Case Study: How Wander Staffing Transformed CRNA Staffing at Northern Navajo Medical Center

by Gabe | Dec 8, 2024

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.

Case Study: Transforming Healthcare Staffing at VA Illiana Health Care System

by Gabe | Dec 4, 2024

Wander Staffing, a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB), is dedicated to bridging critical staffing gaps in healthcare, especially within underserved communities. Founded in 2018 by a retired Army Nurse Anesthetist, Wander Staffing combines a deep understanding of healthcare operations with a mission-driven approach to ensure quality care for military members, Veterans, and their families.

This case study highlights Wander Staffing’s successful partnership with the VA Illiana Health Care System (VAIHCS) in Danville, Illinois, addressing the system’s long-standing staffing challenges in the Anesthesia and Surgical Department.

What is VA Illiana Health Care System?

The VA Illiana Health Care System serves Veterans across central Illinois, providing comprehensive medical care and support. Located in a rural area, the facility faced unique challenges in attracting and retaining skilled healthcare professionals, especially in specialized roles like Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs).

The Challenge

VAIHCS had struggled to fill two CRNA positions due to its remote location and the broader healthcare workforce crisis intensified by the COVID-19 pandemic. Prolonged vacancies risked disruptions in critical anesthesia services, potentially delaying surgeries and impacting patient outcomes. Despite extensive advertising, the facility received little interest from qualified candidates, necessitating an alternative approach to recruitment.

The Solution

Wander Staffing’s response was both rapid and comprehensive, demonstrating its expertise in addressing complex staffing needs. Key actions included:

• Swift Candidate Presentation: Within 48 hours of being awarded the contract, Wander Staffing presented five highly qualified CRNA candidates for selection, exceeding the client’s expectations.
• Innovative Staffing Model: Implemented a flexible model where one full-time equivalent (FTE) position was split between two part-time CRNAs, ensuring seamless coverage during planned and unplanned absences.
• Streamlined Onboarding: Expedited credentialing and onboarding processes to ensure immediate availability of selected candidates.
• Retention Strategies: Maintained consistent retention of all three CRNAs placed on the project, while also building a reserve pool of professionals ready to step in if needed.
• Hands-On Management: Provided ongoing management and support to the CRNAs, ensuring their integration into the VAIHCS team and addressing any operational challenges promptly.

The Impact

Wander Staffing’s intervention resulted in measurable and qualitative improvements, reinforcing its reputation for operational excellence:

• 100% Position Fill Rate: Successfully filled the long-vacant CRNA positions within days, resolving a critical staffing gap.
• Enhanced Service Continuity: The innovative staffing model eliminated coverage gaps, ensuring uninterrupted anesthesia services for VAIHCS patients.
• Improved Recruitment Efficiency: The speed and quality of recruitment set a new benchmark for the facility, highlighting Wander Staffing’s capabilities.
• Client Satisfaction: The Anesthesia Department praised the flexibility and reliability of the staffing model, which aligned seamlessly with their operational needs.

This case study exemplifies Wander Staffing’s ability to address critical healthcare staffing challenges through innovation, expertise, and a commitment to quality care. By partnering with organizations like VAIHCS, Wander Staffing not only fills vacancies but ensures that Veterans receive the highest standard of medical care.

For contractors seeking reliable staffing solutions and professionals looking for meaningful opportunities, Wander Staffing is a proven partner dedicated to making a difference.

Learn more about Wander Staffing here.