[Implications of nursing staff's dimensioning in the accomplishment of professional nurse's competences]

This exploratory-descriptive study aimed to measure and evaluate the adequacy of the professional nursing staff in a university hospital, and to reflect on the implications of personnel dimensioning in the performance of nurses' responsibilities. It was calculated the daily classification of patients, using appropriate instrument, and then it was applied the methodology proposed by Resolution Nº 293/2004 of the Federal Council of Nursing, enabling discussion of institutional reality. It was verified an inadequacy in the quantitative of the nurses category, and the need to sensitize the multidisciplinary team to adopt a working methodology that provides quality care. It is emphasized that the personnel dimensioning creates direct implications on the performance of nurses' responsibilities; therefore, an inappropriate personnel dimensioning results in loss in quality of care.