Short Term Nursing Staffing Market Size and Share Analysis - Growth Trends and Forecasts (2025-2032)

Market Size and Trends

The Short Term Nursing Staffing Market is estimated to be valued at USD 18.5 billion in 2025 and is expected to reach USD 30.7 billion by 2032, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.8% from 2025 to 2032. This significant growth reflects rising demand for flexible nursing solutions driven by fluctuating patient volumes and the need for specialized care across healthcare facilities globally. Increasing healthcare expenditure and workforce shortages further propel market expansion during this period.

A prominent trend shaping the Short Term Nursing Staffing Market is the adoption of advanced digital platforms and AI-driven scheduling tools that enhance staffing efficiency and reduce administrative burdens. Additionally, the growing emphasis on patient-centered care encourages healthcare providers to leverage temporary nursing professionals for specialized expertise during peak periods. The rising prevalence of chronic diseases and an aging population are also escalating demand for short-term nursing staff, enabling healthcare systems to maintain quality care without permanent workforce expansions.

Segmental Analysis:

By Service Type: Temporary Nursing Staffing Drives Market Demand Through Flexibility and Rapid Response

In terms of By Service Type, Temporary Nursing Staffing contributes the highest share of the Short Term Nursing Staffing Market owing to its unparalleled flexibility and the ability to meet fluctuating healthcare demands swiftly. Healthcare facilities frequently encounter sudden or seasonal spikes in patient volume, staff shortages, or emergency situations that require immediate nursing support without long-term employment commitments. Temporary nursing staffing solutions provide healthcare providers with a cost-effective and efficient way to bridge these gaps without the administrative burden associated with traditional hiring. Additionally, temporary nurses are often highly adaptable, integrating quickly into new environments, which is crucial in fast-paced healthcare settings. This segment is also preferred due to the potential for hospitals and care centers to manage budgets more prudently by employing temporary staff only as needed. The regulatory environment further encourages temporary staffing since it allows healthcare organizations to maintain compliance with employment standards while addressing short-term shortages. Innovations in scheduling technologies and staffing platforms have also enhanced the efficiency of temporary nursing staffing, ensuring that qualified nurses are matched promptly with healthcare providers in need. Overall, the temporary nursing staffing segment thrives by serving as a reliable buffer against unpredictable workforce demand in the healthcare sector.

By End-User: Hospitals Lead Demand Fueled by Critical Care Needs and Staffing Challenges

In terms of By End-User, Hospitals contribute the highest share of the Short Term Nursing Staffing Market, driven primarily by the intensive and dynamic nature of hospital care that requires a steady availability of skilled nursing personnel. Hospitals are at the forefront of acute patient care, handling diverse medical cases from emergency interventions to specialized surgeries, which often translates into unpredictable staffing requirements. The complexity of hospital operations necessitates a flexible nursing workforce capable of supporting various departments under fluctuating workloads. Increasing patient acuity and longer hospital stays have highlighted the critical need for staffing solutions that can quickly adapt to changing care demands, thereby accentuating the reliance on short-term nursing staff. Furthermore, hospitals face ongoing challenges related to nursing shortages, burnout, and turnover, which elevate the importance of short-term staffing options to maintain patient care quality and compliance with nurse-to-patient ratios. Hospitals also benefit from temporary and contract nursing personnel during peak periods like flu seasons, public health crises, or infrastructure expansions. The rise in specialty care within hospitals, such as intensive care units and surgical wards, demands specific nursing skill sets that can be supplemented by short-term hires. Technological advancements and integrated workforce management systems in hospitals have facilitated seamless onboarding of temporary nurses, enhancing utilization rates and operational continuity.

By Specialization: ICU Nursing Dominates Due to High Skilled Demand and Patient Criticality

In terms of By Specialization, ICU Nursing holds the largest share in the Short Term Nursing Staffing Market, reflecting the specialized skill requirements and intense care environment associated with intensive care units. ICU nurses are trained to handle critically ill patients who need constant monitoring, complex interventions, and rapid response to medical emergencies. Given the demanding nature of ICU nursing, healthcare facilities often experience significant challenges in sustaining adequate staffing levels, particularly because of high burnout rates and the rigorous qualifications needed for these roles. Short-term ICU nursing staffing allows hospitals and care centers to ensure continuous expert care without compromising on quality during staff shortages or unexpected patient inflows. The growth of technologically advanced life-support systems and the increasing prevalence of chronic illnesses requiring critical care amplify the demand for specialized ICU nurses on flexible arrangements. Furthermore, the COVID-19 pandemic underscored the essential role of ICU nurses and accelerated the reliance on short-term staffing to manage surges in critically ill patients. Staffing agencies offering ICU nursing personnel are equipped to provide rigorously screened and highly trained professionals, supporting institutions in meeting accreditation standards and patient safety protocols. This specialization's dominance is indicative of the healthcare sector's prioritization of critical care excellence balanced with operational adaptability.

Regional Insights:

Dominating Region: North America

In North America, the Short Term Nursing Staffing Market holds a dominant position due to the region's well-established healthcare infrastructure, high demand for flexible staffing solutions, and a robust regulatory framework that supports temporary healthcare employment. The presence of numerous large healthcare providers and staffing agencies facilitates rapid deployment of nursing professionals to meet fluctuating patient care needs. Additionally, government policies such as Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement models encourage healthcare facilities to maintain an adaptable workforce to manage demand surges. The market ecosystem benefits from strong technological integration, including digital platforms that streamline staffing operations. Key players like AMN Healthcare, Cross Country Healthcare, and Aya Healthcare contribute significantly by offering expansive networks of qualified nursing staff and innovative staffing solutions that cater to diverse healthcare settings.

Fastest-Growing Region: Asia Pacific

Meanwhile, the Asia Pacific region exhibits the fastest growth in the Short Term Nursing Staffing Market driven by rising healthcare expenditure, increasing patient populations, and expanding healthcare infrastructure in emerging economies. Government initiatives focusing on improving healthcare access and quality, such as expanded insurance coverage and investments in hospital capacities, have escalated the need for flexible nursing staff. The industry presence is intensifying with both local and international staffing firms entering the market, capitalizing on the growing demand for skilled nursing professionals. Trade dynamics, including cross-border nurse migration and partnerships between regional healthcare providers and staffing agencies, further propel market expansion. Notable companies making strides here include Raffles Medical Group, ManpowerGroup, and local staffing firms like Medifi, which leverage technology and localized knowledge to effectively meet staffing needs.

Short Term Nursing Staffing Market Outlook for Key Countries

United States

The United States market remains the largest and most mature within North America, supported by a complex healthcare environment that demands agile staffing to address seasonal and emergency-related fluctuations. Established companies such as AMN Healthcare and Cross Country Healthcare dominate the space through extensive vetting processes and nationwide staffing networks. Their technological platforms enable quick placement of nursing staff across hospitals, outpatient centers, and long-term care facilities. The U.S. government's focus on healthcare quality and patient safety continues to influence nursing staffing standards, reinforcing demand for highly qualified temporary nursing personnel.

Canada

Canada's market is characterized by a publicly funded healthcare system that emphasizes equal service access, driving demand for short-term nursing staffing to manage wait times and employee shortages in remote areas. The government's support for workforce mobility and training programs helps maintain a skilled nursing pool. Prominent firms like Medical Solutions and Bayshore HealthCare work closely with provincial health authorities to provide customized staffing solutions, ensuring efficient coverage of healthcare facilities across urban and rural regions.

United Kingdom

The United Kingdom continues to lead in Europe owing to its National Health Service (NHS), which regularly relies on short-term nursing staff to address workforce gaps and seasonal demands. Government policies aimed at improving healthcare delivery have also increased funding for nursing workforce planning. Agencies such as Pulse Radiology and HCL Workforce Solutions play pivotal roles by supplying locum nurses and temporary healthcare professionals, supported by regulatory frameworks that facilitate mobility and temporary employment within the NHS ecosystem.

Germany

Germany's market benefits from a strong healthcare infrastructure and a well-regulated labor market that supports temporary nursing staffing through clear compliance guidelines and social security provisions. The increasing number of elderly patients in need of care creates sustained demand for flexible nursing solutions. Leading players like Pluss Personalmanagement and Experis Health cater to this demand by integrating digital tools with localized recruitment strategies, enabling healthcare providers to manage workforce shortages efficiently.

Australia

Australia's short-term nursing staffing market is shaped by a decentralized healthcare system and ongoing efforts to improve healthcare access in both urban and remote regions. Government incentives encourage nursing workforce development and flexible staffing arrangements, especially in under-served areas. Companies such as Programmed Health and Healthcare Australia contribute significantly by offering tailored staffing services that address the unique challenges presented by geographic and demographic diversity. The presence of digital staffing platforms facilitates real-time nurse deployment, enhancing responsiveness to healthcare providers' needs.

Market Report Scope

Market Segmentation

Service Type Insights (Revenue, USD, 2020 - 2032)

• Temporary Nursing Staffing
• Per Diem Nursing Staffing
• Travel Nursing Staffing
• Contract Nursing Staffing
• Others

End-user Insights (Revenue, USD, 2020 - 2032)

• Hospitals
• Long-Term Care Facilities
• Ambulatory Care Centers
• Home Healthcare Agencies
• Others

Specialization Insights (Revenue, USD, 2020 - 2032)

• ICU Nursing
• Geriatric Nursing
• Pediatric Nursing
• Surgical Nursing
• Others

Regional Insights (Revenue, USD, 2020 - 2032)

• North America
• U.S.
• Canada
• Latin America
• Brazil
• Argentina
• Mexico
• Rest of Latin America
• Europe
• Germany
• U.K.
• Spain
• France
• Italy
• Russia
• Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
• China
• India
• Japan
• Australia
• South Korea
• ASEAN
• Rest of Asia Pacific
• Middle East
• GCC Countries
• Israel
• Rest of Middle East
• Africa
• South Africa
• North Africa
• Central Africa

Key Players Insights

• Aya Healthcare
• AMN Healthcare Services
• Cross Country Healthcare
• CHG Healthcare Services
• Maxim Healthcare Services
• Supplemental Health Care
• Nurses PRN
• Medical Solutions
• FlexCare Medical Staffing
• Soliant Health
• Supplemental HealthCare
• Interim HealthCare
• ProLink Staffing
• RNnetwork
• Fusion Medical Staffing
• Trusted Health
• TSG Consulting
• Envision Healthcare