Schedule Blues

Where I work we have self-scheduling. It seems to work out pretty well.

Jen

http://journals.aol.com/jennerizer/nurse

Whats the deal with scheduling? Why does it seem to be such a daunting task? I am just a student trying to understand as much as possible before I start my own shifts. So I try to tag along with other nurses to see what they encounter, and at their hospital there seem to be a huge moral problem that I think steems from their scheduling inefficiencies.

Is this just a localized incident or is this more commmon than could imagine?

Just looking for some insight...

So I guess, what kind of problems do you guys encounter when shceduling or being scheduled?

And if you dont have problems what have you done, or what can be done?

I know this is a lot, but its my first post. So if you guys dont answer me then I will get my feelings hurt and never come back again.

Oh, doguhnuts!!!

Deep breaths!! In...Out...In...Out...

Good. Now. First off, I hate to say it but if your feelings get hurt THAT easily, maybe nursing is not for you.

Second, not just each facility, but each individual unit handles staffing and scheduling differently. Just like the rest of nursing, it is all about finding the right fit for you. Things like scheduling and staffing are usually covered in the interview. If the nurse manager does not cover it, bring it up and ask. There are many variables that go into scheduling (number of staff, number of patients, acuity, skill mix, etc.) That is why each unit is different and there is no "blanket" answer to your question.

self-scheduling, iv heard of it but i thought it was a myth. HA

So what is it like first come first serve? And whats it like when someone has an emergency, or when you want to schedule off christmas?

self-scheduling, iv heard of it but i thought it was a myth. ha

so what is it like first come first serve? and whats it like when someone has an emergency, or when you want to schedule off christmas?

there are generally some rules involved: for instance, we have to work three out of six fridays, 2 out of six mondays, and every third weekend. our hospital has 7 holidays, and we're responsible for working every other: this year, i work mlk day, july 4, thanksgiving & next year work ny day, memorial day, labor day, & christmas. then you may get moved around a lot for special skills. in my last job, i did dialysis, vads, balloon pump and charge and was the only person who did it all. i got moved around a lot to cover holes in the skill mix. and generally, vacations have to be approved in advance.

ruby