NexGen Surgical and our sister company, CCI Anesthesia, work primarily with rural hospitals. Over the decades, we have learned about the unique barriers rural facilities must overcome, and we have a real appreciation for the level of quality these facilities must provide across the continuum of care from primary care to long-term care. Because of their significant contributions to overall community well-being, they are a critical component of communities across rural America.
Why Rural Health Matters
As detailed in the Economic Impact of Rural Health Care, rural hospitals impact their local communities in the following ways:
- Quality rural health services, including emergency services, help rural communities attract businesses, industries and retirees.
- On average, the health sector constitutes 14% of total employment in rural communities, with rural hospitals typically being one of the largest employers in the area.
- On average, a Critical Access Hospital maintained a payroll of $6.0 million in 2016 and employed 127 people. In 2015, a 26–50 bed rural hospital employed 185 individuals and spent $11.8 million in wages, salaries and benefits on average. That same year, hospitals holding 51–100 beds employed an average of 287 people and spent $19.9 million directly on those employees.
- Rural and smaller (non-Critical Access) hospitals generally performed better in the following areas compared to urban hospitals: safety, person and community engagement, and efficiency and cost reduction.
These statistics are important. Rural health care is important. Helping rural facilities overcome barriers and placing high-performing, experienced surgeons in them is our passion.
Rural Hospitals’ Advantages over Urban Hospitals
Recruiting surgeons to work in rural facilities is rarely a challenge for us. This is because we have seen firsthand the advantages rural hospitals have over urban hospitals, and our surgeons see the benefit in providing lifelines to underserved populations. The four key advantages we see that rural hospitals have over urban hospitals are:
- Flexible staff members who react to crises quickly
- Stronger ties with their communities, with local residents feeling a higher level of responsibility to hospitals
- A sense of family among staff that is more easily fostered, making a work environment that is more supportive
- Leaders who invest more time in individualized communication with staff; they spot people who need extra support and talk with staff while making rounds, thereby reducing miscommunication and pinpointing where support is needed
What to Expect from Working with NexGen in a Rural Hospital
Surgeons who work with NexGen in rural facilities work two weeks per month and enjoy their time off without being on call. This allows our surgeons to live wherever they please. Rather than spending hours solving administrative issues after surgery, our surgeons can enjoy their time away from the practice. Our team handles every aspect of administration from dealing with insurance companies to managing staff so our surgeons can solely focus on their patients.
The Importance of Surgeon Leadership
Surgeon leadership is particularly important in rural hospitals. The job of a surgeon leader is to create an environment that promotes team camaraderie. NexGen surgeons have strong interpersonal skills and know how important it is for surgical teams to enjoy time spent at work. In fact, some of the most productive and efficient surgical teams are those with members that make each other laugh. We strive to recruit surgeons with high emotional intelligence for this reason, to help promote positive work environments.
Join Our Team
When it comes to rural health, surgeons are key players. NexGen surgeons are experienced, high-performing leaders who like leading surgical teams without the burden of administrative duties. If you are interested in joining our team, apply now. Our recruiters will set up a time to discuss your background, experience and lifestyle goals. We look forward to providing you the opportunity to continue practicing while also enjoying a healthy work-life balance.
