Association between nursing workload and quality of nurses’ performance in pediatric and neonatal units in Mosul hospitals

Abstract

Objective: The study aimed to examine the association between nursing workload and nurses’ performance quality in pediatric and neonatal units in Mosul governmental hospitals.

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional design was used, involving 207 nurses working in neonatal intensive care units, emergency units, and medical, surgical, and premature infant wards in Mosul teaching hospitals. Data were collected using a structured, self-administered questionnaire developed by the researcher. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 27. Ethical approval was obtained before data collection, and confidentiality was maintained throughout the study.

Results: The results showed that 57% of participants were female and 43% were male. Most nurses (60%) were under 30 years old, while 27% were aged 30-40 years. Overall nursing performance quality was found to be high based on the Relative Importance Index. Many nurses reported that increased workload negatively affected their performance, particularly in pediatric and neonatal settings.

Conclusion: The study found that nursing documentation quality achieved the highest score, whereas workflow scored the lowest. The findings demonstrate a generally high level of nursing performance quality and indicate an association between nursing workload and the quality of nursing performance.