| dc.contributor.author |
Twigg, Diane E. |
|
| dc.contributor.author |
Cramer, Jennifer H. |
|
| dc.contributor.author |
Pugh, Judith D. |
|
| dc.date.accessioned |
2016-11-01T08:32:17Z |
|
| dc.date.available |
2016-11-01T08:32:17Z |
|
| dc.date.issued |
2016 |
|
| dc.identifier.citation |
Online Journal of Rural Nursing and Health Care, 16(1) |
en_US |
| dc.identifier.uri |
http://dx.doi.org/10.14574/ojrnhc.v16i1.370 |
|
| dc.identifier.uri |
http://hdl.handle.net/123456789/1118 |
|
| dc.description.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. |
en_US |
| dc.description.sponsorship |
This project received funding of AUD$71,813 from the Nursing and Midwifery Office,
Department of Health, Western Australia. |
en_US |
| dc.language.iso |
en |
en_US |
| dc.subject |
rural health nursing |
en_US |
| dc.subject |
nursing staff |
en_US |
| dc.subject |
skill mix |
en_US |
| dc.subject |
workload |
en_US |
| dc.subject |
workload measurement |
en_US |
| dc.subject |
hospitals, rural |
en_US |
| dc.subject |
rural health services |
en_US |
| dc.title |
Nurse Staffing and Workload Drivers in Small Rural Hospitals: An Imperative for Evidence |
en_US |
| dc.type |
Article |
en_US |
