How to Choose the Right Healthcare Staffing Agency

Christiana John
Jul 25
2 min read

A Facility Director’s Guide to Finding the Right Partner (Healthcare Staffing Agency)

How to Choose the Right Healthcare Staffing Agency

Staffing shortages can put patient care and compliance at risk. Whether you're managing a skilled nursing facility, an assisted living community, or a group home, choosing the right healthcare staffing agency is one of the most important decisions you'll make.

Here’s what to consider before partnering with a staffing agency, and how to avoid common pitfalls.

Do Healthcare Staffing Agency Rigorously Vet Their Candidates?
A reputable staffing agency should do more than just send a warm body to fill a shift. Make sure the agency:
- Conducts background checks (state police, FBI fingerprint, child abuse)
- Verifies licenses and certifications
- Requires a recent physical, TB test, or chest X-ray
- Ensures staff complete mandatory training (e.g., Fire safety)
At Jento Solutions, every professional in our pool is fully vetted and cleared before ever stepping into your facility.
Are They Able to Fill Shifts Quickly?
Ask about their turnaround time for last-minute needs. Inconsistent coverage causes burnout for your full-time staff and affects quality of care.
At Jento, we fill most shifts same-day, and our clients can post last-minute needs directly through the Jento Solutions app.

Do Healthcare Staffing Agency Offer Flexible Staffing Options?
Not every facility needs full-time staff. A good healthcare staffing agency should offer:
- Per diem/PRN
- Temp-to-perm
- Direct hire
- Travel nurse options
Jento offers all of the above, with no long-term contracts or hidden costs.

Can You Hire Their Staff Without Paying Extra Fees?
Some agencies charge buyout fees if you want to bring a temp worker on permanently.
At Jento Solutions, if you love someone on our team and want to hire them directly—we say go for it. No buyout fees. Ever.

Do They Understand Your Facility Type?
Staffing a hospital ER is very different from staffing a memory care unit. Ask if the agency has experience with:
- Skilled nursing
- Rehab centers
- Group homes
- Hospice and home care
- Behavioral health units
Jento Solutions was built with post-acute and long-term care in mind. We understand your day-to-day challenges, and we deliver professionals who are trained to meet them.

Are They Transparent About Pricing?
You shouldn’t have to chase down rates or worry about unexpected charges. Look for agencies that publish clear, upfront pricing.
Jento Solutions proudly offers transparent rates, including:
- CNA – $28/hr
- LPN – $48/hr
- RN – $58/hr
- Caregiver/DSP – $26/hr
- Med Tech – $39/hr
(Ask us about travel contracts or bulk bookings for reduced rates.)

Can You Easily Communicate and Track Shifts?
Technology matters. Agencies that rely solely on phone calls and spreadsheets may struggle to scale or respond quickly.
Jento clients use our custom Jento Solutions mobile app to:
- Post shifts in real time
- View staff credentials
- Track attendance
- Communicate directly with assigned professionals

Final Thoughts: Choose a Partner, Not Just a Vendor

Your healthcare staffing agency should act as an extension of your team, helping you maintain compliance, reduce burnout, and improve resident care.

If you’re looking for a healthcare staffing agency in Pennsylvania that delivers speed, quality, and transparency, we’d love to talk.