In the demanding world of healthcare, efficient staffing and flexible scheduling are critical to operational success. The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) recognized this need and implemented a robust scheduling tool known as UPMC Shift Select. This online self-scheduling platform is designed to optimize workforce management, improve shift coverage, and enhance work-life balance for healthcare professionals. As part of UPMC’s broader technological ecosystem, Shift Select empowers employees to manage their work hours with greater autonomy while allowing administrators to streamline labor distribution and meet clinical demands effectively.
This article offers a comprehensive look at what UPMC Shift Select is, how it works, its benefits for employees and administrators, and how it continues to transform workforce efficiency in a large, fast-paced healthcare environment.
What is UPMC Shift Select?
UPMC Shift Select is a web-based scheduling and staffing solution tailored specifically for healthcare environments. Developed by Avantas and integrated into UPMC’s workforce systems, Shift Select allows nurses, clinical staff, and other hospital employees to view, manage, and select their shifts online. Unlike traditional scheduling, which relies heavily on managers or HR teams manually coordinating staff rosters, Shift Select enables a more dynamic and employee-centered approach.
Through this platform, staff members have real-time access to available shifts, can request time off, swap shifts with colleagues, and submit preferences—all with just a few clicks. Managers, in turn, benefit from automated scheduling algorithms that align workforce supply with patient care demands, reducing understaffing and overtime.
Key Features of UPMC Shift Select
1. Employee Self-Scheduling and Shift Management
The core feature of UPMC Shift Select is self-scheduling, which gives employees the autonomy to plan their workweeks based on availability, preferences, and required coverage. Staff members can log into the portal via computer or mobile device and select from open shifts across various departments and facilities. This approach not only enhances flexibility for employees but also improves scheduling transparency and job satisfaction.
Furthermore, employees can:
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View schedules in real time.
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Submit shift swap requests.
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Pick up extra shifts voluntarily.
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Track approved and pending requests.
This system ensures that workers are more engaged in their schedules, reducing last-minute no-shows and staffing conflicts.
2. Managerial Oversight and Scheduling Optimization
From the administrative perspective, UPMC Shift Select provides powerful tools for managers and HR teams. With automated rule-based scheduling, supervisors can ensure that staffing levels meet clinical needs, align with labor budgets, and adhere to policy-based constraints. The platform also features detailed analytics and reporting, which help track shift coverage gaps, overtime trends, and compliance metrics.
Managers can easily:
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Approve or decline shift requests.
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Reassign shifts based on priority.
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Identify workforce shortages in real time.
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Generate daily staffing reports.
This functionality enables smarter decision-making and supports a more responsive scheduling environment in critical care settings.
3. Real-Time Access and Mobile Compatibility
A major advantage of UPMC Shift Select is its cloud-based and mobile-friendly design. Staff can access the platform anytime, from anywhere, using a secure login. Whether they’re at home, commuting, or between patients, users can check their shift schedule, make changes, or respond to staffing requests in real time.
This immediacy helps reduce administrative lag and ensures a quicker response to shift openings, which is particularly important in high-volume departments like emergency care, surgical units, or intensive care.
4. Improved Work-Life Balance for Healthcare Workers
By offering more control over scheduling, UPMC Shift Select supports better work-life balance for medical professionals. The healthcare industry is known for long, demanding hours and unpredictable schedules. Shift Select mitigates this by allowing employees to choose shifts that align with personal and family commitments.
This flexibility leads to:
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Higher employee morale
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Reduced burnout
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Increased retention rates
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More consistent patient care
For organizations like UPMC, maintaining a stable, satisfied workforce is vital to delivering high-quality care, and Shift Select plays a central role in achieving that goal.
5. Seamless Integration With UPMC’s Healthcare Systems
UPMC Shift Select integrates smoothly with UPMC’s existing HR, payroll, and time-tracking systems. This ensures that data flows seamlessly across departments and minimizes administrative errors. Payroll teams benefit from accurate shift data, reducing disputes over hours worked or overtime claims.
Additionally, integration allows for system-wide scheduling oversight, meaning staffing resources can be allocated not just by facility, but across the entire UPMC network, which is invaluable during surges in patient volume or emergency staffing situations.
Benefits of UPMC Shift Select for Employees and Organizations
For employees, the system provides:
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Greater control over their schedules
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Transparency in shift availability
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Opportunities to earn more through extra shifts
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Enhanced communication with supervisors
For administrators and HR managers, UPMC Shift Select delivers:
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Efficient labor planning
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Real-time visibility into workforce data
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Fewer staffing errors
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Improved compliance with labor regulations
Together, these benefits contribute to a more agile and resilient healthcare workforce.
How to Access and Use UPMC Shift Select
To use UPMC Shift Select, employees typically follow these steps:
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Visit the UPMC Shift Select login page (usually accessed via the UPMC Infonet or designated internal link).
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Enter your username and password provided by HR or your department manager.
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Navigate through the dashboard to view current schedules, open shifts, and pending requests.
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Use the platform tools to submit availability, pick up shifts, or communicate with your team.
Employees should consult their department’s scheduling coordinator for training or specific access instructions if they are new to the platform.
Conclusion: UPMC Shift Select is Revolutionizing Healthcare Workforce Scheduling
In healthcare, where every shift matters, the ability to align staffing levels with patient care needs in real time is invaluable. UPMC Shift Select brings together the latest in scheduling technology and user-focused design to create a powerful tool for both employees and administrators. By enhancing flexibility, increasing visibility, and reducing administrative burdens, Shift Select strengthens workforce management and supports better patient outcomes.
As UPMC continues to evolve with technological advancements, Shift Select stands as a shining example of how digital tools can transform traditional healthcare systems for the better.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is UPMC Shift Select available to all UPMC employees?
Shift Select is available to most clinical and support staff, though access may vary depending on department and role. Employees should check with their supervisors for eligibility.
Can I access Shift Select from home?
Yes, Shift Select is accessible via secure web login from any location with internet access.
What if I forget my Shift Select password?
Employees can use the “Forgot Password” feature on the login page or contact their department’s IT support team for assistance.
How do I request time off through Shift Select?
Navigate to the “Request” section on the dashboard, select your desired dates, and submit the request for manager approval.
Does Shift Select track overtime and shift swaps?
Yes, the system logs all shift activity, including voluntary overtime and approved swaps, ensuring accuracy in scheduling and payroll.
