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As Canada’s healthcare sector continues to face rising demands and staffing shortages, hiring the right people—especially among new grads—is more critical than ever. It’s not just about degrees and credentials anymore. With healthcare staffing shortages affecting hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities nationwide, employers must focus on traits that indicate future success, engagement, and resilience.
In fact, according to a 2024 report by the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI), healthcare vacancies continue to rise despite increased graduation rates. The issue isn’t quantity—it’s finding quality candidates who are ready to contribute meaningfully from day one.
Healthcare is dynamic, with evolving technologies, patient needs, and care models. New grads must be flexible and open to change.
Caring Support’s reference check tools can help validate how adaptable a candidate truly is based on past supervisor feedback.
Empathy is the cornerstone of patient-centred care. Especially in long-term or palliative care, emotional intelligence (EQ) can be more valuable than technical skills.
Check out our guide on improving employee engagement in healthcare to see how EQ links directly to workplace morale and retention.
From electronic health records to telemedicine platforms, digital fluency is now a baseline requirement in most healthcare roles.
According to Canada Health Infoway, digital health adoption is a top priority across the country.
Modern healthcare relies on interdisciplinary teams. Strong communication skills lead to better patient outcomes and fewer medical errors.
Caring Support’s in-app messaging allows employers to assess a candidate’s professionalism and tone before a formal interview.
New grads who enter healthcare for the right reasons tend to be more resilient, committed, and purpose-driven.
A Forbes article highlights that passion is linked to higher performance and retention in healthcare.
Even entry-level staff will need to take initiative, make decisions, and influence patient experiences. Spotting future leaders at the new grad level is key.
Our blog on effective leadership in healthcare explains how to recognize early leadership traits.
Hiring someone who fits your organization's values reduces conflict, boosts morale, and enhances patient care.
Use our guide on crafting effective healthcare job descriptions to ensure you’re attracting values-aligned candidates.
Hiring new grads is an investment in your healthcare organization’s future. While experience is limited, potential isn’t. By prioritizing key traits like adaptability, tech fluency, emotional intelligence, and communication, employers can onboard fresh talent ready to thrive.
And with tools like Caring Support, you don’t have to navigate this alone. From detailed candidate profiles to in-platform messaging and background verification, we help ensure every hire is a strong match.
Ready to meet your next top hire? Explore how Caring Support helps healthcare employers hire smart, fast, and effectively. Learn more here.
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