Implementing a contingent labor platform provides health systems of all sizes with more than just cost savings
If you are tasked with managing a float pool at a small to mid-sized hospital, you may feel that adopting systems to help manage your internal float resources and contract labor may not be worth the effort. While cost savings are an obvious benefit, the efficiency improvements delivered by a true contingent labor platform are just as important. So why do some healthcare organizations believe they can manage without updated contingent labor platforms?
Misconception: Technology Only Benefits Larger Health Systems
A common misconception is that advanced contingent labor management technologies are only beneficial for larger health systems. This belief often stems from the assumption that smaller hospitals do not have the resources to justify the investment. However, the reality is that smaller health systems can gain significant efficiency and operational improvements from these technologies, making them equally valuable.
Benefits of Hallmark’s Workforce Technology for Smaller Health Systems
Smaller health systems face unique challenges, including staffing shortages, limited resources, and manual processes. Hallmark’s Contingent Labor platform addresses these issues and offers several key benefits:
- Automated Resource Availability: Easily see and schedule available and credentialed resources, eliminating the time-consuming “hunting and pecking” process.
- Integration: Connect with your scheduling system to automate the scheduling of resources, streamlining operations.
- Executive Visibility: Gain comprehensive visibility into your entire program. This includes tracking program health, agency performance, expenditure, and resource optimization.
- Enhanced Communication: Use the app to allow resources to view shifts and sign up directly, reducing the need for time-consuming phone calls.
- Seamless IRP (Internal Resource Pool) to VMS (Vendor Managed Solution) Transition: If internal resources are unavailable, automatically send orders to approved agencies without creating new ones.
How a Small Tennessee Health System Used Einstein II to Triple its Float Pool Resources
A small Tennessee health system faced difficulties in expanding its internal float pool program. After implementing Hallmark’s Einstein II, they achieved remarkable results.
Initially, the health system struggled with managing the increasing demands on their float pool, leading to thousands of hours in overtime and agency premium pay each month. The introduction of Einstein II helped eliminate these excessive costs by optimizing resource allocation and scheduling.
Nurses found the new program appealing, which significantly boosted loyalty and retention rates. The improved program administration saved substantial time, making the process more efficient and less cumbersome. The Internal Resource Pool Manager at this healthcare system remarked, “It puts hours back in our day. My schedulers, prior to this, spent all day trying to contact people and fill needs. Now, it puts the ball back in the employee’s court.”
The impact was immediate and profound. In just the first three months, the health system recruited 70 new experienced nurses to fill open needs without resorting to agencies or overtime. By the fourth month, they were successfully scheduling 416 shifts, amounting to approximately 5,000 hours that otherwise would have gone unfilled.
The need for agency labor was significantly reduced, demonstrating the platform’s effectiveness in increasing the internal labor supply. Hallmark’s contingent labor platform provided the flexibility and power necessary to grow the float pool and meet the health system’s staffing needs efficiently.
Read the full case study to learn more.
Invest in Your Nurses
Investing in a contingent labor program is not exclusive to large health systems. Smaller hospitals can also reap significant benefits in efficiency and operational effectiveness with the right technology.
For more information on Hallmark’s Contingent Labor platform and to determine if it is the right solution for your organization, check out “Taking Back Control of Your Contingent Labor Strategy: A Decision Guide for Healthcare Executives.”