State of the Healthcare Workforce: Florida
Throughout 2021, the demand for travel nurses surged across the U.S., including in Florida, due to rising COVID-19 cases. While travel nurses provided crucial support, healthcare facilities in Miami and beyond are now focusing on filling permanent nursing positions to address ongoing staffing shortages. Although permanent nursing roles offer many advantages, numerous travel nurses are hesitant to transition to permanent positions in Miami or elsewhere.
**Opinions of Travel Nurses on Permanent Roles**
A survey involving travel and per diem nurses revealed their thoughts on permanent roles. In Florida, 35% of participants were not interested in switching to a permanent role. Meanwhile, 20% of travel, per diem, and unemployed nurses expressed plans to pursue full-time or part-time permanent positions, with 29% unsure. Among those open to future permanent roles, the survey found: 14% are actively looking, 29% will start within 6 months, 29% plan to begin within 6 to 12 months, and 29% aim to search within 1 to 2 years. Travel nurses in Florida cited an average desirable hourly rate of $72.71 to consider permanent positions. Across all surveyed nurses, the reported average annual salary in 2022 was $92,891, equating to $55.25 per hour.
**Nursing Shortages and Their Impact**
The survey indicated that nearly 50% of Florida’s staff nurses felt their units were chronically understaffed, with another 26% reporting frequent shortages. The Florida Hospital Association forecasts worsening shortages, predicting a deficit of about 37,400 registered nurses by 2035. Approximately 67% of surveyed nurses contemplated job changes in 2022, with 72% citing salary as a pivotal factor and over 53% highlighting staff-to-patient ratios. Many nurses are also contemplating exiting the profession. When asked about leaving healthcare entirely, 36.2% had no such plans. However, some nurses in Florida are considering leaving, with timelines as follows: 11.87% within 6 months, 6.53% in 7 to 12 months, 17.21% in 1 to 2 years, and 28.19% within 3 to 5 years. Issues such as workplace environment and morale greatly influence these decisions, with 73% of nurses feeling hospital morale declined in 2021 and 74% believing their mental health needs were unmet by employers.
**Employers That Stand Out in Miami**
Miami healthcare employers can bolster retention by addressing staff concerns, offering competitive salaries, and prioritizing nurse well-being. Such efforts not only help retain existing staff but also attract new hires.
**Future Prospects for Florida Employers**
The Florida Association of Community Health Centers’ Workforce Development Manager compared the healthcare hiring landscape to a \"seller’s market\" where institutions vie for talent. Industry experts agree that staffing challenges are intricate, with no swift remedies. During the 2022 legislative session, Florida lawmakers explored enhancing education and training for healthcare workers as a potential solution.
