Pediatric Community

In our Pediatric ED, all staff currently rotate shifts and have traditionally worked approximately one-third of their schedule on nights within a six-week period. Due to recent resignations, we have had to increase the night shift requirement to roughly one-half of the schedule.

As we navigate this transition, I am interested in exploring non-monetary incentives that could help support and recognize staff who are willing to take on additional night shifts.

I would greatly appreciate any ideas or strategies that have been effective in your areas.

Thank you in advance for your input.

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Elaine Biedler
RN
south chesterfield VA
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Hi Elaine,

I am assuming that your facility is not a union one? How is PTO accrued at your facility?

I haven't faced this situation personally, but off the top of my head a couple suggestions: Can there be a PTO bonus with increased hours earned if you're working a night shift? The main thing I could consider being helpful, not sure if this is already implemented, but being mindful of the switching back and forth between night shift and day shift (2 weeks on days, 2 weeks on nights or something?). Also, a survey of your staff of what they would want or what would incentivize might give you a better idea of their needs.

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Tara Doherty, MSN, RN, CPEN, TCRN
Pediatric Emergency Nurse
NewYork-Presbyterian/Morgan Stanley Children's Hospital
New York, NY
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