The Pitfalls of Float Pools in Healthcare
Healthcare facilities are always in need of skilled and dedicated professionals to provide the best possible care to their patients. To meet these staffing demands, many facilities resort to using float pools, a system where they have a pool of temporary staff members who can fill in for absences and fluctuations in patient volumes. However, while float pools may seem like an effective solution, they often come with several drawbacks, the most significant being the erosion of control and financial sustainability.
The Illusion of Control in Float Pools
Float pools are often established with the intention of ensuring that a healthcare facility always has an adequate number of healthcare professionals available to cover shifts and emergencies. The idea is to have a group of on-call staff members who are familiar with the facility’s protocols and routines. While this might sound good in theory, it can lead to some unintended consequences.
Overconfidence Among Direct-Hire Staff:
Overconfidence among staff members who work in float pools can be a double-edged sword. On one hand, these healthcare professionals possess the valuable skill of adaptability and are essential for maintaining staffing levels during fluctuations. However, this adaptability can lead to a sense of assurance that they are in high demand, which can jeopardize the balance of control. When direct-hire staff members recognize the facility’s reliance on float pool personnel, they may leverage this situation to secure more favorable terms, ultimately driving up labor costs for the healthcare facility. This overconfidence can create a delicate balance for facility administrators, as they must address the demands of float pool staff while maintaining cost-effective operations.
Negotiations and Demands from Direct-Hire Staff:
As direct-hire staff members become aware of the facility’s reliance on the float pool, they may start negotiating for higher pay. When employees feel that their skills and availability are in high demand, they are more likely to leverage this situation for their benefit. This can result in increased labor costs and staffing challenges, as the facility struggles to meet the demands of its direct-hire employees.
Overtime Costs:
Float pools can lead to unexpected overtime costs for healthcare facilities. When direct-hire staff members are unavailable to work, the facility may have no choice but to call in float pool employees, but the facility has to carefully monitor which float pool employees would fall into overtime hours. These overtime costs can quickly add up, straining the facility’s budget and financial sustainability.
The Advantages of Quinable
To address the challenges associated with float pools, many healthcare facilities are turning to staffing marketplaces as a more efficient and cost-effective alternative. Quinable offers several advantages that can help healthcare facilities maintain control, reduce costs, and ensure a stable workforce.
Cost Control:
Quinable provides healthcare facilities with more control over labor costs. Facilities can set their budget and choose from a diverse pool of healthcare professionals that are vetted, qualified, reviewed and rated. This flexibility allows facilities to meet their staffing needs while staying within their budgetary constraints.
Flexibility:
Quinable offers healthcare facilities the flexibility to adapt to changing staffing demands. Facilities can quickly adjust their staffing levels up or down based on patient volumes, reducing the need for unnecessary overtime or reliance on float pools.
Access to a Wider Talent Pool:
Staffing marketplaces give healthcare facilities access to a broader and more diverse talent pool. Facilities can choose from a range of qualified professionals with various specialties, ensuring that they have the right staff for each situation.
Conclusion
While float pools offer a solution, they often come with unintended consequences that can erode control and increase labor costs. Quinable offers a more efficient and cost-effective alternative to float pools, allowing healthcare facilities to maintain control over their staffing needs, reduce costs, and patient ratios. By embracing Quinable, healthcare facilities can navigate the challenges of staffing shortages while ensuring a stable and satisfied workforce.
