Referral programs create unique opportunities for nurses to expand their professional networks, earn bonuses, and play an active role in improving patient care across the United States. These programs not only reward nurses for connecting their peers with open positions, but also help strengthen teams by bringing in qualified professionals who understand the demands of the job and the culture of the workplaces in which they’ll see their patients.
Through referral programs, hospitals and other healthcare facilities are able to attract higher-quality nursing candidates, improve retention rates by hiring individuals more likely to stay, and reduce the overall cost and time spent on recruitment. Because referrals often come from current employees, contracted team members, or related individuals, they can lead to better results, including reduced turnover.
For nurses who want to boost their careers, supplement their income, and help ensure patients receive the highest-quality care, participating in a nurse referral program can be a perfect solution. A referral program creates an opportunity to be part of creating a stronger, more skilled healthcare workforce and to help support improved patient outcomes.
Understanding Referral Programs
Referral programs in healthcare staffing are designed to bring in leads and assist nurses and other healthcare professionals in finding roles in hospital systems or clinical facilities where they are in demand.
There are two types of referral programs that nurses may be able to take advantage of: residual and lump sum.
- Residual referral programs: In residual referral programs, the referrer is able to receive ongoing rewards. Usually, those rewards are tied to how long a new hire works for an employer or how many shifts they work over time.
- Lump sum referral programs: In lump sum referral programs, the referrer receives a one-time payment upon meeting specific conditions. For example, a new hire may need to make it past the probationary period before a referral payment will be made.
Benefits of Referral Programs
There are several reasons nurses should utilize referral programs when possible. By recommending others for roles, nurses can gain personal, professional, and financial benefits. It means more money in their pockets and the potential to travel or work with a nurse friend.
A Better Workplace
Referring colleagues and nurse friends to your company’s referral program is a win-win opportunity. Not only does it allow nurses to support their peers in finding rewarding careers and stable placements, but it also expands the community of trusted professionals that helps maintain a culture of quality care and collaboration.
Unlimited Earning Potential
And there usually isn’t a limit to the number of referrals they can make. That means there are potentially unlimited bonuses available! The more you refer, the more you can potentially earn, and the more you help your network discover new career opportunities.
Enhanced Loyalty and Retention
Referral programs help enhance loyalty and retention, which is why many facilities offer them. With good retention, hospitals and medical facilities can spend less time on hiring and onboarding. And, for nurses, working with friends or colleagues they like can be a perk that keeps them at a specific facility.
Nurses should consider participating in referral programs as a way to benefit not only professionally and financially, but also to contribute to the overall improvement of healthcare delivery and patient outcomes. With improved retention, patient care can benefit from enhanced staff expertise. In fully staffed facilities, nurse burnout and stress can also be reduced, which is an additional benefit.
Tips for Increasing Referrals
Want to boost your number of referrals? Start by looking at your current personal and professional networks; chances are, you know plenty of healthcare professionals who might be interested in exploring new job opportunities. Supplemental Health Care works with a wide variety of care sites, including hospitals, schools, home health providers, and correctional facilities across the U.S., so most healthcare workers you know are likely to be a match for SHC.
Learn More About SHC’s Share the Care Referral Program
If you’re a nurse or healthcare professional looking to help others find new career opportunities, or if you simply want to earn a little extra cash, Supplemental Health Care’s Share the Care referral program is a great way to do both.
This referral program spans multiple healthcare disciplines and specialties. Through this program, nurses can earn a referral bonus for nurse or healthcare professional placements. Nurses can check out referral program FAQs here to learn more about requirements, eligibility, and payment.
SHC makes it easy to track the progress of referrals throughout the process, too. Referrers can see the status of the referral and when they can expect to receive a payment through the SHC WeConnect mobile app.
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