Lynchburg, Va – In the era of historic staffing shortages, Legacy Care teams have experienced tremendous success by leveraging a 7-on-7-off staffing model to cover weekends.
David Danner, DO and nurse practitioners Tammy Nick and Dustin Powers serve a skilled nursing facility in rural Southwest Virginia. For more than a year, they divide up coverage using a 7-on-7 off staffing schedule that achieves:
- Weekend coverage – during a timeframe that’s usually understaffed
- Reduced unplanned readmission rates – that beat national quality benchmarks
- Work-Life Balance – due to a 7-on-7-off schedule that gives flexibility to providers
- Empowered staff at every level – consistent presence allows stronger relationships across the entire care facility compared to “locum tenens” temporary staff who come and go
“So many things can change in a patient over the weekend. I am able to help fill in any gaps of care that could be put on the back burner during that time frame,” said Dustin. “The continuity of care for patients is amazing.”
His colleague, Tammy, agrees. “As a team, we work hard to identify medical issues and resolve, so we don’t have to send patients from the facility back to the emergency room. We can administer tests to catch things like, for example, a urinary tract infection, then treat it quickly before it turns septic.”
Dr. Danner humbly added, “Quality scores improved in the facility we serve because we’re part of a team – with everyone, clinical and non-clinical staff, working together.”
Tammy believes in the power of teamwork, too. “I want the entire staff to know I care. I listen. We help each other. I want them to count on me and let them know I’m there for them.”
Resources:
“Legacy Care Reduced Readmission 52% Below National Average” – https://bit.ly/3ArDbhl
“Staff Shortages Choking U.S. Healthcare System” – U.S. News & World Report: https://bit.ly/3PwcmfY
Legacy Care’s medical group delivers patient care in healthcare systems, inpatient rehabilitation centers, post-acute care facilities and assisted living communities that are located across the country. We are leaders in transitional healthcare, delivering patient-centered solutions. Our compassionate physicians and advanced care practitioners are dedicated to positive patient outcomes.