Multiobjective Optimization for Hospital Nurses Scheduling Problem Using Binary Goal Programming

Abstract

Hospital nurse scheduling is a very challenging task before the management. It is several nurses’ assignment to many wards or units with diverse demands and specialities. This paper studies the nurse scheduling problem and considers nurses’ preferences such as rotation, length of stay, weekly cycle and daily shifts. There are four different conflicting objective functions. Two are related to nurses shifting on the duty roster. In contrast, the other two objectives are related to nurses weekends and the maximum possible working days within the scheduling cycle. The problem is modeled using the goal programming approach and solution obtained via a zero-one technique. The complex and soft constraints are satisfied optimally. The program extended to provide a one-year complete schedule, and the promising solution will help the management solve the lingering problem of scheduling in hospitals.