What long-term recruiting measures should US hospitals strive for?

Answer 1

This is almost an impossible question, as there is little long term planning in the health field.
If I were a hospital administrator of a financially sound hospital,I think I would focus on
1) establishing healthy relationships with physicians and nurses, as word gets around. If your staff says the hospital stinks, others wont join. These relationships need to be collaborative.
2) Plan with your professional staff growth opportunities for them as individuals.
3) Establish and in house professional training and skills maintenance program that is positive, not training to provide legal cover.
4) Maintain quality in personnel. Keeping incompetent or otherwise unsuitable staff will lead to great problems. When hiring, all hires to be on a "probationary" status, requiring in house peer review of quality service.

Answer 2

And summarizing, the best recruiting tool is having a top notch facility, with a top notch quality, dedicated staff. Word gets around.