staffing schedules

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I'm a unit manager at a 120 bed rehad/long term care facility. We are having overtime and staffing problems. I think a positive solution to out problem might be to move to a schedule where my nurses might work three twelves and an eight. does anyone have a template that would work using 14 nurses a day? :jester:

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Specializes in LTC.

Rectal itch- we are having the same issue at my facility. We only have 64 beds, however what ever you decide just make sure the nurses don't get burnt out with the med pass and etc. That seems to be a major problem.

Maybe you can do one nurse to 30 pts during 7a-7p and two nurses during 7p-7a .that will be 4 nurses duing the day and two at night.

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Specializes in Oncology, LTC.

I don't have a template or anything, but I think that would be a great idea. I just left a 120 bed rehab/nursing facility, and the administrators and charge nurses were on our butts, literally to hurry up and punch out and go home. It was impossible to do everything in an 8 hour shift. I worked one 12 there- someone called off so I stayed an extra 4 hours and someone from nights came in early- it was GREAT! I was able to catch up on all my orders and actually give ideal quality nursing care that day. Kudos to you and good luck!

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Specializes in Home Care.

I work only weekends in an LTC.

My schedule is 7a to 7p, I work 24 and get paid for 32 plus shift differential. That's all the incentive I need to show up for my weekend shifts.

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Specializes in LTC, Med-Surg, GP Office.
I work only weekends in an LTC.

My schedule is 7a to 7p, I work 24 and get paid for 32 plus shift differential. That's all the incentive I need to show up for my weekend shifts.

I did Baylor years ago and loved it! Two 12's every weekend and full benefits. The facility was bought out and changed that, though...:confused:

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Specializes in Med/Surg, Ortho, ASC.

"I think a positive solution to out problem might be to move to a schedule where my nurses might work three twelves and an eight"

Really? "Your" nurses are willing to work 44 hours per week?

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I don't think that's going to work. You already have an O/T prob with the 3/12s. This is 44 hours right off the bat before even adding in that no one ever leaves on time. You will have to pay O/T to each nurse weekly. I wouldn't want to take on an additional scheduled shift even with the extra money. It's tiring, most O/T would go to taxes, people have partners, child care, etc. I don't think many of your staff will see this as a positive. Any way you can hire additional staff?

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"I think a positive solution to out problem might be to move to a schedule where my nurses might work three twelves and an eight"

Really? "Your" nurses are willing to work 44 hours per week?

I think I understand what you are saying. It never ceases to get under my skin when a manager refers to "my staff" or "my nurses". These are professionals they belong to no one. Whether it is conscious or not, this type of phrasing has a definite derogatory tone, in my opinion.

As far as the scheduling question, it appears the facility is willing to accept some overtime on the part of the nurses according to the proposed solution. However, are the nurses willing to continually work extra hours?

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Specializes in Acute Care Cardiac, Education, Prof Practice.

How about travelers to fill the holes for now?

Tait

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How about travelers to fill the holes for now?

Tait

Good idea.

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