Blog # 5 - Challenges of creating work schedules in a healthcare setting

It is not easy to create a work schedule for the healthcare setting. There is a shortage of qualified staff and there needs to be a minimum of staff to make sure that everyone gets quality care. You often have to ask staff to work long hours but you need to make sure that you allow them enough rest to give good care, a nurse or doctor will often make more mistakes if they are tired. Another problem is that there is a high turnover rate for nurses so you can not make schedules very far in advance. The nurses will get sick or quit. Even the best work schedule can be ruined by even the slightest cold. A healthcare worker can not show up to work sick because they can give it to their vulnerable patients, especially if they are working in long term care.