Core-12: implementation of flexible scheduling.

Flexible scheduling and its impact on nursing are topics of growing interest among nurses. Described in this article is a flexible scheduling system developed by a surgical intensive care unit nursing staff around a core of 12 1/2-hour work shifts. As a result of careful consideration and planning, a master schedule, staffing guidelines, and a work agreement were prepared for a large department of nursing. Administrators of other departments of nursing implementing flexible scheduling should find this information useful.