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Chapter 5 Findings
number of days the research unit had its full complement of staff. The breakdown
of staff nurses, healthcare assistants, clinical nurse mangers and relief staff was
also analysed. The number of staff on sick leave and the relief provided was also
analysed. The staff turnover during this four-month period was subsequently
analysed.
5.5.2 Shift Patterns
Two main shifts were in operation on the research unit – a day shift and a night
shift. There were several finishing times for the day shift and these are illustrated
in Table 5.3. The duty roster for the nursing staff was compiled by the clinical
nurse mangers but staff could request days off and this was facilitated as much as
possible. The duty roster for the HCAs utilised a self-rostering approach, i.e. the
HCAs filled out what days they wished to work, mindful that each day must have
the required number of staff on duty. This roster was then sent to nursing
administration for approval. If it was not possible to meet the staffing
requirements for any particular day (due to annual leave requirements or sick
leave) then a request for relief staff was sent to nursing administration.
Table 5.3: Shifts in operation on the research site
Daily Shift Times
07.30 – 20.30
07.30 – 14.15
07.30 – 15.30
07.30 – 16.15
07.30 – 17.15
07.30 – 18.15
07.30 – 17.45
07.30 – 18.45
20.00 – 08.00
5.5.3 Daily Complement of Staff
Based on resident numbers and dependencies, the morning complement of staff
sanctioned for the research unit was five nurses and four healthcare assistants