By Admin 
At Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC), Workforce Management (WFM) refers to the comprehensive system designed to optimize staff scheduling, attendance tracking, and overall workforce administration. This system ensures that the medical center operates efficiently, with the right personnel in the right places at the right times, thereby enhancing patient care and operational effectiveness.
VandyWorks: The Core of Workforce Management at VUMC
Central to VUMC’s WFM strategy is VandyWorks, a web-based scheduling and staffing system utilized by approximately 19,000 employees across the medical center. Introduced in 2006, VandyWorks was developed in collaboration with the Canadian company Workbrain, now owned by Infor. The system was implemented to address concerns related to nursing fatigue and its correlation with workplace errors, aiming to standardize scheduling practices and ensure compliance with VUMC’s staffing policies.
Key Features of VandyWorks:
- Accessibility: Being web-based, VandyWorks can be accessed from any computer at any time via www.vandyworks.com, providing flexibility for staff to manage their schedules remotely.
- Comprehensive Scheduling: The system allows employees to request time off, self-schedule, view daily assignments, and more, promoting transparency and autonomy in workforce management.
- Policy Compliance: VandyWorks ensures that scheduling practices align with VUMC’s staffing policies, particularly the Patient Care Services: Scheduling Process CL 20-06.25, maintaining consistency and fairness across the organization.
Training and Support for WFM at Vanderbilt
To facilitate effective use of the WFM system, VUMC offers various training resources:
- Instructor-Led Courses: Ideal for new leaders, these comprehensive sessions provide hands-on experience with the system, using real team data in a training environment.
- Self-Guided Online Modules: Available through the Learning Exchange, these modules allow staff to learn at their own pace, covering topics such as claiming shifts and self-scheduling.
- Employee Toolbox: A dedicated resource offering videos, tip sheets, and support contacts to assist employees with WFM-related inquiries and issues.
Workforce Management in the Broader Context
Workforce Management (WFM) encompasses a range of processes aimed at optimizing employee productivity, including scheduling, attendance tracking, compliance monitoring, and performance management. In healthcare settings like VUMC, effective WFM is crucial for ensuring that patient care is delivered efficiently and safely.
By implementing systems like VandyWorks, VUMC demonstrates a commitment to leveraging technology to enhance workforce efficiency, staff satisfaction, and, ultimately, patient outcomes.