In this installment of our Meet the Leader series, we shine a spotlight on Emmy Drouillard, General Manager at Epic Travel Staffing (an Epic Staffing Group company). Recently appointed Secretary-Treasurer of NATHO, Emmy is making waves in the travel healthcare industry with her leadership and vision. From her transition from workforce development to healthcare staffing to her insights on navigating post-pandemic challenges, Emmy’s journey is a compelling example of innovation and dedication.
Empowering Travel Healthcare: Emmy’s NATHO Board Appointment
The National Association of Travel Healthcare Organizations (NATHO) is a nonprofit organization made up of various travel healthcare agencies. NATHO serves as a guiding body for the travel healthcare industry, promoting industry best practices, providing educational information, and creating a safe space for advocacy.
In her original role as a member of the NATHO board of directors, Emmy took part in decision-making, developing strategic plans, and determining the direction of the association. Last February, Emmy was appointed Secretary-Treasurer of the NATHO 2024 Board of Directors. In this new role, Emmy is tasked with overseeing the association’s finances.
When asked about her thoughts on this appointment, Emmy expressed genuine enthusiasm for the role. She talked about NATHO’s progressive leadership model and how she is excited to take on more executive-level positions in the next term. Through her role, she is also able to connect with other agencies in the industry and learn about their challenges, struggles, and successes. “It’s wonderful how we are able to support each other and determine how, as an industry, we can put our best foot forward at all times,” said Emmy.
From Workforce Development to Healthcare Staffing
Emmy Drouillard comes from a workforce development background, helping graduates find promising careers in their chosen fields through professional development, resume writing workshops, and interview practices. While working at a for-profit school specializing in training allied healthcare professionals, Emmy led a team of account managers who connected with local employers to match them with a pool of qualified candidates.
Although her previous role wasn’t directly in the staffing industry, Emmy’s experience was closely aligned with staffing objectives, aiming to place individuals in suitable jobs. Transitioning into the healthcare staffing sector felt like a natural progression for Emmy. She seamlessly transferred her extensive knowledge and skills from her prior work to her current role at Epic Travel Staffing.
Navigating Post-Pandemic Waters: The Evolving Healthcare Staffing Landscape
Emmy views the healthcare staffing landscape as both unique and challenging. The COVID-19 pandemic, unlike anything seen in recent history, had an unprecedented impact on businesses and hospital operations worldwide. As society adjusts to the post-pandemic world, the industry faces significant fallouts and recalibration.
One of the main challenges is financial stability. Health systems experienced severe budget cuts during the pandemic, and despite federal support, funding eventually ran out. This economic strain has prompted a shift in staffing strategies. Before the pandemic, hospital systems heavily relied on contingent labor staffing. Now, they are restructuring to reduce dependence on travel staff and focus on increasing pay for permanent staff. This shift has, in some cases, led to unsafe nurse-to-patient ratios.
Despite the changes in the post-pandemic staffing landscape, Epic Travel Staffing continues to provide a unique value proposition that sets it apart in the industry. The Epic Travel Staffing team remains strategically focused, adapting to the changing market by prioritizing recruitment in areas where urgent and immediate support is needed. By working directly with clients to understand their specific pain points, the company can mobilize specialized teams to respond effectively. Epic Travel Staffing is proud to have recruiters specializing in multiple modalities, including Nursing, Allied Health, Cardiovascular, Rehab, Imaging, and Oncology, among others.
Beyond Travel Nursing: Epic’s Comprehensive Approach to Healthcare Staffing
Despite the challenging healthcare staffing landscape, Emmy remains confident in Epic Staffing Group’s ability to thrive and innovate. “If we were an agency that only offered travel nursing and travel allied, we wouldn’t be as relevant or successful right now,” remarked Emmy. “The fact that we have a very diverse business model gives us a unique edge in the market.”
Epic’s diversified platform allows it to address various healthcare needs through its International, Special Education, and Physician divisions. This strategic support across multiple sectors makes Epic Staffing Group an integral part of the healthcare industry.
“Thanks to our broad reach and the various strategic business units that fall under the Epic model, we pretty much have something to help everyone,” Emmy added. No matter what unique challenge a client may be facing, Emmy is confident Epic Staffing Group has a tailored business proposition to provide the necessary support.
Emmy encourages clients to reach out and start a conversation to explore how Epic can assist them. Epic’s unique mix of experienced and knowledgeable healthcare professionals enables the company to provide clients with valuable resources, innovative ideas, and exceptional support.
Leading the Charge: Emmy Drouillard’s Role in Strengthening Epic Travel Staffing
Emmy Drouillard’s journey underscores her significant role in advancing Epic Staffing Group’s mission within the travel healthcare industry. Her leadership at both Epic Travel Staffing and NATHO highlights her dedication to overcoming industry challenges and strengthening the company’s position. Through her ongoing efforts, Emmy is instrumental in ensuring that Epic Staffing Group continues to provide exceptional support and meet the evolving needs of the healthcare sector.
Epic Staffing Group is a diversified national provider of staffing services to the healthcare and biopharmaceutical industries. We focus on outsourced placement of talented and in-demand individuals in Life Sciences, Nursing, Allied Health, Children’s Physical & Behavioral Therapy, Cardiac & Cancer Treatment, Diagnostics and Imaging, Locum Tenens Surgical Services, and Interim Leadership. Check out our blog to learn more about the amazing leadership behind Epic’s continued success.