For RNnetwork, it's work hard, play hard

RNnetwork, a traveling nurses firm based in Salt Lake City, places staff in all 50 states and the U.S. Virgin Islands. But before connecting nurses with clients across the country, management knows the company's success hinges on attending to the needs of its own 90-member staff.

Part of what makes the company attractive to employees, says President Bill Heller, is that healthcare staffing remains a fast-growing business. Even during the depths of the economic slowdown, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics released monthly data showing strong demand for clinical employees, and Heller says that has been reflected in his company's success. The firm works on a contract basis with nurses and providers to match openings with clinicians.

“We're in a wonderful space with healthcare staffing,” he says. “It's all about people because that's our culture. … We all share responsibilities. It's not just me as president or anyone among our 90 employees; we all share the credit equally for creating and building our culture.”

RNnetwork ranks No. 9 in this year's ranking of the Best Places to Work in Healthcare and No. 3 in the small-company category. RNnetwork's parent company is CHG Management, Boca Raton, Fla. Two other CHG companies made this year's ranking of the Best Places to Work in Healthcare: Weatherby Healthcare, Fort Lauderdale, Fla., placed No. 8, and CompHealth, Salt Lake City, is No. 22.

Management at RNnetwork has always gone to great lengths to make employee engagement a top priority. The company hosts a variety of quirky activities and events aimed to inspire camaraderie and to foster a family-like atmosphere for employees, Heller says. For example, last year the company celebrated noted author Mary Shelley's birthday with a Frankenstein Day by grilling frankfurters and encouraging workers to dress up as their favorite “Frank.” Costumes included Frank Sinatra and Benjamin Franklin, Heller says. The company also rented out a movie theater for a private screening of “Iron Man 3.” Employees from all offices also host their own creative events.

“People are the core of everything we do; we're a people business,” Heller says. “We have the philosophy to treat people the right way. This engagement helps demonstrate that. ... It makes people want to stay longer and treat our customers better.” The company reported a 7% voluntary turnover rate in the most recent fiscal year.

RNnetwork also offers a diverse benefits package. Eric Darienzo, a senior director who's been with RNnetwork for six years, singled out the three weeks of paid paternity leave the firm offers. Knowing that the company is willing to support new parents—beyond traditional maternity benefits—provides great comfort for Darienzo, whose wife is pregnant. “It's just such a wonderful benefit because it's something that lowers your stress level,” he says.

Other benefits includes a choice of health insurance plans—something that's diminishing among all employers as more companies move to high-deductible health plans. And RNnetwork's healthcare coverage kicks in the first day of the month following an employee's hiring.

Darienzo and Heller mentioned the company's annual employee-satisfaction survey as a valuable resource to solicit input from all levels of the company—to let the staff know that top management is listening about what's right and wrong at the firm. Heller says the company's senior leaders never underestimate the survey's findings.

Follow Ashok Selvam on Twitter: @MH_aselvam