Nursing workload in neonatal ICU: application of the nursing activities score tool

Abstract

Objective: To identify the actual nursing workload, applying the Nursing Activities Score tool (NAS) in a neonatal unit of a reference hospital for prematurity and surgical pathologies of the Federal District, and propose the adequate downsizing of professionals for the neonatology unit. Methods: A quantitative and exploratory study, with a sample of 98 patients, the inclusion criteria were all patients hospitalized in the sector. The data were collected through a built instrument and the NAS tool, and then organized in spreadsheets of the Microsoft Excel® 2010. At last, a descriptive statistics was performed with the software SPSS® version 21. Research Ethics Committee of FEPECS, CAAE 37164714.5.0000.5553. Results: The NAS average showed a variation between 48.5% to 50% with complexity classified as semi-intensive. The Blue Ward showed the highest inadequacy rate of the professionals, averaging 51%. Conclusion: There was dissociation between clinical workload and the patient’s clinical condition.