Nurses deem flexible, transparent scheduling key to satisfaction, retention

Editor's Note

Giving nurses more control over their schedules significantly improves job satisfaction and retention, according to a March 31 article in Medical Xpress.

The article focuses on a study consisting of 16 qualitative interviews with nurses and nurse managers, who cited flexibility, transparency, equity, and autonomy as key factors influencing the results. The message was clear: “scheduling is everything.” Nurses consistently reported that their work schedules profoundly impacted their physical and mental health, job satisfaction, and intent to stay in their roles, the outlet reports.

Recommendations emerging from the interviews included involving nurses in the scheduling process, allowing flexible solutions (such as four 10-hour shifts rather than five 8-hour shifts), and broadening the scope of staff preferences considered when creating schedules, Medical Xpress reports. Enabling nurses to request time off for medical and self-care needs was also deemed essential.

The study also explored the potential for technology to improve scheduling processes. AI-assisted scheduling, typically used for patient appointments, could be adapted for staffing to better accommodate nurse preferences while reducing the burden on managers. The outlet reports that this approach could foster a more balanced and efficient scheduling system.