Stop the Scramble: 3 Proven Strategies for a Staffing Firm-Powered Float Pool
When one site is short-staffed, and another is overwhelmed with volume, pharmacy leaders often find themselves scrambling to cover critical gaps. A well-managed float pool can solve this challenge if it’s built with flexibility and strategy in mind. For multi-site operations, float pools offer a powerful way to improve coverage, reduce burnout, and boost consistency across locations.
Here are three strategies to make your float pool more effective with help from a trusted staffing partner like Rx relief.
1. Hire for Flexibility, Not Just Credentials
Not every pharmacy professional is equipped to float between locations. While licensing and technical skills are essential, the best float pool members are adaptable, collaborative, and able to quickly acclimate to new teams, systems, and patient populations.
When Rx relief sources float pool talent, we look beyond the resume. We focus on soft skills, learning agility, and communication style to ensure each professional can thrive in varied environments. We also verify licensing requirements for each state or facility type, reducing administrative headaches on your end.
2. Plan Scheduling in Advance and Use Data
A float pool works best when it is part of your long-term staffing strategy, not just a last-minute fix. Analyze historical volume trends, seasonal patterns, and high-risk coverage gaps to proactively schedule float resources where they are most needed.
Rx relief can support this process by providing flexible professionals available on a per diem, short-term, or contract basis. Whether you need daily backups for call-outs or ongoing rotation support for high-turnover sites, we work with your schedule to ensure consistency without overextending your core staff.
3. Maintain Strong Communication and Training
One reason float pools fail is a lack of alignment between sites and staff. Make sure your float team receives consistent onboarding and understands the expectations, workflows, and tools at each location. This prevents errors, builds trust, and improves efficiency.
When you work with Rx relief, we help reinforce communication by staying in close contact with both our talent and your managers. We support orientation, address concerns quickly, and ensure that each assignment is a good fit. Our goal is to reduce disruption, not add to it.
Stop Scrambling and Start Planning
A staffing-powered float pool gives you the flexibility to respond to demand, the stability to maintain care standards, and the peace of mind that your workforce is always supported. When built strategically, it can transform the way you manage multi-site operations.
Ready to build a float pool that works? Partner with Rx relief to source pharmacy professionals who are ready to step in, adapt quickly, and keep your operations running smoothly.
