Overseas Recruitment & Safe Staffing: A Cornerstone for Improving Australia’s Healthcare System
All countries worldwide are facing a growing demand for healthcare workers, driven by an ageing population and rising chronic disease prevalence. According to a recent WHO report, there are an estimated 29 million nurses worldwide (2.2 million midwives), with an estimated shortage of 4.5 million nurses (310k midwives) by 2030. This means an increased reliance on overseas recruitment to fill critical gaps. While overseas nurse recruitment offers an immediate solution to staffing challenges, a strategic approach to recruitment and marketing is vital for building a strong pipeline of quality candidates and addressing workforce shortages and safe staffing initiatives globally.
Why is Safe Staffing important?
As highlighted by recent government initiatives, safe staffing levels are integral to ensuring the right balance of skills and numbers in healthcare teams. Adopting safe staffing levels is not just about filling positions; it’s about transforming healthcare delivery. Improved patient outcomes, enhanced job satisfaction (reducing staff burnout) and operational efficiency.
Undoubtedly, the method of safe staffing works- making the health system for both patients and healthcare workers more efficient and most importantly, safe. “There is no health without health workers” Dr Kasonde Mwinga Director, Universal Health Coverage (WHO)
In New South Wales alone, the government has committed to adding over 2,480 full-time equivalent staff to meet these goals. However, meeting these targets will require a significant influx of skilled and experienced professionals, particularly nurses and midwives.
Safe Staffing: An Irish and UK Perspective
The Irish Healthcare system introduced safe staffing as a national framework back in 2014- and the results proved it to be a success. During the pilot, the length of time for patients to be seen was reduced by 17% as well as the number of patients who left before being seen had an overall decrease of 52.3%. When speaking with the nurses, the number of nurses who had skipped a meal break on their last shift became less and their overall job satisfaction increased (Framework for Safe Nursing Staff Mix, 2022).
In 2018, the National Health Service in the UK published a report and referred to a triangulated approach of the right staff, right skills, right place and time. Health boards and trusts calculate their number and skill mix of nursing staff to meet the needs of the patients by combining these 3 key sources of information: a) patient acuity, b) quality indicators and c) professional judgement. It allows for a uniform approach to take place, rather than just deciding based on numbers.
Key considerations of safe staffing initiatives and international recruitment
Safe staffing initiatives and international healthcare recruitment are closely intertwined, and workforce managers should consider:
- Develop a recruitment strategy that attracts international nurses by offering favourable working conditions, including adequate staffing levels, professional support, and career development opportunities.
- Retention of international nurses is crucial, and safe staffing measures play a key role in reducing burnout and improving job satisfaction, which can lead to longer-term employment and workforce stability.
Balancing safe staffing requirements with responsible international recruitment is essential for addressing both local and global nursing shortages while maintaining high standards of patient care.
The implementation of safe staffing levels is a game-changer for Australia’s healthcare system, a country that largely looks to the UK and Ireland for international nursing candidates to supplement their nursing shortages. Key to maintaining a healthy and ethically sourced international talent pool is recruitment partners who understand the complexities of the industry.
ICE Jobs, with over 20 years in international recruitment, has the expertise, and is committed to helping healthcare providers navigate this transition with ease and confidence.
“ICE Jobs have partnered with many NSW Health Districts for over 20 years, where nursing & midwifery shortages have long been a challenge. During this time, we have demonstrated our ability to provide a secure pipeline of qualified and skilled International Nurses and Midwives to Australia, making a big impact in supporting their Healthcare workforce.”
– Margaret Cox, CEO, ICE Group
Why choose ICE Jobs to be your Recruitment Partner?
With over 20 years of experience, ICE Jobs has been at the forefront of healthcare recruitment. Our expertise ensures that healthcare organisations can meet their staffing needs without compromising on quality. Here is what sets us apart:
- Proven Track Record: In the last 12 months alone, we have successfully placed over 300 nurses and midwives in various healthcare facilities across NSW, Australia. This achievement demonstrates our ability to deliver on large-scale recruitment projects as well as placing candidates in niche roles where the gaps exist.
- Meticulous Recruitment Process: Our recruitment strategy is finely tuned, and when working closely with our clients we get 100% 1:1 interview pass rate. We meticulously screen candidates, focusing on qualifications, experience, and adaptability. This guarantees that every nurse or midwife we place is not only skilled but also the perfect fit for your team.
- Comprehensive Support: From initial recruitment to onboarding and beyond, we provide end-to-end support. This includes assistance with immigration, credentialing, and cultural orientation, ensuring a seamless transition for international hires.
The Australian healthcare system is at a pivotal juncture. With increasing demands on services, patient safety and quality of care have become more crucial than ever. With the implementation of safe staffing levels, outcomes for both patients and healthcare professionals can be enhanced.
Ready to future-proof your workforce? Contact ICE Jobs today and let us help you build a healthcare team that excels!
