Abstract
Abstrac:Background: Staffing patterns refers to the number and types or categories of staff assigned
to the particular wards in a hospital. Staffing patterns that accommodate imbalanced patient to
nurse ratios affect nursing staff negatively. This is demonstrated by increased emotional stress,
physical exhaustion, high nurse turnover and consequences of poor patient outcomes. The high
patient to nurse ratios and the profitability factor of private hospitals virtually dictates the type
of staffing patterns that are used in these wards. As such, the current staffing patterns appear
to require nursing staff to work longer shifts as well as overtime work without a choice, the
consequences of which are the effects highlighted above.
Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore and describe nurses’ experiences regarding
staffing patterns in the surgical wards of a private hospital in Gauteng in order to develop
recommendations for staffing patterns in these wards.
Methodology: A qualitative, exploratory, descriptive and contextual research design was used.
Data was collected by means of in-depth semi structured individual interviews from a
purposive sample of professional nurses working in the surgical wards of this hospital. Data
was analyzed using Tech’s method of qualitative thematic analysis. Principles of
trustworthiness and ethical principles to ensure the protection of human rights were applied
throughout the study.
Results: The findings of the study revealed one central theme which reflected that participants
experienced the staffing patterns of the surgical wards negatively. Two main themes emerged
as, nurses had negative experiences as well as negative emotional experiences related to the
staffing patterns.
Conclusion: It is evident from the findings of the study that nurses are experiencing staffing
patterns negatively.