Most (if not all) SPDs have experienced the need for additional resources, but they’re not always prepared to justify that need to finance and leadership.
Maybe you feel like you are constantly understaffed, but how do you back up that claim with the cold hard facts to get what you need?
Current staffing models are not set up to account for the specific nuances that exist in sterile processing. An accurate staffing model must take into account the unique needs of the department. Not having enough staff complicates already complex workflows and processes and can cause major crises. Crises that may have been avoided with more team members or better-trained staff.
The first step in tackling a problem is defining it. After working with several teams across the country, our team at Ascendco identified common flaws that exist in staffing models currently:
- Incorrect Unit of Service (Unit of Measurement)
- Lack of understanding around workflows
- Productive vs Non-Productive Hours accounted for
- Future processes not acknowledged
- Voids filled with overtime
- Lack of industry benchmarking for comparison purposes
We know the unfortunate truth: it often takes a crisis to get buy-in from the executive team. But we are here to work with you to develop a plan before disaster strikes. We are prepared to arm you with the proof you need to advocate for change in your department!
Reach out today if you are interested in learning more about your situation and how to justify your needs to finance!
For more information about this topic, contact us or click the links below to read more about it!
How are you justifying FTEs?
Predictive Staffing
seek to give your team the resources required to be able to perform at a high level of productivity.
FTEs
Do you know how many FTEs your department actually needs?
