The workload of nursing: A concept analysis using walker and avant approach

To predict the nursing workforce needed to care for patients in hospital wards, the workload of nursing care should be specified. In this regards, clarifying the concept of "nurse workload" can expand professional contributions of nurses in the health care system. The aim of this study was to assess the multiple dimensions of nursing workload, define its characteristics and functions in nursing, and ultimately provide a conceptual definition of nursing workload.
Walker and Avant (2011) eight-step method of concept analyze was used for clarifying the concept of "nurse workload". Using “nursing” and “workload” keywords, electronic databases including Pubmed, SCOPUS, CINAHL, OVID, Persian Scientific Information Database (SID), Iranian Research Institute for Science and Technology (IranDOC) and MAGIRAN publication database were searched without time limit based on the inclusion criteria, and 8 studies included into review.
The nursing workload was defined and the five dimensions of this concept were determined. Workload dimensions were the amount of time, knowledge, skills and behavior (nursing competence); nursing intensity (direct patient care); physical activity; mental and emotional processes; and the ability of nurses to change the treatment plan during their shift. Nursing workload includes direct and indirect activities that nurses do on behalf of the patient. Workload was defined as the need for nursing care or nursing skilled to meet the caring needs of patients.
Nursing workload is amount of time and care that a nurse performs (directly or indirectly) to patients, work setting, and professional development. Therefore, the whole time of nursing that nurses need to perform in both of nursing and non-nursing activities should be considered in the nursing workload measurement. By understanding the nursing workload, nurse managers can take appropriate action to improve nurses working conditions. In addition, the fair distribution of the nurse's workload will maximize their productivity.