title: Core-12: implementation of flexible scheduling.
abstract: Flexible scheduling and its impact on nursing are topics of growing interest among nurses. Described in this article is a flexible scheduling system developed by a surgical intensive care unit nursing staff around a core of 12 1/2-hour work shifts. As a result of careful consideration and planning, a master schedule, staffing guidelines, and a work agreement were prepared for a large department of nursing. Administrators of other departments of nursing implementing flexible scheduling should find this information useful.
mesh_terms: D003142:Communication; D006785:Hospitals, University; D007362:Intensive Care Units / Q000458:organization & administration*; D008396:Maryland; D009741:Nursing Staff, Hospital / Q000600:supply & distribution*; D010549:Personal Satisfaction; D010559:Personnel Management; D010561:Personnel Staffing and Scheduling