Staffing Models and Full-Time Equivalents in Pediatric Hospital Medicine
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By
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Lara Batey
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Marie Dawlett
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Allison Markowsky
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September 21, 2026
Clinical Scorecard: Staffing Models and Full-Time Equivalents in Pediatric Hospital Medicine
At a Glance
| Category | Detail |
|---|
| Condition | Pediatric Hospital Medicine Staffing |
| Key Mechanisms | Establishing clinical FTE expectations, assessing service-line coverage, incorporating schedule flexibility. |
| Target Population | Pediatric patients in hospital settings |
| Care Setting | Pediatric hospital medicine programs |
Key Highlights
- 67.6% of pediatric hospital medicine programs report staffing shortages.
- Annual clinical hours for a 1.0 FTE range from 1700 to 1900.
- 40% of programs incentivize off-hour shifts.
- Weighted nocturnist positions help manage nighttime workload.
- No standard method exists for allocating FTE hours between clinical and nonclinical responsibilities.
Guideline-Based Recommendations
Diagnosis
Management
- Establish clinical FTE expectations based on service-line requirements.
- Incorporate schedule flexibility to accommodate staff needs.
Monitoring & Follow-up
Risks
- High physician turnover due to inadequate staffing models.
Patient & Prescribing Data
Children requiring hospitalization
Effective staffing models are essential for high-value care.
Clinical Best Practices
- Define clinical workload and nonclinical responsibilities clearly.
- Communicate shift distribution transparently among staff.
- Adjust staffing models based on fluctuations in patient census and acuity.
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