Hospitals and other medical centers, around the United States, are moving away from traditional schedule creation. Nursing staff in these facilities are using a program created by API Healthcare, a creator of software programs and systems for healthcare providers.
ShiftSelect allows nursing staff to choose their own shifts by creating a list of open hours. Staff then enter their preferred times and the program will then create a personal schedule based on the open times available. Facility administrators around the country have noticed an increase in staff satisfaction according to several press releases and website articles mentioning the program.
In one hospital, located in Jackson, Tennessee, nurses in an intensive care unit has been utilizing the scheduling program for over a year. The director –Mary Butler – states that the overall satisfaction with schedules has greatly improved during the past year. Nurses are happier and can balance life with work much better. Another director, in Columbus, Georgia – Heidi Coffee- has said that using self-scheduling creates an environment of autonomy, it increases staff accountability, and is cost efficient.
The situation has been the same in other medical facilities that are using the ShiftSelect program. Not only are nurses able to use the scheduling system, but other staff as well. Nurses find the largest benefit due to their notoriously wild hours. If personal obligations loom, such as doctor appointments, family needs, or other such items, then the nurse can input hours into the program in order to find a schedule to fit his or her needs.
API Healthcare states that before the system can be implemented, a director must know the level of readiness their staff has. According to API, staff must be able to participate in decision making easily. The company offers a tool on their website that allows directors to assess the level of readiness in their staff. (http://www.apihealthcare.com/self-scheduling-assessment-tool)
The company has been in the business of healthcare related software and other healthcare products for 30 years. They have received awards from KLAS Research for being the best time and attendance provider along with being rated as in the Top 20 Best in KLAS Awards Report.
Tags: Nurse, Nursing, nursing job
