Staffing is one of the biggest issues facing ASCs. A 2023 survey from ORManager found that in the last 12 months, 56% of ASCs reported an increase in volume. Despite this success, 68% of facilities also reported having a more difficult time recruiting experienced operating room nurses.
“I think the biggest threat towards ASCs in 2023 is staffing, especially qualified, experienced staffing in all areas of an ASC, including business office, pre-op, OR (both nursing and surgical technicians), post-anesthesia care unit and recovery nurses. In addition, sterile processing technicians,” Michael Powers, administrator of Knoxville, Tenn.-based Children’s West Surgery Center, told Becker’s. “Each of these areas require a certain set of skills that are acquired and honed over time. There is increased competition, and in fact it is hard to compete with large health systems/hospitals. I am also finding that ASCs are competing in the same region against one another for the available staffing pool.”
The HRSA report highlights nurse workforce projections from 2021 to 2036 generated using the agency’s health workforce simulation.
Here are the five states with the largest projected shortages of registered nurses by 2036, per the report:
1. Georgia: 29% projected shortage
Projected vacancies: 34,800
2. California: 26% projected shortage
Projected vacancies: 106,310
3. Washington: 26% projected shortage
Projected vacancies: 22,700
4. New Jersey: 25% projected shortage
Projected vacancies: 24,450
5. North Carolina: 23% projected shortage
Projected vacancies: 31,350
At the Becker’s 32nd Annual Meeting: The Business and Operations of ASCs, taking place October 29-31 in Chicago, ASC leaders, surgeons and healthcare executives will explore strategies to drive growth, enhance operational performance, navigate reimbursement challenges and prepare for the future of ambulatory surgery. Apply for complimentary registration now.