Implementation of self-scheduling in the poison center

Self-scheduling was introduced to our Poison Control Center (PCC) as an alternative method of scheduling. The traditional method of scheduling was becoming an overwhelming task for the managing director, and the specialists' individual needs were not adequately met. Therefore, self-scheduling was implemented to meet the needs of the PCC as well as create the feelings of empowerment and autonomy for the specialists. The staff was educated on the process of self-scheduling. This process involved assessing, planning, implementing and evaluating. Using the democratic process, guidelines were established for shift hours, shift rotation, weekends, vacation and holidays. The plan included assigning a specialist as "schedule mediator". The mediator was responsible for assessing the schedule for any over- or under-staffing and negotiating schedule changes between the specialists. When the schedule's gaps had been negotiated, the completed schedule was posted. Finally, the staff completed a questionnaire to evaluate self-scheduling. All of the specialists strongly agreed that there had been a positive outcome from implementing self-scheduling. Their comments included "enjoyed the flexibility in doing her own schedule" and "enjoyed the participating in the operation of the PCC".