Example of cyclic Schedule n D day shift

Example of cyclic Schedule n D: day shift n E : evening shift n N: night shift n. . : off duty n 1

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Time Planning Approaches: The Manual Approach: n One or several person prepares a schedule for a special time for a group of personal on one nursing division, several divisions by hand. As head nurse develop a time schedule for her unit by herself using pen and papers. 3

Computerized scheduling n This type enables the user to devise a plan which considers more variables than schedules done by individuals. Computerized scheduling allows for maintaining the patterns to be used and the choice of employee and the planning of holidays, days off and vacation. All data necessary for time planning are fed to the computer and a program for scheduling is designed based on the fed data. 4

Scheduling patterns of working hours : 1 - Straight shift : n n n This is a traditional pattern that uses 8 hours shifts for time planning for the [24 hours] period. The pattern may be as such: 7 AM To 3: 30 PM 3 PM to 11: 30 PM 11 PM to 7: 30 AM This pattern allows each employee to work 8 hours a day five days a week. This is mostly a block hour system and thus allows for underutilization (poor) of staff on weekends. It cannot meet patient care needs seven days a week. 5

The 10 hours shift : This pattern allows staff to work 10 hours a day for 4 days a week and three days off. This is a 6 week cyclical Pattern that has advantage over the 8 hours/ day. Shifts developed for the 10 hours day are: 7 AM to 5: 30 PM. 1 PM to 11: 30 PM. 9 PM to 7: 30 AM. The 10 hours shift has the disadvantage of not falling evenly into a 24 hours day, but it can be planned so that the overlaps occur in peak (heavy) work hours. This pattern is very effective in staffing ICU. Nurses are satisfied they can give comprehensive continuous care can get a longer week end an extra day off. 6

The 12 hours shift : n n This pattern consists of working 12 hours a day with 2 days off prior to a change of shift. The shift hours are usually 7 AM to 7: 30 PM and 7 PM to 7: 30 AM This pattern was introduced due to inadequate staffing, but it proved to be appropriate in ICU and modified ICU. It strengthens the relationship between the nurse, the doctors, and the patient and time is saved in personnel shift change over 7

Role of Manager : q The manager must determine hours of maximum and minimum work load so as to decide hours of peak and least need for employees in each category q Using positions budgeted and filled, the manager should determine a pattern of on- off duty hours that will provide the desired number of each day. q The manager should plan each employee's work hours for 4 -to- 8 week's so as to group available staff into desired configuration's (taking into consideration employee position categories and clinical abilities). 8