From Home To Healthcare: OT Staffing Challenges Explained

Occupational therapy helps countless individuals every year. However, occupational therapists often find themselves overworked. They love helping people lead independent lives, but there aren’t enough of them to meet patient demand. Those who remain in the industry must find ways to become more efficient. At the same time, the industry must find ways to overcome staffing challenges.
Occupational Therapy and Today’s Healthcare
Occupational therapists (OTs) are found in many healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, and private practices. Some offer home health services, while others work in schools. Their job is to help patients learn to live independently when they have physical, mental, or cognitive challenges. The therapists work with children and adults but often find they are limited in time. These healthcare organizations need to improve in the area of staffing for occupational therapists to ensure every patient receives the highest level of care.
Staffing Agencies
Many healthcare organizations partner with staffing agencies to ensure they have access to qualified professionals when needed. These agencies partner with licensed therapists worldwide who are willing to travel and help address staffing shortages. The agency vets these professionals, removing that burden from the healthcare agencies, and finds the right match for each open position. When doing so, they consider the organization’s needs and the OT’s preferences.
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Occupational Therapist Staffing Challenges
Healthcare workers are continuing their exodus from the industry in large numbers. People often hear about the projected doctor shortage in the coming years, but other workers are also leaving at high rates. Occupational therapists will be needed in high numbers in the coming years.
While an organization may receive many applications, it must find the right person for the position. A person who has always worked in a clinic may not be the best candidate for an open position in a hospital. A qualified candidate may be coming from another state and need time to become licensed in the state where the organization is located. If there is an immediate need, the organization may not be able to wait until they have the proper credentials.
The Benefits of Partnering with a Staffing Agency
Partnering with a staffing agency is beneficial for several reasons. The staffing agency vets candidates, allowing the healthcare organization to focus on delivering the highest level of patient care. It works with applicants to ensure they have the proper credentials to work in the organization and helps them secure these credentials if they don’t.
The Importance of Maintaining Adequate Occupational Therapist Staffing
When a healthcare organization has the appropriate number of occupational therapists, staff members will be happier. They are at less risk of burnout and can achieve a better work-life balance. Patient outcomes improve, leading to increased satisfaction, and the overall facility becomes more efficient.
Choosing a Staffing Agency to Partner With
When selecting a staffing agency, a healthcare organization should consider all available options. Discover the agency’s dedication to customer satisfaction. Ensure it has experience in the healthcare industry and complies with all applicable laws and regulations. Discuss with the agency the average length of time candidates typically remain in their positions after being hired by healthcare organizations. Information like this helps narrow down the available choices.
Healthcare organizations in need of occupational therapists should consider working with staffing agencies. Those who do so find that their return on investment is excellent. They get quality employees, patient satisfaction increases, and everyone is happy. That’s what every healthcare organization wants to see.