2024 has been a whirlwind for healthcare organizations, and PRS Global isn't just observing—we're helping reshape the healthcare recruiting landscape. By reimagining healthcare recruitment and professional support, we're delivering solutions that benefit organizations but also positively impact nurse's lives.
We had the chance to sit down with Spencer Smith, CEO at PRS Global, to dive into the innovative strategies, reflection, and breakthrough moments that have defined the company's approach workforce strategy and recruitment this year.
Q: How do you see the company’s role in addressing the healthcare staffing crisis for 2025, and how has the strategy evolved over the past year?
A: This year has been a turning point, not just for PRS Global but for the healthcare industry as a whole. With the new administration preparing to take office in 2025, immigration policy has come into sharp focus.
I believe the new administration will definitely prioritize the enforcement of illegal immigration, most likely addressing it on day one or within the first quarter of taking office. Beyond that, I anticipate they'll turn their attention to legal immigration within the year—an area that hasn't been addressed since the early 1990s, particularly regarding capacity limitations. This challenge is what drives our mission of global healthcare talent sourcing and responding to our evolving workforce needs.
Our mission has always been to provide global solutions to local challenges. Over the past year, we’ve doubled down on this by building a robust pipeline of international talent, ensuring we’re prepared to meet the growing demand for skilled healthcare professionals in the U.S.
Q: With demand for healthcare professionals at an all-time high, how does PRS Global help organizations scale their teams without compromising quality?
A: One of the key strategies we employ is called active workforce planning. It's a comprehensive approach that takes into consideration various critical factors like inflows and outflows within a specific geographical market. We're looking at things like population migration—people potentially leaving a state or area where they previously operated—as well as retirement rates and backfill capabilities, especially for new graduates from different programs.
The goal is to take a holistic view of the market space, which allows us to quickly improve our workforce quantity without sacrificing quality. What's particularly interesting is our international recruiting strategy. When we recruit internationally, we're not just bringing in entry-level talent. Instead, we're attracting highly educated nurses with significant experience—typically at bachelor's degree level or equivalent—who are qualified to immigrate to the United States.
This means you're not getting a newer graduate, but rather an experienced professional who brings both advanced education and substantial practical skills to the healthcare workforce.
Q: What unique advantages do international nurses bring, and how do they help address broader healthcare disparities?
A: International nurses bring a unique cultural perspective that enhances patient care. In many of the countries we recruit from, community and compassion are deeply ingrained values. This translates into a patient-first approach that resonates strongly in underserved and diverse communities.
International nurses contribute far more than bedside care. By fostering trust and forging meaningful connections with patients, they play a crucial role in bridging gaps in healthcare delivery, especially in regions where disparities in access and outcomes persist. These nurses help close the skill gap between new graduates and retiring professionals, enhancing the quality of care while enriching the culture of the organizations they serve.
Q: Can you share a specific success story from 2024 where PRS Global made a significant impact?
A: This year has been full of incredible moments, but a few stand out. I had the privilege of participating in several nurse deployments across states like North Carolina, Virginia, and Missouri. Meeting nurses as they arrived in the U.S., hearing their aspirations, and seeing their immediate impact was very rewarding.
One story that comes to mind is of a nurse who, within months of joining his healthcare team, received a DAISY Award for excellent care. And this just shows the absolute love and care they bring to the work environment. Many of our clients have expressed how the recruited nurses have helped bring a renewed sense of positivity and professionalism to their teams.
For organizations hesitant to embrace international programs, I’d say this: dive in. The impact is twofold—it addresses critical staffing shortages and revitalizes workplace culture. The results speak for themselves.
Q: From a leadership perspective, what inspires you to stay committed to healthcare recruitment and focus on international talent?
A: For me, it’s about fulfillment—changing lives across the globe while strengthening healthcare systems here at home. Every deployment reminds me of the gratitude our nurses feel for the opportunities we provide, but the truth is, I’m equally thankful for them. And the reason why is because I know that our healthcare system is at a tipping point in regard to staffing needs.
We have an aging population, a declining healthcare professional workforce, and the demand for care continues to grow. International nurses are essential to meeting these needs, not just today but for future generations. Knowing that our work helps create a more sustainable system for my children and their children keeps me motivated. It’s about building something lasting and impactful.
Q: Looking ahead, how do you see international nurse recruitment evolving in the next 5 to 10 years, and what role will PRS Global play?
A: Policy is playing a significant role in shaping our current environment. With the new administration, I believe they’re prioritizing two critical areas. The first is addressing illegal immigration and its impact on our growing economy. From our earlier discussions, it’s clear that if immigration isn’t tackled through effective policy—specifically legal immigration—we could face a potential decline in GDP by 2050. To put it simply, we don’t have enough people to sustain our economic momentum, especially when we consider trends projected for 2050 and beyond.
I believe it's crucial for this new administration to take action. There's likely to be bipartisan support if they tackle a comprehensive legal immigration policy because it's fundamental to our country's growth. If we don't address this, we'll face the same aging challenges we're seeing in other countries.
My prediction is that the administration will start working towards policy changes, probably not in the first year, but likely within the second.
The real impact will be felt in years five to ten. This is where I see PRS Global playing a pivotal role. With an integrated pipeline already in place for sourcing and availability, we are perfectly positioned to drive meaningful change in the healthcare landscape."
It's typical of how we've always functioned as a country – we're often a bit late to respond. But as we see this policy transformation taking shape, we're in a good position to facilitate and assist in the healthcare systems.
As 2024 draws to a close, it’s clear that international healthcare recruitment is more than a solution to staffing shortages—it’s a pathway to stronger, more resilient healthcare systems. Collaboration, innovation, and a global perspective are essential to addressing the challenges ahead. By connecting talent with opportunity, PRS Global continues to play a vital role in shaping the future of healthcare.
Contact us to discover how we can strengthen your workforce strategy and support your team's success.