??Top Priority: Build A Workforce Plan In 6 Steps

As hospital and nurse leaders, creating a workforce plan is key to building a more resilient healthcare system prepared for the evolving demands of the future.? We recently wrote an extensive guide on this topic, but here’s a more concise version of it for you to develop a robust plan in six actionable steps:?

1. Assess your current workforce? Begin by analyzing your staff demographics. Identify trends such as retirements and internal transitions that may lead to skill gaps. Understanding these shifts will ensure you maintain adequate staffing across all departments.?

2. Forecast future workforce needs? Align your workforce planning with your hospital's strategic goals. Use demand forecasting to predict staffing needs based on patient volume and industry trends. Consider the skills required for new technologies or specialties, such as trauma care, and plan for training to meet these demands.?

3. Develop recruitment strategies? Attracting top talent is crucial. Leaders can explore international direct hiring to diversify their workforce and create targeted recruitment campaigns to fill specific roles. Partnering with educational institutions can also help build a stronger pipeline.?

4. Implement retention programs? High turnover can be costly. Invest in job satisfaction by recognizing employee contributions, promoting work-life balance, and providing competitive compensation. Establish career advancement pathways and ongoing learning opportunities to keep your staff engaged and motivated.?

5. Maximize workforce efficiency? Optimize staff deployment by aligning personnel with patient needs. Utilize flexible scheduling to improve work-life balance and ensure efficient resource management to reduce downtime. Look into or create programs that will invest in the nurse's development and create clear pathways for career advancement.? ?

6. Measure and adjust? Establish KPIs to evaluate your workforce plan's success. Track metrics such as staffing levels, patient satisfaction, and turnover rates against set benchmarks. Regularly review and adjust your strategies to keep pace with changing healthcare demands.?

Time to build your workforce plan?

A well-structured workforce plan is not just beneficial—it's vital to healthcare organizations today. By assessing, forecasting, recruiting, and retaining you can ensure your organization is equipped to navigate future challenges effectively. Remember, your plan should be adaptable and ready to evolve based on the needs of your facility and staff.?