As healthcare organizations enter 2026, workforce planning remains one of the most critical priorities across the industry. Continued provider shortages, evolving care models, and increased demand for flexibility are reshaping how facilities approach staffing.
At Millbrook, we work closely with clients and providers to anticipate these shifts and build workforce strategies that support continuity of care, operational stability, and long-term growth.
Ongoing Workforce Shortages
Despite increased training programs and recruitment efforts, healthcare staffing shortages are expected to persist in 2026. Rural, tribal, and federal facilities will continue to face challenges recruiting and retaining qualified clinicians, particularly in primary care, behavioral health, nursing, and specialty roles.
As patient demand rises and the healthcare workforce ages, organizations will need staffing partners that can provide scalable, reliable coverage while supporting long-term workforce stability.
Growing Demand for Flexible Staffing Models
Healthcare delivery continues to evolve, and flexibility is becoming essential. Facilities are increasingly relying on travel, contract, and per diem staffing to manage fluctuating patient volumes, expand services, and maintain coverage during peak demand periods.
Flexible staffing models allow organizations to remain agile while ensuring patient care is not disrupted. Millbrook supports this need with comprehensive staffing solutions across physicians, nurses, advanced practice providers, and allied health professionals.
Retention and Continuity of Care
In 2026, retention will be just as important as recruitment. High turnover impacts patient outcomes, increases costs, and disrupts clinical teams. Facilities are placing greater emphasis on provider satisfaction, onboarding support, and long-term placements to maintain continuity of care.
Millbrook prioritizes retention through ongoing provider engagement, streamlined onboarding, and tailored placement strategies that align with both provider preferences and facility needs.
Technology and Data-Driven Workforce Planning
Healthcare organizations are increasingly using data and analytics to forecast staffing needs, manage workforce capacity, and improve operational efficiency. Predictive scheduling, credentialing automation, and workforce dashboards are helping facilities plan proactively rather than reactively.
Millbrook continues to invest in technology and process optimization to support faster credentialing, improved compliance, and responsive staffing solutions.
How Millbrook Helps Clients Prepare
As the healthcare landscape continues to shift, Millbrook remains committed to helping organizations navigate workforce challenges with confidence. Our nationwide network of providers, federal and tribal healthcare expertise, and full-service staffing solutions allow us to support clients across government, education, corrections, and commercial healthcare settings.
We work alongside our partners to develop staffing strategies that are flexible, scalable, and aligned with long-term organizational goals.
Looking Ahead
Healthcare staffing in 2026 will require adaptability, strategic planning, and trusted partnerships. While challenges remain, organizations that invest in proactive workforce planning and retention-focused staffing models will be well positioned for success.
At Millbrook, our mission remains the same. We connect exceptional healthcare professionals with facilities nationwide, ensuring communities receive the care they deserve.
As we look ahead to the year to come, we are proud to support our clients, providers, and communities with expertise, reliability, and purpose.
About the Author
James L. Paterek is the Chief Executive Officer of Millbrook Support Services, a nationwide healthcare staffing and workforce solutions company with offices throughout the U.S. Millbrook, a Joint Commission–certified and Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB), supplies physicians, nurses, advanced practice providers, and allied health professionals to government, education, corrections, and commercial clients across North America. Millbrook is also a GSA-Federal Supply Schedule (FSS) 621 I contract holder for Professional & Allied Healthcare Staffing Services, with coverage across all 50 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico.
