When looking for a new job, clinicians desire the convenience of technology, but they also want meaningful connections with human recruiters.
Medical Solutions’ Voices of Care survey found that more than half of healthcare professionals use both traditional staffing agencies and online platforms, and 66% prefer to use both methods. However, only 11% prefer to use only online job search.
Clinicians also have different motivations for choosing certain types of roles. Higher pay packages drive 38% toward travel positions, flexibility is the top reason 58% opt for per diem / PRN work, and stability is the primary reason 43% lean toward permanent positions.
What this means for staffing agencies
The hybrid approach wins. With clinicians wanting both digital convenience and human connection, agencies that blend technology with personal recruiting can outperform single-channel competitors.
Match your message to the motivation: Lead with pay packages and compensation benefits for travel roles, emphasize scheduling flexibility and work-life balance in per diem, and focus on stability, benefits, and career growth for permanent jobs.
Your technology must support both channels: Essential features include mobile-optimized applications, integrated CRM tracking, automated recruiter scheduling, and seamless handoffs between digital and human touchpoints.
Train your recruiters as career advisors: Since only 11% want purely digital job search, your recruiters remain your competitive edge. Train them on clinical environments, compensation structures, and flexibility negotiations — not just job matching.
Audit your candidate journey: If clinicians can’t easily engage both digitally and with recruiters, you’re losing to competitors who make both pathways effortless.
Healthcare staffing isn’t going fully digital — agencies that strive to seamlessly blend technology efficiency with human expertise set themselves up for success.
