> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://www.planmyrounds.com/docs/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Creating shifts in a roster

> Add one-off, recurring, or bulk-imported shifts to a roster from templates or from scratch, with built-in conflict and rest-rule validation.

Custom shift templates let you tailor PlanMyRounds to the way your department actually runs. Once a shift is created, it's available to pick when [building any roster](/docs/rosters/creating-a-roster).

> [!NOTE]
>
> Only admins can create or edit shift templates. If you don't see the **Create New Shift** button, your account doesn't have admin access.

## Create a custom shift

**1. Open Shift Requirements**

Go to **Shift Requirements** in the sidebar.

**2. Start a new shift**

Select **Create New Shift** in the top right.

**3. Name it**

Enter a **Shift Name** your team will recognise — for example, *Morning OPD* or *Night ICU Cover*.

**4. Set the times**

Pick a **Start Time** and **End Time**. The duration is calculated automatically. Overnight shifts that cross midnight are handled correctly.

**5. Set the headcount**

Enter the **Required Doctors** — the minimum number of doctors needed to cover this shift each day it appears.

**6. Set the seniority floor (optional)**

Enter the **Minimum Seniors Required** — how many of those doctors must be at senior level.

**7. Save**

Select **Create Shift**. The new shift is immediately available the next time you create or edit a roster.

## Recovery time settings

By default, each shift uses the recovery rules configured at the **roster** level (set in [Step 4 of the creation wizard](/docs/rosters/creating-a-roster#step-4--scheduling-rules)). You only need custom recovery times if this specific shift needs longer rest than your organisation's standard — for example, a long night shift that warrants extra recovery.

Toggle on **Use Custom Recovery Times** to override:

| Setting | What it does | Minimum |
| - | - | - |
| **After 1 Shift** | Minimum rest hours required after working this shift once. | 8 hours |
| **After 2 Consecutive Shifts** | Minimum rest hours required after two back-to-back shifts. | 16 hours |

> [!WARNING]
>
> Setting custom recovery times significantly higher than the defaults can reduce scheduling flexibility — the engine has fewer valid assignments to choose from. A warning appears if your values are more than 50% above the standard minimums.

## Editing or removing a shift later

You can change a custom shift any time from its detail page — see [Viewing your shifts](/docs/shifts/viewing-shifts#edit-a-shift). Default shifts can't be edited or deleted.

Changes take effect for **future roster generation**. Already-published rosters keep the shift definitions they were built with.

## Next steps

> **[View your shifts](/docs/shifts/viewing-shifts)**
>
> Find, search, and inspect everything in your shift library.

> **[Build a Shift Schedule](/docs/shifts/shift-schedules)**
>
> Combine your shifts into a reusable weekly pattern for rosters and Auto Duty.


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