What One Hospital Learned About Travel CNAs (and How It Saved Them)

When most healthcare leaders think of travel staffing, they think of nurses. But for one regional hospital struggling with sudden staffing shortages, the real game-changer wasn’t a travel RN—it was a travel CNA.

Here’s how the hospital discovered the value of travel CNAs, what they learned from the experience, and how Dreamers Healthcare Staffing helped them keep their patient care standards intact.

The Situation: Unexpected Gaps and Patient Overflow

The hospital was already dealing with staffing strain due to turnover and an upcoming expansion in one of its med-surg units. Then came the unexpected—two CNAs on the night shift resigned with no notice, and another went on emergency leave.

Patient volume was climbing, and the hospital faced a harsh reality: either find immediate help or overload the remaining team.

The Traditional Fixes Didn’t Work

• Local PRN lists were tapped out. The facility had already called every per diem contact available.
• Overtime was maxed. The existing team was exhausted and already working extra hours.
• Internal float pool wasn’t enough. Other units were short too—no one to spare.

Leadership was hesitant about using travel CNAs. They had only used travel nurses before and weren’t sure CNAs traveled, or if it would make financial sense.

What Changed Their Mind

A quick consultation with Dreamers Healthcare Staffing cleared things up.

We explained that:

• Travel CNAs are in growing demand—and widely available
• They can be placed for several weeks or months, with housing included
• They arrive ready to work, fully credentialed, and oriented quickly

With no better options, the facility gave the green light.

The Outcome: Stability and Relief

Dreamers placed two travel CNAs within days. They were credentialed, experienced, and willing to take night shifts—the exact coverage needed. Here’s what happened next:

• Night shift coverage stabilized immediately
• Patient complaints dropped (response times improved)
• Staff morale improved (full-time CNAs felt supported again)
• Turnover paused (other CNAs reconsidered resigning)

The travel CNAs filled the gaps, and the facility extended both contracts. One even converted to a permanent hire after her second assignment ended.

What the Hospital Learned

• Travel CNAs are a flexible, fast-response resource—not just for emergencies, but for smart planning
• The cost was more manageable than expected—especially compared to the cost of burnout and turnover
• When a staffing partner already understands your needs, solutions are just a phone call away

Not Just a Fix—A Strategy

Travel CNAs aren’t a last resort. They’re a strategic way to maintain care quality, protect your team, and respond to changing needs—without compromise.

At Dreamers Healthcare Staffing, we help hospitals and skilled nursing facilities use every staffing option to their advantage—including the ones they may not know they need.

Need coverage you can count on? Let’s talk about travel CNAs.

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