Orientation Matrix:

The orientation matrix lets the scheduler and supervisors know where the work force is authorized and trained to work in different areas of the hospital. This allows the scheduler to consider temporarily shifting personnel to areas of critical shortage due to absences or increased needs. It is also used to let employees become aware of openings in areas where they are qualified to work. Knowing this, the employee can request an overtime assignment which may be more cost effective than using an outside agency to fill a critical shortage area.

Click on the image above to see it in fullscreen.

Use this tool to shift employees to shortage areas instead of going to the outside for more expensive alternatives.  Think of this as utilizing a pool of employees, moving an individual from a non-critical area with sufficient coverage to an area where there is a critical need for additional coverage.