How Smart Square® Empowers Workforce Efficiency at Hackensack Meridian Health

In 2015, Hackensack Meridian Health embarked on a transformative journey to streamline and optimize their staffing processes. One of their most significant achievements was reducing Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) leakage from 15% in 2022 to 8.5% in 2023, translating to a savings of $616,000.  The catalyst for this transformation was the implementation of Smart Square®, a predictive scheduling tool from AMN Healthcare designed to enhance workforce efficiency and reduce operational costs.

The Need for Change

Hackensack Meridian Health was previously using a system that, while functional, lacked modern capabilities such as self-scheduling and the ability for team members to directly select shifts. These limitations led to technical issues, especially when trying to integrate different systems. The need for a more advanced and cohesive solution became evident.

When the chief nursing officer came across Smart Square at a conference, she was impressed by Smart Square’s predictive model, which determines staffing needs dynamically rather than relying on static schedules.

Implementing Smart Square

The transition to Smart Square was strategic and phased. Initially, five hospitals adopted the system. As the COVID-19 pandemic surged, the necessity for efficient staffing became even more critical. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, Hackensack Meridian Health expanded Smart Square’s use to three additional hospitals during the peak and eventually integrated it into two more large hospitals by the pandemic’s end.

Smart Square provides a holistic view of staffing needs through detailed dashboards. These insights enable Hackensack Meridian Health to make informed decisions, improving overall operational efficiency.

The benefits of Smart Square have been substantial and multifaceted:

• Predictive Analytics: The system’s predictive model allows for precise staffing forecasts, ensuring optimal workforce allocation.
• Operational Efficiency: By reducing time spent on scheduling and minimizing technical issues, the staff can focus more on patient care.
• Cost Savings: The reduction in FTE leakage alone resulted in significant financial savings.
• Continuous Support: The Smart Square team provided unwavering support throughout the implementation process and continues to engage with Hackensack Meridian Health.

As the leading provider in healthcare technology and workforce optimization, AMN Healthcare and Smart Square have proven to be invaluable for Hackensack Meridian Health. The high accuracy of predictive analytics, coupled with strong customer satisfaction scores, underscores the effectiveness of Smart Square in transforming healthcare staffing.

Hackensack Meridian Health’s experience with Smart Square exemplifies how innovative technology can drive continuous improvement, efficiency, and cost savings in healthcare. With dedicated support and advanced predictive capabilities, Smart Square stands out as a reliable tool in optimizing workforce management for hospitals and healthcare organizations.

Contact us for more information on how Smart Square can benefit your organization, or to explore our comprehensive suite of solutions designed to empower healthcare providers to achieve their goals.