A Multi-Faceted Approach to Identification, Recruitment and Retention of Health Administrators

A major challenge confronting health care delivery in the United States is the shortage of clinical professionals in rural areas. While most of the research surrounding this problem has focused on physicians and nurses, other health care professionals have received much less attention. Although not a clinician or “hands on” care provider, health administrators are an integral component of rural health care delivery systems. They are instrumental in the organization and efficient delivery of health care services within rural communities. As such, this paper examines some of the characteristics vital for this position as well as factors that impact the recruitment and retention for rural health administrators. The identification of characteristics necessary for successful recruitment and retention can be best achieved by following a multi-faceted approach utilizing education, experience and personal characteristic of the candidate.