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Show Kwangmoo. (n.d.). *Stethoscope with calendar page date on wood table background doctor appointment medical concept* [Stock photograph]. Dreamstime. https://www.dreamstime.com/stethoscope-calendar-page-date-wood-table-background-doctor-appointment-medical-concept-image190940194 Safe Scheduling Practices for Nurses BACKGROUND Many organizations lack formal policies that define safe scheduling parameters that negatively affect caregiver well-being and patient safety. Increased levels of caregiver fatigue, safety concerns, and profession burnout continue to be at the forefront of consideration when evaluating safe scheduling. Evidence strongly supports the need for structured policy to promote retention and work-life balance.1,2 • Lack of standard practice for healthcare organizations create inconsistencies for scheduling practices. • Common associated risks include extended shifts, excessive overtime, insufficient time to recover between shifts, and too many consecutive days worked.3 • Unsafe caregiver scheduling results in excessive fatigue, burnout, turnover, and increased patient safety events.5 METHODS This project adopted the ADKAR change management model to guide policy implementation and promotion. This framework was chosen for it’s step by step approach and for influencing change on a large scale. A New Policy Creation Anastasia Chaus, BSN, RN, MSN Student Amber Fowler, DNP, MSN-Ed, RN Luanna Schmelter, DNP, MBA, RN, NEA-BC INTERVENTIONS • Development of Safe Nurse Scheduling policy using evidencebased research • Preserve autonomy for nurse scheduling preferences • Reduce fatigue related safety events • Specifically addressing safe parameters for: • Maximum number of consecutive shifts worked • Maximum length of shifts worked • Overtime hours accrued per pay period IMPACTS The impacts of this project have the potential to change the trajectory of scheduling for nurses resulting in increased caregiver satisfaction. By standardizing expectations, the safe scheduling policy can improve safety and create a more sustainable workforce.1,2,3,5 • Improved caregiver awareness for self and patients • Reduced fatigue, burnout, and unit turnover1 • Enhanced employee experience with scheduling participation • Decreased patient safety events2 • Promotion of culture surrounding positive emphasis on caregiver wellbeing • Evidence-based policy development through a comprehensive literature review. • ADKAR change management model4 • • • • • Awareness Desire Knowledge Ability Reinforcement CONCLUSIONS The main objective of a new policy creation surrounding safe scheduling practices is to align the organization with consistency in expectation of the caregivers. This project is important because it addresses specific safety concerns and the wellbeing of caregivers across all departments to promote equitability and sustainability. REFERENCES 1Bae, S.H. (2024) Nurse staffing, work hours, mandatory overtime, and turnover in acute care hospitals affect nurse job satisfaction, intent to leave, and burnout: A cross-sectional study. International Journal of Public Health, 69, 1607068. https://doi.org/10.3389/ijph.2024.1607068 2Di Muzio, M., Dionisi, S., Di Simone, E., Cianfrocca, C., Di Muzio, F., Fabbian, F., Barbiero, G., Tartaglini, D., & Giannetta, N. (2019). Can nurses’ shift work jeopardize patient safety? A systematic review. European Review for Medical and Pharmacological Sciences, 23(13), 4507–4519. 3Scott-Marshall, H. K. (2024). Safe limits on work hours for the nursing profession: A rapid evidence review. Frontiers in Global Women's Health, 5. https://doi.org/10.3389/fgwh.2024.1455422 4Prosci. (n.d.). The Prosci ADKAR Model. Prosci. https://www.prosci.com/methodology/adkar 5Wynendaele, H., Gemmel, P., Pattyn, E., Myny, D., & Trybou, J. (2021). Systematic review: What is the impact of selfscheduling on the patient, nurse and organization?. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 77(1), 47–82. https://doi.org/10.1111/jan.14579 Kwangmoo. (n.d.). *Stethoscope with calendar page date on wood table background doctor appointment medical concept* [Stock photograph]. Dreamstime. https://www.dreamstime.com/stethoscope-calendar-page-date-wood-table-backgrounddoctor-appointment-medical-concept-image190940194 (Kwangmoo, n.d.) • Safe scheduling is essential for healthcare professionals • Policy standardization addresses current safety gap • ADKAR model supports sustainable change4 • Ongoing evaluation and leadership support are key to long term success and compliance of policy within individual departments |
