In today’s challenging healthcare environment, maintaining the right staffing levels is a constant challenge. Between fluctuating patient census, seasonal demand and staff vacations, hospitals and healthcare facilities often rely on per diem healthcare professionals and other clinicians who work on an as-needed basis to fill critical gaps. To implement that strategy, facilities need to build a reliable pool of per diem professionals who truly support permanent staff and maintain patient care standards. 

<p> In today’s challenging healthcare environment, maintaining the right staffing levels is a constant challenge. Between fluctuating patient census, seasonal demand and staff vacations, hospitals and healthcare facilities often rely on per diem healthcare professionals and other clinicians who work on an as-needed basis to fill critical gaps.</p>

<p>To implement that strategy, facilities need to build a reliable pool of per diem professionals who truly support permanent staff and maintain patient care standards. </p>

<h2> Define Clear Requirements</h2>
<p> Start by identifying the key roles where per diem coverage is most needed. For instance, roles involving:</p>
<ul>
    <li> Specific shifts or departments with frequent gaps</li>
    <li> Critical certifications (e.g. ACLS, PALS) </li>
    <li> Minimum experience levels required </li>
</ul>
</br>
<p>Document these clearly in your onboarding and hiring process. This ensures consistency in the quality of care and reduces onboarding time.</p>

<h2> Streamline Onboarding and Orientation</h2>
<p>One of the biggest barriers to effective per diem staffing is the lack of orientation. Develop a streamlined onboarding process that includes:</p>
<ul>
    <li> A concise orientation manual or quick reference guide </li>
    <li> Essential EMR or charting training</li>
    <li> Department-specific protocols and expectations </li>
</ul>
</br>
<p>A well-prepared per diem staffer feels more confident and can hit the ground running, which reduces stress on your core team.</p>


<h2>Build a Relationship-Driven Culture</h2>
<p>Per diem staff are more likely to return and be reliable if they feel welcomed and valued. Foster relationships by:</p>
<ul>
    <li> Introducing them to team members on their first shift</li>
    <li> Soliciting their feedback on their experience </li>
    <li> Offering them consistent scheduling opportunities (rather than only last-minute calls) </li>
</ul>
</br>
<p>A per diem nurse who feels like “part of the team” is more likely to prioritize your facility when choosing shifts.</p>

<h2>Partner with Reputable Staffing Agencies</h2>
<p>If you use external staffing support, choose agencies that understand your facility’s needs and prioritize quality over quantity. Look for agencies that:</p>
<ul>
    <li> Screen and credential staff thoroughly </li>
    <li> Provide orientation support </li>
    <li> Offer data on staff performance </li>
    <li> Have longevity in the industry </li>
</ul>

</br>
<p>Establishing a collaborative relationship with your staffing partners allows you to request high performing per diem staff consistently. </p>

<h2>Maintain a Centralized Scheduling and Communication System</h2>
<p>Miscommunication can derail even the best staffing plans. Invest in a centralized scheduling platform (or partner with a staffing agency that provides this service) that:</p>
<ul>
    <li> Allows per diem staff to view available shifts and self-schedule </li>
    <li> Sends automated reminders and confirmations </li>
    <li> Enables real-time communication (text, app, or secure messaging) </li>
</ul>

</br>
<p>This reduces no-shows and last-minute surprises, helping you manage your workforce efficiently.</p>

<h2>Evaluate and Engage Your Per Diem Pool Regularly</h2>
<p>Finally, regular evaluation is key to reliability. Collect feedback from department heads, monitor performance metrics and conduct periodic check-ins. Recognize high performers and offer them priority scheduling or incentives.</p>

<p>A reliable per diem pool is a mutually beneficial relationship—staff appreciate flexibility and inclusion, and you gain a dependable resource to maintain high-quality patient care.</p>

<p>Building a reliable pool of per diem professionals is more than a quick fix—it’s a strategic approach to maintaining quality care while balancing unpredictable demands. Cross Country MSN has a nationwide per diem pipeline of nursing, allied and non-clinical professionals ready-to-work. <a href="https://www.crosscountry.com/staffing-advisory-request?utm_source=Website&&&&utm_campaign=BLOG" target="_blank">Let’s connect</a>. </p>


How to Build a Reliable Pool of Per Diem Professionals for Your Facility

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