Havasu Regional Medical Center Celebrates Commitment of Permanent Staff with Fully-Staffed Emergency Department

Havasu Regional Medical Center (HRMC) celebrated a significant milestone in its emergency department staffing. On Tuesday morning, staff members, including nurses, technicians, and flight crew, gathered to acknowledge the department’s transition to being fully staffed with permanent employees.

According to Taylor Barrett of HRMC, this achievement marks the first time in over a decade that the emergency department has been entirely staffed with permanent personnel. For years, the department relied heavily on travel staff.

Barrett noted the challenges posed by the pandemic, which increased the demand for nurses and drove many from the profession, prompting early retirements and more travel positions. Consequently, HRMC faced numerous staffing hurdles filled predominantly by temporary workers.

These travel staff, while beneficial in the short term, brought several drawbacks, Barrett explained. Their temporary nature, structured around 13-week contracts, and a perceived lack of investment in the local community limited their effectiveness.

This recent transition to 100% local, permanent staffing has enhanced the department’s operations. Barrett emphasized that local employees demonstrate a strong commitment to exceptional patient care, fostering a deeply rooted connection with the community.

The shift has also positively influenced the public perception of HRMC’s emergency department. Barrett remarked, “Having local, permanent staff allows us to focus on building a culture of safety and accountability.” Overall, the commitment to maintaining a stable staffing model is expected to lead to improved outcomes for patients and the community alike.