This document provides an overview of three steps hospitals can take to optimize their nursing workforce: 1) Upgrade recruiting efforts by focusing on forecasting future staffing needs using technology, rather than just reacting to current needs. 2) Optimize the full workforce by developing standardized policies to right-size staffing levels using people, processes and technology, in order to reduce costs from issues like turnover. 3) Leverage the right technology solutions to connect all workforce management efforts and increase profits. Taking these steps can save hospitals millions annually in costs while improving patient outcomes.