6 Best Hospital Shift Scheduling Software for Workforce Efficiency & Patient Care

Efficient hospital scheduling is key to quality patient care and staff well-being. With complex shifts, specialties, and labor laws, hospitals need strong tools. Free employee shift scheduling apps help handle these tasks by making scheduling easier, cutting admin work, and improving operations. This article covers the best hospital shift scheduling software, its features, benefits, and pricing to help you find the right one.
π Key Features to Look for in Hospital Scheduling Tools
When evaluating free employee shift scheduling software for healthcare, consider the following criteria:
- π± Ease of use: Intuitive interface for quick adoption by staff.
- π Integration capabilities: Compatibility with existing systems (e.g., payroll, HR).
- ποΈ Compliance: Adherence to labor laws and regulations.
- π€ Automated scheduling: Efficiently manage shifts and minimize manual errors.
- β° Real-time updates: Instant notifications for schedule changes.
- π Conflict resolution: Tools to handle scheduling conflicts effectively.
- π Reporting and analytics: Insights into staff performance and scheduling efficiency.
- π° Cost-effectiveness: Affordable pricing plans.
- π Scalability: Ability to grow with your facilityβs needs.
Note: We do not accept paid entries, ensuring unbiased and trustworthy evaluations.
π§ Top Hospital Shift Scheduling Software Comparison
Tool | Free Trial | Pricing | Key Feature |
---|---|---|---|
Shifts by Everhour | β Yes | Free | Real-time scheduling & open shifts |
Buddy Punch | β Yes | From $3.99/user/month | Mobile-friendly time tracking |
When I Work | β Yes | From $3/user/month | Shift swapping & labor forecasting |
Connecteam | β Yes | From $29/user/month | All-in-one HR & scheduling hub |
Sling | β Yes | From $1.25/user/month | Labor cost tracking |
Hubstaff | β Yes | From $5.83/user/month | GPS time tracking |
π₯ 6 Best Hospital Shift Scheduling Software
Shifts by Everhour
Best free hospital shift scheduling software
Shifts by Everhour is a game-changer for healthcare facilities. With a clean interface, built-in availability tracking, and real-time updates, it empowers administrators and staff alike.

π Key features
- Real-time shift scheduling with conflict resolution
- Open shift bidding for nurses and support staff
- Mobile clock-in/out with geo-verification
- Attendance & availability tracking
- Custom templates for departments like ER, ICU, and Radiology
πΈ Pricing
Free β with all essential scheduling features
β Benefits for healthcare facilities
- π Ensure round-the-clock coverage without overstaffing
- π Reduce labor costs by up to 20%
- πΌ Save 15+ hours/month in admin work
- β€οΈ Increase staff satisfaction through schedule transparency
- βοΈ Comply with healthcare labor regulations automatically
Buddy Punch
A versatile hospital shift scheduling tool known for easy time tracking and mobile access.
![the 9 best when i work alternatives in 2023 [both paid and free]](https://blog-cdn.everhour.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/buddypunch.jpg)
π Key features
- Drag-and-drop shift creation & assignment
- Built-in GPS & IP restrictions
- Track overtime and PTO
- Visual timecards and auto-sync with payroll
πΈ Pricing
- Standard: $3.99/user/month
- Pro: $4.99/user/month
- Enterprise: Custom
When I Work
A popular hospital scheduling tool that empowers both administrators and staff to manage shifts dynamically.

π Key features
- Shift swapping & self-scheduling
- Labor forecasting and wage reports
- Staff availability input
- Built-in time clock app for phones
πΈ Pricing
- Essentials: $3/user/month
- Pro: $5/user/month
- Premium: $7/user/month
Connecteam
An all-in-one workforce and schedule management platform for large healthcare teams.
![the 9 best when i work alternatives in 2023 [both paid and free]](https://blog-cdn.everhour.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/connecteam.jpg)
π Key features
- Centralized chat, announcements, and task management
- Shift templates by role or department
- Integrated training hub and onboarding
- Location tracking and mobile clock-in
πΈ Pricing
Starts at $29/user/month (annually)
Sling
Ideal for cost-focused hospitals needing simplified scheduling with payroll insights.
![the 9 best when i work alternatives in 2023 [both paid and free]](https://blog-cdn.everhour.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/sling.jpg)
π Key features
- Smart shift templates & recurring schedules
- Labor cost reporting and budget tracking
- Time clock with punch-in/out control
- Employee notifications and real-time updates
πΈ Pricing
- Free Plan
- Premium: $1.70/user/month
- Business: $3.40/user/month
Hubstaff
Geared toward field staff or mobile healthcare units needing location-based scheduling.

π Key features
- GPS-based mobile clock-in
- Time tracking + idle detection
- Detailed productivity reports
- Timesheet approvals and task tracking
πΈ Pricing
- Starter: $4.99/user/month
- Grow: $7.50/user/month
- Team: $10/user/month
- Enterprise: $25/user/month
β FAQs
Is Shifts by Everhour HIPAA-compliant?
No, but itβs suitable for staff scheduling. For patient data, pair it with a HIPAA-certified system.
Can hospital staff bid on shifts with Everhour?
Yes! The open shift feature supports self-selection based on availability.
Do I need training to use Everhour?
No. The dashboard is intuitive and easy to use for both staff and schedulers.
Can I integrate Everhour with payroll?
You can export reports to use with your existing payroll system.
π Final Verdict: Best Hospital Scheduling App for 2025
Picking the right hospital shift scheduling software helps hospitals run smoothly and keeps staff happy. Shifts by Everhour stands out for its easy use, helpful features, and affordable pricing.
It includes everything from open shift bidding to real-time scheduling, making it a great fit for both big hospitals and small clinics.
Shifts by Everhour is a free work scheduler maker that simplifies the scheduling process significantly.