The nursing shortage has become a crisis of epidemic proportion now more than ever due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Nurses have become overworked, under paid, and less appreciated. Nurses are leaving the profession due to burnout and harsh working conditions. If these circumstances are not addressed, unfortunately, the nursing shortage will worsen and have a major impact on patient health outcomes.

Evidence has shown that by offering compressed schedules, that this can lead to increased morale in the work environment and positive patient outcomes. Employers who offer nurses the ability to set their own schedule should eventually see improvement in job satisfaction and retention rates.

Nurses are continuously on the go and rarely sit down due to the ever-changing demands that are placed on them. Nurses can maintain and sustain, but sometimes need a break before burnout ensues. Research show that offering employees the choice of alternative work schedules that this led to higher levels of work-family balance. Compressed and alternative   schedules have resulted in improved productivity and job satisfaction.  In turn, this has decreased turnover rates, less call outs, decreased commuting expenses, and work-related stress. Compressed schedules have proven beneficial to employers by saving money, increasing efficiency, and overall improvement in work-life balance of their employees.

To improve nursing retention rates, employers should analyze the reasons that nurses leave their jobs. Nurses are expected to provide patient care in an environment that often lacks supervisor and peer support. There is an increasing demand for longer work hours that result in an increase in physical and psychological stress. Giving employees control over their schedule, can lead to improved sleep, less turnover, and improved work outcomes notably within the first year of employment.

In conclusion, the nursing profession has been heralded one of the most trusted of all professions. Compressed schedules can lead to job satisfaction and decrease burnout in nurses. There are less call outs when nurses are given the opportunity to work alternative schedules. These schedules are effective for nurses who have other competing priorities such as trying to maintain a work-life balance. Offering alternative work schedules can have a significant impact on the nursing shortage by improving retention rates and decreasing burnout in the nursing profession.