Credentialing & Privileging | 12.21.20
California Turns to Traveling Nurses, Help Overseas, as Hospitals Face Staffing Shortage
by LAist
LAist (12/16/20) Pollack, Gina
California Gov. Gavin Newsom recently said his state is now looking to other countries to potentially fill staffing shortages at hospitals, as coronavirus cases continue to surge. His administration is also discussing the possibility of bringing back the USNS Mercy hospital ship to the Port of Los Angeles. As of Dec. 18, state officials have requested 10 teams of 20 medical personnel from the U.S. Defense Department. State Health and Human Services Secretary Dr. Mark Ghaly says hospitals are usually able to fill shortages without such intervention by using staffing companies for traveling nurses. But those firms are already stretched thin. "Usually we get close to 100% of our requests," Ghaly said in a recent press conference. "We're lucky to get two thirds at the moment."
Read the full story from the LAist.