Wander Staffing, a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB), has been redefining healthcare staffing since its founding in 2018. Guided by a mission to deliver high-quality medical professionals to underserved communities, the company has a proven track record of addressing critical staffing challenges for government organizations like the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Department of Defense (DoD), and Indian Health Service (IHS). Wander Staffing’s innovative solutions, steeped in military precision and civilian healthcare expertise, are exemplified by its impactful work at the Northern Navajo Medical Center (NNMC) in Shiprock, New Mexico.
What is Northern Navajo Medical Center?
The Northern Navajo Medical Center, part of the Navajo Area IHS, serves one of the largest Native American populations in the United States. This facility provides vital healthcare services to a remote and underserved region, ensuring the health and well-being of its community.
The Challenge
NNMC faced an urgent need to staff Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) for their demanding schedule, which includes regular hours, on-call shifts, and callback requirements for nights, weekends, and holidays. Without incumbent CRNAs or an existing staffing solution, NNMC required a rapid and reliable response to ensure continuity of care in a high-stakes, resource-limited environment. The challenge was compounded by the facility’s remote location, making recruitment and retention a daunting task.
The Solution
Wander Staffing quickly rose to the challenge, leveraging its comprehensive recruitment capabilities and strong network of qualified healthcare professionals. Their tailored approach included the following steps:
- Proactive Recruitment: Within eight hours of posting the CRNA positions to their candidate pool, Wander Staffing received applications from over 50 highly qualified professionals.
- Efficient Screening and Selection: The team prioritized presenting the best candidates in their winning proposal, ensuring both skills and cultural fit for NNMC.
- Streamlined Onboarding: Wander Staffing’s Contract Management Team facilitated a smooth credentialing and security clearance process, expediting deployment to NNMC.
- Retention Strategies: To address the isolation of the rural location, Wander Staffing offered broadband internet service for on-call quarters as an additional perk. They also established a supportive network for ongoing CRNA engagement.
- Planning for Continuity: A pipeline of candidates, including the soon-to-retire Shiprock CRNA Chief, was developed to maintain staffing levels for future needs.
The Impact
Wander Staffing’s comprehensive and proactive approach yielded outstanding results:
- 100% Fill Rate: All CRNA positions were filled promptly, ensuring uninterrupted patient care.
- Candidate Satisfaction: The placed CRNAs expressed a strong desire to continue working with Wander Staffing at NNMC, citing exceptional support and management.
- Operational Excellence: Wander Staffing’s swift response and meticulous planning demonstrated their ability to meet urgent healthcare needs in austere and remote environments.
- Community Impact: By ensuring a stable supply of skilled CRNAs, Wander Staffing supported NNMC’s mission to deliver high-quality care to the Navajo Nation.
Wander Staffing’s success in addressing NNMC’s staffing challenges highlights its ability to combine military efficiency, healthcare expertise, and a deep commitment to community well-being. Their work in Shiprock underscores their capacity to provide innovative, tailored solutions that enhance healthcare access in even the most remote regions. For organizations seeking a strategic partner to tackle their healthcare staffing needs, Wander Staffing offers unmatched reliability and results.
Learn more about Wander Staffing here.