The demand for flexibility is steadily growing among healthcare professionals, and hospital systems are becoming more aware of this, according to the American Hospital Association’s 2024 Health Care Workforce Scan. As a nurse or allied health professional, you may seek more control over your schedule, work environment, and overall career path.
We understand that this mindset shift is reshaping the healthcare industry, creating new opportunities for clinicians to adapt to a more dynamic and personalized approach to staffing.
The Need for Flexibility
Long shifts, unpredictable hours, and the high level of responsibility that comes with healthcare can take a toll. While these challenges are part of the job, they can wear you down over time. That’s why more clinicians like yourself are prioritizing work-life balance. Having control over your schedule can help prevent burnout , improve job satisfaction, and maintain your overall well-being.
Flexibility allows you to tailor your work to your life, not the other way around. It gives you the freedom to take on a schedule that fits your personal needs—whether it’s managing family responsibilities, pursuing further education, or simply taking time to recharge between shifts. For many, this flexibility isn’t just about comfort; it’s about staying in the profession for the long haul.
Shifting Trends in Healthcare Staffing
As you seek more control over your work, the staffing industry is evolving to meet this demand. Traditional, rigid schedules are no longer the only option. Per diem shifts and local contracts have become popular alternatives through organizations such as 1st Meridian Care Services, letting you test out different roles and facilities. This type of flexibility benefits both you and healthcare facilities by filling staffing gaps while allowing you to explore various work environments.
The W-2 Advantage
As you seek this flexibility, it’s also important to consider the benefits of being a W-2 employee versus a 1099 contractor. 1st Meridian Care Services offer you the freedom of flexible scheduling, along with the added security and benefits that come with being a W-2 employee.
Unlike 1099 contractors, W-2 employees enjoy tax withholdings, access to healthcare benefits, and employer contributions to Social Security and Medicare. This creates a win-win situation: you get the flexibility of a more tailored career path while maintaining traditional employment’s stability. In a field where burnout is common, having both flexibility and employee benefits can help you strike the right balance between job satisfaction and long-term security.