Staffing shortages are one of the biggest challenges facing healthcare providers today. The effects are far-reaching and leaders know it’s an urgent problem. In this blog, we’ll explore the four main factors causing the national nursing shortage, how travel nurses and therapists can stabilize staffing, and what leaders can do right now to alleviate the strain.
Burnout’s Connection to Staffing Shortages
Burnout is a serious concern in the healthcare industry. Approximately 65% of nurses surveyed in 2025 reported high levels of stress and burnout. One of their top stressors: short staffing. It’s no secret burnout can lead to high turnover and organizations are left in an endless loop of vacancies, overworked staff, and declining morale.
What’s causing the national nursing shortage? There are four main factors, according to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN):
- Nurses leaving profession due to stress
52% of nurses surveyed said they were considering leaving their current position primarily due to insufficient staffing, work’s negative effects on their well-being, and inability to deliver quality care.
- Nursing school faculty shortage
This is restricting nursing program enrollments. AACN reports U.S. nursing schools turned away nearly 66,000 qualified applications (not applicants) from nursing programs in 2023 due to insufficient number of faculty, clinical sites, and classroom space, along with budget constraints.
- Significant segment of nursing workforce is retiring
23% of RNs surveyed said they have retired or plan to retire by 2027.
- Need for more nurses to care for aging population
The American population ages 65 and older is growing dramatically. There will be a greater demand for nursing professionals who can provide geriatric care over the next several decades.
There is also a shortage of physical therapists in the U.S. 9,100 more PTs will be needed by 2037 to meet demand, according to a forecast published in PTJ: Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation Journal. The study issued an important warning: the national shortfall is likely to persist unless more is done to boost the number of PTs entering or re-entering the workforce, or policies are put in place to improve retention.
Staffing Relief Through Travel Nurses and Therapists
There is one solution to easing staffing strain: by utilizing the expertise of travel nurses and therapists. It can seem intimidating at first, but it’s simply another way to build your team and ensure your organization is providing the best patient care. Here are some benefits to adding travel professionals to your staff:
- Access vast network of candidates
Opening your organization up to travel nurses and therapists gives you access to a network of candidates you may not otherwise reach. This can improve the quality of your professionals and raise the level of care at your facilities.
- Alleviates strain on existing staff
If your team is feeling the pressure from staffing shortages, adding travel nurses and therapists can be welcomed relief. Travel professionals know they need to hit the ground running and acclimate quickly to their new environment. They want to support your team while gaining their own experience. In our blog Why Travel & Contract Staff Are Crucial Assets to Your Facility, we explain why travel professionals do not require a full orientation program, allowing them to begin caring for patients right out of the gate.
- Time saved on hiring
When partnering with CoreMedicalGroup, we screen all candidates and cut through the clutter to make sure you only get what you need, saving you time on the hiring process.
- Greater flexibility with customized staffing models
- You’ve got options: contract, travel, and permanent placement. Whether you need short-term help or long-term hires, we work alongside you to build a staffing plan that meets your goals.
Step-by-Step Process: Adding Travel Professionals to Your Team
If you’re ready to add travel nurses and therapists to your team (or think it’s something you want to explore), here’s our process at CoreMedicalGroup and what you can expect:
- Needs Assessment: we listen to understand your unique needs and create a solution that works for you.
- Candidate Screening: we keep your business moving forward by matching your needs against our nationwide talent pool.
- Provide Care: we work with our travel nurses and therapists to ensure they’re ready for their new assignment so they can focus on what matters most: caring for your patients.
- Quality Checks: our relationship doesn’t end once we help place a nurse or therapist. We provide support before, during, and after a contract assignment, and as your needs change, we’re right there with you to find solutions.
Get the Staffing Relief You Need
Staffing doesn’t have to feel like a constant uphill battle. If your team is stretched thin or you’re facing growing seasonal demand, CoreMedicalGroup is here to help. Our team connects you with qualified travel nurses and therapists who can step in quickly, support your staff, and help restore stability across your organization. Reach out today to speak with a CoreMedicalGroup staffing specialist and let us know how we can help solve your biggest staffing challenges.
