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It’s National APP Week! Are You Adding Advanced Practice Providers to Your Facility’s Locum Tenens Mix?
September 25–29, 2023, is National APP Week, celebrating the many contributions of advanced practice providers (APPs) — nurse practitioners (NPs), physician assistants (PAs), and certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs), as well as certified anesthesiologist assistants, clinical nurse specialists, and certified nurse midwives. All Star Healthcare Solutions wishes to thank all APPs for your absolute dedication to patient care, which makes an impact on people’s lives every day.
In fact, incorporating locum tenens NPs, PAs, and CRNAs into your staffing formula not only positively affects your patients and their families, but also helps your staff meet demands while preventing provider burnout. Keep reading for a fuller portrait of the many benefits APPs can offer your facility.
Fulfilling the Rural Role
The combination of workforce shortages and aging populations have put rural and smaller community hospitals and clinics in a critical staffing status. According to the annual Rural America at a Glance report, compiled by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, one in five rural residents is at least 65 years old. Evidence shows that a large geriatric population increases the demand for services at local hospitals and clinics. Locum tenens APPs can step in to absorb some of the caseloads and offer high-quality care to people of all ages.
Expanding Primary Care
According to the American Association of Nurse Practitioners and the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants, NPs and PAs pursue careers in family medicine more than other specialties. Adding these providers to your facility, even on a temporary basis, augments access to preventive and non-critical care, and thereby reduces how long people have to wait to book appointments. From annual physicals and screenings for school sports to triaging patient complaints and managing seasonal illnesses, NPs and PAs take on a variety of primary care cases, enabling staff physicians to focus on more acute conditions.
Creating Specialty Access
Communities across the country continue to be underserved in many medical specialties, and in some cases, have been labeled healthcare deserts. Advanced practice specialists on locum tenens assignments can help address these needs. For example, CRNAs are the primary healthcare providers to administer anesthetics in rural facilities, per the American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology. Incorporating CRNA locums providers into your facility can expand the options available to the community so people receive the care they need without having to drive long distances.
Educating Patients
In many circumstances, NPs and PAs assume the patient-educator role, spending time with individuals explaining treatments, care plans, or healthy lifestyle habits. As locum tenens professionals, this function can be further highlighted. In addition to having more time-management flexibility free from administrative tasks typically attached to staff members, locum tenens providers can share their experiences with the newest research, medications, and treatment options with both patients and peers.
Offering Staffing Solutions
As a full-service staffing agency, All Star Healthcare Solutions can assist your facility with recruiting NPs, PAs, and CRNAs for direct-hire positions as well as locum tenens assignments.
Indeed, however you see advanced practice providers benefiting your staffing mix, All Star Healthcare Solutions is ready to help. Reach out to one of our dedicated consultants today at 800-928-0229, or contact us online.
