Nursing Activities and Workload in the Intensive Care Unit

Abstract

This study investigates the nursing workload in Intensive Care Units (ICUs) and its implications for patient outcomes and care quality. As healthcare environments evolve with technological advancements and changing patient demographics, the complexity of nursing tasks has intensified, necessitating an examination of the factors contributing to nursing workload. Utilizing the Nursing Activities Score (NAS) instrument, this research evaluates the workload of nursing staff in an adult ICU at a university hospital, aiming to identify how demographic and clinical characteristics impact this workload. Findings indicate that increased nursing workload correlates with decreased patient survival rates and heightened incidences of nosocomial infections, underscoring the critical relationship between nursing staffing levels and patient safety. The study also highlights that inadequate nurse-to-patient ratios can lead to increased healthcare costs and longer hospital stays, emphasizing the need for optimized staffing strategies. Recommendations include maintaining appropriate nurse-to-patient ratios, enhancing access to resources and technology, promoting interdisciplinary collaboration, and implementing standardized protocols to streamline nursing tasks. By addressing these factors, healthcare facilities can improve the quality of care provided in ICUs, ultimately leading to better patient outcomes and enhanced nurse well-being. This research contributes to the growing body of evidence advocating for systemic changes in ICU nursing practices to mitigate the adverse effects of excessive workload on both patients and healthcare providers.