How OPOs Can Overcome Staffing Shortages Without Sacrificing Quality

Staffing challenges in the healthcare industry are nothing new—but for Organ Procurement Organizations (OPOs), the stakes are uniquely high. Unlike typical healthcare staffing gaps, delays in organ procurement staffing don’t just affect internal operations—they can cost lives. At Tempo, we’ve built our mission around solving this exact issue: providing high-quality, experienced organ procurement coordinators right when they’re needed most.

So how can your OPO overcome staffing shortages without compromising on the quality of care and support you offer to hospitals, donor families, and transplant teams? Here are five strategies that work.

1. Build a Flexible Roster of Certified Contractors

OPOs that rely solely on full-time staff may struggle to cover unexpected spikes in demand or back-to-back donor cases. Partnering with a network like Tempo gives you access to highly vetted, certified OPCs with 5+ years of experience, who can be deployed quickly and professionally. This flexibility helps avoid burnout among your internal teams and ensures every family receives consistent, compassionate care.

2. Focus on Experience, Not Just Availability

In urgent cases, it's tempting to plug in any available staff. But a rushed placement can create confusion at the hospital level and diminish the family’s experience. Instead, OPOs should prioritize experienced coordinators who already understand the nuances of hospital protocols, regional transplant systems, and family dynamics. Tempo’s network ensures all contractors have a strong clinical foundation, proper documentation, and a readiness to integrate smoothly into any system.

3. Lean on Partner Organizations with Active Field Leadership

One of the most overlooked ways to solve staffing issues is to work with agencies whose leaders actually understand your challenges. At Tempo, our leadership team continues to work in the field. That means we don’t just assign coordinators—we anticipate your needs, help troubleshoot logistics, and ensure our staff is equipped to represent your organization at the highest level.

4. Simplify the Credentialing Process

Credentialing delays are a huge pain point for OPOs. A qualified coordinator is only helpful if their documentation is ready to go. That’s why we make sure all Tempo contractors have their CVs, immunization records, serologic tests, background checks, and certifications organized in advance—so you can plug in skilled help without the paperwork bottleneck.

5. Don’t Settle—Prioritize Purpose-Driven Professionals

Great staffing isn’t just about availability. It’s about alignment. Tempo’s coordinators are hand-selected not only for their clinical skill, but for their integrity, adaptability, and commitment to supporting donor families. They aren’t looking to just “fill a shift”—they’re here to carry out a mission.

The Bottom Line

Staffing shortages don’t have to mean cutting corners. With the right partners, systems, and mindset, you can maintain the highest standards of care while relieving pressure on your internal team. Tempo exists to support OPOs with smart, human-centered staffing solutions that keep your operations strong—and your outcomes extraordinary.

Need support? Let’s talk. Reach out to learn how Tempo can become your go-to staffing partner.

Info@TempoPros.com