Nurse Staffing and Workload Drivers in Small Rural Hospitals: An imperative for Evidence
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.14574/ojrnhc.v16i1.370Abstract
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.
Keywords: rural health nursing; nursing staff; skill mix; workload; workload measurement; hospitals, rural; rural health services
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