Self-scheduling policy template for nursing units

SELF-SCHEDULING POLICY — [UNIT NAME], [HOSPITAL NAME]

1. Purpose
To give nursing staff fair, transparent control over their schedules while meeting the unit's safe staffing needs.

2. Scope
All core staff on [UNIT NAME]. Float and per-diem staff follow the pool policy.

3. Scheduling periods
- The schedule is built in periods of [6] weeks.
- Self-scheduling opens [6] weeks before the period starts and closes [4] weeks before.
- The manager publishes the final schedule no later than [3] weeks before the period starts.

4. Requirements per nurse
- Full-time (0.9 FTE): [18] shifts per 6 weeks, including [3] weekend shifts and [2] holidays per year.
- Part-time: shifts according to FTE, with at least [2] weekend shifts per period.
- No more than [3] consecutive 12-hour shifts, and at least [10] hours of rest between shifts.
- Overtime above [40] hours a week only with manager approval.

5. How picking works
- Each nurse picks their required shifts first, then may add extra shifts up to [their maximum].
- Shifts are first come, first served during the open window. [Or: seniority rounds — describe.]
- Staffing targets per shift are visible; a shift that is full can't be picked.

6. Gaps and balancing
- After the window closes, the manager fills remaining gaps, balancing weekends, nights and holidays.
- Unfilled shifts are posted as open shifts to unit staff, then the float and per-diem pool.

7. Changes after publishing
- Trades between nurses are allowed with manager approval, as long as hours rules are met.
- Time-off requests follow the time-off policy.

8. Review
This policy is reviewed every [12] months by the unit manager and the unit practice council.

Approved by: ______________________   Date: ____________