Wander Staffing is a Veteran-owned, mission-driven organization committed to delivering top-tier healthcare staffing solutions to underserved and high-stakes government facilities. With deep roots in military service and a legacy of healthcare excellence, Wander Staffing consistently demonstrates its ability to provide life-changing opportunities for Veterans and healthcare professionals alike. This case study explores the company’s successful execution of a high-profile nurse staffing contract at the Armed Forces Retirement Home (AFRH) in Washington, DC.
What is the Armed Forces Retirement Home?
The Armed Forces Retirement Home (AFRH), a Continuing Care Retirement Community, serves as a haven for approximately 600 retired military personnel. Located in Washington, DC, this facility provides comprehensive care, addressing the unique medical and daily living needs of retired soldiers, sailors, and airmen who have dedicated their lives to serving the nation. Its mission aligns closely with Wander Staffing’s, making the partnership a natural fit.
Challenge
When Wander Staffing was awarded the contract for providing nurse staffing services to AFRH, the stakes were high. The challenge involved ensuring uninterrupted care for a geriatric population with complex medical needs.
- Short Preparation Time: The contract was awarded just 48 hours before the start of the performance period, leaving little time for onboarding.
- Operational Complexity: The facility required a wide range of nursing expertise across Registered Nurses (RNs), Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurses (LPNs/LVNs), and Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) to work shifts from 4 to 16 hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
- Unforeseen Needs: On-demand staffing solutions were required for offsite appointments and last-minute call-offs, demanding a robust and agile response plan.
Solution
Wander Staffing mobilized rapidly to address AFRH’s staffing needs, implementing innovative and proactive strategies:
- Immediate Phase-In Plan:
- Conducted a thorough site visit within 24 hours of contract award.
- Hired and onboarded incumbent nursing staff to ensure seamless continuity of care.
- Verified credentials, background checks, drug tests, and immunization compliance for all staff.
- Pipeline Development:
- Maintained an active pool of 15+ pre-vetted candidates ready to step in for additional or unforeseen staffing needs.
- Operational Excellence:
- Established a comprehensive communications center for last-minute schedule adjustments.
- Proposed and implemented a backfilling system to cover staff accompanying residents to offsite appointments, a solution praised by AFRH’s leadership.
- Flexible Staffing:
- Provided consistent coverage across all shift types, ensuring no disruptions in service, even during holidays or off-peak hours.
Impact
The results of Wander Staffing’s involvement with AFRH were transformative, delivering measurable and qualitative outcomes:
- Operational Efficiency:
- Achieved 100% shift coverage from day one, maintaining a flawless performance record with no disciplinary or corrective actions.
- Enabled the facility to operate seamlessly, even during high-demand periods.
- Enhanced Care Delivery:
- Addressed the unique needs of the geriatric population through skilled, compassionate nursing professionals.
- Client Satisfaction:
- Secured approval and appreciation from AFRH’s Contracting Officer Representative (COR), medical director, and nursing supervisor for proactive and innovative staffing solutions.
Wander Staffing’s partnership with the Armed Forces Retirement Home exemplifies the company’s mission to deliver impactful healthcare solutions to communities that matter most. This initiative highlights the organization’s ability to overcome logistical challenges, meet complex staffing demands, and support its clients with tailored, dependable services. With unwavering dedication and operational excellence, Wander Staffing continues to set the standard for healthcare staffing in government facilities.
Learn more about Wander Staffing here.