The Healthcare Staffing Landscape
Understanding the current state of contingent labor in healthcare is essential for making informed staffing decisions.
Contract labor as % of total labor costs (2022)
2% in 2019
Potential cost reduction with VMS
Industry average
Healthcare facilities using VMS
And growing
Healthcare workers leaving by 2026
Only 1.9M entering
Which Staffing Model is Right for You?
Answer 11 quick questions about your current locums program and we'll recommend the optimal strategy for your organization.
Takes less than 3 minutes to complete
Personalized recommendations based on your answers
Actionable next steps for implementation
How many staffing firms are you currently contracted with?
Consider all agencies you use for locum tenens placements
Four Strategies for Locum Tenens Optimization
Each approach offers unique advantages depending on your organization's size, needs, and strategic goals. Explore the details to find your optimal staffing mix.
Direct Locums
Work directly with locum tenens staffing agencies to fill temporary physician and provider positions. This traditional approach offers direct relationships with agencies and quick deployment of qualified professionals.
Best For:
Short-term coverage needs, urgent staffing gaps, and facilities seeking direct agency relationships
Key Benefits
Immediate Availability
Quick deployment within days or weeks
High-Quality Providers
Experienced professionals from diverse settings
Flexibility
On-demand workforce for fluctuating needs
Reduced Burnout
Alleviates pressure on permanent staff
Considerations
Higher Hourly Rates
Premium rates for temporary specialized work
Limited Long-Term Commitment
Temporary nature, less invested in culture
Onboarding Challenges
Time needed to learn specific protocols
Inconsistent Care Risk
May not be familiar with specific standards
Strategy Comparison at a Glance
A side-by-side comparison to help you evaluate which approach aligns best with your organization's priorities.
| Factor | Direct Locums | VMS | MSP | Float Pool |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Initial Cost | Low | Medium | High | High |
| Ongoing Cost | High | Medium | Medium | Low |
| Implementation Time | Fast | Medium | Slow | Slow |
| Vendor Control | Low | High | Medium | N/A |
| Compliance Management | Manual | Automated | Managed | Internal |
| Scalability | High | High | High | Limited |
| Care Continuity | Low | Low | Medium | High |
| Administrative Burden | High | Medium | Low | Medium |
Choosing the Right Strategy for Your Organization
The optimal locum tenens strategy depends on your organization's unique circumstances. Consider these key factors when making your decision:
Organization Size
Larger systems often benefit from MSP or VMS, while smaller facilities may prefer direct relationships
Staffing Volume
High-volume needs justify technology investments; occasional needs may not
Budget Constraints
Balance upfront costs against long-term savings potential
Internal Capabilities
Assess your team's capacity to manage vendor relationships and compliance
Strategic Goals
Align staffing approach with broader organizational objectives
Additional Resources
Deepen your understanding of healthcare workforce optimization with these curated resources.
