Why Self-Scheduling is the Future of Nursing

Many factors are out of our control when it comes to patient care. Healthcare workers face constant challenges, and physical demands plus changing technologies can leave nurses feeling powerless. 

That’s why self-scheduling has such a profound effect on nurses and their organizations. It gives nurses real control over an important aspect of their work. What’s more, self-scheduling lets nurses take charge of their lives. 

And the benefits are not just for nurses. The benefits of self-scheduling spill over to the organizations employing those professionals. 

Here’s a look at the benefits and why this trend is gaining popularity.

What is Nurse Self-Scheduling?

Nurse self-scheduling is not new. Hospitals first experimented with it in the 1960s. Since then, many hospitals have started successful programs.

Self-scheduling is a process that lets staff choose their shifts. Managers don't make the assignments. This system moves the responsibility for planning from management to clinical professionals. 

How Nurses Self-Schedule

Many health systems have adopted self-scheduling tools. In the past, hospitals relied on paper charts or computer spreadsheets maintained by people. In other words, there was a lot of room for human error. 

Today the latest software gives users access to a schedule maintained in the cloud. Staff make changes in real-time. Nurses and managers can view schedules or make requests anytime, anywhere.

Digital technologies let healthcare facilities automate scheduling. Nurses, CNAs, and other staff can log in to secure platforms, view shifts, and sign up for dates they want to work. Managers oversee the processes to ensure each shift has the right staffing, and schedules are accurate and fair. Then they make adjustments as needed. 

The newest tools use easy-access mobile applications. Some apps allow nurses to send time off requests or view other available nurses to swap or cover shifts. Other programs send push notifications, texts, or emails when requests are denied or accepted. 

Nurse self-scheduling improves communication, too. Staff and managers can stay in constant contact about schedule requests and changes. 

Benefits of Self-Scheduling for Nurses

Self-scheduling empowers nurses. As a result, studies show that self-scheduling systems improve employee job satisfaction. Self-scheduling methods give nurses the freedom to do what they love—on their own terms. No more missing out on important holidays or events with loved ones. They can select their days off in advance and plan their work around life. Not the other way around. 

Nurses are one-of-a-kind. And so, too, are their personal and professional goals. Some nurses value time at home with their families, while others focus on advancing their careers and professional success. Self-scheduling allows nurses to set their preferences and build schedules around what is important to them.

Besides different goals and values, each nurse has a unique tolerance level. Some enjoy the opportunity to work seven days straight, then enjoy seven days off. Other nurses with physical or mental challenges may need shorter stints. A “one on, one off” or “two on, two off” schedule may work best for them. With self-scheduling, each nurse can create the right schedule for their body and mind.

 Self-scheduling benefits nurses in the following ways:

• Nurses get a greater work-life balance. They can block out time for social activities or family commitments.

• Self-scheduling promotes a culture of accountability and responsibility. The staff doesn’t feel micromanaged.

• Nurses who self-schedule can plan vacation time or even take a mental health day without feeling guilty.

 These factors lead to better patient care. And happier nurses make happier patients.

What’s more, self-scheduling benefits nurses who are in management and leadership. Allowing nurses to choose their shifts eases the administrative burden. Nurses and nurse managers don’t have to spend hours designing (and re-designing) schedules. Time management is easier for nurses in supervisor roles.

Benefits of Self-Scheduling for Healthcare Facilities

Self-scheduling benefits healthcare facilities as much, if not more, than healthcare workers.

For instance, self-scheduling helps organizations with their nurse recruitment and retention strategies. Hospitals, clinics, and offices that offer self-scheduling attract nurses.

Nursing is hard work. And nurses want to work for employers who understand that and offer tools to make it easier to manage. 

They also want employers who support their values and personal or professional goals. Self-scheduling is one way to show nurses you care about what they care about.

Allowing nurses to choose their shifts decreases absenteeism. Call-ins and no-shows are a drain on a facility’s resources. Yet, with self-scheduling tools, last-minute shift openings are easier to fill since nurses can see open shifts and pick up work when they want.

In short, the benefits of self-scheduling for facilities include:

• Attracting new nurses and keeping current ones

• Fewer staffing challenges

• Improved productivity for nurses and nurse managers

Nurses in supervisory roles have more time to manage their day-to-day responsibilities when they don’t have to worry about the schedule. They can be more effective when you free them from staff scheduling. 

Let’s face it. Scheduling can pull nurses and nurse managers away from critical duties. Yet, it has to get done. These factors lead to more efficient operations. Efficiency helps optimize patient care and the bottom line.

The Takeaway On Self-Scheduling

Self-scheduling benefits healthcare organizations and their staff. By decreasing administrative burden, improving work-life balance, and empowering nurses, it’s easy to see why this approach is gaining popularity. Nursing professionals and facilities will surely see more self-scheduling options in the future.