How International Direct Hire Can Grow Hospital Systems
The nursing shortage has been a significant challenge for hospitals and healthcare systems across the United States, even before the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated the problem. Many strategies have been tried, such as increasing pay scales, offering sign-on bonuses, and implementing innovative programs like earned wage access. However, one solution that is gaining traction is international direct hire.
In this podcast from the American Organization for Nursing Leadership (AONL), leaders from SSM Health and PRS Global discuss how international direct hire is a cornerstone of SSM Health's strategy to stabilize and grow its nursing workforce.
The Benefits of International Direct Hire
According to Seth Lovell, System Vice President of Nursing Transformation and Innovation at SSM Health, diversifying clinical pipelines is crucial for addressing the nursing shortage. "There's not one [workforce study] that says there's not going to be a shortage," Lovell states. International direct hire allows healthcare organizations to access a large and talented pool of nurses from abroad.
For SSM Health, international direct hire aligns with the organization's roots and mission. "We were founded by Catholic sisters that came from Germany about 150 years ago. So really, in a layman's terms, like they are kind of the original travel nurses," Lovell explains. Leveraging this international workforce strengthens SSM Health's diversity and enables the organization to stabilize its nursing teams.
Related Reading: SSM Health Adds 500+ International Nurses with PRS Global to Combat Nursing Shortage
Critical Success Factors
While the international talent pool is promising, healthcare leaders must address critical success factors to ensure a successful international direct hire program. According to Caitlyn Obrock, Manager of the Clinical Recruitment Team at SSM Health, key factors include:
- Understanding projected nursing needs and turnover rates
- Building relationships with international nurse candidates
- Aligning with the organization's mission, vision, and values
- Providing a robust onboarding and integration process
Partnering for Success
Effective partnerships are essential for navigating the complexities of international direct hire. As Kara Murphy, President of PRS Global, explains, "We really look at how do we make this a win-win for the hospitals that we serve, and then also for the nurses."
PRS Global supports healthcare organizations throughout the process, from recruiting and interviewing international nurses to preparing for their arrival and helping them thrive in their new roles and communities.
Onboarding and Integration
Successful onboarding and integration are critical for international direct hire nurses and their families. As Obrock notes, "Planning to move your entire family, I can't imagine what that's like." Healthcare organizations must provide comprehensive support, addressing housing, transportation, schools, and other essential needs.
Importantly, the onboarding process begins well before the nurses arrive, with activities like town halls and Q&A sessions to build relationships and a sense of belonging. "You start building that sense of belonging even before the nurses start," Murphy says.
The Road Ahead
For healthcare leaders considering international direct hire, Lovell offers this advice: "Don't let the sheer logistics and the challenges of attempting to hire directly prevent you from going down this path." With the right partner and a strong vision, international direct hire can be a powerful solution for addressing the nursing shortage.
As the demand for nurses continues to grow, healthcare organizations must explore diverse pipelines and innovative strategies. International direct hire offers a promising path forward, enabling a return to growth while strengthening the nursing workforce's diversity and resilience.
Related Reading: Cost-Efficient Staffing: PRS Global Helps Simplify the Hiring and Immigration Process for Employers