#USA #New York #healthcare staffing #Travel Clinicians #NATHO

Introduction

In the world of healthcare, staffing challenges have become a critical concern for many organizations. A new study commissioned by the National Association of Travel Healthcare Organizations (NATHO) sheds light on a surprising finding: travel clinicians may not cost healthcare organizations as much as many previously expected. This study revises standard assumptions about staffing expenses by focusing on comprehensive labor costs rather than just hourly wages.

Study Overview

The 2026 Cost of Labor Study, conducted by KPMG and based on feedback from 100 healthcare executives, delves into the financial aspects of employing nursing, allied health, and therapy roles across the U.S. healthcare system. This investigation uncovered notable discrepancies between the costs associated with travel clinicians and those tied to permanent staff members.

On average, the overall cost for traveling nurses stands at approximately $89 per hour, compared to $94 per hour for their permanent counterparts. This trend is mirrored for allied health and therapy professionals, where traveling staff also showcase cost advantages.

Challenging Assumptions

Holly Bass, the executive director of NATHO, emphasizes that many healthcare leaders initially perceive travel clinicians as being more expensive, largely due to a narrow focus on hourly wages alone. However, the findings of the study illustrate the breakdown of this assumption when evaluating the fully loaded costs associated with different staffing types.

Addressing Staffing Gaps

As the healthcare field grapples with ongoing workforce shortages, clinician burnout, and the struggle to fill open positions, the importance of cost-effective staffing solutions becomes increasingly apparent. The report identifies travel clinicians not just as a means to fill immediate gaps but as a strategic approach to managing staffing needs while ensuring quality patient care.

In addition to financial benefits, the study underlines other advantages of utilizing travel clinicians, such as enhanced flexibility, accelerated hiring processes, and minimized risks associated with understaffing. These factors contribute to an improved response to the complexities of modern healthcare demands.

Implications for Healthcare Organizations

According to Bass, the outcomes of this research reflect firsthand experiences across numerous hospitals. Travel clinicians emerge as a viable option offering flexibility, efficiency, and clarity in costs during a period when the healthcare sector requires all three attributes. As organizations face mounting pressures related to staffing, these insights could shape future hiring practices significantly.

Conclusion

The complete findings of the 2026 Cost of Labor Study are now accessible, providing valuable insights for healthcare leaders. For a deeper dive into the full report, you can visit NATHO's website.

About NATHO

Established in 2008, NATHO serves as a nonprofit association dedicated to promoting ethical business practices and setting standards within the travel healthcare sector. With a collaborative approach, NATHO offers educational resources and advocacy focused on compliance, transparency, and quality, all aimed at advancing the understanding of travel healthcare while ensuring a positive experience for professionals and patients alike.