Podcast
Questions and Answers
How does the patterning of working and non-working hours influence employees?
How does the patterning of working and non-working hours influence employees?
- It decreases overall productivity.
- It positively correlates with work satisfaction. (correct)
- It has no effect on employees' performance.
- It solely impacts their income levels.
What does time scheduling specifically refer to?
What does time scheduling specifically refer to?
- The distribution of working hours for employees over time. (correct)
- The arrangement of breaks during working hours.
- The policies governing employee leave.
- The total number of hours worked in a day.
Which of the following is a likely outcome of poorly managed working hours?
Which of the following is a likely outcome of poorly managed working hours?
- Better team collaboration.
- Increased employee productivity.
- Higher levels of employee retention.
- Decreased job satisfaction among employees. (correct)
In which way can time scheduling impact an organization?
In which way can time scheduling impact an organization?
What is a potential benefit of effectively scheduling working hours?
What is a potential benefit of effectively scheduling working hours?
What is one of the advantages of self-scheduling?
What is one of the advantages of self-scheduling?
What is a disadvantage of self-scheduling?
What is a disadvantage of self-scheduling?
Which of the following describes the manual approach to scheduling?
Which of the following describes the manual approach to scheduling?
What is a characteristic of the computerized approach to scheduling?
What is a characteristic of the computerized approach to scheduling?
What is a potential bias that can arise from self-scheduling?
What is a potential bias that can arise from self-scheduling?
Which factor is NOT typically considered when constructing a staffing schedule?
Which factor is NOT typically considered when constructing a staffing schedule?
What impact do organizational policies on overtime have on staffing schedules?
What impact do organizational policies on overtime have on staffing schedules?
Which of the following is a working hour scheduling pattern?
Which of the following is a working hour scheduling pattern?
Which element would likely have the least effect on a unit schedule?
Which element would likely have the least effect on a unit schedule?
What is one advantage of self-scheduling for staff nurses?
What is one advantage of self-scheduling for staff nurses?
How does self-scheduling impact job satisfaction among staff nurses?
How does self-scheduling impact job satisfaction among staff nurses?
How can the number of part-time employees impact staffing schedules?
How can the number of part-time employees impact staffing schedules?
Which of the following is NOT an advantage of self-scheduling for staff nurses?
Which of the following is NOT an advantage of self-scheduling for staff nurses?
In the context of self-scheduling, which outcome is most likely to occur?
In the context of self-scheduling, which outcome is most likely to occur?
What is a potential benefit of nurses having control over their schedules?
What is a potential benefit of nurses having control over their schedules?
What is a primary advantage of computerized scheduling for nurses?
What is a primary advantage of computerized scheduling for nurses?
How does computerized scheduling impact interpersonal relationships at work?
How does computerized scheduling impact interpersonal relationships at work?
Which of the following is NOT an advantage of computerized scheduling?
Which of the following is NOT an advantage of computerized scheduling?
What does consistent scheduling ensure within an agency?
What does consistent scheduling ensure within an agency?
What benefits does computerized scheduling provide regarding clerical staff?
What benefits does computerized scheduling provide regarding clerical staff?
What is the primary focus of self-scheduling in a hospital context?
What is the primary focus of self-scheduling in a hospital context?
Which of the following best describes the role of nurses in self-scheduling?
Which of the following best describes the role of nurses in self-scheduling?
What is a likely benefit of implementing self-scheduling in a hospital?
What is a likely benefit of implementing self-scheduling in a hospital?
What aspect of hospital operations can self-scheduling directly affect?
What aspect of hospital operations can self-scheduling directly affect?
Which of the following statements about self-scheduling is false?
Which of the following statements about self-scheduling is false?
Flashcards
Time scheduling
Time scheduling
The way working and non-working hours are arranged for employees.
Impact of time scheduling
Impact of time scheduling
It influences how productive and satisfied employees are.
Definition of time scheduling
Definition of time scheduling
Distributing work hours for each employee within a specific unit.
Time scheduling pattern
Time scheduling pattern
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Given period of time
Given period of time
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Self-scheduling
Self-scheduling
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Sense of autonomy
Sense of autonomy
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Job satisfaction
Job satisfaction
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Staff morale
Staff morale
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Scheduling Variables
Scheduling Variables
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Hospital Policies
Hospital Policies
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Nurse Participation
Nurse Participation
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Benefits of Self Scheduling
Benefits of Self Scheduling
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Shift Scheduling
Shift Scheduling
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Flexible Scheduling
Flexible Scheduling
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Part-time Scheduling
Part-time Scheduling
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Full-time Scheduling
Full-time Scheduling
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Unit Hours of Operation
Unit Hours of Operation
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Shift Rotations
Shift Rotations
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Approved Paid Time Off
Approved Paid Time Off
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Staffing Vacancies
Staffing Vacancies
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Availability of Automation
Availability of Automation
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Time-Saving
Time-Saving
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Reduced Conflicts
Reduced Conflicts
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Consistent Scheduling
Consistent Scheduling
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Unbiased Scheduling
Unbiased Scheduling
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Cost-Effective Scheduling
Cost-Effective Scheduling
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Study Notes
Time Scheduling
- Time scheduling is a crucial human resource management function, assigning specific days and hours for workers.
- It's a key element in staff function and a prerequisite for successful nursing operations.
- Work and non-work hours directly influence employee productivity and job satisfaction.
Definition of Time Scheduling
- It involves distributing working hours for each employee within a specific unit and time period.
- It's a planned pattern of on-off duty hours for employees.
Objectives of Time Scheduling
- Ensure patient care needs without overstaffing or understaffing.
- Maximize the use of nursing staff and professional expertise.
- Know anticipated individual schedules in advance.
- Ensure fair treatment of nurses in their distribution of work assignments.
- Achieve a balanced distribution of staff days off.
- Satisfy staff regarding work hours and the perceived sense of fairness.
- Consider nurse and patient needs.
Principles of Time Scheduling
- Schedules are created for 4-8 weeks at a time.
- Head nurses do not have off-duty on Saturdays (the start of the week).
- One day off must be scheduled between the head nurse and assistant head nurse for adequate coverage.
- Night shifts should be followed by days off prior to other shifts.
- No accumulation of consecutive workdays to ensure adequate rest for staff members.
- Overlapping time is needed between shifts for handover.
- Flexibility is needed to accommodate sick leave, vacation time, and holidays.
- Desirable and undesirable work hours should be distributed evenly.
- Reasonable special requests should be honored.
- A nurse should be on duty at all times during a 24 hour period.
- Schedule changes should be kept to a minimum after initial implementation.
- Staff should be notified of upcoming schedule changes well in advance.
Hospital Policies Related to Time Schedule
- Hospital policies for scheduling must be defined when employees are hired.
- The responsible party for scheduling (by title) must be clear.
- The time period covered by each schedule should be defined.
- Dates for posting the schedule should be established.
- The day that starts the work week should be specified.
- Beginning and ending times for each shift should be outlined.
- Specify the meal/break time duration.
- Include the exact number of nurses on each unit.
- Identify the monthly work hours requirement.
- Detail the sequential workdays.
- Detail the sequential days off policy.
- Recognize the number of weekends off per month.
- The number of nurses in the morning shift should exceed those in the afternoon and night shift due to workload.
- Designate the number of paid holidays annually.
Systems of Time Scheduling Development
- The centralized scheduling system is managed by higher-level managers and covers all departments usually via computers, while Decentralized scheduling is managed by the head nurse, focusing on the assigned nurses in a single unit, and Self-scheduling lets staff nurses propose their schedule and wait for the head nurse's approval.
Advantages of Centralized Scheduling
- Centralized control of staff
- Fairness among staff
- Comprehensive view of staffing needs
- Facilitates adjustments in cases of illness, emergencies or changing patient needs.
- Reduces interpersonal contact between head nurses and staff.
- frees the head nurses from time-consuming duties & allows them to focus on other tasks.
Disadvantages of Centralized Scheduling
- Pulling staff from one unit to another can lead to negative reactions.
Advantages of Decentralized Scheduling
- Head nurses can customize scheduling to meet unit-specific needs, based on their knowledge of staff & their unit's needs.
- Staff feel valued and have personalized attention.
- Scheduling for a smaller unit is easier and simpler.
Disadvantages of Decentralized Scheduling
- Individual head nurses may develop their own methods and patterns; this can lead to discontent from staff on different units.
- Staff may feel the head nurse is not unbiased.
Advantages of Self-Scheduling
- Staff feel a sense of autonomy
- Improves job satisfaction
- Boosts staff morale
- Enhances team spirit & collaboration
- Decreases employee absenteeism
Disadvantages of Self-Scheduling
- Time-consuming process
- Bias in scheduling choices
Approaches of Time Scheduling
- Manual approach: One or more individuals develop the schedule for a specific unit, division or the entire institution.
- Computerized approach: Computers maintain the schedules, handle employee choices and holiday/vacation planning. All necessary scheduling data is inputted. Computer systems prove more effective and efficient.
Advantages of Computerized Scheduling
- Saves nurses time spent on scheduling.
- Reduces conflicts between staff and supervisors due to scheduling changes.
- Ensures consistent scheduling and equitable application of policies.
- Helps maintain objectivity in the scheduling process.
- Cost reduction through decreased clerical work and better utilization of professional nurses.
Variables Affecting Staffing Schedules
- Unit hours of operation
- Shift rotations
- Paid time off (vacations, holidays, etc)
- Staffing vacancies
- Automation availability
- Agency personnel use policies
- Part-time employees
Working Hour Scheduling Patterns
- Regular 8-hour shift: 7 AM – 3:30 PM; 3 PM – 11:30 PM; 11 PM – 7:30 AM
- 10-hour shift: 7 AM – 5:30 PM; 1 PM – 11:30 PM; 9 PM –7:30 AM
- 12-hour shift: 7 AM – 7:30 PM; 7 PM to 7:30 AM
Premium Pay for Weekend Work
- Per Diem staff have flexibility to choose when and if they work on weekends.
- Higher pay rate is provided to compensate for flexibility and reduced scheduling options.
Flextime
- Employees select their best scheduling times to meet their personal needs while still fulfilling responsibilities.
Use of Supplemental Staffing
- Increased use of supplemental/external staffing to address high-census periods or staffing shortage issues.
- External staffing includes agency and travel nurses.
Staff Self-Scheduling
- Employees receive 4-6 weeks schedules in advance to fill out.
Shift Bidding
- Newer method to accommodate staff shortages and give nurses more control over scheduling additional shifts.
- Prevents mandatory overtime by allowing staff to bid for extra shifts. The organization sets prices for each shift.
Types of Time Scheduling
- Block Scheduling
- Cyclic Scheduling
Block Scheduling Description
- Work schedule plans for a unit a week at a time (4-8 weeks) with blocks of days. Days worked are scheduled together.
Cyclic Scheduling Description
- Technique that assigns days and time off in repeating patterns, factoring in personnel needs and continuity of care. Schedules are for 4-8 weeks.
Implementing Time Scheduling
- determine schedule type, pattern of on-off days, considering staff experience and capabilities.
- consider the percentage/ratio of staff per shift.
- create a preliminary (rough) schedule
- list staff in order of seniority to assign the appropriate shifts
- assign night shift first, then evening shift, morning shift, lastly off duty hours
- complete schedule and check for errors, confirm accuracy of details like names, holidays, confirm suitable mix of personnel.
- sign the schedule to confirm accuracy
- Obtain necessary approvals to finalize the schedule
- post the schedule several weeks in advance
- daily updates of the schedule if needed.
Criteria for Scheduling Evaluation
- Coverage: Nurse-to-patient ratio, following required minimums.
- Quality: Desirability of the schedule in the eyes of the nurses assigned.
- Stability: Nurses understand future on/off schedules, matching hospital policy.
- Flexibility: System manages changes to work and nurse schedules.
- Fairness: Nurses have equal opportunities in the schedule.
- Cost: Reflects the resources used for scheduling (time, personnel etc).
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