From flu season to holiday PTO, learn practical strategies to plan for peak healthcare staffing needs and leverage per diem staff effectively.

<p>Every healthcare facility faces staffing surges such as flu season, holiday vacations, or unexpected spikes in patient volume. These busy periods can strain your workforce, impact patient care, and increase burnout among your core staff. The solution isn’t scrambling at the last minute. It’s planning ahead with a flexible staffing strategy that includes per diem professionals.</p>

<h2>Recognize the Seasonal Patterns</h2>
<p>While exact volumes shift year to year, certain staffing challenges are predictable:</p>

<ul>
  <li>Winter months: Higher patient admissions due to flu, RSV, and other respiratory illnesses.</li>
  <li>Summer: Core staff take vacations, leaving gaps on schedules.</li>
  <li>Holidays: Increased patient demand collides with a rise in PTO requests.</li>
  <li>Local factors: Tourist season, allergy waves, or community events can create unexpected spikes.</li>
</ul>

<p>Facility leaders who analyze historical census data, track PTO trends, and stay aligned with public health forecasts can predict these pinch points more effectively.</p>

<h2>Why Per Diem Staff Are a Strategic Asset</h2>
<p>Per diem clinicians do more than fill gaps, they’re a critical lever in balancing patient care and labor costs during surges. Here’s how they help:</p>
<ul>
  <li>Fill shifts fast: Quickly step in to cover absences or rising census.</li>
  <li>Control costs: Add staff only when needed, reducing unnecessary labor spend.</li>
  <li>Protect your team: Prevent burnout by easing overtime and call fatigue.</li>
  <li>Maintain care standards: Keep patient-to-staff ratios safe during peak periods.</li>
</ul>

<h2>Tactics for Leveraging Per Diem Effectively</h2>
<p>To get the most out of your per diem workforce, take these steps:</p>

<p><strong>1. Build your pool early.</strong> Have per diem staff oriented and ready before the surge hits.</p>

<p><strong>2. Streamline scheduling.</strong> Use clear, fast processes for requesting and confirming coverage.</p>

<p><strong>3. Offer flexible options.</strong> Shifts of varying lengths or times attract more candidates.</p>

<p><strong>4. Communicate clearly.</strong> Make sure per diem professionals know your workflows and expectations.</p>

<p><strong>5. Partner with experts.</strong> Work with a trusted staffing provider to access a reliable network of qualified clinicians.</p>

<h2>From Reactive to Proactive</h2>
<p>The most successful healthcare leaders move beyond “filling holes” and take a proactive approach to staffing. By planning around seasonal surges and strategically incorporating per diem professionals, facilities can deliver consistent patient care, protect their staff, and manage budgets with confidence.</p>

<p>Cross Country MSN helps healthcare leaders stay ahead of seasonal surges with flexible per diem staffing solutions. <a href=" https://www.crosscountry.com/msn/client-solutions?utm_source=WEBSITE&&utm_campaign=BLOG" target="_blank">Let’s talk</a> about how we can support your facility’s workforce strategy year-round.</p>


From Surges to Solutions: A Leader’s Guide to Seasonal Staffing

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