Not all nurse staffing companies are created equal. If you’re looking for a company to help with your staffing challenges, there are important considerations to keep in mind. At the end of the day, you want a partner that can make your life easier – not create more hassles! Here are a few questions you should ask:
1. Are they a platform-based company?
Today, there are two basic models to choose from. Traditional staffing companies typically rely on one-on-one contact to match nurses with facility needs. Platform-based companies let technology do the work on a much bigger scale. If the company has a large pool of nurses on their platform, you’ll be far more likely to get the help you need.
2. Do they offer W2 employees or 1099 independent contractors?
As a healthcare provider, you may not think it matters how your agency’s nurses are classified under labor laws, but it does. Companies that use a 1099 business model by classifying their workers as independent contractors avoid a number of costs. They avoid paying payroll taxes, overtime, worker’s compensation, or other employment-related expenses. As outlined here, their savings could put you at significant financial and legal risk.
3. Can they offer a complete staffing solution?
Nursing agencies offer different services, and it’s important to understand what they can – and can’t – offer. Maybe you need per diem staff to cover chronic gaps in your schedule. Maybe you have a staff member on leave and you need someone to fill in while they’re out. Or maybe you need help hiring more full-time staff. Make sure the partner you choose is prepared to meet all your needs.
4. Can they provide staff records quickly?
If a state official walks into your building, it’s critical to have easy access to staff credentials. This can help you address concerns quickly. Ask how – and how fast – the company can handle requests for worker records.
5. What pay rates are they offering their staff?
Look for an agency that pays its employees in the “Goldilocks Zone”. If you use a firm that pays too little, the staff might lack the experience or capabilities you need. Alternatively, if they pay outside of the market rate, it could cause issues with your own staff, who may become disgruntled and perhaps even tempted to consider leaving for higher pay elsewhere.
At Gale Healthcare, we offer you a complete staffing solution. We were the first in our industry to offer on-demand staffing. Today, more than 50,000 Gale clinicians are working in thousands of healthcare facilities nationwide. These clinicians bring all the protection of W2 employment to your workplace. We also have a national network of more than 200,000 clinicians that can be accessed for contract and perm placement needs. With Gale, you also get instant access to clinician credentials, 24/7 support, and a cost-effective solution to your staffing challenges, no matter what type of staff you need. If we can help, contact us here.
