ShiftMed is a workforce management platform designed to help healthcare facilities meet evolving staffing needs, while offering flexible and adaptable work solutions to healthcare professionals. Pulse 2.0 interviewed ShiftMed CEO and President Todd Walrath to learn more about the company.
Formation Of ShiftMed
How did the idea for ShiftMed come about, and what specific challenges or issues in the healthcare industry are you hoping to address with this approach to staffing? Walrath said:
“The idea for ShiftMed was born out of a recognition of the persistent challenges faced by healthcare facilities in staffing and managing their workforces efficiently. The healthcare industry has long grappled with issues such as workforce shortages, unpredictable demand for staffing, and the need for a more flexible and responsive approach to scheduling.”
“Our goal with ShiftMed is to improve healthcare staffing by providing a platform that connects qualified healthcare professionals with facilities in need in a seamless and on-demand approach. We understand that healthcare doesn’t adhere to a 9-to-5 schedule, and the traditional staffing models often fall short of meeting the dynamic needs of the industry.”
“ShiftMed’s platform addresses these challenges by empowering healthcare professionals to take control of their schedules, allowing them to pick up shifts that align with their availability and preferences. Simultaneously, healthcare facilities gain access to a pool of pre-screened and credentialed professionals, reducing the time and effort spent on traditional recruitment processes and enabling them to fill shifts quickly and efficiently when necessary.”
“ShiftMed is about more than just filling shifts; it’s about creating a healthcare ecosystem that adapts to the evolving demands of the industry, ultimately benefiting both healthcare professionals and the patients they serve.”
Addressing Health System Needs
How does ShiftMed’s approach to workforce management address the unique needs of health systems? Walrath shared:
“ShiftMed’s strategy addresses challenges at a crucial juncture for health systems grappling with escalating labor costs and a shifting workforce landscape. The healthcare sector is experiencing substantial turnover, influenced by evolving preferences, particularly among younger generations such as millennials and Gen Zers, who seek increased flexibility and mobility in their careers.”
“ShiftMed’s approach is tailored to meet the unique needs of health systems through a flexible, technology-driven solution. Our platform enables health systems to address fluctuating patient demands and unexpected staffing gaps by providing on-demand access to a pool of qualified over 560,000 healthcare professionals.”
“The effectiveness of our approach relies on our platform’s ability to align with the needs and preferences of providers and the operational demands of health systems. Health systems benefit from their access to a skilled and locally available pool of professionals, effectively bridging staffing gaps. Our strategy presents a practical solution to the challenges faced by health systems.”
Enabling Nurses To Test Drive Healthcare Facilities
How do workforce platforms like ShiftMed enable nurses to “test drive” healthcare facilities before signing full-time contracts and making a long-term commitment? Walrath explained:
“Workforce platforms like ShiftMed let nurses try out healthcare facilities by taking on short-term assignments before committing to long-term contracts. Nurses can experience different work environments, understand the facility’s culture, and decide whether the facility aligns with their career goals. This ability to work at a facility part-time without contracts helps nurses make informed decisions about pursuing a full-time position within that specific healthcare facility. ShiftMed provides a flexible arrangement that benefits both nurses and healthcare facilities, allowing nurses to explore various work settings and facilities to assess the best fit for their skills and preferences.”
“ShiftMed goes beyond providing short-term assignments; it serves as a dynamic tool enabling healthcare facilities to test drive potential workers and subsequently hire them off of the platform as full-time workers. This approach not only addresses immediate staffing needs but strategically assesses and recruits talent for long-term goals. By offering a flexible arrangement that supports nurses in exploring various work settings, ShiftMed assists HR teams in identifying and hiring the right talent for full-time positions within specific healthcare facilities. This proactive strategy minimizes the time and effort spent on traditional recruitment processes and onboarding, streamlining the transition from part-time to full-time employment for qualified and well-suited candidates.”
Benefitting Healthcare Facilities
In what ways does ShiftMed’s model benefit healthcare facilities seeking nursing staff? Walrath concluded:
“Hospital executives are increasingly tasked with recruiting and retaining new healthcare professionals, and ShiftMed offers a unique solution that directly addresses these challenges while fostering a stable and engaged workforce.”
“Our on-demand marketplace aligns with shifting workforce preferences and expectations. We empower healthcare professionals to select shifts that suit their preferences. In a survey we conducted of 500 nurses, 93% of respondents expressed a desire to have more control over their schedules, and one in four preferred choosing specific shifts.”
“This approach improves recruitment efforts and retention rates for health systems, resulting in a highly skilled and motivated workforce. Our platform serves as a bridge to long-term hiring, allowing healthcare organizations to seamlessly transition on-demand clinicians into permanent positions.”
