SherriRN
New Member
Posts:3
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| 12/28/2009 10:38 AM |
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| I think that you have many options available, not just the 2 you presented. You should consider your staffing mix and then develop a matrixed schedule of both 8 and 12 hour shifts, considering the experience level of those who wish to work both. It is not a scheduling nightmare, it can be a dream mix if done properly. Begin with the new schedule as a 90 or 180 day 'trial period' to give you the ability to revert if this does not work. Accept volunteers on all shifts for 12 hours and for 8 hours. Stagger the 8-hour shifts so that you have continuity over scheduled breaks, lunches and appointments or collegiate meetings. You may even consider, as the Cleveland Clinic has done, 4-hour parent shifts to encourage skilled nurses to return to the bedside to cover breaks and changes in shifts and increase your staffing. You would have to select from your FTE allottment a given number of 12 hour and 8 hour workers to stay within your budget, which could only change between agreements with personnel to switch schedules or when a vacancy became available. It seems confusing at first but can work exceptionally well when your assistant or charge nurse for each shift manages the schedule. |
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