self scheduling

[michael79]

I would like to start using self scheduling in the LTC/ALF where I work for the CNAs. Can you tell me some of the programs you guys use and your feedback on them?

[NeoNurseTX, RN]

We check what days we want to work on a grid calendar thing and then they ask us if we can move as needed.

[AdobeRN]

We dont use any special program. The manager just uses a spreadsheet she created. It lists the date with spots for you to fill in your name on the days you want to work or days you need off. We have rules - only can request X amount of days off a schedule, there must be X amount of staff per day, etc. She will collect it after 1 week and make any changes necessary. Most of the time it works out, sometimes she will come back to us and ask if anyone can move days to make sure every day is covered. If nobody steps up to move, she will pick the person to move. None of us like to be moved, so we are pretty good about working with each other to make sure the days are covered.

[RNrural]

At our small rural hospital we have been self scheduling for a few years and it works great! We are divided in 2 groups. The empty schedule is put out on the first. The first group has 5 days to get their 3 shifts a week and 4 call shifts written in. Then it is the second groups turn to do the same. On the 11th the schedule is put out with revisions needed and everyone has a chance to pick up extra shifts if there are any. The next month the groups switch and the other group schedules first. This has really worked great for us...:wink2:

[NeoNurseTX, RN]

At our small rural hospital we have been self scheduling for a few years and it works great! We are divided in 2 groups. The empty schedule is put out on the first. The first group has 5 days to get their 3 shifts a week and 4 call shifts written in. Then it is the second groups turn to do the same. On the 11th the schedule is put out with revisions needed and everyone has a chance to pick up extra shifts if there are any. The next month the groups switch and the other group schedules first. This has really worked great for us...:wink2:

I really like that idea! Sure beats first come, first serve!

[MikeyJ, RN]

My unit uses self-scheduling based on seniority. We do monthly schedules and you schedule yourself for whatever 3 days you want to work and you mark what days you would like to be on-call and what days you can to overtime and you mark if you have any classes (ACLS, PALS, TNCC, etc.). The week before the new schedule comes out, the manager has a self-scheduling meeting where nurses can discuss who wants to switch their days if a certain day is short.

It is based on seniority though -- thus, the low man on the todem poll usually is stuck working those days that no one else wants to.

[madwife2002, BSN, RN]

My unit uses self-scheduling based on seniority. We do monthly schedules and you schedule yourself for whatever 3 days you want to work and you mark what days you would like to be on-call and what days you can to overtime and you mark if you have any classes (ACLS, PALS, TNCC, etc.). The week before the new schedule comes out, the manager has a self-scheduling meeting where nurses can discuss who wants to switch their days if a certain day is short.

It is based on seniority though -- thus, the low man on the todem poll usually is stuck working those days that no one else wants to.

I dont really think it is fair to be based on seniority.

[MikeyJ, RN]

I dont really think it is fair to be based on seniority.

I am on orientation right now, thus it hasn't affected me yet... but I think it will be not so great once I am scheduling myself and can be bumped around because others have seniority.