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The Caring Support Blog

Reducing Staff Turnover in Healthcare: It All Starts with Better Hiring

July 15, 2025

The True Cost of High Turnover in Healthcare

Impact on Patient Care

When nurses, PSWs, or allied professionals leave, continuity of care is disrupted. Patients are more likely to experience errors, inconsistent communication, and delayed treatment, especially in hospitals and long-term care homes.

Financial Costs

According to the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), the average cost of replacing an employee can be 6–9 months of their salary. For specialized healthcare roles, this can be significantly higher.

Organizational Burnout

Staff shortages often lead to mandatory overtime, emotional exhaustion, and higher burnout rates for the remaining team. Over time, this creates a self-perpetuating cycle of disengagement and further exits.

Rethinking the Hiring Funnel: Where It Begins

Start with Targeted Job Postings

Generic job descriptions don’t attract ideal candidates. Be specific about:

See our full guide on crafting effective healthcare job postings.

Go Beyond Qualifications

Instead of only focusing on certifications, look for soft skills like empathy, adaptability, and communication. This blog explores what employers really want in healthcare graduates.

Leverage Technology to Improve Fit and Reduce Churn

Data-Driven Candidate Screening

AI-powered platforms like Caring Support allow you to match with candidates based on more than just resume keywords. Filter by availability, location, languages spoken, experience, and even interview-readiness.

Explore more about smart screening tools in healthcare.

Video Resumes and Messaging

Traditional resume formats are outdated. Video resumes give employers quick insight into candidate confidence and communication skills. Messaging features reduce back-and-forth delays and help speed up the hiring process.

Improve Onboarding to Prevent Early Exits

Set Clear Expectations

Many healthcare workers leave within the first 90 days due to unmet expectations. A structured onboarding process should include:

Invest in Day-One Training

Consider micro-credential programs such as those offered by Caring Support Academy to help employees boost confidence and close skill gaps right away.

Build a Talent Pipeline Through Schools and Practicums

Partner with Post-Secondary Institutions (PSIs)

Clinical placements and internships are one of the best ways to assess candidates in real-world settings. They also give students a firsthand view of your organization’s culture.

Caring Support’s platform allows employers to connect directly with PSIs and coordinate practicums and job pathways.

Stay in Touch with Grads

Don’t lose track of great interns. Keep them engaged through part-time roles, seasonal opportunities, or digital communications until they’re ready to work full time.

Offer Growth Opportunities to Retain Staff

Provide Clear Career Paths

When employees see a future at your organization, they’re more likely to stay. Offer:

Recognize and Reward

According to Gallup, organizations that regularly recognize employees see a 41% reduction in absenteeism and 59% lower turnover.

Create a Culture of Belonging and Wellbeing

Support Mental Health

Burnout is one of the top reasons for exits. Offer:

Celebrate Your People

Healthcare workers are more than staff—they are the heart of the system. Celebrate milestones, share success stories, and build community.

Embrace Modern Platforms Like Caring Support

All-in-One Solution

Caring Support streamlines hiring, screening, interviewing, and credential verification—all in one place. It’s designed specifically for the healthcare industry and helps organizations cut down hiring time from weeks to days.

Candidate Marketplace

Tap into a growing community of over 35,000 healthcare professionals, including nurses, PSWs, IENs, and allied health workers. Many already have video resumes, verified credentials, and completed courses on the platform.

Real-Time Messaging and Smart Filters

Stop waiting for email replies. Use built-in messaging to contact pre-qualified candidates instantly. Filter based on experience, education, availability, and more.

Read more on hiring trends in 2025.

Final Thoughts: The Future of Healthcare Hiring Is Retention-Focused

Reducing staff turnover isn’t just about offering better pay or benefits—it’s about attracting the right people and giving them reasons to stay. Healthcare organizations that embrace smart hiring, support early career growth, and build resilient workplace cultures will lead the future of care.

Caring Support’s employer platform is designed to help you hire, retain, and grow your team in a changing landscape.

Ready to reduce turnover and build a stronger team?

👉 Create your employer account now

About The Author
The Caring Support Team

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