Why Filling Infection Prevention and Control Positions in US Hospitals Takes Longer than Ever Before

In the midst of a global pandemic, Infection Prevention and Control has become a top priority in healthcare facilities around the world. In the United States, hospitals are struggling to fill critical Infection Prevention positions, leading to longer than ever before time-to-fill metrics.

According to a recent study by Clutch Recruitment, the average time to fill an Infection Prevention position in US hospitals has increased to 82 days. This delay can have serious consequences, as infection prevention experts play a vital role in protecting patients, staff, and visitors from the spread of infectious diseases.

So why is filling these positions taking longer than ever before? There are a number of factors at play.

First, the demand for Infection Prevention professionals has skyrocketed in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Hospitals are competing with each other for a limited pool of qualified candidates, leading to longer hiring timelines and higher salaries.

Second, there is a lack of diversity in the Infection Prevention field, which can make it difficult to find qualified candidates who reflect the communities that hospitals serve. This can result in a longer recruitment process as hospitals work to attract a more diverse pool of applicants.

Finally, the pandemic has highlighted the importance of Infection Prevention and Control, leading to increased scrutiny and regulatory requirements. Hospitals are under pressure to ensure they have the right experts in place to keep their facilities safe and compliant.

Despite these challenges, hospitals can take steps to improve their recruitment processes and fill critical Infection Prevention positions more quickly. One key strategy is to partner with specialized recruitment firms, like Clutch Recruitment, that have a deep understanding of the Infection Prevention field and can help identify and attract top talent. It’s become common to hire a six month contract employee to train an internal employee for a full-time Infection Prevention position.

Additionally, hospitals can focus on building diverse candidate pipelines by partnering with community organizations, attending job fairs, and leveraging social media to reach underrepresented groups.

Ultimately, the need for qualified Infection Prevention professionals is only going to increase in the years ahead. By taking proactive steps to improve their recruitment strategies, hospitals can better protect their patients and communities from the spread of infectious diseases.

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