Ultimate Guide: 19 Best Nurse Scheduling Software Of 2024
10 Best Nurse Scheduling Software Shortlist
Here's my pick of the 10 best software from the 19 tools reviewed.
Our one-on-one guidance will help you find the perfect fit.
As someone deeply involved in the healthcare sector, I've come to appreciate the value of efficient scheduling, and I've found a lifesaver in medical practice management software. This cloud-based tool stands out with its flexibility and certifications, providing healthcare providers with a seamless platform for managing schedule changes, self-scheduling, and time-off requests, eliminating the hassles of traditional spreadsheets, timesheets, and rigid templates.
The software caters to diverse scenarios from managing the work schedule for a large medical facility to the employee shift requirements of long-term care providers. Moreover, it's Android compatible, adding to the convenience for staff members to track time and attendance on the. So, if you're in search of a reliable solution, I'd highly recommend considering this cloud-based medical practice management software. Trust me, it's a game-changer.
What Is A Nurse Scheduling Software?
Nurse scheduling software is a technological solution designed to streamline the process of planning and managing the work shifts of nursing staff in healthcare settings. Used predominantly by nurse managers, schedulers, and administrators, its core function is to facilitate efficient distribution and allocation of nursing hours across varying shifts, ensuring optimal staffing levels.
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With a strong focus on optimizing operations and enhancing staff retention, this scheduling app brings about a transformative change in healthcare practice management. It does more than just ease schedule management; it enhances the productivity of healthcare professionals, and thereby, improves patient care. The main pain points it addresses are inefficiencies, errors, and time consumption related to traditional scheduling methods.
Best Nurse Scheduling Software Summary
| Tools | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Deel | Flat rate user pricing, with a free version for businesses with up to 200 people | Website |
| Connecteam | From $29/month (for up to 30 users, billed annually) + $0.5/user/month for each additional user | Website |
| Deputy | From $4.50/user/month (billed annually) | Website |
| Skedulo | From $59/user/month | Website |
| Shiftboard | From $45/user/month | Website |
| ScheduleAnywhere | From $25/month (billed annually) | Website |
| ShiftWizard | From $4/user/month | Website |
| Sling | From $2/user/month (billed annually) | Website |
| OnShift | Pricing upon request | Website |
| eSchedule | From $10/user/month | Website |
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Use our comparison chart to review and evaluate software specs side-by-side.
Compare SoftwareBest Nurse Scheduling Software Reviews
Deel is a global HR platform designed to help businesses hire, onboard, and pay employees and contractors worldwide. Its solutions extend across a variety of industries, supporting both employee and contractor scheduling needs.
Why I Picked Deel:
Deel enables you to create and assign schedule policies to employees, simplifying the scheduling process for a workforce that often spans multiple locations and time zones. This feature is invaluable in healthcare, where round-the-clock availability is essential, and helps ensure you can cover all necessary shifts without gaps.
The platform also focuses on compliance, with tools for tracking absences, break times, sick leave, and vacation—essential for keeping accurate records and adhering to labor laws in healthcare.
Standout Features and Integrations:
Key features include automated notifications, compliance tracking, schedule adjustments, overtime tracking, mobile access, time-off requests, employee directory, payroll integration, custom reporting, contract management, and time tracking.
Integrations include Brex, Google Workspace, Hubstaff, JIRA, Slack, QuickBooks, Xero, BambooHR, NetSuite, Workday, Greenhouse, and Okta.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Strong emphasis on compliance
- Bulk schedule assignment
- Contractor management options
Cons:
- Lacks advanced schedule management with shift swapping abilities
- Initial setup can take time
Connecteam is an all-in-one employee management app designed to manage deskless teams efficiently. It features tools for time tracking, scheduling, task management, and real-time communication.
Why I Picked Connecteam:
Connecteam significantly improves the scheduling process for healthcare facilities through its comprehensive and user-friendly features. Its intuitive interface allows for efficient shift management, enabling nurses to view, manage, and swap shifts with ease. Additionally, the software's automated scheduling tools reduce administrative burdens and minimize conflicts, ensuring efficient operations.
Along with these features, Connecteam also offers real-time notifications to help keep staff informed about schedule changes, promoting better communication and coordination among team members. Added functionalities like GPS tracking, task management, and customizable HR solutions further enhance operations and boost productivity.
Standout Features & Integrations:
Key features of Connecteam include operations management, streamlined communication, automated time tracking, employee availability management, and mobile access.
Integrations include Gusto, Xero, Zapier, Paychex, and QuickBooks.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Mobile access
- Strong communication tools
- Customizable templates
Cons:
- Limited offline capabilities
- Limited advanced features
Deputy
Best for enhancing team communication through a unified platform
Deputy, as a comprehensive nurse scheduling software, is designed to simplify workforce management and enhance team communication. It facilitates communication within a unified platform, making it the go-to solution for healthcare settings that prioritize smooth and effective interaction among staff.
Why I Picked Deputy:
Deputy caught my eye as an impressive scheduling tool that goes beyond just slotting shifts. Its commitment to fostering communication in healthcare teams through its platform made it stand out. Given the often frantic and high-stakes environment in healthcare, facilitating seamless communication between team members can significantly boost efficiency and morale.
This is precisely why I chose Deputy - it recognizes and addresses this often overlooked aspect of nurse scheduling.
Standout Features and Integrations:
With Deputy, not only can you create and share schedules easily, but you can also manage leave requests, track time and attendance, and even share instant updates with your team. The real-time communication feature makes it an ideal tool for nursing teams that need to stay connected and informed.
Key integrations include payroll systems like ADP and Gusto, HR platforms like BambooHR, and point-of-sale systems like Square and Vend.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Broad range of integrations with popular payroll and HR systems
- Easy-to-use interface that simplifies scheduling tasks
- Robust communication tools to ensure effective team coordination
Cons:
- Customer support can sometimes be slow to respond
- Limited customizability in comparison to some other tools on this list
- Advanced features are only available at a higher price tier
Skedulo is a scheduling software designed to streamline mobile workforce management. It provides businesses with comprehensive tools to schedule, track, and manage their on-the-go employees, making it well-suited for industries reliant on field operations.
Why I Picked Skedulo:
In reviewing various scheduling tools, I picked Skedulo for its robust focus on mobile workforce management. Compared to other options, it provides specific features that cater to field operations, such as location-based scheduling and mobile job tracking.
I determined Skedulo to be best for facilitating mobile workforce management due to its comprehensive approach to mobile work coordination.
Standout Features and Integrations:
Key features of Skedulo include location-based scheduling, real-time visibility into job status, and robust analytics for performance assessment. These features are vital for businesses with significant field operations.
Skedulo integrates well with various CRM, HRM, and payroll systems. This includes prominent platforms such as Salesforce, providing businesses with the flexibility to incorporate Skedulo into their existing workflows.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Provides real-time visibility into job status for better management
- Integrates with popular CRM, HRM, and payroll systems, allowing for smooth workflow management
- Robust focus on mobile workforce management, ideal for businesses with significant field operations
Cons:
- Features may be overkill for businesses without a significant mobile workforce
- The platform may have a learning curve for those unfamiliar with such systems
- The starting price might be steep for small businesses or startups
Shiftboard is a robust nurse scheduling software designed to handle the complexities of large workforce schedules. It expertly accommodates intricate rotations, variable shifts, and diverse skill sets, making it an optimal choice for larger healthcare institutions or settings with complex staffing needs.
Why I Picked Shiftboard:
When selecting this tool, I appreciated Shiftboard's exceptional handling of large, intricate workforce schedules. Compared to other options, it effectively stands out for its ability to seamlessly manage and navigate complexity.
I firmly believe that Shiftboard is 'Best for managing large, complex workforce schedules' due to its comprehensive scheduling capabilities, robust features, and adaptability to diverse staffing requirements.
Standout Features and Integrations:
Shiftboard shines with its dynamic scheduling capabilities, including its ability to auto-generate schedules, manage overtime, and facilitate quick shift trades. Its demand-based scheduling is a major boon for large teams with variable staffing needs.
As for integrations, Shiftboard offers excellent compatibility with a wide range of systems. Key integrations include HR and payroll systems like ADP and Quickbooks, enhancing the end-to-end management of your workforce.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Advanced scheduling features enhance efficiency
- Integrates smoothly with HR and payroll systems
- Exceptional at managing complex staffing needs
Cons:
- The user interface may require some learning for optimal utilization
- Some features may be excessive for smaller healthcare settings
- Higher starting price compared to some alternatives
Best for remote access to schedules across multiple devices
ScheduleAnywhere is a scheduling solution that provides accessible and easy-to-use features for scheduling staff across various industries. Its capacity to offer remote access to schedules across multiple devices underpins its capability to cater to modern, agile workplaces where mobility and flexibility are vital.
Why I Picked ScheduleAnywhere:
I picked ScheduleAnywhere for its robust mobile compatibility. This tool stands out because it allows employees and managers to access schedules on the go, which I found extremely important in today's dynamic work environments. In my judgment, ScheduleAnywhere is the best for enabling remote access to schedules across multiple devices.
Standout Features and Integrations:
ScheduleAnywhere offers vital features such as shift rotations, schedule copying, and multi-view options for different locations and departments. Additionally, mobile compatibility is an essential feature that facilitates remote access to schedules.
The tool provides essential integrations with payroll systems, which greatly simplifies the process of accounting for employee hours and overtime.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Features like schedule copying and shift rotations add convenience
- Integration with payroll systems aids in accounting for employee hours
- Mobile compatibility enables access to schedules on the go
Cons:
- The user interface might seem outdated compared to other modern scheduling tools
- Lack of a free version could deter potential users
- Higher price point may not be ideal for smaller organizations
ShiftWizard is a workforce management solution designed to streamline scheduling and improve labor efficiency. Its potent ability to minimize overtime through strategic labor management aligns it perfectly with businesses aiming to improve productivity while controlling labor costs.
Why I Picked ShiftWizard:
I selected ShiftWizard primarily for its effective labor management features, which provide strategic insights that help minimize overtime. Its standout differentiator is the balance it achieves between streamlining scheduling tasks and ensuring optimal labor usage, which can lead to substantial cost savings for businesses.
In my judgment, ShiftWizard excels in the area of reducing overtime and is thus 'best for' companies seeking efficient labor management.
Standout Features and Integrations:
Key features of ShiftWizard include shift scheduling, labor cost tracking, and overtime management. Its forecasting tools also enable businesses to anticipate staffing needs, thereby avoiding unnecessary overtime.
ShiftWizard integrates with major payroll and HR systems, including ADP, Paychex, and Lawson, facilitating seamless data transfer and improving operational efficiency.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Robust forecasting tools can anticipate staffing needs
- Provides integrations with major HR and payroll systems for streamlined operations
- Efficient labor management helps in reducing overtime
Cons:
- Smaller businesses with simpler scheduling needs might find it overwhelming
- Pricing could vary based on organizational needs, leading to potential uncertainty
- Its advanced features may require a learning curve for users
Sling is a workforce management software that centralizes scheduling, time tracking, and employee coordination. Designed with ease of use in mind, it simplifies shift planning and time tracking, making it an excellent tool for businesses wanting to manage these tasks efficiently.
Why I Picked Sling:
Sling captured my attention with its focus on simplicity and ease of use in shift planning and time tracking. Its clean, intuitive interface sets it apart from other scheduling tools that can often seem overwhelming. I selected Sling as the best tool for simplified shift planning and time tracking due to its user-friendly design and focus on these core features.
Standout Features and Integrations:
Sling offers a robust set of features, including a built-in time clock, employee availability settings, and an efficient shift planning module. The time tracking component is particularly useful, allowing managers to monitor work hours and overtime accurately.
When it comes to integrations, Sling can be paired with multiple payroll software platforms to ensure a smooth transition from scheduling and time tracking to payroll processing.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Effective integration with payroll software
- Built-in time clock with overtime monitoring
- User-friendly interface makes shift planning and time tracking simple
Cons:
- The free plan is fairly limited, necessitating an upgrade for more comprehensive needs
- Lacks some of the advanced customization options found in competitors
- The annual billing cycle may not be preferable for all businesses
OnShift is a human capital management software designed specifically for the healthcare industry, offering an array of features that address common staffing challenges and help reduce labor costs. It caters to organizations that deal with high employee turnover rates and those looking to maintain staffing levels while managing expenses.
Why I Picked OnShift:
I chose OnShift for its industry-specific approach to staffing challenges. It stands out for its attention to factors that particularly impact the healthcare industry, such as high turnover and fluctuating demand. Based on my analysis and comparisons, I determined that OnShift is best for addressing staffing challenges and reducing labor costs, thanks to its predictive and proactive management features.
Standout Features and Integrations:
OnShift provides notable features like predictive scheduling, employee engagement tools, and a recruitment platform to ensure staffing needs are met efficiently. It also offers proactive overtime control to manage labor costs effectively.
OnShift integrates with a range of payroll and HR systems, making it a versatile solution that can adapt to various administrative structures.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Offers integrations with multiple payroll and HR systems
- Employee engagement tools for improved morale and reduced turnover
- Predictive scheduling and proactive overtime control for cost-effectiveness
Cons:
- The user interface might require a learning curve for those unfamiliar with such systems
- The industry-specific approach might limit its applicability to non-healthcare industries
- Lack of transparent pricing information may deter potential users
eSchedule is a scheduling software solution that focuses on enhancing operations through customizable automation features. With its ability to automate processes, this software takes over many tasks, enabling managers to concentrate on more pressing matters.
Why I Picked eSchedule:
I selected eSchedule for this list due to its focus on customized automation features. Compared to many other tools, eSchedule distinguishes itself with its capacity to tailor automated scheduling processes to fit unique organizational needs. I believe eSchedule is best for businesses wanting to streamline their operations with custom automation.
Standout Features and Integrations:
eSchedule is packed with features that prioritize efficiency and convenience, such as labor forecasting, time-off management, and reporting tools. The custom automation feature is a standout, allowing organizations to tailor the software to their specific scheduling needs.
As for integrations, eSchedule offers compatibility with a variety of external software, including payroll systems and human resources management systems, thus ensuring a harmonious workflow.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Extensive feature set, including labor forecasting and reporting
- Compatibility with payroll and HR systems
- Customizable automation features boost efficiency
Cons:
- Lacks some of the advanced AI-based features found in competitors
- The interface may seem complex for users new to scheduling software
- Not ideal for small organizations due to the minimum seat requirement
Other Nurse Scheduling Software
Below is a list of additional nurse scheduling software that I shortlisted but did not make it to the top 10. Definitely worth checking them out.
- Schedule360
Best for advanced configurability and scalability options
- TCP Software
Best for integrating with existing HR systems seamlessly
- Rotageek
Best for optimizing staffing with AI-powered scheduling
- NurseGrid
Best for fostering nurse engagement and work-life balance
- Buddy Punch
Best for drag-and-drop shift scheduling
- StaffScheduleCare
Good for extensive staff scheduling in care environments
- TeleAlarm
Good for incorporating nurse call systems in their service offerings
- Amion
Good for offering a wide range of scheduling solutions across the healthcare industry
- MEDSHIFT X-CHANGE
Good for promoting seamless shift exchanges among medical professionals
Selection Criteria For Nurse Scheduling Software
Selecting the right workforce scheduling software can feel like a daunting task given the myriad of options available. In my experience, having personally evaluated more than thirty tools specifically designed for this purpose, it is crucial to be clear on the factors that matter the most for your unique situation. Let's dive into these critical considerations.
Core Functionality
The essential functionalities to look for in a workforce scheduling tool include:
- The ability to create, edit, and manage shifts
- An efficient system for shift swapping or filling open shifts
- Time-off management
- Real-time notifications and alerts for schedule updates
Key Features
Among the various features, these are particularly impactful for this type of software:
- Configurability: The software should provide options to tailor the tool to your specific staffing structures and processes.
- Mobile Access: Given the nature of the healthcare industry, a mobile app or at least mobile-friendly access is critical for on-the-go schedule management.
- Overtime Control: This feature assists in managing labor costs by monitoring and managing overtime.
- Forecasting Capabilities: This helps anticipate staffing needs based on historical data and trends.
- Compliance Checks: The tool should be able to ensure scheduling complies with labor laws and contracts.
Usability
When considering usability, the focus should be on these specific attributes:
- Ease of Onboarding: The software should be intuitive and easy to learn for users of varying technical abilities.
- User-Friendly Interface: Given the need for constant schedule modifications, the interface should be simple yet efficient, such as drag-and-drop functionality for schedule management.
- Customer Support: Robust customer support is vital, including tutorials, user guides, and responsive service to resolve issues quickly.
- Role-Based Access: A comprehensive employee management tool should have easy-to-configure role-based access to maintain security and workflow management.
People Also Ask (FAQs)
What are the benefits of using nurse scheduling software?
Nurse scheduling software brings numerous advantages to healthcare facilities, including:
- Efficient Scheduling: It enables the creation, modification, and management of nurse schedules in an efficient and centralized manner.
- Cost Management: By providing insights into labor costs and overtime, it helps manage budgets effectively.
- Reduced Scheduling Errors: It minimizes errors such as under or overstaffing, which can lead to poor patient care or increased labor costs.
- Time Savings: It eliminates the need for manual scheduling, freeing up administrators for other tasks.
- Improved Compliance: It ensures adherence to labor laws and contractual obligations, mitigating legal risks.
How much does nurse scheduling software typically cost?
Pricing for nurse scheduling software varies widely based on the tool’s complexity, the size of the organization, and the specific features needed. On the lower end, costs can start from around $5 per user per month, while more advanced options can range up to $60 per user per month.
What are the typical pricing models for nurse scheduling software?
Pricing models for nurse scheduling software often include:
- Per User Pricing: This is a common model where you pay a set amount for each user on a monthly or annual basis.
- Tiered Pricing: Here, different pricing levels offer access to more features or support options.
- Enterprise Pricing: Larger organizations may opt for a custom pricing model that takes into account their specific requirements and number of users.
What are the cheapest and most expensive nurse scheduling software options?
At the more affordable end, Shiftboard starts at $5 per user per month, while more premium solutions like ShiftWizard can range up to $60 per user per month.
Are there any free nurse scheduling software options?
While most robust nurse scheduling tools come with a cost, there are some free options available, such as Homebase. However, free solutions often offer limited functionality and may not be suitable for larger or more complex healthcare settings. Always evaluate the specific needs of your organization before choosing a scheduling solution.
Other Medical Scheduling Reviews
Summary
Navigating the field of nurse scheduling software is an endeavor that demands a clear understanding of your organization's needs and the available tools' capabilities.
Key takeaways:
- Prioritize Core Functionality and Key Features: The most suitable software will have a strong core functionality that aligns with your organization's scheduling needs. Essential features may include efficient shift planning, labor cost tracking, and compliance with labor laws. Remember, a tool with numerous features isn't necessarily the best if those features don't directly serve your needs.
- Consider Usability and Support: The tool's usability will significantly impact its effectiveness. An intuitive, user-friendly interface, easy onboarding process, and quality customer support should be top considerations when selecting your software.
- Assess Cost and Value: While cost is an important factor, it's more crucial to evaluate the value that a tool provides relative to its price. Consider both your budget and the benefits you stand to gain from using the software in the long term. Furthermore, understand the pricing models on offer and opt for one that suits your organization's size and requirements.
What Do You Think?
It's important to note that the nurse scheduling software field is vast, and while I’ve endeavored to present some of the top options, there might be other valuable tools out there. I encourage you to continue exploring and trying different platforms until you find the one that best fits your unique needs.
Your input matters to me, too. If you have experience with a nurse scheduling tool that wasn't mentioned in this guide, or if you'd like to suggest a tool for me to consider for future updates, please feel free to share your thoughts and experiences.