5 Staffing Strategies for Engaged Nurses Better Patient Outcomes | 11
low census in one unit, another nurse who will be
going into overtime is getting called in to meet
increased staffing needs in another unit. Even
though the nurse going home is fully qualified to
fill the open shift and would appreciate working
rather than going home, the lack of visibility
means the connection is never made. That leads
to increased costs and a drop in staff satisfaction.
Collaborative Staffing provides interdepartmental
visibility and communication. With full insight into
available shifts that they are qualified to work,
nurses and other frontline staff can fill staffing holes
outside their home unit. Everyone reaps the benefits
of this approach with system-wide staff optimization,
decreased overtime and premium labor costs, and
increased employee engagement.
Pitfall 3: Lack of standardized
staffing policies organization-wide.
Policies regarding overtime, holiday schedules and
incentive programs should be consistent across the
entire organization. Employees appreciate being
treated fairly and equitably, and inconsistent staffing
practices can create actual or perceived inequities.
Within the Collaborative Staffing model, transparency
drives consistency and fairness. Standardized staffing
policies create a level playing field, which can lead
to a more unified workforce, all working together to
meet the challenges of staffing and scheduling.
