Introduction
Temporary nurses play an essential role in keeping healthcare facilities running smoothly, especially during busy seasons or staffing shortages. But many facilities struggle to keep these skilled professionals coming back. Some nurses leave because they feel unsupported, uncertain about expectations, or disconnected from the team. These experiences can be improved with the right approach. At Geri Healthcare Solutions, we often speak with facilities looking to strengthen their staffing practices and create a better experience for temporary nurses. In this post, we explore practical strategies that help teams retain high quality temporary nurses and improve the overall stability of their staffing support.
Creating a welcoming and supportive start
Temporary nurses often walk into a new environment with very little preparation, which can feel overwhelming. A warm and thoughtful welcome helps ease that pressure. Simple actions such as greeting them by name, offering a quick tour, or showing them where essential supplies are kept can immediately reduce stress. Many facilities also designate a point person who can answer questions during the shift. This small step makes a big difference. When nurses feel supported from the moment they arrive, they settle in faster and are more open to returning for future assignments.
Communicating expectations clearly and consistently
Temporary nurses want clarity. They want to know what their role includes, who they report to, and how things operate within your facility. Clear expectations create confidence. Even a short briefing at the start of a shift can prevent confusion later. Some facilities use simple checklists or structured handoff notes, which can also be helpful. When expectations are consistent and easy to follow, temporary nurses feel set up for success. This is often the reason they choose to return rather than look for a new assignment elsewhere. For facilities exploring how to create clarity in their care approach, our guide on 3 Essential Questions to Ask When Choosing Home Care Providercan provide helpful insight.
Building a team culture where everyone feels included
Temporary nurses want to feel respected and included, not like outsiders. Team culture plays a major role in retention. When permanent staff are kind, collaborative, and open to teamwork, temporary nurses feel more comfortable and confident. Leaders can help encourage this by recognizing the strengths that temporary nurses bring to the team and reinforcing a culture where everyone works together. These supportive environments benefit not just staff but also patients, who receive more coordinated and compassionate care.
Offering flexibility and predictable scheduling
Many temporary nurses choose this type of work for flexibility. When facilities honor scheduling preferences, provide advance notice, and avoid unnecessary last minute changes, nurses feel respected. Predictable scheduling allows them to balance work with personal commitments. Flexibility builds trust, and trust encourages nurses to return. Facilities that want support in designing adaptable staffing models often benefit from speaking with our team to learn how our nurse staffing servicescan help create stability.
Showing genuine appreciation
Recognition matters. Temporary nurses give their time, energy, and skill to support your facility. Something as simple as offering positive feedback after a shift or taking a moment to thank them personally can make a lasting impression. Appreciation helps them feel valued and reminds them that their work truly matters. This is often what encourages them to pick up more shifts with your team rather than looking elsewhere.
Supporting long term engagement
Building relationships helps strengthen retention. Some facilities check in with temporary nurses after their first shift to see how things went. Others invite them to participate in training opportunities or team meetings so they feel included even if they are not permanent staff. A supportive approach builds trust and encourages nurses to return because they feel connected to the team and the environment. For organizations working to improve engagement, reviewing your current services and staffing structure can help identify where small changes may have a big impact.
Conclusion
Keeping high quality temporary nurses requires more than filling a schedule. It is about creating a workplace where people feel supported, respected, and ready to succeed. When temporary nurses feel welcomed, informed, and appreciated, they bring their best to every shift and are more likely to return.
If you would like to explore staffing options or create a more sustainable approach for your team, the staff at Geri Healthcare Solutions is ready to support you whenever you need guidance.