Are you tired of managing unpredictable staffing gaps in your healthcare facility? Recent data shows that hospitals across the U.S. now regularly rely on per diem staffing solutions to address their workforce needs more efficiently.
Healthcare staffing shortages are a growing issue. Recent years have intensified the pressure to maintain consistent staff, forcing facilities to find reliable workers. With fluctuating patient volumes, staff burnout, and unexpected absences, it’s no wonder healthcare providers are turning to flexible staffing models. One specific popular solution is per diem staffing.
This blog will explore the key benefits of per diem staffing solutions and shows how per diem employees in healthcare are becoming vital to modern healthcare operations.
What Is Per Diem Staffing?
The term per diem comes from Latin, meaning “by the day.” In healthcare staffing, it refers to short-term, flexible positions where workers are employed on an as-needed basis—often for a single shift or just a few days. Unlike full-time or part-time jobs, per diem workers don’t commit to a long-term schedule. This flexibility benefits both healthcare professionals and employers, offering a win-win solution.
Healthcare professionals gain the ability to work when it suits them, and facilities get the staff they need at the right time. This approach ensures that staffing gaps don’t affect patient care, offering facilities a reliable way to manage their workforce.
The Current Healthcare Staffing Landscape
Healthcare worker demand has never been higher. By 2026, the U.S. will likely face a shortage of up to 3.2 million healthcare workers, according to the American Hospital Association. This growing gap increases the pressure on hospitals and clinics, causing burnout and high turnover rates among staff. Worse, these shortages sometimes affect the quality of care.
Traditional staffing models rely heavily on permanent full-time and part-time employees. However, they struggle to handle fluctuating needs, such as seasonal changes or emergency situations. Per diem employees in healthcare offer a flexible solution, allowing facilities to address these challenges swiftly and efficiently.
Benefits of Per Diem Staffing for Employers
- Cost Savings Without Sacrificing Quality
Per diem staffing solutions provide significant cost savings. Instead of keeping a full roster of full-time employees, healthcare facilities can hire per diem workers as needed. This approach reduces the need for long-term benefits such as health insurance and paid time off. Facilities only pay for the shifts they need, cutting overhead without lowering the quality of patient care. - Adaptability in an Unpredictable Industry
Healthcare is unpredictable. Sudden patient surges, emergency situations, and staff absences happen regularly. A flexible staffing model helps facilities manage these changes. By tapping into per diem employees, healthcare institutions can quickly fill gaps without overburdening full-time staff. This reduces burnout and turnover while maintaining patient care quality. - Filling Staffing Gaps Quickly
Staffing shortages can occur for many reasons—unexpected absences, seasonal illnesses, or increased patient demand. Per diem jobs offer a quick, effective solution. Having a pool of available workers on hand ensures that shifts are always filled, even at short notice. This not only maintains operational flow but also ensures patients receive uninterrupted care. - A Trial Run for New Talent
Per diem staffing allows facilities to evaluate new talent before making a permanent hire. Employers can observe a worker’s skills, reliability, and cultural fit. If the fit is right, that per diem worker may eventually transition into a permanent role. This reduces the risk of turnover after hiring and ensures the facility has the right team members in place.
Advantages for Healthcare Workers
- Flexible Schedules, Better Work-Life Balance
Per diem jobs provide workers with flexibility that is often unavailable in full-time roles. They can choose when and where they work, giving them control over their schedules. For many healthcare professionals, this flexibility translates to a better work-life balance, as they can adjust their work hours to accommodate family or personal commitments. - Supplementary Income Opportunities
Many healthcare workers take on per diem roles to supplement their income. Whether they are already employed full-time or simply want extra work, per diem staffing offers the flexibility to do so. Nurses, for example, can pick up shifts when convenient, allowing them to earn additional income without committing to a fixed schedule. - Skill Diversification and Career Growth
Per diem employees in healthcare often have opportunities to work in a variety of settings. From hospitals to outpatient clinics to specialized care facilities, per diem workers gain experience across the spectrum. This diversity helps them expand their skill sets and become more versatile professionals. For those looking to explore different areas of healthcare, per diem jobs are an excellent option. - Entry-Level Opportunities for New Graduates
New healthcare graduates often struggle to secure full-time positions in a competitive job market. Per diem jobs give them a way into the industry. These positions provide them with valuable real-world experience while building their professional network. In many cases, per diem work can lead to permanent job opportunities in the future.
Per Diem Staffing in Action: Real-Life Scenarios
Consider a small hospital during flu season. Patient volumes spike, stretching the full-time staff to their limits. Rather than overworking the team, the hospital can bring in per diem employees to fill gaps and manage the extra workload. This keeps operations running smoothly while reducing burnout among permanent staff.
Similarly, a skilled nursing facility may face a situation where several full-time employees take extended leaves. Instead of scrambling to find temporary full-time workers, the facility can use per diem staffing solutions. This provides the help needed without committing to long-term contracts or incurring high costs.
Why Choose EmpowerCare for Per Diem Staffing Solutions?
At EmpowerCare, we specialize in providing per diem staffing solutions that cater to healthcare facilities across New England. We ensure that every shift is covered with skilled professionals, from nurses to mental health practitioners. Our extensive network of vetted, trained per diem workers ensures your facility gets the support it needs when it matters most.
Conclusion: The Growing Importance of Per Diem Staffing
Healthcare facilities face constant challenges when it comes to staffing. Shortages, surges in patient demand, and unpredictable absences all put pressure on traditional staffing models. Per diem staffing offers a flexible, cost-effective solution. It ensures facilities maintain optimal staffing levels, workers achieve work-life balance, and patients receive the care they deserve.
As the demand for healthcare professionals continues to rise, per diem staffing is more important than ever. By embracing per diem staffing solutions, healthcare facilities can stay ahead of the curve while protecting both their staff and their patients.
Interested in learning how per diem staffing solutions can help your healthcare facility thrive? Contact EmpowerCare today to find out how our flexible workforce solutions can support your staffing needs