Activities of nurses working the 12 hour shift on medical wards

Abstract

Research on the type of nursing activities performed by nurses is rather limited. However, considerable research has been carried out on factors which influence nursing work. This study aimed to look at the amount of direct, indirect, routine and non-nursing activities performed by nurses in medical wards working a 12-hour shift. It also sought to determine nurses' working partners as well as factors, influencing their activities. A descriptive, non-experimental design was used to fulfil these objectives. The tools utilised for data collection included time logs and a short questionnaire. 18 nurses, who consisted of both female and male nurses as well as registered and enrolled nurses, were conveniently selected from 2 medical wards. A 100% response rate was achieved. Findings suggest that nurses perform mostly direct nursing care activities. Direct care activities tend to be highest in the first half of the day and then decrease throughout the afternoon and evening. This pattern is in reverse for non-nursing care activities. It was also found that nurses preferred to work with their peers. Factors influencing nursing activities ranged from staff compliment and number of patients present to admissions, ward management and care method adopted by the ward. From the findings of the present study recommendations for practice, management, education and further research were possible.