Using Mathematical Modeling to Improve the Emergency Department Nurse-Scheduling Process

Abstract

IntroductionNurse scheduling within an emergency department can be a very time-consuming process as nursing leadership works to reach sufficient nurse-staffing levels across every day of the schedule while also working to satisfy nurse preferences. MethodsA mathematical model is formulated to determine nursing shifts to minimize the number of shifts across a day while accounting for staffing level requirements, nurse preferences, and meal breaks. ResultsA daily schedule based on nursing shifts was created and used within the self-scheduling process. Implementing the schedule improved nurse-staffing levels while decreasing the time necessary to reconcile the monthly schedule, resulting in the potential to increase nurse satisfaction. DiscussionThe emergency department can use mathematical modeling to improve the nurse-scheduling process.