Per diem staffing for busy season: Three actions you can take right now. 

Just like that, busy season is here again. 

Maybe your phone is already buzzing with callouts, or you’re beginning to notice the number of open beds slowly dwindling. 

Before you panic, take a deep breath. Early preparation is consistently the most impactful factor for a successful busy season. With the seasons just starting to change, you still have time before the surge peaks. 

If you’re still feeling behind, you’re in luck. We’re here to give you a head start on your busy season staffing strategy. 

We pulled the data from the last three busy seasons and compiled a list of trends we’ve observed in busy season per diem staffing and actions to help you prepare for this year’s surge.  

Buckle up, get your schedule ready, and let’s dive in. 

Trend #1: The earlier per diem staffing requests are posted, the better

Over the past three years, our data shows that December remains the busiest month, with the peak occurring the first or second week. 

The surge in postings isn’t just related to higher patient volumes. Busy season creates the perfect storm of factors to increase demand while simultaneously decreasing the number of available staff at any given moment. 

While demand will peak the first week in December, busy season officially starts on the first day of Q4, and for behavioral health facilities, your busiest month is October. 

Set aside time this week to go over scheduled time off for Q4, look back at previous season’s trends, and take note of any current position shortages that could pose problems.

Busy season impacts every facility type, from ASCs to hospitals to behavioral health facilities, meaning the longer you wait to post your shifts, the more competition you’ll have with every other facility in the area needing coverage. 

The outcome is astronomically high agency rates, which can derail your Q4 budget within just a few postings. The earlier you post shifts, the more advantage you have in booking your top-choice professionals without paying a higher rate because you have to utilize an agency. There’s a premium for last-minute labor, so keep your budget in check by starting now. 

Action #1: Start planning now.

Trend #2: Operating room staff are in high demand

There are always certain positions that are harder to fill regardless of the time of year. 

Demand for PACU RNs has grown 18% year-over-year and has come in #1 for the most-posted role during busy season. The demand for OR RNs has grown 29% in that same window, and surgical tech postings have grown 16%. 

While demand has grown for these positions, the supply pool hasn’t kept up at a rate that can withstand the increased demand, especially factoring in the number of facilities that need these positions. 

Especially for hospitals and ASCs, posting shifts ahead for these high-demand positions can create a safety net for busy season. Building a bench can alleviate some of the stress of unexpected call-outs during flu season. Even if the surge pans out, you know you won’t be short on the most highly sought-after positions. 

Action #2: Tally up the number of these positions you have, the number you need, and start posting requests now. 

Trend #3: Don’t fall for the November lull

One of the most common mistakes we see is falling for the November lull. Throughout October, most facilities will see a steady incline in patient demand and per diem staffing needed…until November. Compared to October and December, November has seen an 8-10% dip in shift postings over the years, lulling administrators into a false sense of security. 

It’s imperative not to fall for it. Assuming the lull means needs are dying down is a surefire way to make December even busier. Going into the peak of busy season already understaffed leads to expensive rates and a competition between facilities for the available nurses and health professionals. 

Continuing to post shifts throughout November might seem counterintuitive if there’s a slight dip, but maintaining per diem staffing even when there’s a lull means your full-time staff can take adequate breaks, and your planning will make the shift into December seamless.

Action #3: Create consistency in November for a successful December. 

Busy season starts now. Are you ready? 

As busy season 2026 is ramping up, it’s crucial to prepare for a surge in demand due to more open positions, more demand, and an increase in patient load.