As healthcare systems continue to face budget constraints and workforce shortages, the search for solutions that can deliver both cost savings and high-quality care becomes even more critical. One such solution that’s often misunderstood but has the potential to deliver significant benefits is the use of per diem staffing and float pools. While these staffing models are sometimes met with skepticism regarding their impact on care quality, when executed properly, they can be powerful tools for improving financial outcomes without compromising patient care.
Debunking the myth that float pools reduce care quality
There is a prevailing myth in healthcare that float pools, staff who move between different units or facilities, may lead to decreased quality of care due to a perceived lack of familiarity with specific teams or environments. Float pools can actually improve care delivery by offering flexibility and ensuring that the right number of qualified professionals are available when and where they’re needed most.
It’s important to recognize that float pool nurses and per diem staff are often highly skilled and experienced professionals who have a broad set of competencies across multiple units. In fact, many float pool nurses prefer the variety of working in different settings, which not only keeps them engaged but allows them to bring fresh perspectives and best practices to different teams. Additionally, training programs that focus on unit-specific protocols can be implemented to ensure that staff are well-prepared for each assignment.
The key to maintaining quality care with float pools lies in ongoing communication, collaboration, and a strong orientation program. By ensuring that float pool nurses receive the same training and updates as permanent staff, and by encouraging a culture of teamwork, facilities can maximize the benefits of this staffing model without sacrificing care quality.
Real-world benefits of a per diem model
The per diem staffing model, where nurses are brought in on an as-needed basis, offers multiple advantages in both cost savings and quality maintenance. One of the most significant benefits is the flexibility it provides. Per diem nurses are a great solution for handling short-term spikes in patient volume or covering for staff absences without the long-term commitment of hiring full-time employees. This flexibility helps healthcare organizations reduce the need for expensive overtime pay or agency staff, both of which can lead to unsustainable costs over time.
Beyond cost savings, per diem nurses can contribute to continuity of care by helping fill gaps in staffing without the disruption of frequent turnover. Healthcare systems can use per diem staff to fill shifts during peak periods while ensuring that patients continue to receive the care they need without sacrificing continuity or the quality of their treatment. Additionally, per diem staff can be trained to support various units within a facility, creating a more agile workforce that can step in where needed most.
Furthermore, per diem staffing models can reduce burnout among full-time staff. By utilizing per diem nurses to cover extra shifts or support understaffed units, permanent employees are able to maintain a better work-life balance, which ultimately results in improved job satisfaction and retention.
The strategic role of float pools and per diem nurses in healthcare
By strategically implementing float pools and per diem staffing models, healthcare organizations can achieve greater flexibility, cost-effectiveness, and scalability, while also maintaining high standards of patient care. The real-world application of these models has proven to be an effective way of addressing both staffing challenges and financial pressures without compromising the quality of care.
As healthcare systems continue to evolve, it’s clear that these models have an important place in future workforce strategies. They offer a pathway to a more adaptive, cost-conscious, and efficient approach to staffing that meets the needs of both healthcare organizations and the patients they serve.
Incorporating per diem and float pools into staffing strategies is not just about cost-saving, it’s about creating a more sustainable, flexible healthcare workforce that enhances both the quality of care and the work environment for all. The future of healthcare staffing isn’t about choosing between quality and cost; it’s about finding the balance that allows both to thrive.
A personal reflection
Having worked as a nurse and a director of nursing for many years, I’ve seen firsthand the impact that staffing challenges can have on patient care and staff morale. There were times when we were short-staffed, and the pressure was immense, not just for the nurses, but for the patients relying on us. Looking back, I often think how much easier those moments could’ve been if something like Medely had existed at the time. Today, Medely helps facilities quickly find qualified, credentialed nurses through a technology platform that simplifies scheduling and streamlines staffing.
The ability to quickly access qualified, flexible nurses to fill those gaps would have eased the burden on our teams, reduced burnout, and most importantly, helped us deliver the high-quality care that our patients deserved.
I firmly believe that utilizing per diem staff and float pools doesn’t compromise the quality of care. In fact, it enhances the ability to maintain high standards while offering the flexibility needed to meet staffing demands. This is precisely why I am so passionate about the work we do at Medely, because I’ve lived these challenges, and I know that the right staffing solution can make all the difference.
For more information on how to optimize your staffing strategy, visit medely.com
