Implementation and Evaluation of Self-Scheduling in a Hospital System

Area of Science:

• Nursing
• Healthcare Management
• Organizational Psychology

Background:

• Inflexible work schedules negatively impact nurse job satisfaction and contribute to turnover.
• Job satisfaction is a critical factor in retaining nurses.
• Autonomy and educational opportunities are key drivers of job satisfaction in acute care settings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To discuss the implementation of computer-based self-scheduling in a hospital system.
• To analyze the impact of self-scheduling on nurse autonomy, professional development, turnover, and hospital costs.

Main Methods:

• Implementation of a computer-based self-scheduling system.
• Analysis of the system's impact on key nursing and hospital metrics.

Main Results:

• Self-scheduling positively influences nurse autonomy.
• Potential for improved professional development opportunities.
• Anticipated reduction in nurse turnover and associated hospital costs.

Conclusions:

• Computer-based self-scheduling is a valuable tool for enhancing nurse job satisfaction.
• Staff development educators should consider self-scheduling to improve autonomy and professional development.
• Self-scheduling may play a significant role in mitigating nurse turnover and reducing hospital expenses.