Nurse Staffing and Workload Drivers in Small Rural Hospitals: An Imperative for Evidence
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Date
2016
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
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Abstract
Purpose: The aim of this study was to explore staffing issues and the workload drivers
influencing nursing activities in designated small rural hospitals of Western Australia. A
problem for small rural hospitals is an imbalance between nurse staffing resources and work
activity.
Sample: A purposive sample of 17 nurse leaders employed at designated small rural hospitals
in Western Australia.
Method: A qualitative research design was used. Data were collected by focus group and
semi-structured interviews and review of Western Australian Country Health Service records.
Thematic analysis was used to interpret data.
Findings: A minimum nurse staffing model is in use. Staff workload is generated from
multiple activities involving 24-hour emergency services, inpatient care, and other duties
associated with a lack of clinical and administrative services. These factors together impact
on nursing staff resources and the skill mix required to ensure the safety and quality of patient
care.
Conclusion: Nurse staffing for small rural hospitals needs site-specific recording techniques
for workload measurement, staff utilisation and patient outcomes. It is imperative that
evidence guide nurse staffing decisions and that the workload driving nursing activity is
reviewed.
Description
Keywords
rural health nursing, nursing staff, skill mix, workload, workload measurement, hospitals, rural, rural health services
Citation
Online Journal of Rural Nursing and Health Care, 16(1)