In the decentralized scheduling model, the nurse managers are responsible for all the work schedules (Yoder-Wise 288). As such, all the accountability that relates to scheduling and staffing plans is the sole responsibility of the manager. Thus, the performance of the nursing care units can be enhanced by the efficiency and effectiveness of the nurse managers preparing the schedules. Based on a patient’s category of care such as minimal or acute care, a decentralized system helps in identifying the number of caregivers required per shift (Shabot and Gardner 298). In centralized staffing, the staffing coordinator has a knowledge of the qualifications and availability of the staff. Centralized staffing can be enhanced using computers to develop optimal staffing plans for individual units. Patient care can be addressed based on a unit’s personnel budget.
Self-scheduling
The self-scheduling approach in patient care can be effective in that it helps increase staff accountability, enhance communication and negotiation skills among the staff. The issue with self-scheduling is the likelihood of more emphasis being placed on the staff needs rather than patient care (Yoder-Wise 288). The needs of the patients need to be of importance in the self-scheduling.
Organizational policies that help to support fair/equitable staffing practices, including holiday scheduling
One policy such as holiday scheduling can be effective in supporting fair staffing practices. The staff is allowed to develop holiday schedules where they select the days and hours when they are most effective. This promotes a better work-life balance for the staff. Secondly, for staff that works on holidays, incentives can be of help in ensuring that there is staff in the hospital during the holidays and as a way of motivating the staff.
Work Cited
Shabot, M M, and Reed M. Gardner. Decision Support Systems in Critical Care. New York, NY: Springer New York, 1994. Internet resource.
Yoder-Wise, Patricia S. Leading and Managing in Nursing - Revised Reprint. London: Elsevier Health Sciences, 2013. Internet resource.
