Preparing Your Facility for Seasonal Demand: A Staffing Checklist

Every healthcare facility experiences seasonal fluctuations in demand. Whether it's flu season, holiday schedules, or regional surges, the key to maintaining care quality and staff morale is preparation.

A well-planned staffing strategy can prevent last-minute scrambling, reduce burnout, and ensure your patients continue receiving the highest standard of care. Here’s a straightforward checklist to help your facility prepare.

1. Review Last Year’s Patterns

Take a look at last year’s staffing and census data:

• Which months had the highest call-outs or overtime?
• When did patient volumes spike?
• Were there any quality or satisfaction issues during high-demand periods?

Understanding these trends will help you anticipate and plan more effectively.

2. Identify Your Most Vulnerable Shifts

Evaluate which shifts typically face the most strain:

• Nights, weekends, and holidays
• Weather-related closures or flu outbreaks
• Survey periods or peak vacation times

These are the areas where additional support should be prioritized.

3. Update Your PRN and Float Pool Strategy

Your per diem and PRN staff serve as your facility’s safety net. If your float pool is too small or outdated, now is the time to refresh and expand it. Having access to on-call professionals ensures you’re never caught short.

Dreamers Healthcare Staffing maintains a roster of qualified, credentialed PRN staff ready to step in on short notice.

4. Consider Travel Staff for Extended High Demand

If you’re expecting several weeks or months of increased volume, travel nurses and CNAs can provide consistent coverage without overstretching your permanent staff.

Dreamers provides fully credentialed travel clinicians and handles housing and logistics, so your team can stay focused on patient care.

5. Establish a Staffing Partner Before the Rush

The best time to find a staffing partner is before you need one. When a gap suddenly appears, it’s too late to start from scratch. Having a relationship in place ensures that help is just a phone call away.

Dreamers Healthcare Staffing works proactively with healthcare employers nationwide to ensure smooth operations during even the busiest seasons.

Be Ready Before the Demand Hits

A seasonal surge doesn’t have to mean stress, burnout, or gaps in care. With a smart plan and the right staffing partner, your facility can meet increased demand with confidence and control.

Dreamers Healthcare Staffing is ready to help you build the plan, the team, and the peace of mind.

Let’s get you fully staffed now.

Request staff today »