Revolutionizing Healthcare Staffing: How CARES is Addressing the Nursing Shortage

Salem, NH – The nursing shortage in the United States has reached critical levels, placing immense strain on healthcare providers, reducing quality of patient care, and accelerating burnout among existing staff. In response, Amalgamated Medical Care Management, a leading national medical care management firm and a member of the Amalgamated Family of Companies, has introduced CARES (Clinical Advantage Remote Engagement Solution). This groundbreaking remote workforce program is designed to alleviate staffing shortages, optimize efficiency, and enhance patient care in hospitals, physician practices, and healthcare facilities nationwide.

The Growing Crisis in Healthcare Staffing

The demand for healthcare services is skyrocketing, driven largely by the aging population. According to the latest U.S. Census data, over 56 million adults aged 65 and older currently reside in the United States—a figure projected to reach 73.1 million by 2030. As the population ages, the demand for skilled nurses rises exponentially.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services projects that the need for Registered Nurses (RNs) will grow to 3.6 million by 2030. Alarmingly, a report by McKinsey & Co. warns that without intervention, the U.S. could face a shortage of 200,000 to 450,000 nurses by 2026.

“Today’s nursing shortage is seriously compromising patient care and causing many nurses to leave their positions due to their inability to provide the highest level of care,” said Deborah Allwes Largoza, RN, MBA, MPH, President of Amalgamated Medical Care Management. “This problem is not expected to be solved any time soon and will likely worsen as our nation’s aging population continues to grow.”

An aging population translates into greater healthcare needs and utilization. Older adults are far more likely to have chronic health conditions – three out of five Americans over 65 manage at least two chronic illnesses​ (cvshealth.com). These individuals require more frequent medical visits, hospitalizations, and medications. A 2024 hospital industry forecast noted that the surge of older, sicker patients will drive up both inpatient and outpatient volumes in the coming decade​ (aha.org).

A Smart, Immediate Solution: CARES

To combat the growing crisis, CARES offers a U.S.-based team of highly qualified RNs and Medical Assistants (MAs) who can perform essential healthcare functions remotely. By leveraging this innovative solution, healthcare providers can offload administrative and clinical tasks to experienced professionals, allowing in-house medical staff to focus on direct patient care.

Key Functions of CARES Remote RNs and MAs

CARES seamlessly integrates remote nurses into healthcare workflows to provide vital support in key areas, including:

- Monitoring Electronic Medical Records (EMRs) for incoming messages.

- Reviewing lab results with patients.

- Processing medication refills efficiently.

- Scheduling patient appointments and managing pending orders.

- Triaging patients and escalating urgent cases as needed.

- Conducting telephonic assessments and offering clinical guidance based on evidence-based guidelines.

- Educating patients on chronic disease management, post-discharge care, and preventative health measures.

- Referring patients to specialists and community resources.

Seamless Integration for Healthcare Providers

A key advantage of CARES is its effortless integration into existing healthcare operations. The program allows providers to onboard remote RNs and MAs directly through their Electronic Medical Record (EMR) system, ensuring a seamless collaboration between remote professionals and in-house teams. Additionally, CARES provides access to specialized nurses with advanced training and certifications to support specialty clinics nationwide.

By offering healthcare organizations a cost-effective staffing solution, CARES not only improves operational efficiency but also enhances the quality of patient care.

Building a More Sustainable Healthcare System

Remote medical staffing solutions like CARES represent a proactive step toward mitigating the effects of the nursing shortage. By embracing telehealth and virtual nursing models, healthcare organizations can increase capacity, reduce burnout among in-house staff, and ensure that patients receive timely, high-quality care.

The CARES program aligns with Amalgamated Medical Care Management’s mission to deliver high-quality, cost-effective healthcare solutions that address today’s most pressing industry challenges.

To learn more about CARES and how it can benefit your healthcare facility, visit: http://bit.ly/42flDki