​Healthcare workforce planning is the process of evaluating current workforce capacity, anticipating future needs, and determining how an organization will secure the people and skills required to meet patient demand and organizational goals.

​This article examines five common obstacles that disrupt credentialing and explores practical strategies organizations can use to address them.

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​Market pressures are forcing healthcare systems to look for savings in every corner, and one category that is often overlooked is healthcare software costs. A 2023 analysis of more than 5,000 US hospitals found IT operating expenses average 2.29% of total operating budgets, or more than $9.5 million per hospital.

​Workforce readiness in healthcare is an organization’s capacity to confirm that its staff have the right skills, credentials, and availability to deliver safe, effective care. It connects competency management, credentialing, staffing, education, and workforce data into a single strategic concern for health system leaders.

This article defines healthcare workforce planning and management, explains why it's a strategic imperative, and outlines the practical steps leaders can take to build a more prepared workforce. ​

HealthStream is pleased to announce its participation as an exhibitor at Workday Rising 2026, Workday’s premier conference for HR, finance, and technology leaders, taking place October 12–15 in Las Vegas, Nevada. This annual event brings together the Workday community to explore the latest innovations in AI, product strategy, workforce transformation, and practical approaches for driving measurable business outcomes. We look forward to connecting with attendees, sharing how HealthStream supports evolving workforce needs, and engaging in meaningful conversations about the future of work.