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Implementation of a self‐scheduling system: a solution to more than just schedules!
Author(s) -
Brittany Teahan
Publication year - 1998
Publication title -
journal of nursing management
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.925
H-Index - 76
eISSN - 1365-2834
pISSN - 0966-0429
DOI - 10.1046/j.1365-2834.1998.00096.x
Subject(s) - staffing , absenteeism , staff management , unavailability , business , work (physics) , nursing , incentive , flexible scheduling , nursing staff , operations management , psychology , medicine , management , social psychology , mechanical engineering , mathematics education , reliability engineering , economics , microeconomics , engineering
Aim To describe a model of self‐scheduling and the systematic process involved in its implementation on a nursing unit in an American hospital. Background A change in staff work schedules became necessary when staff dissatisfaction, absenteeism, vacancies and staffing costs increased. The approach used to tackle these issues resulted in other significant outcomes such as staff‐initiated projects to improve care and more time for the manager to address other issues. Findings When staff managed the project, dissatisfaction, absenteeism and costs decreased. A modified version of the self‐scheduling model was replicated for other units. The gap between management and staff narrowed and staff utilized the process as a continuing education project. Applications to work on the unit multiplied. However, complaints of peer pressure, favouritism and unavailability of staff on certain shifts also emerged. Conclusion Moving work environments to become more employee‐friendly can facilitate transformation. Incentives to attract staff and respect for the needs of staff can translate to improved care for external customers. Recommendations are made concerning the need for nurse managers to be employee‐sensitive in the interests of productivity, staff retention and progress.