How to Solve Staffing Shortages in Assisted Living & Skilled Nursing Facilities

Published on 23 February 2025 at 07:51

Staffing shortages in assisted living and skilled nursing facilities are at a breaking point. According to industry reports:
99% of nursing homes report staff shortages.
96% of assisted living facilities are struggling to fill shifts.
✅ The demand for RNs, LPNs, and CNAs is outpacing supply.

These shortages don’t just affect scheduling—they impact patient care, staff morale, and operational efficiency. So, how can facilities overcome this challenge?


Common Staffing Challenges Facilities Face

Before finding solutions, let’s identify the biggest staffing challenges:
High turnover rates – Burnout and lack of work-life balance drive healthcare professionals to leave.
Last-minute shift gaps – Unplanned absences create scheduling nightmares.
Compliance roadblocks – Ensuring that all staff meet regulatory requirements is time-consuming.
Rising labor costs – Overtime and temp hires add financial strain.


Proactive Staffing Strategies to Overcome Shortages

1. Implement a Flexible Staffing Model

Many facilities are turning to per diem and contract staffing to fill gaps. Flexible staffing allows you to:
✔ Quickly cover last-minute call-outs.
✔ Scale up staffing during peak demand.
✔ Reduce reliance on expensive overtime.

2. Partner with a Healthcare Staffing Agency

Working with a staffing agency ensures you have a pipeline of pre-screened, credentialed professionals ready to work. This saves hiring managers time and reduces compliance risks.

3. Invest in Staff Retention

The key to reducing turnover is investing in staff well-being:
✅ Offer competitive pay & benefits
✅ Provide career development opportunities
✅ Foster a positive work culture

4. Use Technology to Improve Scheduling

Smart scheduling tools and AI-powered workforce management systems predict demand and help optimize shift coverage.


Why a Staffing Partner is the Best Solution

Finding and retaining staff doesn’t have to be overwhelming. At FlexForce Medical Staffing, we:
✔ Provide fast, reliable placements for RNs, LPNs, CNAs, and allied health professionals.
✔ Handle credentialing & compliance, so you don’t have to.
✔ Offer 24/7 staffing support to fill urgent shifts.

 

🔹 Need a staffing solution? Let’s talk. Contact FlexForce Medical Staffing today.

 

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