Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 24, 2026

Estimate the Cognitive Load Using Electrocardiographic Measure: A Human-AI Collaborative Task
Published on: December 5, 2025
Nursing workload in the acute-care setting: A concept analysis of nursing workload
Pauline A Swiger1, David E Vance1, Patricia A Patrician1
1Department of Family, Community Health, and Systems, School of Nursing, The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), Birmingham, AL.
Background:
A pressing need in the field of nursing is the identification of optimal staffing levels to ensure patient safety. Effective staffing requires comprehensive measurement of nursing workload to determine staffing needs. Issues surrounding nursing workload are complex, and the volume of workload is growing; however, many workload systems do not consider the numerous workload factors that impact nursing today.
Purpose:
The purpose of this concept analysis was to better understand and define nursing workload as it relates to the acute-care setting.
Methods:
Rogers' evolutionary method was used for this literature-based concept analysis.
Discussion:
Nursing workload is influenced by more than patient care. The proposed definition of nursing workload may help leaders identify workload that is unnoticed and unmeasured.
Conclusion:
These findings could help leaders consider and identify workload that is unnecessary, redundant, or more appropriate for assignment to other members of the health care team.
Related Concept Videos
Planning Nursing Care I
Nursing Assessment
The nurse collects all aspects of the patient's health in the initial assessment, establishing priorities for ongoing focused assessments...
Current Trends in Nursing I
Current Trends in Nursing II
Theoretical Foundations of Nursing Practice
Theories provide a perspective to assess patients' conditions and organize data and methods. They also assist in analyzing and interpreting information. They represent a...
Fundamentals of Nursing Process II

