Pandemic Burnout Turns More Health Professionals Into ‘Traveling’ Workers

Healthcare professionals are turning to traveling jobs thanks in part to burnout brought on in part by the COVID-19 pandemic.

A new survey of more than 1,100 “allied healthcare professionals” that include everything from physical and occupational therapists to laboratory technicians and radiologic technicians shows nearly three in four are becoming traveling workers at the beginning of their careers thanks to burnout.

“Burnout is a significant reason why many allied healthcare professionals work as travelers,” a report from AMN Healthcare, one of the nation’s largest healthcare staffing companies, says. “The majority of travelers (74%) said burnout influenced their decision to become travelers either a ‘great deal’, ‘a lot’ or ‘a moderate amount’ while 26% said burnout had little or no influence on their decision.”

Meanwhile, about 45% of those polled said that COVID-19 influenced their decision to work as travelers either “a great deal,” “a lot” or a “moderate amount.”

The findings of the report are a snapshot into the thinking of those in the healthcare workforce, which is always in high demand and generally facing a shortage whether there be a need for doctors, nurses or the allied health professionals featured in the AMN Healthcare report.

“Burnout and the pandemic are reshaping the healthcare workforce,” said AMN Healthcare’s Robin Johnson, division president of the company’s allied staffing solutions. “A growing number of physicians, allied healthcare professionals, and nurses are seeking alternatives to traditional practice settings, and many are choosing to work as travelers.”

To be sure, the report shows working as a traveling healthcare professional could be the new normal with 70% of those polled saying working as a traveler is more satisfying than a permanent position.