The holiday season brings to mind thoughts of festivity, shining lights, and joyful spirits. It’s a time for family, camaraderie, friendship, and delicious food—but don’t forget the fine print: time off! It’s ironic that such a cheerful season can also be a source of stress for many staffing managers and recruiters.

At White Glove, our goal is to be a healthcare staffing partner you can rely on, regardless of the circumstances. We are dedicated to helping you maintain the standard of care that our communities depend on, yes, also during the November through January craziness. So, besides serving up with temp staff you can rely on, we created this little guide, compiled from decades of experience. We hope you find these helpful!

Analyze Past Staffing Trends

One of the most effective ways to predict staffing needs for the upcoming holiday season is to look back at the previous year. Review your analytics to understand how many staff were required, any trends in inpatient admissions, and peak demand times. This historical data will provide valuable insights into how to prepare for the current year’s staffing challenges.

Provide Flexible Scheduling Options

Another way to maintain staff morale and ensure adequate coverage is to offer flexible scheduling options. Consider allowing your nurses to choose alternative days off or implement creative solutions that don’t necessitate bringing in outside staff. This approach can help staff feel valued and reduce burnout during the bustling holiday season.

Offer Competitive Rates

To retain your current nursing staff and attract additional help, consider offering competitive rates during the special season and select holiday dates. Make sure that your compensation structure reflects the high demand during the holidays. A little incentive can go a long way in making it worthwhile for nurses to stay on board during this crucial time.

Plan Ahead with Staffing Agencies

Collaborating with staffing agencies well in advance can spare you the last-minute rush. Secure a partnership with a reputable agency that specializes in healthcare staffing. This proactive approach will help ensure you have a contingency plan and can access qualified temporary staff when needed.

Per diem staffing saves the day

Per diem staffing makes the season manageable! Whether it’s planned staff time off or last minute absences, we’ve got a huge pool of talent who can step in at the nick of time. Best of all, you only pay for actual hours worked.

Happier holidays with White Glove Placement

By partnering with White Glove Staffing, you can create a positive atmosphere this season and year-round while ensuring your facility is supported by qualified healthcare professionals at a moment’s notice, reducing the stress of last-minute hiring. Get in touch with us to learn how we can help you!

Per diems have become increasingly popular, as more facilities are reaching out with per diem staffing requests, particularly with the upcoming holiday season approaching. Many facilities wonder about the advantages of per diems and how they compare to different staffing solutions. This blog is dedicated to answering those questions for everyone who has reached out, as well as for those who haven’t!

We will explore questions such as: In which circumstances are per diems beneficial? Are they more or less costly than contract nurses? How do they compare overall? Is it better to use overtime staff? What about a permanent float pool? If you’ve had any of these questions, keep reading!

Exploring time off: Do these circumstances sound familiar?

Time off comes in many shapes and forms, but whatever it is, we can feel left scrambling. Identifying the differences in PTO matters because it helps to develop a forward strategy. Generally, the focus should be less on the reason for the time off and more on its length, unit, and the frequency of such requests. These factors will determine which temporary staffing solution is most suitable for coverage.

• Staff time off
• Holiday leaves
• Vacation
• Peak patient times
• Last minute absences
• Other variable circumstances

Temporary staffing comes in many colors

Much like time off, there are various staffing models to fill the holes in your workforce, each offering unique advantages to meet your distinct demands.

Clinicians on Contract: In recent years, especially post-COVID, the temporary staffing market has shifted toward 13-week travel contracts. While these contracts can effectively cover extended absences and peak demand, they can be costly for addressing more sporadic or last-minute needs.

Overtime Clinicians: Utilizing on-staff members for overtime has always been a solid option to consider. Interestingly, it’s a first choice for many facilities, while for others, it’s a definite “nay.” However, this approach may lead to notable overtime costs.

Contracted Float Pool: Hiring a contracted float pool either for temporary contracts or on a long-term basis makes an efficient solution. Yet it also translates into incurring expenses for idle time to keep these clinicians employed when there isn’t a pressing need.

Per Diems: Although per diem staffing received minor attention in recent years, it has emerged as a significant trend thanks to its practicality and usefulness. Technology is making it easier to hire and assign these professionals. Per diem staffing agencies, such as White Glove, create a pool of experienced clinicians available for your facility. They assign professionals as needed, allowing your organization to pay only for the shifts actually worked.

Per diem staffing systems: White Glove per diem staffing change the game

Instant solution to fill your needs:

When it comes to covering time off, time is of the essence. At White Glove, we work quickly to step in to provide adequate staffing. Whether you know about the absence in advance or need last-minute coverage, we’re ready to staff at rapid speed.

Pay only for hours worked:

Per diems are the most cost-effective solution for time-off coverage. Why? You only pay for the time clinicians are actively engaged, eliminating costs associated with non-work time.

Seasoned clinicians who adapt quickly:

White Glove per diems are extensively trained and vetted for excellence. On average, they have 3 to 5 years of experience, allowing them to integrate seamlessly with your team. Furthermore, professionals who sign up for per diem jobs seek flexibility and thrive in quickly adjusting to new environments. Healthcare organizations consistently remark that White Glove clinicians feel like a natural part of the staff as soon as they arrive.

No contract commitment:

Flexibility is important in healthcare staffing. One week may see peak patient demands, while the next month might experience a significant decline of services. While analyzing past trends helps assess the future, it is impossible to predict need perfectly. Our no-contract commitment model allows you to use our services without being tied into long-term agreements.

Cheaper than travel contracts:

Travelers are generally paid more, and they usually work on 13-week contracts. Instead of having New York nurses travel to California and California nurses work in New York, local staffing solutions gives you direct access to qualified professionals in your area, which can help reduce overall staffing costs.

Local pros who get your culture:

Hiring local clinicians not only supports the community but also ensures that staff are familiar with regional healthcare practices and patient needs. Our clinicians understand the culture and expectations of your facility, leading to better communication and improved patient satisfaction.

Largest float pool of prescreened, qualified clinicians:

White Glove provide access to the largest float pool of prescreened and qualified clinicians. These professionals have undergone thorough vetting to guarantee they meet high standards of care. You can be confident that you are getting dedicated personnel prepared to offer exceptional service.

Per diem nursing agency + Allied staff+ Locum tenens:

Our staffing solutions cover a wide range of professionals, including nurses, allied health workers, and locum tenens. Whether you need a temporary nurse, a physical therapist, or a visiting physician, we have the expertise and staff to fulfill various roles, ensuring comprehensive support for your healthcare operations.

Healthcare float pool management: Stats that should grab your attention

• Per diems saves healthcare organizations over 80% by eliminating idle time; organizations only pay for hours worked.

• Per diem nursing agencies reported that the demand rose by 20% in 2023.

• 70% of nurses prioritize scheduling flexibility, encouraging more to pursue per diem roles.

• Over 60% of healthcare organizations are transitioning towards per diem staffing models.

• 75% of per diem clinicians have 2-5 years of bedside experience.

• Organizations that effectively utilize per diem staffing systems experience a 15% lower turnover rate, helping to reduce burnout among permanent staff.

Getting started with the top per diem staffing agency

• Reach out to our team to discuss your staffing needs.

• We will work together to create a temporary staffing strategy that best fits your company’s requirements.

• We will establish a float pool of clinicians in your area, ensuring we have qualified staff ready for immediate deployment.

• We will coordinate and schedule time off for staff in advance to ensure optimal coverage and minimal disruption.

• We understand that emergencies can arise. If you find yourself in need of last-minute staffing solutions, contact us right away. We are dedicated to providing support quickly to keep your operations running smoothly.

Not sure where to start? Book your free consultation

Are you thinking, “nice and all but will per diems really complement our institution’s staffing needs?” We understand your concerns. A solid staffing solution depends on your specific requirements. For a limited time, you can schedule a free consultation with our expert staffing consultant. Together, we will review your facility’s goals and determine the best strategy to help you move forward.

When healthcare organizations stand at the crossroads of allied staffing and outsourcing solutions, there’s much to be said and explored. Allied staffing is a critical branch of healthcare staffing, ranging from various specialties that keep the wheels going at our hospitals and facilities. Choosing a reliable allied staffing agency with a strong presence in the allied industry can reduce staffing stress, promote a healthy workforce, and contribute to the quality of patient care.

Factors to consider about allied health agencies

There are three primary concerns regarding selecting a random allied health agency. First, Allied roles are a relatively new wave in the industry, and many agencies in the market are still fairly new, experimenting with the industry and learning the ropes. Furthermore, some agencies excel in nursing and have expanded into allied health; however, they may have weaker capabilities in allied staffing. Last but not least, when you do talk about a specialized allied health agency, it would be difficult to work with an agency that does solely allied health. Healthcare organizations find it way more streamlined to collaborate with an agency like White Glove placement with an equal umbrella over allied health, nursing, and locum tenens staffing versus dealing with a couple of different partners for each specialization. Depending on the organization’s needs, you should seek a company that offers allied health travel agency services as well as allied temporary staffing and permanent hiring options to meet your requirements.

Locking in an adequate allied health staffing partner

There’s a tremendous difference between an empowered search and an unknowing one. Knowledge is so powerful; it allows you to take the lead toward the outcome you are looking for, instead of being led down a path that may not work for your organization’s objectives at all. From our expertise to your plan sheet, three quick tips for doing your allied staffing homework with a proactive strategy.

Step one: Set your expectations for your allied health staffing agency

Taking the time to reflect on your institution’s goals before beginning your search is a valuable investment. Clarify your objectives: Are you looking for rapid staffing to cover last-minute absences, seeking travel contracts easily, or aiming for higher quality hires? Consider what success and challenges looked like in the past and identify the contributing factors. Having multiple goals isn’t unrealistic, but realistically possible, that is, when you are consciously aware of them! This clarity will help you communicate your expectations to the staffing agency effectively. Once you have outlined your goals and expectations, you’ll be ready to start your search.

Step two: Set out for the allied health agency search

Research is a basic preliminary screening process to get to a solid allied healthcare staffing. A company’s website can reveal a lot about its core values, while Google reviews from both healthcare organizations and employees can provide insight into the workplace environment—happy clinicians perform better, fact of life.

Step three: Interview the top prospective allied healthcare staffing companies

When onboarding an agency, asking the right questions is crucial for your success moving forward. Being one step ahead can save you many challenges later on. Most importantly, prioritize the interview with the company. Be cautious not to be swayed by impressive PowerPoint presentations. Instead, focus on listening carefully and asking the right questions.

Not sure where to start? Here are some targeted questions to help you get to the core of the matter and gather the information you need.

12 pre-sign up questions for allied medical staffing success

Can your allied agency accommodate our scale?

Why it matters: Understanding whether an allied agency can support your facility’s volume, come first and foremost. This question assesses their capacity to manage your volume of staffing requests, ensuring they can seamlessly provide the necessary personnel during peak times or special requirements.

What is your allied staffing process?

Why it matters: This question allows you to evaluate the agency’s methodology in sourcing, vetting, and placing allied professionals. Understanding their process gives insight into the quality, reliability, and suitability of candidates they provide.

What does your onboarding process look like?

Why it matters: A thorough onboarding process helps integrating new staff effectively and ensuring candidates are starting on time. This question also enables you to gauge how the agency ensures that new hires understand their roles and the specific environment they’ll be working in, ultimately leading to better performance and satisfaction.

How extensive is your pipeline of available allied health professionals?

Why it matters: The depth of an agency’s talent pool directly affects their ability to fulfill your staffing requests promptly. This question helps you understand the agency’s market presence and connections, which indicates their efficiency in providing qualified candidates when needed.

Which areas of healthcare staffing do you specialize in? Is your main strength as an allied travel agency, allied temporary staffing, or permanent recruitment, or all the above?

Why it matters: While many agencies may generalize in staffing, specialized knowledge in allied health roles is necessary to address the unique challenges within this sector. This question ensures that the agency has the expertise to find the right professionals for your specific needs.

What would successful allied staffing for our facility look like to you?

Why it matters: Having a shared vision for the success of the partnership ensures that goals and expectations are established correctly. This question provides clarity regarding the previous success of the allied staffing provider to determine if they meet your expectations for outcomes.

How soon can we expect you to fill open positions?

Why it matters: Timeliness in staffing can mean the difference between a well-functioning unit and a chaotic environment. Knowing the expected timeframe for filling vacancies allows you to plan accordingly and manage your team effectively.

Which benefits do you offer to employees?

Why it matters: Attracting top talent often hinges on the benefits agencies can provide. This question helps you understand the competitive edge the agency has in recruiting skilled professionals, as favorable benefits can lead to higher retention rates.

How do you assist professionals in their roles?

Why it matters: Understanding how an agency supports its staff after placement can reveal the commitment of professionals to their roles. This question highlights the support, resources, and connections available to allied health workers, which ultimately impacts the continuity of these professionals within the agency. This, in turn, affects the quality of service delivered to patients. At White Glove Placement, we place great importance on our clinicians’ experiences to ensure they feel valued, appreciated, and heard. We offer an excellent benefits package, events, and other perks, which contribute to our retention rates being among the highest in the industry.

Can you share the procedures in place if and when an issue arises?

Why it matters: Situations are bound to crop up when you talk about large institutions with numerous employees. This question allows you to gauge the agency’s crisis management strategies and ensures that there are clear procedures for effectively handling conflicts or performance issues.

What geographic areas do you cover for staffing?

Why it matters: Knowing the agency’s geographic scope of operations is important for planning. This question ensures they can provide staff to all locations where you may need support, avoiding service delivery gaps.

In the event that your allied health company is unable to provide staffing, what will happen?

Why it matters: It’s important to know the agency’s contingency plans. This question reveals how they handle unforeseen circumstances and whether they have a reliable backup strategy, which can be vital for maintaining workforce stability in your facility.

Pro tip: transparency is the answer you are looking for. If an agency answers that this ‘never happens,’ stay wary.

One little tip before you go:

We hope you find these questions helpful. Here is our last piece of advice. When you ask a question, leave it open-ended and wait quietly for the answer to come. Don’t give away the answer you are looking for. For instance, if you ask, “What is the scale you can accommodate?” don’t specify by saying, “Can you accommodate an organization with 100 vacancies a month?”

A while ago, we published a fantastic resource oninterviewing candidates for open positions. These tips also apply very well to interviewing healthcare staffing partners. Feel free to take a look!

Are you searching for an allied health professionals agency that works for you?

White Glove Placement is a leader in providing allied staffing, nursing, and locum assistance. Feel free to ask us anything! Contact us for a brief consultation, and we will be fully transparent about how we can help you achieve your goals.