A health system should start with a specific recruiting problem, a defined group of candidates, and a clear measure of improvement. Talent acquisition and HR technology leaders can examine where applicants encounter delays, where recruiters spend time on repetitive work, and how those issues affect hiring. Those findings should guide the initial use case and technology evaluation. Before expanding, check that AI supports sound hiring decisions and preserves candidates' access to human support.

At HR Healthcare, Ryan Toedtman, Manager of Talent Acquisition & Human Resources AI Integration at UCHealth, described how candidate experience shaped the organization's approach. "Our evaluation starts with the process," he said, "and really understanding what is the problem we're trying to solve." Recruiters working during the day struggled to connect with night-shift nurses, creating repeated phone calls and screening delays. UCHealth introduced around-the-clock AI screening for selected nursing roles, involved recruiters in vendor selection, and worked with nursing leaders to shape the screening process.

A separate conference discussion highlighted how employees need to prepare in order to use AI effectively. One health system described building an AI academy that combines foundational learning about governance, ethics, and appropriate tool use with advanced work on identifying operational problems and developing process improvements.

For CHROs, talent acquisition leaders, and HR technology teams, a practical next step is to map one hiring workflow and select a manageable pilot. Record current screening times, candidate completion, and recruiter effort, then agree on what improvement would justify expansion. Include recruiters and relevant clinical leaders in evaluation, retain a human screening option, and review candidate feedback alongside operational results.

Join the upcoming HR Healthcare conference to explore how peers are selecting recruiting AI use cases, preparing their teams, and evaluating the impact on hiring.