Hours based scheduling in neonatology: a practical approach

No standard work assignment exists for practicing neonatologists in the United States. Unlike other types of care providers in the neonatal intensive care unit who work under standard shift or work hour expectations, attending neonatologist staffing models vary significantly by job task, shift length, in-person or remote coverage responsibility, ambulatory or inpatient practice, and total clinical versus non-clinical commitments among other variables. Due to the diversity of clinical and non-clinical responsibilities of practicing neonatologists, transparent and equitable staffing models can be challenging to design and execute. We present a flexible approach to neonatologist scheduling that has been implemented effectively at two academic medical centers with multiple sites and types of neonatology clinical practice. This model allows for clear delineation of time dedicated to a variety of clinical and non-clinical activities to allow both clinical and administrative leadership clarity on the full range of professional responsibilities of a practicing neonatologist.