A February human resources report from Northern Health concerning current vacancy indicators notes that 20.31% of NH baseline positions are unfilled.
“(It is) higher for priority professions (i.e: nursing, physiotherapy, occupational therapist, diagnostics, social worker) in rural and remote,” reads a Feb. 11 report authored by Sandra Rossi, Regional Director concerning Human Resources.
In fiscal year 2022/23 year to date, Northern Health has posted 3971 non-casual positions.
Of these postings: 59% have been filled by internal staff (existing regular and casual staff) and 9% have been filled externally (qualified applicants from outside of NH) within 90 days.
Positions that remain unfilled for more than 90 days become difficult-to-fill vacancies (DTFV).
“Annually, approximately 17% of our postings become DTFV,” writes Rossi.
NH workforce trends, and Exit and Stay interviews, indicate health service providers are departing the organization at nearly the same rate as they are recruited. Close to 50% of all NH new hires are new graduates, professionals that require enhanced support, orientation, and mentoring – especially in rural remote areas.
“New-Graduate hires typically do not stay in their first position placement. As they achieve experience, career aspirations lead them to seek career progression through specialty education or other advanced professional opportunities.”
In this post-pandemic period, NH anticipates a an increase in retirements and/or exits, which will further add to their workforce challenges.
“Recruitment alone will not solve our health care workforce shortage – we need to retain staff, and expand supply as well.”
On average 55% of departures from NH occur within three years of hiring.
Today Northern Health officials are meeting in Quesnel to discuss highlights of the report and more.
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