Planned and unplanned nurse absences, whether due to FMLA leave, vacations, or unexpected emergencies, are an unavoidable part of managing a healthcare facility. The key to maintaining high-quality patient care and operational efficiency during these times? Flexible nurse staffing.
This article is part of our ongoing series on Flexible Staffing Models in Healthcare. For a broader overview of hiring strategies and workforce planning, explore our Healthcare Staffing Solutions resource hub.
Why Nurse Absences Pose Staffing Challenges
Even a single nurse absence can disrupt workflow, increase workload on remaining staff, and elevate the risk of burnout or patient care lapses.
Common absence scenarios include:
- FMLA leave (e.g., maternity, family illness)
- Scheduled vacations
- Short-term disability
- Personal emergencies or bereavement
These types of leave are essential and protected, but they require proactive coverage strategies to keep units running smoothly.
The Case for Flexible Staffing in Coverage Scenarios
Flexible staffing helps nurse managers:
- Quickly plug scheduling gaps
- Prevent mandatory overtime
- Maintain safe nurse-to-patient ratios
- Adapt to real-time volume shifts
Instead of relying on last-minute call-ins or burdening full-time staff, flexible staffing creates a pipeline of pre-vetted, on-call professionals ready to step in when needed.
Flexible Staffing Models That Work
Per Diem Nurses
These on-demand professionals are available to fill daily gaps and can float across units as needed. Great for:
- Short-term leave coverage
- Fluctuating daily census
- Specialized skillsets (e.g., ICU, telemetry)
Float Pools
A pre-established internal or external float pool allows you to staff up quickly during seasonal or peak PTO periods.
Travel Nurses
For longer absences such as extended FMLA, travel nurses offer a stable solution without the long-term commitment.
Temp-to-Hire or Contract Nurses
When coverage needs might evolve into permanent roles, temp-to-hire staffing provides flexibility while allowing time to assess fit.
Best Practices for Managing Leave Coverage
Plan Ahead
Use historical data to anticipate peak vacation periods and FMLA requests. Proactively schedule backup staff.
Partner with a Staffing Agency
A reliable staffing partner can provide credentialed nurses on short notice, easing the pressure on internal teams.
Cross-Train Staff
Train permanent nurses across multiple units to add internal flexibility.
Communicate Transparently
Keep staff informed about leave policies, coverage plans, and how temporary nurses will integrate with the team.
Why Flexible Nurse Staffing Is Critical for Leave Coverage
Nurse absences are inevitable, but staffing chaos doesn’t have to be. By using flexible staffing models proactively, healthcare administrators can maintain continuity of care, reduce team strain, and support their full-time workforce.Explore more solutions in our Flexible Staffing Models in Healthcare article, or dive into broader strategies in our Healthcare Staffing Solutions resource hub.
