WHILE THE ECONOMY is struggling, some healthcare jobs are still being created.
And healthcare staffing agencies are reaping the benefits.
“It all depends on the specialty and the type of clinician,” said Shane Jackson, executive vice president of Jackson Healthcare and president of LocumTenens.com, which offers temporary staffing services. “Therapy is thriving and doing well. Physicians aren’t doing too badly, but in certain specialties the demand is down significantly.”
Jackson said Locum Tenens is the largest part of his business, followed by nursing and other specialties. Locum Tenens, a segment of AMN Healthcare Services, generated revenue of $79 million last year.
"Our diversified service offerings have enabled AMN Healthcare to maintain our market position, improve gross margins and strengthen our balance sheet through the prolonged economic downturn," said Susan R. Nowakowski, AMN Healthcare’s president and CEO.
“We’re feeling a little better than the industry as a whole,” said Bob Livonius, chief executive officer of Arlngton, Texas-based Medfinders.
With a network of more than 100 offices, the company helps practices and hospitals reduce total spend by up to 25 percent within the first year. Livonius said his firm allows healthcare institutions avoid the use of temporary travel replacements. Medfinders also has a home care division, he said.
While staffing agencies are doing well to help the industry fill scheduling holes, they say they aren’t supplying as many nurses as usual, because those who are already employed are willing to pick up extra shifts and work overtime.