Issue #19: Perfecting Premium Pay: Hiring FTEs within the Goldilocks Zone

How does your hospital manage position approvals? We've observed 3 methods: Hiring to budgeted FTEs, approvals based on productivity performance, or customized department FTE hire targets based on total annual projected labor spend. Hire targets provide a specific FTE value for departments to maintain by considering volume-driven monthly FTE needs and total annual labor cost. For best results, start with the most cost effective option and make adjustments from there by carefully considering the operational feasibility of flexing up. Remember: the best way to address chronic vacancies is to hire ahead of turnover!

NewslettersCara CookMarch 30, 2023Hire Ahead, Seasonal Staffing, Hospital Operations, Hire Targets

Issue #6: 10 Best Practices to Manage Hospital Capacity

Hospitals across the country are faced with daily bed management challenges. With ED admissions typically peaking between 3:00pm to 7:00pm, PACU admissions between 12:00pm to 4:00pm, and inpatient discharges between 6:00pm to 8:00pm, it is easy to see why capacity challenges exist. Now, more than ever, capacity management requires thoughtful consideration to maximize appropriate utilization of beds, staff, and services. CCC team member, Susie Law shares key tactics for maximizing hospital capacity in this article.

NewslettersCara CookJune 24, 2020Hospital Operations, Patient Throughput

Maximizing Hospital Capacity – Critical Now, More Than Ever

Capacity management has challenged hospital leaders for many years, as success, or lack thereof, significantly impacts financial strength, quality outcomes, reputation in the community, and satisfaction for patients, staff, and physicians. Now, more than ever, this core competency requires laser precision to maximize appropriate utilization of beds, staff, and services.

ArticlesCara CookJune 8, 2020Hospital Operations, Patient Throughput

Is the Current Environment Forcing your Healthcare Program to Close?

The financial aspects of healthcare operations are challenging in the best of times. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted financial opportunities that previously seemed insignificant in profitable facilities, service lines, and hospital departments. With revenues at an all-time low, leaders across the country are forced to make tough decisions that go beyond suspension of operations, including the discontinuation of services and even facility closure.

ArticlesCara CookMay 19, 2020Hospital Operations

Issue #4: Are Your ER Patients Leaving Without Being Seen?

Extended wait times, driven by throughput challenges, cause patients to leave the Emergency Room without being seen. Efficiency requires coordination among many departments and team members. Each department plays a vital role in ER throughput, contributing to patient experience. From lab and imaging results, to patient registration, to EVS room turnaround time, there are many components which impact department efficiency. Routine reviews of department metrics are necessary to identify throughput pain points that impact both patient and staff satisfaction.

NewslettersCara CookMarch 10, 2020Hospital Operations, Emergency Room

Informed ER Staff Schedules Drive Better Care And Serious Expense Savings

Staff Scheduling Impacts Patient Care. Here’s How to Ensure Your ER is Always Prepared to Care for the Patients in your Community.

PublicationsCara CookFebruary 10, 2020Hospital Operations, Emergency Room

Issue #2: Are Your ER Staffing Decisions Data-driven?

Across the country, Emergency Departments are actively working to manage both revenue and cost by reducing patients who leave without being seen, managing labor spend, and improving core measure performance. Aligning staff with volume by hour of day is challenging, but necessary to address these critical issues.

NewslettersCara CookSeptember 16, 2019Hospital Operations, Emergency Room