Chronic staffing shortages and high labor costs were the biggest 'pressure point' cited by scores of hospital executives across the nation in a recent survey from Kaufman Hall.

Nearly half (46%) of the 86 respondents to the management consultant's 2022 State of Healthcare Improvement Report say that reducing labor costs provides the greatest opportunity for cost reductions. Read here.

Also this week, SSM Health has created "flexible nursing employment options" that the St. Louis-based health system says will give nurses more freedom and opportunities to shape their careers. Read here.

Six Low-Cost 'Action Items' to Recruit and Retain Nurses

However, virtually all of the respondents (98%) say they’re bumping up starting wages, 84% are offering signing bonuses, 73% are offering retention bonuses, and 47% are paying for more overtime hours.

New Flex Program Gives SSM Health Nurses More Options

Under the new plan, nurses can pick a role that fits their individual and professional preferences.

Manage Your Hospitalized Diabetic Patients to Improve Outcomes and Lower Cost of Care

Compared to other hospitalized patients, patients with diabetes have longer lengths of stay and higher readmission rates.

OSF Home Care Services Prepares for Flu Season

Home health leaders can learn from one healthcare system about measures it's taken to help patients during flu season.

U.S. Surgeon General Releases Framework to Support Worker Mental Health

In a newly released framework that treats on worker mental health and well-being, the United States Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy advises business leaders to create policies and practices to support workers.

Help at Home Launches Care Coordination Service Branch

The new business will create an integrated model connecting home care and health care.

Support Needed to Ensure Well-Being of Long-Term Care Aides

A new study examines the impact COVID-19 had on long-term care aides.

Want to Solve Your Workforce Shortages? Grow Your Own Staff

Owensboro Health has played a crucial role in launching an innovation center to train healthcare professionals.

Must Reads

Closing of AMC creating overcrowding for other hospitals — 11 Alive
Houston Medical Center unit could impact wait times for non-emergency patients — 13WMAZ
US could face 'tripledemic' amid exodus of health care workers — CBS News
Why Medicaid is blocking patient home monitoring — POLITICO
How healthcare providers can benefit from changes brought by the pandemic — Forbes
New street medicine teams bring comprehensive health care to homeless people — San Diego Union-Tribune
Oregon could be the 1st state to make healthcare a human right. — PBS NewsHour / Associated Press
'Rogue nurse' charged with murder in deaths of 2 patients in NC — CBS News

Happy Halloween!

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