Elevating Healthcare Through Innovation and Flexibility
The latest episode of the Elevate Care podcast offers a powerful exploration of the challenges and opportunities facing the nursing workforce today. Featuring a discussion between host Nishan Sivathasan, AMN Healthcare Division President, Technology and Workforce Solutions and Dr. Angelo Venditti, AMN Healthcare's Chief Nursing Executive, the episode sheds light on how the industry is evolving to meet the heightened demands for flexibility, safety, and well-being among healthcare professionals.
A Workforce at a Crossroads
One of the stark realities uncovered in this episode comes from the 2025 Survey of Registered Nurses by AMN Healthcare. “Nursing in Transition: Workplace Changes, Challenges and Solutions” is a nationwide study capturing feedback from 12,000 nurses. The results highlight both widespread burnout and the desire for more control and options within the profession. Perhaps most strikingly, 61% of nurses plan to make a career change within the next 12 months. However, the data also reveals hope for retention, as 77% of retirement-age nurses indicated a willingness to stay if offered options that align with their needs, such as flexible schedules or financial incentives.
This shift underscores a significant opportunity for healthcare organizations to rethink workforce planning by addressing these evolving expectations. At the core of this transformation is a commitment to flexibility and innovation.
Rethinking Shift Length and Introducing Virtual Care
Dr. Venditti highlights one of the notable changes occurring within healthcare organizations today–rethinking the traditional 12-hour shift model. Once considered the gold standard, this approach is now being challenged due to the growing evidence of fatigue and burnout associated with extended hours. Many organizations are exploring new shift lengths and scheduling practices designed not only to reduce stress but also to improve overall capacity.
Virtual care also plays a key role in the modernization of healthcare delivery. By alternating between bedside duties and virtual care responsibilities, nurses are given critical breaks from the physical and emotional demands of in-person care. The adoption of virtual care enhances patient safety by leveraging experienced nurses to monitor and guide care remotely while maintaining oversight on the frontlines.
Prioritizing Safety in Care Environments
Safety is another central theme of this episode. Health systems are doubling down on workplace safety measures, ranging from comprehensive staff training programs to the deployment of in-house police departments and even canine units. Creating a safety-conscious organizational culture is now a priority, enabling nurses to feel secure and supported on the job. This growing emphasis on safety is critical for retaining staff and fostering a more efficient and compassionate environment for patients.
Subscribe to the Elevate Care podcast and listen to the full episode today for actionable insights and inspiring discussions about the future of healthcare.
