Here are 10 notes on the state of the ASC workforce:
1. A survey from OR Manager found that 2023 marked the first time a higher percentage of ASC leaders reported increased turnover among surgical techs (39%) compared to registered nurses (35%).
2. In 2023, 35% of OR Manager’s ASC survey respondents reported RN turnover, compared to 15% in 2014 and a peak of 49% in 2021.
3. ASCs faced greater difficulty recruiting surgical techs than RNs in 2023 for the first time, with 69% reporting challenges recruiting techs compared to 68% for nurses.
4. ASC leader salary breakdown, according to OR Manager:
1. Less than $100,000: 23%
2. $100,000-$119,999: 32% (up from 23% year over year)
3. $120,000-$149,999: 28% (up from 22% year over year)
4. $150,000-plus: 17% (up from 6% from 2021)
5. The report noted that most director-level and administrator respondents earned between $100,000 and $150,000. About a quarter of nurse managers reported annual earnings between $120,000 and $149,000. Additionally, 12% of ASC leaders reported a total compensation package exceeding $200,000.
6. Here are ASC total staffing hours per case by region, according to VMG Health’s “Multi-Specialty ASC Benchmarking Study” for 2022.
- Northeast: 14.2
- Midwest: 13.7
- Pacific: 13.6
- Mountain: 13.5
- Atlantic: 13.3
- South: 13.1
7. Here is the median number of full-time equivalent administrative staff at ASCs by region:
- Atlantic: 8
- South: 8
- Midwest: 7
- Mountain: 7
- Northeast: 6
- Pacific: 6
8. The number of full-time equivalent staff at ASCs by region:
- Atlantic: 30
- Midwest: 31
- Mountain: 28
- Northeast: 25
- Pacific: 23
- South: 34
9. The average number of full-time equivalent staff at ASCs by position:
- Nurse staff: 15
- Administrative staff: 9
- Tech staff: 8
10. The median number of full-time equivalent nurses at ASCs by region:
- Atlantic: 14
- Midwest: 15
- Mountain: 13
- Northeast: 12
- Pacific: 10
- South: 15
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.