Self-Scheduling

mstigerlily · Jun 4, 2005

All the hospitals I know of in our area do self scheduling. I work nights so I put an "N" (for Noc) in the box if I want to work that shift. I put an "X" in days that would be ok for me to work if she really needed me. I put a "V" in the box for any vacation days. Days I absolutely do not or cannot work I leave blank.

Then we have an "Extra Shift Request" book where we put our name down if we want to be called to work an extra shift for double time. You can be per diem or part time and still pick up doubles, it doesn't matter.

We also have an "EA" or "Excused Absence" book where we put our name down if we are hoping to be called off that day. That way we are called off first if they have too many RNs that day.

Melissa

Anyone work at a place where they do or did self-scheduling? How is it working out?

Marie_LPN, RN, LPN, RN · Jun 6, 2005

They're still trying to figure out a way so that everyone gets a fair shot at variety.

One thing i have discovered that i like is that i can schedule my night call at the pbeginning of the week, which is what i prefer (knock it out, don't have to deal with it). And there's quite a few people that are in school and working, and want their call at the end of the week.

The major holidays are not self-scheduled, everyone takes their turn to work.

Deusadomar · Jun 6, 2005

Do nurses still get benefits when they self schedule (health insurance coverage)? Thanks for your help...

:)

Judee Smudee, ADN, RN · Jun 6, 2005

My interpetation of self scheduling was different than my old manager. She seemed it to think that it meant that the staff had given their vow to fill in every single open date. I told her "it is merely a staff retention tool, if you allow staffing to get so bad that 1/3 of your dates have needs it is on your head not ours".

pricklypear · Jun 7, 2005

Do nurses still get benefits when they self schedule (health insurance coverage)? Thanks for your help...
:)

To my knowledge, it doesn't matter how the scheduling gets done, it's your employment status (full time, part time, PRN, etc) that determines your benefits.

nurturing_angel · Jun 7, 2005

We have self scheduling and I love it! But I am soon going to weekend option I hope and will be working every Friday, Saturday, Sunday. I will make way more money and can plan my events way in advance cause I will always have a set schedule. I can have one weekend off during every 12 week period. I really think I will like it!

:Melody:

Vickie

live4today, RN · Jun 7, 2005

Anyone work at a place where they do or did self-scheduling? How is it working out?

I've worked at places that permitted self-scheduling, and everyone loved it! I don't recall any major problems with it. If too many people asked for the same day off, and there wasn't enough staff to cover the shift, that is when the shifts might be rearranged. I think all units should do self-scheduling. We ARE adults, so why do we need another adult to bother with scheduling. It's nonsense to me to have someone else do the scheduling.

caroladybelle, BSN, RN · Jun 7, 2005

I love it!! Our 'pencil' schedules (4 weeks) are put out 3-4 weeks before the due date. We usually (99%) get the days we put down, however, the staffing sargeant will call before moving us. Summer schedules (mid May-ish to mid August-ish) are usually put out 12 weeks at a time as the 8-12 weeks surrounding Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years.

Same here (back when I was a nontraveler); However, we shifted ourselves to meet the staffing criteria generally. After, most people signed up, we noted where the holes were and adjusted ourselves.

Having different groups sign up on different days never worked that well, and really wasn't necessary. However, you have to have a group of coworkers that recognize the necessity of fairness and cooperation. That and a few general guidelines (must sign up for X number of weekends, Y number of Mondays/Fridays - so that everyone has a chance at a few long weekends).

Only if one person was a serious problem, did the person writing the schedule have to put their foot down.

Deusadomar · Jun 7, 2005

To my knowledge, it doesn't matter how the scheduling gets done, it's your employment status (full time, part time, PRN, etc) that determines your benefits.

Thank you very much for the response... It's good to hear that we can still get benefits. I would LOVE to work on a self scheduling basis once I start working (I start school in August 05).

Thanks again!

:)

pricklypear · Jun 7, 2005

Thank you very much for the response... It's good to hear that we can still get benefits. I would LOVE to work on a self scheduling basis once I start working (I start school in August 05).
Thanks again!
:)

Hey! Good luck in school! Enjoy your last summer of freedom!! Self scheduling is THE BEST. I think it works out best for everybody involved. I think it's becoming more and more the norm since lots of people refuse to work on a unit that doesn't do it. I won't ever let someone make my schedule again! Probably by the time you get done with school, it will be the standard.