Posting Shifts
Learn how to create, configure, and manage shift postings to find qualified healthcare professionals.
Posting Shifts
This guide covers everything you need to know about creating and managing shift postings on OnLocum.
Creating a New Shift
Step 1: Start the Shift Form
- Go to Shifts in your dashboard
- Click Create Shift or Post New Shift
- Fill in the required details
Step 2: Basic Information
Date & Time
- Select the shift date
- Set start and end times
- Choose single or recurring shifts
Service Type
Select the type of healthcare professional needed:
- General Nursing
- Critical Care / ICU Nursing
- Pediatric Nursing
- Caregiving
- Medical Assistance
- Home Healthcare
- Specialized Services
Workers Required
- Number of professionals needed
- Whether partial filling is acceptable
Step 3: Location Details
If you have multiple branches:
- Select the specific location
- Confirm the address is correct
- Add any arrival instructions
Step 4: Requirements
Set the qualifications workers must have:
Required Documents
- Professional license (always required)
- Good conduct certificate
- Specific certifications
- Vaccination records
Experience Level
- Entry level (0-1 years)
- Intermediate (1-3 years)
- Experienced (3-5 years)
- Senior (5+ years)
Special Requirements
- Specific skills or training
- Language requirements
- Physical requirements
- Uniform or dress code
Tip
Setting realistic requirements helps you get applications faster. Be specific but not overly restrictive.
Step 5: Pay Rate
Set competitive compensation:
Rate Type
- Hourly - Pay per hour worked
- Flat Rate - Fixed amount for the shift
Rate Amount
- Enter amount in KES
- See suggested rates based on market data
- Consider shift timing (nights/weekends may need higher rates)
Note
OnLocum shows you the median rate for similar shifts in your area to help you set competitive pay.
Step 6: Additional Details
Add context to help workers:
- Shift description
- Key responsibilities
- Patient type or department
- Any special notes
Step 7: Review & Publish
- Preview how your shift will appear
- Confirm all details are correct
- Click Post Shift
Recurring Shifts
For regular staffing needs:
- Enable Recurring Shift option
- Select frequency:
- Daily
- Weekly
- Bi-weekly
- Monthly
- Set the end date or number of occurrences
- Each occurrence creates a separate shift
Managing Posted Shifts
Viewing Your Shifts
Go to Shifts to see:
- Open - Awaiting applications
- Pending - Applications being reviewed
- Filled - Worker assigned
- In Progress - Shift is happening
- Completed - Past shifts
- Cancelled - Cancelled shifts
Editing a Shift
Before the shift is filled:
- Click on the shift
- Select Edit
- Make your changes
- Save updates
Warning
Editing a filled shift may require worker approval for significant changes.
Cancelling a Shift
If you no longer need the shift:
- Click on the shift
- Select Cancel Shift
- Provide a reason
- Confirm cancellation
Workers will be notified immediately. Cancellation fees may apply for late cancellations.
Reviewing Applications
When workers apply for your shifts:
Application Dashboard
View all applications with:
- Worker name and photo
- Qualifications and experience
- Star rating and reviews
- Distance from your facility
Reviewing a Worker
Click on an application to see:
- Full profile
- Verified documents
- Work history
- Ratings from other facilities
- References
Making a Decision
For each application:
- Approve - Worker is assigned to the shift
- Decline - Worker is not selected
- Shortlist - Save for later decision
Tip
Respond to applications within 24 hours for the best experience. Workers appreciate quick decisions.
After the Shift
Confirming Completion
After the shift ends:
- Review worker attendance
- Confirm hours worked
- Report any issues if needed
Rating Workers
Leave a rating to help other facilities:
- Overall rating (1-5 stars)
- Punctuality
- Professionalism
- Skills
- Written review
Payment Processing
Payments are processed automatically based on:
- Confirmed hours
- Agreed rate
- Any adjustments
Best Practices
Writing Good Descriptions
Include:
- Key responsibilities
- Department or unit
- Patient demographics
- Team structure
- Any unique aspects
Setting Competitive Rates
- Research market rates
- Consider the shift timing
- Factor in experience required
- Adjust for urgency
Quick Response Times
- Review applications daily
- Respond within 24 hours
- Fill shifts early when possible
Building Worker Relationships
- Rate workers fairly
- Provide constructive feedback
- Invite preferred workers back
- Build your trusted pool
Troubleshooting
Not Getting Applications?
- Review your requirements (too strict?)
- Check your pay rate (competitive?)
- Ensure shift details are clear
- Verify location is accessible
High Cancellation Rate?
- Confirm shift details early
- Communicate any changes
- Build a pool of reliable workers
- Consider higher rates for reliability
Next Steps
- Worker Vetting - Understand verification levels
- Team Management - Set up your team
- Billing & Invoices - Manage payments