Intensity of nursing work in public hospitals

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Management
• Occupational Health
• Nursing Studies

Background:

• Nursing work intensity is a critical factor influencing job precarization.
• Understanding these dynamics is essential for improving healthcare environments.
• Previous studies have highlighted the demanding nature of nursing roles.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the intensity of nursing work in public hospitals.
• To identify factors contributing to work intensity among nursing staff.
• To examine the relationship between work intensity and job precarization.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional, quantitative study was conducted in 22 public hospitals.
• Data were collected from 265 nurses and 810 nursing technicians and assistants using questionnaires.
• Exploratory Factor Analysis and Fisher's exact test were employed for data analysis.

Main Results:

• Work intensity explained 13% of job precarization for nurses and 51.2% for technicians and assistants.
• For technicians and assistants, 'work requires more than she can do' and 'multiple tasks due to staff shortages' were key factors.
• Nurses experienced high factor loadings for 'time pressure at work' and 'work pace'.

Conclusions:

• Work intensity manifests differently across nursing roles, influenced by versatility, understaffing, and flexibility.
• These findings underscore the need for targeted interventions to mitigate work intensity and its impact on nursing staff.
• Addressing these factors is crucial for enhancing job satisfaction and retention in the nursing profession.