A Comprehensive Guide to Using AI Recruiting Tools to Attract Healthcare Candidates with Transferable Skills

In the backdrop of the ongoing healthcare staffing shortage in the United States, the demand for qualified candidates has reached a critical juncture. As healthcare organizations struggle with the challenge of providing quality patient care amidst this shortage, the need for highly skilled and adaptable workforce is extremely urgent. In a bid to solve this staffing crisis, healthcare recruiters are increasingly turning to innovative solutions like shortlisting candidates with transferable skills for open opportunities. Let’s understand how Arya by Leoforce can help in identifying, attracting, and retaining healthcare candidates equipped with transferable skills.

Understanding transferable skills

Before we delve into the realm of AI recruitment, let’s quickly understand the meaning of transferable skills. In a nutshell, transferable skills are the abilities and knowledge that candidates have gained in one job or field but can effectively apply to another. Usually, basic transferable skills encompass communication, problem-solving, time management, adaptability, teamwork, and critical thinking. They are versatile and applicable across a wide range of professions and industries, making them indispensable assets in the pursuit of professional growth and personal achievement. Whether in healthcare, business, education, or any other field, a strong foundation in these skills empowers individuals to excel and adapt to changing circumstances, fostering resilience and lifelong learning.

Now let’s deep dive into transferable skills in the medical profession

Transferable medical skills in healthcare

In the realm of healthcare recruitment, not all skills are necessarily job-specific. Many medical professionals acquire transferable skills while completing various stints in their careers. This can make them versatile assets to any healthcare organization. These transferable skills are often honed in one healthcare discipline but can be seamlessly translated to success in other roles within the same sector. Let’s explore some of the transferable medical skills that healthcare recruiters often seek:

Patient-centered care

Professionals who excel in patient-centered care are adept at understanding and addressing the unique needs of each patient. This skill is transferable across various healthcare roles, from nurses to administrators. Healthcare organizations value individuals who prioritize patient satisfaction and well-being. Let’s give you an example. A registered nurse (RN) with extensive experience in an emergency room (ER) excels in patient-centered care. Their ability to provide compassionate and tailored care to patients in high-stress situations is well-documented. If they are seeking a transition to a healthcare administration role, the probability of their understanding of patient experience and their capacity to improve patient satisfaction is very high and this skill can be put to good use elsewhere.

Medical records management

The ability to efficiently manage and maintain medical records is crucial in healthcare. Professionals skilled in this area are well-equipped to handle roles that involve data management, compliance, and information security. Their expertise can extend to various departments within a healthcare organization. A use case for this point is as follows: A medical records clerk responsible for maintaining accurate patient records for a primary care clinic has the potential to successfully transfer into the legal and compliance department of a healthcare facility. Their experience in meticulous record-keeping, data integrity, and compliance with healthcare regulations makes them an ideal candidate.

Infection control

Infection control practices are essential in healthcare settings. Professionals with expertise in infection control can apply their knowledge to maintain a safe and sanitary environment, whether they are in a clinical role or responsible for facility management. For instance, an infection control nurse has expertise in implementing and monitoring infection control protocols in a surgical unit. They aspire to shift to a healthcare quality improvement role. Their knowledge of infection control procedures, including hand hygiene and sterile techniques, is directly transferable.

Healthcare regulations and compliance

Knowledge of healthcare regulations and compliance is invaluable. Professionals well-versed in this area can contribute to ensuring that healthcare organizations adhere to legal and ethical standards. This skill is transferable across roles involving policy development, quality assurance, and risk management. For instance, a healthcare compliance officer overseeing regulatory compliance can aim to transition into a healthcare policy analyst role. Their deep understanding of healthcare regulations and Medicare/Medicaid requirements equips them to analyze and shape healthcare policies that align with legal and ethical standards.

Proficiency in healthcare technology

Proficiency with healthcare technology and electronic health records (EHRs) is increasingly vital in the modern healthcare landscape. Professionals who are tech-savvy can adapt to different healthcare IT systems and contribute to their efficient implementation. For example, if a medical lab technician has experience using various laboratory information systems (LIS) and electronic health record (EHR) systems, they can easily be trained to take on additional responsibilities or even transition to the role of troubleshooter for any technical issues. Additionally, they can even take on the responsibility of training staff to handle such systems.

Diagnostic and analytical skills

Healthcare professionals with strong diagnostic and analytical skills can transition into roles where critical thinking and problem-solving are paramount. These skills are valuable in healthcare management, research, and even healthcare consulting. Let’s give you an example. A clinical laboratory scientist’s ability to analyze data, identify trends, and draw evidence-based conclusions is invaluable for conducting medical research and contributing to evidence-based practices in healthcare and therefore will make them a good fit at a healthcare research facility.

Communication and interpersonal skills

Effective communication and interpersonal skills are transferable across all healthcare roles. Professionals who excel in this area can foster collaboration, build patient rapport, and enhance the overall patient experience. For instance, any healthcare professional with exceptional communication skills can actively seek employment at facilities that train young health professionals. Because they have experience in the field, these candidates will be able to convey complex medical information in a clear and empathetic manner and can positively impact the education and training of future healthcare professionals.

Leadership and management

Leadership and management skills acquired in one healthcare setting can be applied in various capacities. Whether leading a team of clinicians or managing a healthcare facility, individuals with leadership skills are sought after in healthcare recruitment. To illustrate, a seasoned nurse with leadership experience, including staff supervision, budget management, and quality improvement initiatives, can prove to be a strong candidate to oversee the efficient operations of a healthcare facility.

By recognizing the value of these transferable medical skills, healthcare recruiters can broaden their search for candidates who possess the adaptability and versatility to thrive in diverse healthcare roles.

Candidates with transferable medical skills are not just filling a void. There is a rich stream of benefits for recruiters opting for this alternative approach that looks at candidates beyond the realm of their resume. Let’s understand how recruiters can benefit from shortlisting candidates with transferable medical skills.

Reduced training time

Candidates with medical transferable skills require less training. So onboarding becomes quick and efficient. The candidate’s ability to seamlessly transition into new positions means that healthcare organizations can allocate fewer resources for training thereby reducing costs and accelerating the time it takes for these professionals to make a meaningful impact on patient care and operational efficiency.

Broader, more versatile talent pool

Recruiters get a wider and versatile range of candidates with diverse skills and experiences thereby enriching the talent pool available to healthcare organizations. This diversity enables recruiters to identify individuals who can bring fresh perspectives and innovative solutions to complex healthcare challenges. By considering candidates from various healthcare backgrounds, organizations can tap into a wealth of knowledge and expertise, strengthening their workforce.

Improved interdisciplinary collaboration

Recruitment of professionals with transferable skills fosters an environment where interdisciplinary collaboration thrives. These individuals can effectively work alongside colleagues from different healthcare disciplines, breaking down silos and improving communication. The result is a cohesive healthcare team that delivers better-coordinated care and more holistic patient experiences.

Cultivating future leaders in healthcare

Identifying candidates with leadership potential among those with transferable skills opens the door to cultivating future healthcare leaders from within the organization. These individuals can be groomed and empowered to assume management and leadership roles, ensuring a steady pipeline of skilled healthcare administrators who understand the importance of adaptability and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Enhanced patient care

When healthcare organizations hire candidates with transferable skills, patient care benefits significantly. These professionals bring qualities like adaptability, empathy, and effective communication to their roles. Patients receive care that is not solely reliant on specialized knowledge but is also enriched by the ability to connect with and understand patients on a deeper level. This results in improved patient satisfaction and better health outcomes.

Effective preparation for crisis management

A workforce with transferable skills is a valuable asset in times of healthcare emergencies or crisis. These professionals can seamlessly assume different roles as needed, ensuring that critical functions are maintained even during challenging situations. Their ability to adapt and collaborate effectively enhances organizational resilience, providing stability and continuity in times of uncertainty.

Improved employee retention

Candidates with transferable skills tend to experience higher job satisfaction due to the opportunities to explore various facets of healthcare within the organization. This job satisfaction leads to reduced turnover rates, as employees are more likely to find long-term career growth opportunities within the organization. This, in turn, saves on recruitment costs and promotes continuity in patient care.

Cost-effectiveness

Hiring candidates with transferable skills not only reduces training costs but also lowers recruitment expenses. Organizations can rely less on external recruitment agencies for specialized roles, resulting in significant cost savings. This cost-effectiveness allows healthcare organizations to allocate resources to other critical areas, such as improving patient care and investing in advanced healthcare technologies.

Innovation and problem solving

A diverse workforce with transferable skills brings a multitude of problem-solving approaches and innovative ideas to the table. This diversity of thought encourages creativity and fosters a culture of continuous improvement. Healthcare organizations benefit from the fresh perspectives and unique solutions that these professionals contribute, ultimately driving process improvements and fostering healthcare innovations.

Improved adaptability to industry changes

In a rapidly evolving healthcare landscape, recruitment of professionals with transferable skills is essential. These individuals can adapt to changing healthcare technologies, regulations, and patient care practices. This adaptability ensures that healthcare organizations remain competitive, responsive to industry changes, and well-prepared to address emerging healthcare trends and challenges.

Now that we know what transferable skills are sought by healthcare recruiters and the benefits of pushing candidates with transferable skills, it is important to understand that it might not be ideal to shortlist candidates through manual sorting and shortlisting, because the process can be extremely expensive as well as time consuming, not to mention, riddled with the possibility of human error. This is where AI based recruitment tools come into the picture. By using AI recruiting tools, healthcare recruiters can easily, efficiently and effectively identify healthcare candidates with medical transferable skills that can make them strong potential talents in other healthcare disciplines. Let’s understand how healthcare recruiters can use AI to their benefit.

The role of AI recruitment in identifying transferable skills

AI recruitment tools have ushered in a new era of efficiency and precision in the hiring process. These tools leverage advanced algorithms to evaluate candidates comprehensively, including an assessment of their transferable skills. Arya, developed by Leoforce, is a standout AI sourcing tool renowned for its remarkable capabilities.

Arya goes beyond the basics of matching job-specific skills. Its algorithm identifies transferable skills that candidates bring from their prior experiences. This means that healthcare recruiters can swiftly identify candidates who possess the adaptability, problem-solving aptitude, and communication finesse vital in healthcare.

How can healthcare recruiters leverage AI Recruiting Tools for better healthcare recruitment

To harness the full potential of AI recruiting tools, particularly Arya, healthcare recruiters must follow these simple strategic steps:

Define recruitment needs from the get go

Healthcare recruiters can initiate the AI recruitment journey by delineating their specific requirements for transferable skills within healthcare roles. Simply put, they can create a comprehensive list of these skills, ranging from leadership to time management and critical thinking and ensure that these skills are seamlessly integrated into the job descriptions for any open opportunities.

Master keyword searches

It is common knowledge that AI recruiting tools thrive on relevant keywords. In order to find the right candidates, healthcare recruiters can incorporate pertinent keywords such as “transferable skills,” “transferable job skills,” and “AI recruitment” into their job listings. This optimization aids AI tools like Arya by Leoforce in comprehending the unique requirements of a job and swiftly identifying candidates with the desired transferable skills.

Review AI-generated insights

AI recruitment tools not only rank candidates but also offer invaluable information regarding their strengths and areas that may need development, including their transferable skills. This data serves as a guideline throughout the selection process.

Adopt Arya’s AoD service

For an even more streamlined approach to healthcare recruitment, healthcare recruiters can consider Leoforce Arya’s Applicants on Demand (AoD) service. This service streamlines a recruiter’s hiring process by delivering AI-vetted applicants directly into the organization’s Applicant Tracking System (ATS), thereby eliminating the time-consuming manual process of sourcing and screening. With predictable, pay-per-applicant pricing and zero upfront costs, Arya’s AoD service can prove to be a game-changer for healthcare recruiters.

Healthcare recruitment is known to be a cutthroat discipline and, in a time where healthcare institutions are facing a serious shortage in staffing, implementing cutting-edge technology like Arya by Leoforce is essential to stay ahead. Arya by Leoforce, not only aids in the identification of transferable skills but also streamlines your candidate selection process. By incorporating these tools and meticulously following the steps outlined in this comprehensive guide, healthcare recruiters can reimagine the healthcare recruitment process.

Arya simplifies the sourcing process, making it more efficient and effective. Contact us today to book a demo or complete our online form to request a quote. Your journey to a more efficient and effective healthcare recruitment process starts here.