ABSTRACT
Introduction Many industries and organizations understand that the most valuable resource they apply to their efforts are human resources-people. This concept is true as well in any healthcare organization, particularly hospitals. Healthcare has been and is projected to continue being one of several industries that will contribute heavily to economic recovery and job growth in the United States. At the same time, there will be mounting pressure on healthcare providers to reduce the cost of care. These two facts make a complete and thorough understanding of staffing and scheduling in hospitals essential. This chapter will give the reader a better insight into the complexities of utilizing human resources in a productive and efficient manner in a healthcare setting.