Integer Programming Approach to Nurse Scheduling Problem (Nsp) In Hospital Management

Abstract

The need for optimum allocation of available manpower for increase productivity and efficient management is a typical personnel scheduling problem faced by hospitals and other personnel management organizations. In this study, integer programming approach was used to solve a Nurse Scheduling Problem in the hospital using the days-off as decision variables. The result of implementation in St. Luke hospital, Anua, Uyo, Nigeria produces optimal days-off Nurses roster with ten Nurses each in Antenatal Ward, Casualty, Children, Male Surgical and Operating theatre Wards; nine Nurses each in Antenatal Clinic, Maternity Ward, Male Medical, Female Medical and Nursery Wards; three Nurses each in Anesthesia, Counseling and Immunization Units; and fourteen Nurses each in Labour Ward and Out-patients Department which ensures adequate continuous ward care services and minimizes 0.38% of the Hospital’s total Nursing staff cost.