Rural hospitals face unique challenges when it comes to staffing. With limited resources, fluctuating patient volumes, and geographical isolation, maintaining consistent and high-quality care can be difficult. That’s where hybrid staffing models come in. By combining different staffing approaches—such as Locum Tenens, Block Shifts, 24-Hour Guaranteed Shifts, and Per Diem—rural hospitals can create a flexible and efficient solution that meets their specific needs.
In this blog, we’ll explore the top five benefits of hybrid staffing models and how they can help rural hospitals manage their workforce while maintaining exceptional patient care.
1. Flexibility to Match Fluctuating Patient Volumes
Rural hospitals often experience seasonal fluctuations in patient volumes, which can make it difficult to maintain an optimal staffing level year-round. During peak seasons, such as summer tourism or harvest times, patient demand may increase, requiring more staff. Conversely, off-season periods might result in lower demand.
Hybrid staffing models allow rural hospitals to adjust their workforce based on current needs. For example:
- Locum Tenens: Temporary providers can be brought in during peak periods to cover the extra demand, ensuring that patients receive timely care without overwhelming the existing staff.
- Per Diem: This staffing model allows hospitals to call in additional staff on an as-needed basis, giving rural facilities the flexibility to adapt to fluctuating patient volumes without overcommitting resources.
By using a combination of staffing models, rural hospitals can maintain high levels of care while adjusting staffing levels in response to patient demand.
2. Cost-Effective Staffing Solutions
Budget constraints are a common issue for rural hospitals. Staffing full-time providers year-round, even when patient volumes are low, can be a costly burden. Hybrid staffing models provide a cost-effective solution by allowing hospitals to allocate their budget more efficiently.
- Block Shifts: Utilizing providers for scheduled block shifts ensures that coverage is consistent during times of need, while minimizing unnecessary expenses during slower periods.
- 24-Hour Guaranteed Shifts: Rural hospitals can ensure round-the-clock coverage without the need to employ multiple full-time providers. This model gives facility managers peace of mind knowing coverage is available if someone calls out.
With hybrid staffing models, rural hospitals can achieve the balance between cost control and quality care, optimizing resource allocation for the best possible outcomes. At Wapiti, our focus is to keep rural health alive and sustainable. We have decades of experience in rural healthcare leadership and we know our responsibility to be the financial stewards of the resources your facility trusts us with.
3. Improved Continuity of Care
One of the concerns with temporary staffing is the potential for disruptions in patient care continuity. Whether working with block shifts or locum tenens, we believe these providers can be strategically integrated into your permanent staff and become a familiar part of your operations. Here are a few differentiators that ensure we provide the continuity of care you desire:
- Value-Based Care Models: We prioritize patients outcomes and encourage providers to share the industry leading practices they have gained through their traveling experiences.
- Collaborative Coaching: We provide coaching to help our providers continue developing their skill sets and strengthening their relationships. This personal approach not only improves the provider experience, but also helps our facility partners get the best possible results.
4. Alleviation of Staff Burnout
Staff burnout is a significant issue in rural healthcare, where full-time providers are often stretched thin due to high patient loads and limited backup. Hybrid staffing models provide relief by allowing hospitals to bring in temporary or part-time providers to cover shifts, giving full-time staff the rest they need.
- Per Diem: This on-demand staffing model helps to cover shifts when permanent staff are unavailable, reducing the burden on full-time employees and helping to prevent burnout.
- 24-Hour Guaranteed Shifts: Hospitals can guarantee that providers are available, ensuring that full-time staff aren’t required to work overtime or take on excessive shifts.
By incorporating these flexible staffing options, rural hospitals can create a supportive environment that promotes the well-being of their healthcare providers.
Conclusion: Hybrid Staffing Models for Rural Hospitals
Hybrid staffing models are a powerful solution for rural hospitals looking to address their unique staffing challenges. By combining Locum Tenens, Block Shifts, 24-Hour Guaranteed Shifts, and Per Diem staffing options, rural healthcare facilities can achieve the flexibility, cost-efficiency, and continuity needed to deliver exceptional care.
At Wapiti Medical Staffing, we specialize in creating customized hybrid staffing solutions that meet the needs of rural hospitals. Whether you’re dealing with fluctuating patient volumes, budget constraints, or the need for specialized care, we can help you build a workforce that ensures high-quality, continuous care for your patients.
Contact us to learn how our hybrid staffing models can support your rural hospital and improve your staffing efficiency.