Millennials get a bad rap. The studies say they're self-centered, narcissistic and in need of constant feedback and career advancement.
We’re not seeing it.
At OneStaff Medical what we're seeing is the impact this generation is making on the travel healthcare industry. We’re seeing a generation of compassionate individuals giving of themselves for the betterment of their patients and a group of people that are helping shape the travel industry at a time when their assistance is sorely needed.
Filling the healthcare shortage
Millennials’ emergence into the travel market couldn’t be coming at a better time. The industry is already searching for more talented, compassionate people to support the mass exodus of retiring baby boomers and to replace those who simply feel burned out. In nursing, for example, an estimated 1.1 million more nurses will be needed by 2022 to ensure the current gap doesn’t grow even larger, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
More and more travelers are being called upon to fill the void, and while the percentage of travelers — compared to resident professionals — remains small, the number is growing. Research from Staffing Industry Analysts shows the population of travel nurses to be higher than ever before and the total population of travelers grows at a rate of 7 percent per year.
Millennials are a key component of this growth.
The motivation of millennials
So why are millennials so interested in working as a travel healthcare worker? For many the lifestyle is a perfect fit for their interests and goals.
Many millennials have yet to start a family and they cherish the opportunity to go out and explore different locations cost effectively while earning a salary that can help them prepare for the future. Others still appreciate the ability to avoid facility politics and simply enjoy the positive aspects of the job — namely helping those in need.
Whatever their motivation, millennials are stepping away from the negative stereotypes placed on their generation and turning instead to assist those who need it most. It's a choice that leaves patients, facilities and the entire healthcare landscape better off.