An Optimization Model of Nurse Scheduling Using Goal Programming Method: A Case Study

Abstract

Abstract Nurse scheduling problem involves assigning of each individual nurse in the hospital so that a series of tasks can be completed. To increase patient satisfaction, skilled and disciplined nurses are needed. In the field of health care, nurse scheduling is a challenging activity because of the different levels of nurses needed on different shifts and days. However, it often happens where a number of nurses assigned do not meet the specific needs of nurses so that the performance of nurses at each shift is not optimal. In this paper, an optimization model is proposed using goal programming method to determine the optimal schedule using Lingo 11.0 software. The model is implemented in the Yustisia Room, a special room for treating covid-19 inpatients in Universitas Sebelas Maret Hospital. The results of the optimization showed that all conditions that need to be achieved in scheduling which previously unfulfilled in manual schedule, such as the minimum requirement number of senior nurses and male nurses in each shift can be fulfilled. For additional target, which is total working days, the proposed model can produce a better schedule for regular nurses and better assignment patterns for all nurses, where all regular nurses have the same total number of working days, which is 17 working days.