The healthcare industry is entering 2026 amid rapid transformation. Patient demand is rising, digital systems are expanding, and hospitals are under pressure to maintain safe staffing levels across clinical, technical, and operational departments. For hiring managers, the challenge is clear: How do you recruit and retain the talent needed to keep hospitals running smoothly?
At Engage Partners, we work closely with major healthcare systems nationwide — giving us firsthand insight into where the hiring landscape is heading. Below are the top hiring predictions for 2026, specifically for medical leaders overseeing EPIC teams, nursing support staff, and hospital facility operations.
1. EPIC & Health IT Talent Will Be Among the Fastest-Growing Needs
As hospitals continue to modernize their digital infrastructure, the demand for EPIC-certified professionals will surge throughout 2026. Roles like EPIC Analysts, EPIC Trainers, Application Coordinators, and Reporting Specialists are becoming essential as new modules roll out and legacy systems require optimization.
Why this trend is accelerating:
- Continued federal incentives for digital health innovation
- Growth in telehealth and patient-facing portals
- Increased cybersecurity and compliance requirements
- Systemwide EHR expansions and upgrades
What hiring managers should do now:
- Build relationships with EPIC training pipelines
- Shorten hiring timelines for competitive candidates
- Offer clear career ladders and continuing education
Hospitals that fail to prioritize this talent pool will struggle to keep pace with digital demands.
2. Nursing Support Roles Will Be Critical to Patient Care Stability
While the nursing shortage receives much of the spotlight, the demand for nursing support positions is growing just as quickly. In 2026, hospitals will need to aggressively recruit and retain:
- CNAs
- Medical Assistants
- Surgical Technologists
- Patient Care Technicians
- Unit Clerks
- Phlebotomists
These roles are essential to quality care, reducing nurse burnout, and maintaining patient flow.
Key drivers behind this trend:
- Rising patient acuity
- Increased need for hands-on support
- Competition from post-acute and private care employers
- Higher turnover rates in entry-level clinical roles
How hiring managers can respond:
- Strengthen onboarding and mentorship programs
- Provide tuition reimbursement for career mobility
- Increase shift flexibility and scheduling autonomy
- Partner with staffing experts who understand clinical workflows
In 2026, hospitals that invest in nursing support will see major operational benefits — from improved patient satisfaction to reduced load on RNs.
3. Demand for Hospital Facility & Operations Staff Will Intensify
The backbone of hospital operations — environmental services, dietary teams, patient transport, and facility maintenance — will be more essential than ever. These roles directly influence patient experience, infection control, and day-to-day efficiency.
Why demand will grow:
- Higher hospital census numbers
- More regulatory focus on cleanliness and safety
- Expansion of outpatient and specialty facilities
- Increased turnover in hourly and shift-based roles
Best practices for 2026 hiring:
- Build year-round candidate pipelines
- Highlight benefits and growth opportunities
- Use streamlined, mobile-friendly applications
- Partner with recruiters who specialize in high-volume talent
Operational teams may not always be in the spotlight — but hospitals cannot function without them.
4. Speed & Candidate Experience Will Make or Break Hospital Hiring
Across every job category — EPIC, clinical support, and facility operations — the common theme for 2026 is urgency. Healthcare hiring managers must move faster and remove friction in the hiring process.
To attract top candidates, organizations should:
- Cut down interview rounds
- Clarify salary ranges early
- Use text-based communication
- Offer quicker onboarding for urgent roles
Healthcare employers who adapt will secure top talent long before competitors even schedule a second interview.
Position Your Hospital for Hiring Success in 2026
The year ahead will challenge even the most experienced medical hiring teams — but it also offers tremendous opportunity. By understanding changing workforce trends and partnering with specialized recruiters, hospitals can stay ahead of staffing needs and create a stronger, more resilient workforce.
Engage Partners works with healthcare organizations nationwide to source EPIC talent, nursing support specialists, and essential facility staff. Whether you need one critical hire or a full staffing strategy, we’re here to help you prepare for the demands of 2026.
👉 Ready to strengthen your hiring strategy? Contact Engage Partners today.
