When Evan approached me to be the tech lead on FloatR, I was immediately drawn to the challenge of architecting and building a solution for this unique space. FloatR is a mobile application built with React Native and powered by a robust Node.js backend. The concept is straightforward: whenever healthcare providers or other organizations need a specimen collector, phlebotomist, courier, or facilitator, they can use FloatR to schedule someone on demand. It works much like ride-sharing apps but is focused on these specialized roles.

The spark for FloatR came from observing the limitations of existing solutions. While ConnectTeam was being used initially and served its purpose well, it lacked the specialized features needed for our specific use cases in the healthcare staffing space. By building a focused solution that connects certified professionals with those who need help, FloatR has become a vital tool that saves time and reduces stress for everyone involved.

The technical architecture of FloatR is built for scalability and reliability. The backend is deployed on Fly.io, ensuring low-latency responses across different regions. Data is stored in a PlanetScale managed MySQL database, providing us with a serverless, highly available database platform. The web dashboard, built with Next.js and styled using Chakra UI, gives administrators and organizations a clean, intuitive interface to manage their requests and track activities in real-time.

Working closely with healthcare professionals has been crucial in shaping the user experience. Their feedback has influenced everything from the React Native components we've built to the real-time notification system powered by AWS services. Even the smallest details, like request workflows and status updates, have been carefully crafted to ensure a seamless experience for both providers and requesters. Today, FloatR successfully services 10 laboratories and fills thousands of shifts monthly, demonstrating the platform's robust capabilities and reliability.

FloatR continues to evolve as more users provide feedback and suggestions. The combination of React Native for mobile and Next.js for web allows us to maintain a consistent experience across platforms while leveraging platform-specific features when needed. Our infrastructure on AWS and Fly.io enables us to scale efficiently and maintain high availability, which is crucial for a service that healthcare providers rely on. Together with Joseph, I continue to build and maintain the application, ensuring it meets the growing demands of our user base.

I am excited about the future of FloatR and where it can go next. Currently serving the East Coast states including New Jersey, Maryland, and Virginia, we have ambitious plans to scale across the country in 2025 with key partners. The technical foundation we've built using modern tools and platforms positions us well for this expansion. My hope is that FloatR becomes the go-to solution whenever someone needs on-demand help with specimen collection, courier tasks, or facilitation. It has already been an incredible learning experience, and I look forward to seeing how it continues to take shape.