Industry Staffing Needs
Summary
Recent industry estimates suggest that healthcare IT jobs should experience growth in 2010. Most respondents anticipate that they will be filling open positions in 2010, whether it be through directly hiring staff or retaining consultants or outsourcers. Less than 20 percent of respondents indicated that they will be either eliminating open positions or leaving them vacant. The need will be greatest in the area of implementation support specialists, implementation managers and technical support personnel. As organizations strive to fill these positions, they were most likely to note staffing shortages in the areas of clinical informatics professionals and implementation experts.
Anticipated Areas of Hiring Staff
Recent industry estimates suggest that healthcare IT jobs should experience growth in 2010. Respondents were most likely to indicate that they would hire IT staff in three areas in 2010 – implementation support specialists, implementation managers and technical support. Only 14 percent of respondents noted that they would not hire additional IT staff in 2010.
Areas in Which Healthcare Organizations Lack Qualified Candidates
Nearly one-third of respondents working for healthcare provider organizations anticipated shortages in the area of clinical informatics positions. Another quarter anticipated shortages in the area of implementation experts. Respondents were least likely to believe there will be a shortage in the area of medical records professionals.
Resources Used to Fill Open IT Positions
Nearly two-thirds of respondents reported that they post open IT positions on web-sites and/or job boards such as Monster.com or HIMSS JobMine. One-third of respondents reported that they use recruiters to fill open positions. A similar percent reported that they hire outsourced staff/consultants to meet these needs. Respondents were least likely to report turning to temporary agencies.
Steps Taken To Ensure Adequate IT Staffing
In order to ensure that adequate IT staffing is in place, healthcare organizations are taking a number of steps. About half of respondents noted that they are going to hire additional staff. A similar percent are going to provide additional training to current IT staff. Respondents were least likely to report that they would offer bonuses to ensure adequate IT staffing levels.
Organizations That Won't Fill or Eliminate Open IT Positions
Respondents are unlikely to continue to leave open IT positions vacant. Only 17 percent of respondents indicate that open IT positions will remain open. Three percent reported that open-positions will be eliminated.
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