As the healthcare industry continues to evolve, it's essential for HR executives, recruiters, and professionals to stay informed about the latest workforce trends. According to Staffing Industry Analysts (SIA), healthcare staffing is expected to grow just 1% in 2026, but breaking it down, locum tenens is forecast to grow 4%, while per diem nursing is projected to fall 7%. Travel nursing, on the other hand, is on track for 2% growth, but SIA notes that it would have declined without strike work.
As a workforce strategist, it's crucial to understand that these growth rates don't necessarily translate to individual desks. For instance, AMN Healthcare, one of the largest locums suppliers, reported a 8% decline in locums revenue in Q2 2026, which is significantly lower than the forecasted 4% growth. This highlights the importance of digging deeper into the data to understand the nuances of each segment.
The SIA July pulse survey also revealed that the median locums firm reported 2% growth in June, which is half the forecast pace. This suggests that the growth rate for locums may not be as robust as initially anticipated.
So, what does this mean for healthcare organizations? It's essential to identify which desk is carrying the others and adjust your workforce strategy accordingly. For instance, if your organization is heavily reliant on locums, you may want to consider strategies to attract and retain these professionals, such as offering competitive compensation packages or providing opportunities for professional development.
In addition, the shortage of full-time-equivalent physicians by 2038, as projected by the Health Resources and Services Administration, highlights the need for healthcare organizations to prioritize workforce planning and development. By understanding the trends and growth rates for different segments of the healthcare workforce, organizations can make informed decisions about staffing and talent development.
Ultimately, the key takeaway is that healthcare workforce planning requires a nuanced understanding of the different segments and their growth rates. By taking a closer look at locums, per diem, and travel nursing, healthcare organizations can make data-driven decisions to optimize their workforce and better serve their patients.