Staffing and Scheduling Information

Hi, I’m Rene.  When it comes to staffing and scheduling, there are a few key things I look at:

Flexibility

Being flexible means you will stay busy and, typically, you will be offered more work.  If you are part of a regular team, it’s expected that each team member pitches in and helps when there is a need.

Communication

Having open communication with staffing is key.  Being able to effectively communicate all aspects of things that effect your schedule is important for me to know.  If I understand your other responsibilities and commitments, I am more likely to be able to offer you shifts that work with that need.

If I keep asking you to cover shifts and all you say is no, I will eventually stop asking.  If you tell me WHY you cannot help, I am more likely to adjust when I ask for help for what tasks, so that it is more efficient for both you and staffing.

The more I know, the smoother the communication between us!  I want to know if you have kids, other jobs, school, etc.

Attitude

Having a good attitude will help in so many ways.  Most importantly, having a good attitude toward helping when a shift comes up that you aren’t normally scheduled for.  This not only helps the team – it creates ownership and shows you are committed to being part of the team.

Being a good team member in the long run not only helps with staffing.  It helps you if (and when) a time comes when you need the help.  AND it creates a solid, consistent team for patients, which in turn builds a better environment for the patient’s healing process, their comfort, and their trust in their team.

Commitment

Being committed and staying committed to your shifts is extremely important.  When we agree on a schedule, I count on that to stay firm unless true emergencies arise.

Consistently calling off and/or changing your schedule will cause you to become a less valuable part of the team and may mean you end up with less work or no work at all.

Staying committed is also an important part of the patient’s care.  The patients need to be comfortable and have trust in their team members.  If someone is always calling off their shifts, it causes the patient to be anxious and nervous with having new people there all the time.  This creates an environment that is not in the best interests of the patient and his or her care.

Be likable and accepted by the patients

Be a person the patients want to be around.  Stay busy, make yourself needed while on shift.  Sometimes this is difficult, but by doing this you are essentially creating job security and creating a better environment for the patient.  They don’t like to spend money on care and not feel like they are benefiting from it.

Do what you can to help them and stay busy.

Having a good relationship with the Nursing Supervisors

The Nursing Supervisors are the case managers who oversee the patients care.  It is important that you communicate with them and report after your shifts.  They are responsible for knowing what the status of the patients are and reporting to the doctors.

You will find that they text you and ask questions.  It is extremely important that you are as helpful as possible, get them what they need, and stay positive in your communications with them.  Communicate with them as often as you can.  Keep them in the loop of all patient information and any changes you encounter.