LPNs, predictive analytics ease staffing shortages

Nurse leaders found creative ways of responding to hospital staffing challenges this year. AONL member Claire Zangerle, DNP, RN, chief nurse executive at Pittsburgh-based Allegheny Health Network, welcomed LPNs as part of blended nursing teams. MercyOne Des Moines in Iowa used video conferencing to allow “virtual” nurses to support their counterparts at the bedside. And Tower Health in West Reading, Pa., used predictive analytics to replace its traditional scheduling approach with a lean core staff and a separate flexible workforce to optimize staffing. Nurse leaders at these organizations described their work easing staffing shortages in HealthLeaders Media. (HealthLeaders Media article, 12/6/21)