Abstract: Objective To find the satisfactory scheduling methods for nurses in neurological ICU. Methods Thirty-four nurses and 105 patients in neurological ICU were investigated with questionnaire 3 months after the APN and flexible scheduling methods were used. Results The satisfaction rates of patients for the APN and flexible scheduling methods was 97% and 93%,respectively.No significant difference was observed in the working strength and communication of nurses with the patients between the two methods.However,the effects of the two methods on working days per week,daily life and overall satisfaction degree of nurses were significantly different（2.59±0.75 and 3.59±0.66,2.53±0.79 and 3.50±0.79,2.41±0.70 and 3.59±0.70,P＜0.05）. Conclusion Nurses and patients in neurology ICU are fond of the flexible scheduling method more than the APN scheduling method.