Case Study: Seamless Launch of a New Step-Down Unit
Home › Facilities › Case Study: Seamless Launch of a New Step-Down Unit
The Challenge
A partner hospital was preparing to launch a new step-down unit, a critical expansion designed to bridge the gap between intensive care and general medical floors. However, they faced a major roadblock:
Full-Time Hiring Delays – The hospital had not yet hired enough full-time staff to support the unit’s opening.
Balancing Cost & Readiness – Committing to full-time hires too early could strain budgets, yet under-staffing could delay patient admissions and disrupt operations.
Operational Uncertainty – The hospital needed a flexible workforce to handle fluctuating patient volumes while maintaining high-quality care.
Without a strategic staffing solution, the hospital risked pushing back its launch timeline and overburdening existing staff.
The Solution: A Strategic Partnership with NurseDash
To ensure a successful unit opening, the hospital turned to NurseDash, leveraging:
On-Demand Staffing Support – Access to a pool of experienced step-down nurses, available as needed to fill scheduling gaps.
Focus on Core Hires – The ability to prioritize essential full-time hiring without rushing the process or overcommitting resources.
Scalable Workforce Strategy – A dynamic staffing model that allowed the hospital to adjust hiring and shift coverage as patient volumes evolved.
The Results: A Confident & Efficient Unit Launch
With NurseDash as their staffing partner, the hospital successfully:
Launched the Step-Down Unit on Time – Ensured a smooth opening with highly skilled nurses ready to provide immediate patient care.
Maintained Operational Flexibility – Managed census fluctuations without the risks of overstaffing or staff burnout.
Built a Sustainable Workforce – Developed a staffing model that supported long-term growth, allowing full-time hires to gradually integrate as the unit expanded.
Consistent, High-Quality Care – Maintained seamless patient transitions from ICU to step-down care.
Scalable Growth Model – Allowed the hospital to take on new admissions confidently, knowing NurseDash could adapt to changing workforce needs.
Post-Launch Unit Feedback
“NurseDash gave us the confidence to open our step-down unit on time, with the right team in place. Their flexible staffing model was exactly what we needed to balance costs, maintain quality care, and scale efficiently.”
Our Top Benefits for Nurses and Healthcare Systems
Post shifts on an as-needed basis
Schedule shifts days, weeks, or months in advance
Search clinicians that are qualified for your shifts
Choose from qualified clinicians, ensuring high levels of patient care
Save on recruiting and hiring costs
Assists clinicians in understanding where to go and who to talk to
NurseDash Benefits
You get verified, qualified talent for your open shifts for less
NurseDash provides clinicians with paychecks and insurance
All clinicians have gone through background screenings
Clinician credentials and licenses are monitored regularly
No hidden fees — save money while maintaining expert care
NurseDash ensures the clinicians you get understand what’s expected of them