A heuristic-based computerized nurse scheduling system

Abstract This paper describes a microcomputer-based decision support system (DSS) for nurse scheduling in hospitals. The system includes algorithms and databases for developing weekly work and shift patterns and for combining these patterns into nurse schedules. The system also includes interface modules that allow users to interact with the system. The system uses heuristic modeling for pattern generation and pattern screening; output from the system are schedules that satisfy both the nurses' and the hospital's objectives. Emphasis in the design of the DSS has been on computational efficiency and user acceptability. The system incorporates a wide range of hospital and nurse objectives and is flexible, allowing it to be implemented in different hospital environments.