Wander Staffing, a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) and SBA 8(a) certified company, is committed to addressing the nation’s healthcare challenges through exceptional staffing solutions. Founded in 2018 by a retired Army CRNA, Wander Staffing specializes in delivering high-quality healthcare services to underserved communities and U.S. government facilities, including the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). This case study highlights how Wander Staffing successfully navigated operational challenges to ensure uninterrupted CRNA services at the Louis A. Johnson VA Medical Center in Clarksburg, West Virginia.
What is Louis A. Johnson VA Medical Center?
The Louis A. Johnson VA Medical Center serves Veterans in Clarksburg, WV, and surrounding areas, providing a range of healthcare services. As a vital facility within the VA system, its mission is to ensure America’s Veterans receive the care they deserve, particularly in specialized areas like anesthesia services critical for surgical and diagnostic procedures.
Challenge
The Clarksburg VA faced an urgent need for Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) to provide regular and on-call anesthesia services. This staffing challenge was compounded by the absence of incumbent providers and the high stakes associated with delivering uninterrupted care to Veterans. Adding to the complexity was the need for seamless operations during nights, weekends, and holidays. When a hired CRNA abruptly ended their contract within the first month, the risk of care disruption loomed large, requiring immediate intervention.
Solution
Wander Staffing implemented a strategic, multi-pronged approach to address the challenge:
- Proactive Recruitment and Contingency Planning:
- Provided three CRNAs instead of the two contracted Full-Time Equivalents (FTEs), ensuring a contingency plan for scheduled or unscheduled absences.
- Maintained a pool of pre-qualified CRNAs ready to fill positions as needed.
- Crisis Management:
- Retained the CRNA who initially resigned by fostering open communication and mediating between the individual and the VA, securing their continued service until a replacement could be credentialed.
- Immediately deployed the contingency CRNA to ensure full coverage while two job-share replacements were onboarded.
- Operational Excellence:
- Coordinated closely with the VA to expedite credentialing and security clearances for new hires.
- Maintained transparent communication with stakeholders to ensure confidence and clarity throughout the process.
Impact
Wander Staffing’s swift and effective actions led to significant outcomes for the Clarksburg VA Medical Center:
- 100% Staffing Coverage: Maintained uninterrupted CRNA services despite initial setbacks.
- Enhanced Continuity of Care: Veterans experienced seamless anesthesia services, underscoring the VA’s commitment to quality healthcare.
- Rapid Crisis Resolution: Successfully navigated staffing challenges within weeks, preventing any lapse in operations.
- Client Satisfaction: Positive feedback from the VA reinforced Wander Staffing’s reputation as a reliable and mission-driven partner.
The Louis A. Johnson VA Medical Center’s staffing challenge exemplifies Wander Staffing’s ability to deliver tailored solutions under pressure. By leveraging expertise, strategic foresight, and a commitment to service, Wander Staffing ensured uninterrupted care for the Veterans who depend on the Clarksburg VA.
This case study not only highlights the organization’s operational capabilities but also underscores its core mission: empowering communities through exceptional healthcare solutions. For future contractors and partners, Wander Staffing stands as a beacon of reliability and innovation in government healthcare staffing.
Learn more about Wander Staffing here.