If you're hiring in healthcare, staffing decisions are never simple. Between unpredictable patient needs, strict licensing requirements, and rising labor costs, every choice matters. One of the biggest decisions you’ll make is whether to bring in temporary healthcare staff or hire permanent employees. Each approach solves different problems. The key is knowing which one solves yours.

Here’s what you need to know.

What’s the Difference?

Temporary healthcare staffing means hiring professionals—nurses, therapists, techs, or others—for a short-term need. They may work for a few weeks, a few months, or on an as-needed basis. Usually, a staffing agency handles the paperwork, licensing checks, and scheduling.

Permanent healthcare staffing means hiring someone to be part of your team long-term. You’re investing in them as an employee, with benefits, orientation, and ongoing training.

Both models work. It just depends on what you need.

When Temporary Healthcare Staffing Makes Sense

1. You need help now.
Short-staffed? Dealing with callouts, leaves, or seasonal spikes? Temporary staff can fill gaps fast. Agencies often have credentialed professionals ready to step in within days.

2. You want flexibility.
Temporary healthcare staffing lets you adjust as needs change. You can staff up or down without the commitment of full-time hires.

3. You’re not ready to hire.
Trying to figure out if a role is necessary? Or if someone’s the right fit? Temp-to-perm arrangements let you test it out before making a decision.

4. You need specific skills.
Temporary professionals often bring specialized experience. That’s useful when your team is missing a key skill—or when you need someone to train others.

When Permanent Healthcare Staffing Is Better

1. You need consistency.
If you want someone who knows your systems, your patients, and your team—go permanent. Continuity matters, especially in primary care, case management, or leadership roles.

2. You’re building culture.
Permanent staff are more likely to stick around, take ownership, and contribute to your workplace culture.

3. You want to grow.
If your patient load is expanding or you’re opening new services, permanent employees help create a foundation for long-term success.

4. You want control.
With permanent hires, you oversee training, scheduling, and development. That level of control is often key to quality care.

How to Choose What’s Right for You

Ask yourself these questions:

• What’s the timeline?
  If you need someone next week, go temporary. If you have time to train and onboard, permanent might work better.
  
  
• What’s the budget?
  Temporary workers often have a higher hourly rate, but you avoid long-term costs like benefits and PTO. Permanent staff cost more upfront but may save you money over time.
  
  
• What’s the turnover rate?
  If you’re in a high-turnover environment, temp staff might keep you running. But if turnover is hurting care quality, investing in full-time hires makes sense.
  
  
• What’s your goal?
  Covering a leave? Dealing with burnout? Expanding your team? Match the staffing model to the purpose.
  
  

You Don’t Have to Choose Alone

Finding the right fit—temporary or permanent—takes time and effort. That’s where healthcare staffing agencies come in. At Elite Recruiting & Consulting Services, we help organizations across the U.S. match qualified professionals to real needs. Whether you need a registered nurse for three shifts or a full-time medical director, we’ll help you find someone who fits.

Our team manages recruiting, credentialing, and onboarding so you can stay focused on what matters most—quality patient care.

Final Thoughts on Healthcare Staffing

Temporary and permanent healthcare staffing both have a place. The right choice depends on your current situation, goals, and resources. Temporary staff offer speed and flexibility. Permanent staff offer stability and long-term value.

In many cases, a blended model works best. Keep a core of reliable permanent staff. Then use temporary help when things get busy, when someone’s out, or when you need specialized skills.

Whatever you decide, make sure your staffing plan is intentional—not reactive. And if you need help building that plan, we’re here.

Need help with staffing?
Get in touch with us to explore how we support both short-term and long-term healthcare staffing across the U.S. Let’s talk about what you need—and how we can help.