Shirl Midd

I am looking at different ways to allocate staff holidays on the neonatal unit where I work, which has approximately 35 nurses. At present nurses self-roster their annual leave on a holiday rota, which notes how many staff of each grade can be off at any one time, to ensure that the nurses remaining on duty are acceptable across grades. The rota used in on a "first come first served basis" which I know is not ideal. The school holidays in July & August are a real pain as nearly everyone wants 2 weeks off & there are only 6 weeks to fit them all in! The only other method I have had experience of, is putting in forms & applying for holidays, but this is also "first come, first served." Does anyone have any suggestions/experience to help me in my quest. Thank you!