One uncovered shift can create a ripple effect across an entire healthcare facility. Add holiday vacation requests, unexpected callouts, and increased patient needs, and suddenly your team is working harder just to keep up.
For healthcare leaders, the holiday season isn't just about managing schedules. It's about keeping departments running, supporting employees who are already stretched thin, and making sure patients continue receiving the care they need.
And the staffing challenges aren't getting any easier. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, approximately 180,800 registered nurse openings are projected each year between 2025 and 2035. That's a reminder of how much ongoing demand there is for qualified healthcare professionals, even before holiday coverage becomes a concern.
The facilities that prepare early have more options when staffing gets tight. Waiting until the last minute can mean fewer choices, increased overtime, and unnecessary stress for everyone involved.
Before the holiday rush hits, here's how to build a holiday healthcare staffing plan that puts your facility in a stronger position.
Start Planning Before the Holidays Arrive
Don't wait until shifts are going unfilled to start thinking about coverage. Review upcoming vacation requests, open positions, and departments that may need additional support.
Talk with your department leaders about which positions have been difficult to fill throughout the year. If you're already relying on overtime or asking employees to pick up extra shifts, holiday scheduling could add even more pressure.
The earlier you identify potential gaps, the more time you'll have to explore your options.
Know Where You'll Need Coverage
Take a close look at your holiday schedule. Which dates, shifts, and positions are most likely to need extra help?
Make sure you're tracking:
Holiday and weekend shifts
Approved time-off requests
Critical positions and required credentials
Open positions and anticipated coverage gaps
Departments already relying heavily on overtime
Having these details ready makes conversations with a staffing partner much easier.
For example, knowing you need an RN is helpful. Knowing you need an experienced RN for three overnight shifts, with specific credentials and a firm start date, gives everyone a much clearer picture.
Prepare for the Unexpected
Even the best schedules can change. Employee callouts, unexpected absences, and changes in patient volume can quickly create challenges.
Respiratory season adds another consideration. The CDC reported that the 2024–2025 flu season was classified as high severity, with preliminary estimates of at least 560,000 flu-related hospitalizations nationwide.
That doesn't mean every facility will experience the same demand this year, but it's a good reminder of why having a backup plan matters.
Keep an eye on patient volume, employee availability, and the departments that may need additional support. Know when your team should consider outside staffing help rather than waiting until everyone is already working overtime.
You can also follow the CDC's flu activity and disease burden information as respiratory season progresses.
Choose the Right Staffing Support
Not every staffing need requires the same solution, and finding the right fit can make a difference for your team.
Per Diem/PRN: Ideal for individual shifts, callouts, and short-term coverage.
Contract Staffing: Helpful for extended absences or longer-term scheduling gaps.
Temp-to-Hire: An opportunity to evaluate a potential permanent employee.
Direct Hire: A solution for facilities looking to fill permanent positions.
Every healthcare facility has different staffing needs. At WSi Healthcare Personnel, we work with you to explore options that make sense for your schedule, requirements, and goals.
Whether you're planning ahead for holiday vacations or addressing an ongoing vacancy, it's worth having the conversation before coverage becomes urgent.
Explore WSi's Healthcare Staffing Solutions
Keep Everyone on the Same Page
When staffing needs change, communication matters.
Make sure everyone knows who's responsible for approving staffing requests, confirming credentials, and communicating schedule updates.
If you're working with a staffing partner, share the position, dates, shifts, required qualifications, and decision timeline upfront.
It's also important to account for onboarding and facility-specific requirements. A qualified healthcare professional may still need documentation, orientation, or other approvals before starting an assignment.
Having this information ready helps everyone move forward without unnecessary delays.
Don't Forget About Your Current Team
Holiday staffing isn't just about filling open shifts. It's also about supporting the employees who are already showing up every day.
When coverage is limited, additional shifts and overtime can put more pressure on your existing staff.
Consider how you're distributing holiday shifts, communicating schedule changes, and giving employees enough notice whenever possible.
The goal isn't simply to get through the holidays. It's to help your team enter the new year without carrying unnecessary scheduling stress into January.
Learn From This Holiday Season
Once the holidays are over, look back at what worked and what could have gone better.
Were certain shifts consistently difficult to cover? Did overtime increase? Were staffing requests made early enough? Did your team have the support it needed?
Use what you learn to improve scheduling, communication, and staffing decisions for the next busy season.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should facilities start planning holiday staffing?
Ideally, before holiday schedules are finalized. The sooner you start, the more time you have to address potential coverage gaps and discuss staffing options.
What information should I have ready when contacting a staffing agency?
Start with the position, location, dates, shifts, required credentials, and expected assignment length. Sharing your decision timeline and onboarding requirements is also helpful.
When is per diem staffing a good option?
Per diem staffing can be useful for unexpected callouts, individual shifts, and short-term coverage needs. For longer vacancies, contract or permanent staffing may be worth considering.
How should facilities prepare for respiratory season?
Keep an eye on patient volume, historical trends, and current staffing needs. CDC respiratory illness data can provide helpful context, but your facility's actual conditions should guide staffing decisions.
Let's Get Ahead of Holiday Staffing Together
Holiday staffing doesn't have to become a last-minute scramble.
Whether you need help covering a few shifts or you're planning for longer-term staffing needs, WSi Healthcare Personnel is ready to help.
With healthcare staffing experience dating back to 1988, our team understands how important it is to have qualified professionals in the right positions when your facility needs support.
Let us know what positions you need, your dates, shifts, required credentials, and timeline. We'll work with you to explore staffing options that fit your facility.
Connect With WSi About Your Staffing Needs
Or give us a call at 855-974-5627.
Let's get your holiday staffing plan started before coverage gets tight!