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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

  1. Go to Shifts in your dashboard
  2. Click Create Shift or Post New Shift
  3. 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:

  1. Enable Recurring Shift option
  2. Select frequency:
    • Daily
    • Weekly
    • Bi-weekly
    • Monthly
  3. Set the end date or number of occurrences
  4. 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:

  1. Click on the shift
  2. Select Edit
  3. Make your changes
  4. Save updates

Warning

Editing a filled shift may require worker approval for significant changes.

Cancelling a Shift

If you no longer need the shift:

  1. Click on the shift
  2. Select Cancel Shift
  3. Provide a reason
  4. 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:

  1. Review worker attendance
  2. Confirm hours worked
  3. 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

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