How to Attract and Retain the Best Talent in Healthcare – Part 1

In this competitive market, hospitals want to attract the brightest and best talent, and they want to retain them for the long-term. What are some effective strategies for reaching these goals?

A Unique Market
First, it’s important to understand what makes a hospital job-search unique. It is one niche in particular that doesn’t have much success attracting talent online through job boards or social media. Executive nurses are busy working 50 to 60 hours per week and don’t spend their time online looking for new opportunities. So, retaining a recruiter is a smart first step in attracting the best talent in healthcare.

Choosing the Right Firm
Choose a recruiting firm whose core values include a true understanding of “why” your position is open. Stay involved in the recruiting process; it’s tempting to hand off the business of hiring and be content with 2 to 3 applicants. But staying involved in the process, and remaining true to your values will not only attract but will also retain talent for the long-term.

What’s Unique About Your Hospital?
Consider your progressive initiatives – what are you doing that your competition isn’t? From cutting-edge technology, to working with world-renowned surgeons, to implementing a Magnet Recognition Program, now is the time to highlight what makes your organization truly special. It’s also important to be transparent when it comes to your organization’s challenges as well as its strengths.

What Does Your Organization Stand For?
Be clear about your mission and values, and share what it’s like to work for your organization. Candidates today want to know how the opportunity will benefit them, and they want to know that the organization they work for is a force for greater good in the world.

In Part 2 of this article, we will discuss even more about how to attract and retain the best talent in healthcare, including the interview process and the onboarding process. Stay tuned!

– Sean Milius

Sean Milius is President and Chief Executive Office of The HealthCare Initiative. Founded in 1974, this executive search firm specializes in executive recruitment and Interim solutions for healthcare leadership vacancies nationwide.

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