognition.
Keeping workers at your facility starts with making the right hires. Take hiring into your own hands with Hireology, the true applicant tracking system built for your healthcare hiring needs. Connect with our team for a personalized demo of how we can help your facility succeed today!
