[Self-Scheduling: A Win-Win for Nurses and Organizations]

In this article, the authors explore the benefits of implementing the 'nurse self-scheduling' system, highlighting the positive impact of this system on both nursing staff and healthcare organizations. Under the traditional three-shift system, nurses work long hours and endure physical and mental stressors, contributing to high turnover rates. The inherent flexibility of self-scheduling has been shown to enhance work-life balance, thereby improving job satisfaction and retention rates. However, challenges remain, including ingrained traditional workplace norms, inadequacies in legacy technical systems, and concerns about scheduling fairness. Some hospitals in Taiwan have introduced digital tools such as Google Forms and Teams to enhance scheduling efficiency and transparency. Notably, the phased approach implemented at Changhua Christian Hospital emphasizes team communication and has successfully established new workplace norms supportive of self-scheduling practices. Although technological advancements, especially in the realm of artificial intelligence, offer new potential for intelligent scheduling, sustainable implementation of self-scheduling systems will require organizational cultural shifts and managerial support. In conclusion, nurse self-scheduling represents a key strategy for creating friendly workplaces, enhancing care quality, and achieving a win-win for nurses and organizations.