What workforce trends should healthcare leaders be paying attention to, and how can organizations prepare for what comes next?

In this episode of Healthcare Workforce Unplugged, we explore the challenges and emerging trends shaping healthcare workforce strategy. As organizations balance financial pressures, workforce shortages, patient demand, and evolving care models, leaders are being asked to operate more efficiently while continuing to recruit, retain, and support the people their communities depend on.

From AI and international recruitment to workforce housing, apprenticeship programs, and early career outreach, healthcare organizations are finding new and creative ways to strengthen their talent pipelines and prepare for the future.

Join us as we sit down with Rory Audino, Vice President of Enterprise Growth at Medical Solutions, and Stan Odenthal, Senior Director of Workforce Initiatives at the Nebraska Hospital Association, for a candid conversation about what healthcare leaders are experiencing today and the trends that will influence workforce strategy in the years ahead.

In this episode, we cover:

• How healthcare workforce priorities have evolved since the pandemic.
• Ongoing recruitment and retention challenges across healthcare organizations.
• The impact of AI on hiring and workforce processes.
• Creative solutions, including workforce housing, apprenticeships, and student outreach.
• Emerging opportunities in international recruitment and non-traditional workforce models.
• The importance of partnerships, collaboration, and trying new approaches.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Healthcare Workforce Trends

01:05 Roles and Perspectives

02:45 Shift from Survival to Strategic Planning

04:18 AI as a Recruitment Tool and Its Challenges

05:38 Creativity in Public-Private Partnerships

07:21 Ongoing Nurse Shortages and Educational Initiatives

09:38 Different Priorities for Healthcare Leaders

12:53 Recognizing Industry-Wide Challenges

16:25 Emerging Trends in Workforce Strategy

18:36 International Staffing and Community Engagement

19:49 Role of AI in Future Workforce Solutions

20:35 Innovative Recruitment and Retention Strategies

20:53 Workforce Housing and Rural Healthcare Solutions

22:00 Early Education and Outreach Programs

25:51 Closing Advice and Remarks

Keywords

healthcare workforce, staffing challenges, AI in healthcare, workforce housing, healthcare leadership, recruitment, retention, healthcare policy

What separates a staffing vendor from a true workforce partner? In today’s healthcare environment, the difference matters more than ever.In this episode of Healthcare Workforce Unplugged, we explore what healthcare leaders actually need from workforce partners and why transactional staffing relationships are no longer enough. As workforce challenges grow more complex, leaders need partners who don’t just fill shifts but help carry the operational burden alongside them.From proactive workforce planning to integrated operational support, today’s most effective partnerships are built on trust, transparency, shared accountability, and a deep understanding of organizational goals.Join us as we sit down with Karin Selfors, Chief Client Officer at Medical Solutions, Natalie Red Eagle, Vice President of Clinical & Quality Services at Medical Solutions, and Dr. Charles Dolan, Vice President of Clinical Operations at TidalHealth, for an honest conversation about the evolution of workforce solutions in healthcare.In this episode, we cover: • Difference between vendors and true partners in healthcare staffing.• Importance of embedded, integrated workforce solutions.• Aligning workforce strategies with organizational goals.• Building trust and transparency in healthcare partnerships.• The role of technology and human connection in staffing.

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In this episode of Healthcare Workforce Unplugged, we unpack how short-term staffing fixes can quietly evolve into long-term financial and operational challenges. From rising costs to clinician burnout, reactive approaches often create ripple effects that impact the entire organization.

Healthcare leaders today are navigating a complex balance: cost control, workforce stability, clinician experience, and quality outcomes. But when decisions happen in silos, the result is often fragmentation, inefficiency, and missed opportunities for sustainable improvement.

Join industry experts Chase Farmer and Erin McKenzie as they break down how to shift from reactive decision-making to a more strategic, data-informed workforce solutions approach (one that supports retention, reduces total cost, and improves patient care).

In this episode, we cover:

• The hidden financial impact of reactive staffing.
• How operational fragmentation drives long-term costs.
• Why total workforce cost matters more than hourly rates.
• The link between reactive models, burnout, and turnover.
• How to design flexible, sustainable workforce strategies.

If you’re ready to move beyond quick fixes and build a more resilient workforce strategy, this episode is for you.

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• Learn how stabilizing frontline staffing creates“breathing room” for leadership growth and clinical excellence.    
• Understand what makes international direct hiredifferent from contract staffing.
• Hear how internationally experienced nursescontribute to stronger teams, mentorship, and future leadership roles.
• Explore the transition-to-practice and culturalintegration support that ensures long-term success.

We also discuss common misconceptions around international direct hire and what leaders should consider when adding it to their workforce strategy.

If you’re looking to strengthen your clinical team todaywhile building your leadership bench for tomorrow, this episode is for you.

Tune in now, and visit healthstaff.org and medicalsolutions.com to learn more.

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• Explore how a consultative, tech-enabled staffing model supports hospitals beyond filling shifts.
• Hear how AI can enhance care delivery when paired with real expertise and strategic guidance.

We also dive into how Medical Solutions partners with clients to address long-term workforce challenges, create personalized strategies, and plan for the future.

If you’re looking for a clearer picture of what clinicians value, and how to act on it, this episode is for you. Tune in now and visit medicalsolutions.com to see the full Voices of Care survey and more.

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• Learn how workforce flexibility can improve retention and engagement.
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• Explore the role of virtual health in easing staff burdens and improving efficiency.

We also dive into the experience complexity gap — thegrowing challenge of newer clinicians entering the workforce with less hands-on experience while patient care gets more complex. Patti and Ron share actionableinsights on how hospitals can support their teams and close this gap.

Join us for an insightful conversation packed with practicaltakeaways for hospital leaders. Listen now and visit Medical Solutions to learn more about workforce solutions that work.

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Join us for an engaging conversation on the future of healthcare staffing and learn how innovation is shaping a more resilient workforce. Listen now and visit Medical Solutions to explore our healthcare talent solutions!

Tune in to this episode of Staffing Unplugged, where we sit down with Rob Crowe, Executive Vice President of Per Diem and Local Workforce Strategies at Medical Solutions, and founder of Matchwell. Rob shares his journey in the healthcare staffing industry and explains how Matchwell is revolutionizing the way healthcare facilities access and engage flexible workforce solutions.

Join us for this episode of Staffing Unplugged as we explore the importance of creating a strong team culture with Rich Thompson, Chief Human Resources Officer at Medical Solutions.

Tune in to gain valuable information on building a thriving team culture and enhancing your recruitment and retention strategies.

Join us on this episode of Staffing Unplugged as we delve into the evolving world of allied healthcare staffing with Matt Neel, Vice President of Allied Health, and Rebecca Mollak, Director of Client Success at Medical Solutions.

Tune in for expert advice and valuable information on how to navigate the complexities of allied healthcare staffing and enhance your recruitment strategies.

Listen now and visit our website for more information on how we can support your staffing needs and help your facility thrive.