Why you should read this article:

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To learn how a self-rostering system could improve the morale of staff

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To develop ideas for implementing self-rostering in your ward

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To understand how self-rostering could result in cost savings

Staff morale is an important factor in maintaining and improving nurse recruitment and retention. Evidence suggests more flexible working patterns can improve nurses’ work-life balance and subsequently their workplace satisfaction. This article describes a ward-based quality improvement project that introduced a self-rostering system that enabled nurses to select their own shifts for a given four-week roster period. The aim was to increase staff satisfaction and subsequently improve retention and recruitment. The article describes the project and discusses the positive outcomes.