Discover why local healthcare professionals are the best solution for last-minute staffing needs. Learn how Cross Country Medical Staffing Network helps hospitals and healthcare facilities stay fully staffed during holidays and peak seasons.

<p>When patient volumes surge and staff availability dips, especially during holidays or peak flu season, healthcare facilities often face an urgent challenge: filling critical staffing gaps fast. Having access to qualified local professionals can make all the difference.</p>


<p>At Cross Country Medical Staffing Network (CCMSN), we understand that when you need help now, time is your most valuable resource. That’s why leveraging local per diem and contract clinicians is one of the most effective strategies for maintaining patient care quality and operational stability.</p>

<h2>Local Professionals Are Ready to Step In—Fast</h2>
<p> When a last-minute shift opens up, every hour counts. Local nurses, allied health professionals, and support staff are already licensed, credentialed, and nearby eliminating delays caused by travel, housing, or onboarding logistics.
</p>
<p>Because they’re part of your community, local professionals can arrive on-site quickly and adapt to your facility’s workflows with minimal orientation. This rapid response capability makes them invaluable during holiday staffing crunches, flu outbreaks, or unexpected call-outs.</p>

<h2>Reduced Costs and Administrative Complexity</h2>
<p> Bringing in certain types of healthcare professionals for urgent needs can mean higher costs and extended lead times. Local professionals provide a cost-effective solution without sacrificing quality.</p>

<p>Facilities save on travel, lodging, and relocation expenses, and scheduling becomes simpler with clinicians who already live in the area. Plus, working with a trusted partner like CCMSN streamlines credentialing and compliance, so your staff is ready to work safely and quickly.</p>

<h2>Consistency in Patient Care</h2>
<p>Even short-term coverage should never mean compromising on care quality. Local clinicians often have prior experience within your health system or nearby facilities, giving them valuable familiarity with electronic health records, department workflows, and team dynamics.</p>

<p>This familiarity promotes continuity of care, helping your permanent staff feel supported and your patients experience seamless, high-quality service.</p>

<h2>Seasonal Flexibility Without Long-Term Commitment</h2>
<p>The holiday season often brings unique staffing pressures from planned time off to increased patient volume. Partnering with a workforce solutions provider that offers flexible per diem and local contract options lets you scale your workforce up or down as needed.</p>

<p>Whether you need help for a few shifts, a few weeks, or throughout the winter, CCMSN can quickly connect you with qualified clinicians who are eager to fill in when it matters most.</p>


<h2>A Reliable Partner for Last-Minute Coverage</h2>
<p>Cross Country Medical Staffing Network has decades of experience supporting hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities nationwide. Our robust network of local healthcare professionals ensures that when an urgent staffing need arises, your facility is never left uncovered.</p>

<p>We handle the vetting, credentialing, and scheduling so you can focus on delivering exceptional patient care.</p>

<h2>Meeting Last-Minute Needs with Local Strength</h2>
<p>Last-minute staffing doesn’t have to mean last-minute stress. By tapping into a network of local, pre-screened professionals, healthcare facilities can maintain care quality, minimize overtime costs, and support their teams through even the busiest times of year.</p>

<p><strong>Partner with Cross Country Medical Staffing Network</strong> to build a dependable local workforce strategy that keeps your facility fully staffed today, tomorrow, and during every peak season ahead. <a href="https://www.crosscountry.com/msn/client-solutions?utm_source=WEBSITE&&&&utm_campaign=BLOG" target="_blank">Contact us today!</a></p>


Why Local Professionals Are Ideal for Last-Minute Staffing Needs

Cross Country

per diem

/travel

Locums

Investors

per-diem

home health

executive

Permanent

clients

Disclosure

travel

locums

investors

education

Corporate Careers

home-health

News + Insights

permanent

Clients

Disclosures 

CC-Footer

NURSING + ALLIED

PHYSICIANS + APPs

NON-CLINICAL

MORE JOBS

CORPORATE JOBS

MORE PROFESSIONALS

CONTACT US

SOLUTIONS

TECHNOLOGY

ABOUT

FAQs

RESOURCES

Main Navigation

Nav V2

Social-Icons