Summer is approaching fast—and for many healthcare facilities, so is a perfect storm of staff shortages, rising patient volumes, and vacation coverage gaps.

If your teams are already stretched thin, you’re not alone. According to the latest data from NSI Nursing Solutions, the average hospital turnover rate is 25.9%, and the national nurse vacancy rate stands at 15.7%—a record high as of early 2025. And when summer hits, staff PTO requests typically spike by 30–40%, creating even more pressure on schedulers and administrators. At WSi Healthcare, we understand the demands summer places on healthcare operations—and we’re here to help you staff smarter, reduce burnout, and avoid care disruptions during this critical season.

Why Summer Is a High-Risk Season for Staffing

Summer isn’t just about sunshine and vacations. In healthcare, it means:

Increased Time-Off Requests

June through August sees a significant uptick in PTO usage. The American Nurses Association notes that time-off requests are most concentrated in the 10 weeks following Memorial Day.

Higher Patient Volumes

Hospitals and outpatient centers consistently report seasonal surges due to elective surgeries, pediatric checkups before school, and heat-related illnesses. Source: HFMA Summer Surge Report

Limited Float Pool Resources

With full-time staff already managing increased loads, internal float pools become overextended, leaving schedulers scrambling to find last-minute replacements.

Worsening National Shortages

The U.S. will face a shortage of more than 1 million nurses by 2030, according to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN). Summer only accelerates the impact. Read the AACN workforce report

How WSi Healthcare Keeps Your Shifts Covered

WSi Healthcare Personnel is uniquely positioned to support your staffing needs with speed, compliance, and consistency. We’re more than a staffing agency—we’re your healthcare workforce partner.

✔ Fully Credentialed, Pre-Vetted Staff
We provide licensed RNs, LPNs, CNAs, QMAPs, MAs, and more, with full background checks, license verification, and skill assessments—ready to hit the ground running.
✔ Flexible Coverage: PRN, Block Scheduling, and Long-Term Assignments
Whether you need someone for one shift, one month, or ongoing coverage, our network of professionals is standing by to support you.
✔ W2-Based Staffing Model
All WSi clinicians are W2 employees—meaning your facility avoids the risks, liabilities, and compliance issues of 1099 contractors.
Learn why W2 models outperform 1099s in healthcare staffing.
✔ Rapid Response, Local Expertise
Our teams are based in Colorado and understand the nuances of LTC, memory care, correctional health, outpatient, and acute care settings. We can fill roles in as little as 24 hours.
✔ Dedicated Account Management
You’ll work directly with a WSi Account Manager who handles your coverage planning, credential tracking, and onboarding—so you can stay focused on patient care.

What Facilities Gain from Early Planning

Clients who pre-plan summer staffing with WSi report:

Reduction in call-offs and last-minute scrambles

Improved retention among core staff who feel supported

Higher patient satisfaction scores due to consistent care delivery

Better regulatory compliance with consistent staffing coverage

Summer Staffing Strategy: Key Questions to Ask Now

To get ahead, start by answering:

Which weeks are your PTO requests concentrated?

Are there gaps in your coverage for high-acuity units or specialized roles?

Do you have a list of backup staff ready to deploy within 24–48 hours?

Have you spoken with your WSi rep about block coverage or surge planning?

Let’s Build Your Summer Coverage Plan Today

Whether you're facing a known gap or want to avoid the unknowns, WSi Healthcare is ready to help you build a custom staffing strategy that gets you through the season and beyond.

Don't wait until the calendar is full and options are limited. The earlier you act, the more control you’ll have—and the more qualified professionals you’ll be able to lock in.