Quick Overview
- 1#1: ShiftWizard - Healthcare-specific shift scheduling software that manages nurse rotations, trades, and compliance with fatigue rules.
- 2#2: symplr Staff Scheduling - Advanced staff scheduling platform for healthcare facilities ensuring regulatory compliance and optimized nurse coverage.
- 3#3: UKG Pro Workforce Management - Enterprise-grade workforce management solution with AI-driven scheduling for large-scale nursing operations.
- 4#4: WorkForce Suite - Comprehensive workforce optimization software handling complex nursing schedules and labor forecasting.
- 5#5: Deputy - Flexible employee scheduling tool supporting shift swaps, overtime alerts, and mobile access for nursing teams.
- 6#6: When I Work - Employee scheduling app that simplifies shift creation, availability management, and notifications for nurses.
- 7#7: Connecteam - All-in-one frontline worker platform with scheduling, time tracking, and communication tailored for healthcare staff.
- 8#8: Sling - Team scheduling software that tracks labor costs and facilitates shift trades for nursing departments.
- 9#9: Homebase - Free scheduling and time clock app ideal for small nursing homes to manage shifts and payroll.
- 10#10: NurseGrid - Nurse-centric scheduling app enabling self-scheduling, shift marketplace, and unit coordination.
Tools were ranked based on their alignment with healthcare-specific demands, including compliance with labor and fatigue regulations, ease of use for busy staff, robust features like shift trades and forecasting, and overall value for diverse care settings.
Comparison Table
Nursing scheduling software is vital for optimizing healthcare workflows; this comparison table evaluates top tools like ShiftWizard, symplr Staff Scheduling, UKG Pro Workforce Management, WorkForce Suite, Deputy, and more. Readers will gain insights into key features, usability, and integration to find the best fit for their facility's operational needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | ShiftWizard Healthcare-specific shift scheduling software that manages nurse rotations, trades, and compliance with fatigue rules. | specialized | 9.7/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.4/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 2 | symplr Staff Scheduling Advanced staff scheduling platform for healthcare facilities ensuring regulatory compliance and optimized nurse coverage. | specialized | 9.1/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.9/10 |
| 3 | UKG Pro Workforce Management Enterprise-grade workforce management solution with AI-driven scheduling for large-scale nursing operations. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.6/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 4 | WorkForce Suite Comprehensive workforce optimization software handling complex nursing schedules and labor forecasting. | enterprise | 8.3/10 | 8.9/10 | 7.6/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 5 | Deputy Flexible employee scheduling tool supporting shift swaps, overtime alerts, and mobile access for nursing teams. | specialized | 8.0/10 | 7.7/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 6 | When I Work Employee scheduling app that simplifies shift creation, availability management, and notifications for nurses. | other | 7.3/10 | 6.8/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.4/10 |
| 7 | Connecteam All-in-one frontline worker platform with scheduling, time tracking, and communication tailored for healthcare staff. | specialized | 7.9/10 | 7.5/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 8 | Sling Team scheduling software that tracks labor costs and facilitates shift trades for nursing departments. | other | 6.8/10 | 6.0/10 | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 9 | Homebase Free scheduling and time clock app ideal for small nursing homes to manage shifts and payroll. | other | 6.7/10 | 6.0/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 10 | NurseGrid Nurse-centric scheduling app enabling self-scheduling, shift marketplace, and unit coordination. | specialized | 7.4/10 | 7.0/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 |
Healthcare-specific shift scheduling software that manages nurse rotations, trades, and compliance with fatigue rules.
Advanced staff scheduling platform for healthcare facilities ensuring regulatory compliance and optimized nurse coverage.
Enterprise-grade workforce management solution with AI-driven scheduling for large-scale nursing operations.
Comprehensive workforce optimization software handling complex nursing schedules and labor forecasting.
Flexible employee scheduling tool supporting shift swaps, overtime alerts, and mobile access for nursing teams.
Employee scheduling app that simplifies shift creation, availability management, and notifications for nurses.
All-in-one frontline worker platform with scheduling, time tracking, and communication tailored for healthcare staff.
Team scheduling software that tracks labor costs and facilitates shift trades for nursing departments.
Free scheduling and time clock app ideal for small nursing homes to manage shifts and payroll.
Nurse-centric scheduling app enabling self-scheduling, shift marketplace, and unit coordination.
ShiftWizard
specializedHealthcare-specific shift scheduling software that manages nurse rotations, trades, and compliance with fatigue rules.
SmartFill AI auto-scheduling that intelligently fills shifts based on preferences, skills, and compliance rules
ShiftWizard is a specialized workforce management platform tailored for healthcare facilities, focusing on automated nurse scheduling, shift bidding, and real-time staffing optimization. It streamlines operations with drag-and-drop scheduling boards, mobile apps for staff self-service, and compliance tools for labor laws and credentials. Ideal for hospitals and nursing homes, it reduces administrative burden while improving staff satisfaction and coverage reliability.
Pros
- AI-powered SmartFill auto-scheduling minimizes gaps and overtime
- Robust mobile app enables employee self-scheduling and notifications
- Comprehensive compliance tracking for credentials, fatigue, and regulations
Cons
- Initial setup and customization can be time-intensive
- Pricing is quote-based and may be steep for very small facilities
- Limited native integrations with some EHR systems
Best For
Mid-to-large healthcare organizations like hospitals and nursing homes needing scalable, compliant nurse scheduling.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing starting at approximately $3-5 per user/month, scaled by facility size and features.
symplr Staff Scheduling
specializedAdvanced staff scheduling platform for healthcare facilities ensuring regulatory compliance and optimized nurse coverage.
Integrated compliance engine that automatically validates schedules against licensing, certifications, and fatigue regulations
symplr Staff Scheduling is a robust workforce management platform tailored for healthcare providers, specializing in automated scheduling for nursing and clinical staff to optimize coverage and reduce administrative burden. It features AI-driven shift optimization, self-scheduling tools, and real-time visibility into staffing needs while ensuring compliance with labor laws and union rules. The solution integrates seamlessly with symplr's broader suite, including time tracking and credentialing, for comprehensive workforce orchestration.
Pros
- AI-powered scheduling optimizes shifts based on skills, preferences, and compliance
- Strong integration with credentialing and time/attendance modules
- Mobile app enables self-scheduling and real-time notifications for staff
Cons
- Enterprise pricing may be prohibitive for small facilities
- Initial setup and training require significant time investment
- Occasional reports of rigid customization limits for unique workflows
Best For
Large hospitals and multi-facility health systems managing complex nursing schedules with strict compliance needs.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing, typically starting at $50,000+ annually for mid-sized organizations, scaling with users and modules.
UKG Pro Workforce Management
enterpriseEnterprise-grade workforce management solution with AI-driven scheduling for large-scale nursing operations.
AI-driven fatigue risk management that proactively schedules to prevent nurse burnout and regulatory violations
UKG Pro Workforce Management is an enterprise-grade workforce management platform from UKG that excels in scheduling for high-volume sectors like healthcare. It provides advanced tools for nursing scheduling, including AI-driven forecasting, skill-based shift assignments, fatigue risk management, and compliance with healthcare regulations such as nurse-to-patient ratios. The solution integrates seamlessly with timekeeping, payroll, and HCM systems to optimize staffing efficiency and reduce overtime costs.
Pros
- AI-powered predictive scheduling optimizes nurse shifts based on demand, skills, and preferences
- Robust healthcare compliance features track certifications, ratios, and fatigue risks
- Scalable for multi-facility hospitals with strong analytics and reporting
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex setup for non-technical users
- High implementation costs and lengthy deployment timeline
- Pricing lacks transparency and can be prohibitive for mid-sized clinics
Best For
Large hospitals and healthcare networks needing enterprise-level scheduling for complex, 24/7 nursing operations.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing; typically $10,000+ annually per 100 users, scaling with modules and employee count.
WorkForce Suite
enterpriseComprehensive workforce optimization software handling complex nursing schedules and labor forecasting.
Acuity-based forecasting and scheduling that dynamically adjusts nurse assignments to real-time patient care demands
WorkForce Suite by Workforce Software is a robust enterprise workforce management platform with advanced scheduling capabilities tailored for healthcare, including nursing staff rostering and shift management. It automates complex scheduling rules, handles compliance with labor laws and union agreements, and integrates forecasting to match staffing with patient acuity and demand. Ideal for large-scale operations, it provides real-time visibility and self-service tools for nurses to manage their schedules.
Pros
- Sophisticated scheduling engine that manages rotations, overtime, certifications, and skill-based assignments for nursing teams
- Strong compliance features ensuring adherence to healthcare regulations like HIPAA and labor laws
- Comprehensive analytics and forecasting to optimize staffing based on historical data and patient needs
Cons
- Steep learning curve and lengthy implementation for non-technical users
- Enterprise pricing can be prohibitive for small to mid-sized facilities
- Interface feels dated compared to modern cloud-native scheduling apps
Best For
Large hospitals and healthcare networks with complex, multi-site nursing scheduling requirements.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing; typically $10-20 per employee/month, quoted based on scale and modules.
Deputy
specializedFlexible employee scheduling tool supporting shift swaps, overtime alerts, and mobile access for nursing teams.
Smart Scheduling that automatically fills shifts based on employee availability, skills, and preferences to minimize manual adjustments
Deputy is a cloud-based workforce management platform designed for shift-based industries, including healthcare, offering tools for creating schedules, managing shift swaps, and tracking employee time. For nursing scheduling, it provides drag-and-drop interfaces, availability-based auto-scheduling, and real-time notifications to ensure coverage. It supports mobile access for staff to view shifts, request changes, and clock in/out, though it lacks deep healthcare-specific integrations.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling with templates for quick setup
- Mobile app enables easy shift swaps and availability updates from staff
- Automated notifications and overtime alerts reduce administrative burden
Cons
- Limited healthcare-specific features like acuity-based staffing or EHR integrations
- Compliance tools are general, not optimized for HIPAA or nursing regulations
- Advanced reporting lacks depth for nursing metrics such as turnover or skill matching
Best For
Mid-sized nursing facilities or agencies needing a straightforward, mobile-friendly scheduling tool without complex healthcare integrations.
Pricing
Starts at $3.50 per active user/month (Essentials plan, billed annually); scales to Enterprise with custom pricing for advanced features.
When I Work
otherEmployee scheduling app that simplifies shift creation, availability management, and notifications for nurses.
OpenShift™ pool where employees can claim open shifts in real-time, reducing admin workload for last-minute nursing coverage.
When I Work is a cloud-based employee scheduling platform designed for shift-based workforces, enabling managers to build schedules, handle shift trades, manage time-off requests, and communicate via a mobile app. In the context of nursing scheduling, it supports basic shift planning for nurses, including availability matching and notifications, but lacks specialized healthcare tools like patient acuity forecasting or regulatory compliance features. It's a general-purpose tool adaptable for smaller nursing teams but not optimized for complex hospital environments.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling interface
- Employee self-service for shift swaps and availability
- Strong mobile app for real-time communication and clock-ins
Cons
- Lacks nursing-specific features like acuity-based staffing or credential tracking
- Limited integrations with EHR/EMR systems common in healthcare
- Reporting is basic and not tailored for healthcare compliance
Best For
Small nursing agencies or clinics needing simple, affordable shift scheduling without advanced healthcare integrations.
Pricing
Free Basic plan; Premium starts at $2/user/month; Elite at $3.50/user/month; custom Enterprise pricing.
Connecteam
specializedAll-in-one frontline worker platform with scheduling, time tracking, and communication tailored for healthcare staff.
Smart Scheduler that auto-assigns shifts based on employee availability, preferences, and skills to minimize conflicts
Connecteam is an all-in-one mobile-first workforce management platform tailored for non-desk workers, including nursing staff, with core features like drag-and-drop scheduling, shift templates, and availability-based auto-fill. It streamlines nursing shift planning by enabling quick roster creation, employee self-scheduling requests, overtime alerts, and real-time notifications via its intuitive app. While versatile for healthcare, it combines scheduling with communication, time tracking, and task management to support frontline teams efficiently.
Pros
- Intuitive mobile app with drag-and-drop scheduling and shift swapping
- Real-time notifications and availability matching reduce manual coordination
- Affordable all-in-one platform bundling scheduling with communication and time tracking
Cons
- Lacks specialized nursing features like acuity-based staffing or credential verification
- Limited customization for complex rotations or union rules
- Advanced reporting and compliance tools locked behind higher pricing tiers
Best For
Small to mid-sized nursing facilities or agencies needing a user-friendly, cost-effective mobile scheduling app with team communication.
Pricing
Free for up to 10 users; paid plans start at $29/month for 30 users (Basic), up to $99/month for unlimited users (Expert), billed annually.
Sling
otherTeam scheduling software that tracks labor costs and facilitates shift trades for nursing departments.
Unlimited free scheduling for teams of any size with no feature restrictions on the basic plan
Sling is a versatile employee scheduling software that enables managers to create shifts via drag-and-drop, track availability, handle time-off requests, and communicate with teams through built-in messaging. Primarily designed for service industries like restaurants and retail, it offers basic scheduling tools adaptable for nursing staff in smaller facilities. It includes time tracking and basic reporting but lacks specialized healthcare features.
Pros
- Completely free core plan with unlimited users and schedules
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling and mobile app for staff
- Integrated team chat and time-off management
Cons
- No nursing-specific tools like license tracking, acuity-based staffing, or HIPAA compliance
- Limited integrations with healthcare systems or EHR software
- Basic reporting insufficient for regulatory compliance in larger facilities
Best For
Small nursing teams or home care agencies seeking a free, simple scheduling tool without complex healthcare requirements.
Pricing
Free forever plan; Standard at $2/user/month; Premium at $4/user/month (billed annually).
Homebase
otherFree scheduling and time clock app ideal for small nursing homes to manage shifts and payroll.
Free scheduling for unlimited employees at a single location
Homebase is a general-purpose workforce management platform designed for hourly workers, offering shift scheduling, time tracking, and team communication tools. While it can handle basic nursing shift creation, notifications, and employee availability, it lacks healthcare-specific features like HIPAA compliance or integration with electronic health records. It's suitable for smaller nursing operations but falls short for complex hospital environments requiring regulatory adherence and advanced staffing algorithms.
Pros
- User-friendly drag-and-drop scheduling interface
- Free plan for one location with unlimited employees
- Built-in shift trading and availability features
Cons
- Not HIPAA compliant for handling sensitive patient data
- Lacks nursing-specific tools like skill-based matching or acuity scheduling
- Limited integrations with healthcare systems like EHRs
Best For
Small nursing homes, home health agencies, or clinics needing simple, cost-effective shift scheduling without advanced compliance needs.
Pricing
Free Essentials plan for one location; Premium plan at $29.99/location/month (billed annually) with advanced features.
NurseGrid
specializedNurse-centric scheduling app enabling self-scheduling, shift marketplace, and unit coordination.
The peer-to-peer shift swap marketplace that allows nurses to trade shifts directly without manager approval
NurseGrid is a mobile-first scheduling app tailored for nurses and healthcare teams, enabling users to view personalized schedules, claim open shifts, and swap shifts seamlessly with colleagues. It includes team chat, calendar syncing, and notifications to streamline communication and shift management. While popular among individual nurses, its enterprise features cater to smaller healthcare organizations seeking simple scheduling solutions.
Pros
- Highly intuitive mobile app loved by nurses for quick access
- Effortless shift swapping and open shift claiming
- Free for individual users with solid basic functionality
Cons
- Limited advanced analytics and reporting for large-scale operations
- Web dashboard lacks depth compared to mobile experience
- Enterprise customization requires custom quotes and setup
Best For
Individual nurses or small healthcare teams needing a simple, mobile-centric tool for shift management and peer-to-peer trading.
Pricing
Free for nurses; enterprise plans are custom-priced based on team size and features.
Conclusion
The top tools in nursing scheduling each offer unique strengths, with ShiftWizard emerging as the top choice, leveraging healthcare-specific features like rotation management, trade capabilities, and fatigue rule compliance. Symplr Staff Scheduling and UKG Pro Workforce Management stand out as strong alternatives—symplr for strict regulatory adherence, and UKG Pro for large-scale AI-driven optimization. Ultimately, the best fit depends on operational needs, but ShiftWizard shines as the most comprehensive solution.
Take the first step toward smoother nursing schedules—explore ShiftWizard today to discover how its tailored features can enhance your team’s efficiency and compliance.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison