Each year on the first Tuesday in June, National Healthcare Recruiter Recognition Day—established by Congress in 1991—honors the professionals who make quality healthcare possible by connecting nurses with communities in need.
Healthcare recruiting is about more than filling positions; it’s about building life‑changing connections for patients, families and nurses. Today, we’re shining a spotlight on Ryan, a Maxim Recruiter III, who has spent the last four years making a difference for patients, families and nurses alike.
What drew Ryan to healthcare recruiting
Ryan’s journey into healthcare recruiting was deeply personal. Always interested in the healthcare industry—and once considering pursuing a career in nursing—he was inspired by a firsthand experience with his late grandmother who received care in her home.
“Seeing how they made my grandmother’s last days as comfortable as possible in the comfort of her own home showed me the power of in-home care and the compassion that nurses have for their patients,” he explains.
Making a real difference
Healthcare recruiters at Maxim play a critical role behind the scenes. By matching competent, compassionate nurses with families, recruiters help patients receive the care they need—right where they’re most comfortable: at home.
Attracting and retaining top talent
In a competitive market, retention at Maxim begins with hiring the right people. Nurses who are genuinely passionate and committed to home healthcare, not just filling open shifts. From there, consistent communication and a flexible approach, whether to accommodate personal responsibilities or professional development, help keep nurses engaged and supported.
Unique challenges in healthcare recruiting
Recruiting in healthcare comes with unique pressures, including a nationwide nursing shortage and competition with hospitals that often have larger budgets.
“Success depends on finding nurses who are in it for the right reasons and who are a good fit for both the patient and the role,” says Ryan.
Growing into the role
With four years of recruiting experience, Ryan has developed a deep understanding of both the business and customer service sides of healthcare staffing. “I’m a lot more comfortable now,” Ryan shares. “I understand the bigger picture and how everything recruiters do impact patients and families.”
How his work transformed a family
One of the most meaningful moments in Ryan’s career happened early on during a patient opening—when a recruiter visits a patient’s home with a nurse to complete paperwork, meet the family and identify if the patient can be accepted to services and the patient accepts (or refuses) proposed services.
“I could see the relief on the mother’s face,” he recalls. “And then she started crying.”
After working closely with this family for several years, Ryan watched the patient transition from having no care at all to receiving 24/7 support.
“His mom had been afraid to leave his side, but in-home care gave her the ability to care for her other children—and herself—while knowing her son was safe and receiving quality care,” says Ryan.
Finding the right match
Ryan says that choosing the right nurse for a patient is “like matchmaking.” Schedules, personalities and expectations all matter. Meet-and-greet visits allow families to ask questions and get to know the nurse before care officially begins. When everything aligns, care starts with confidence on both sides.
Transparency is also key when it comes to matching a patient and a nurse. If they aren’t the right fit, Maxim recruiters work with patients to find a nurse that is better suited for them. But it isn’t just about meeting the patient’s needs; nurses can also express when they feel a match doesn’t align with their needs. Recruiters at Maxim take pride in supporting nurses by helping them find the hours and flexibility they need.
What it takes to succeed
Ryan says two qualities are essential in healthcare recruiting:
- Compassion to truly understand families and nurses as well as their individual needs
- Determination to get the job done so the patient gets the proper care they’re looking for
Coping with difficult moments
Caring for patients also means accepting the emotional weight that comes with saying goodbye to some patients. Ryan says when a patient passes away, the situation can take an emotional toll on a recruiter because they have built a relationship with the patient and their family. Everyone processes grief differently. For Ryan, walks and workouts help clear his mind and release emotional tension.
Career growth at Maxim
Healthcare recruiting offers multiple career paths. At Maxim, recruiters can grow into roles such as operations manager, recruiting operations manager, business development manager, or national recruiter, depending on their goals and interests.
Advice for aspiring healthcare recruiters
Healthcare recruiting comes with emotional highs and lows, especially when working with long-term care patients.
“You put a lot of heart into this work,” Ryan explains. “So, you have to remind yourself that the work you’re doing truly transforms people’s lives.”
Maxim Healthcare provides a range of home health and personal care services in communities across the country. We are currently hiring healthcare recruiters in some locations. Visit our Careers site to learn more about benefits and life at Maxim. Not ready to apply? Visit our Talent Community page to explore new opportunities and receive alerts about jobs that align with your experience.
| Categories |
|---|
| Recruiting |
