Bottleneck factors impacting nurses' workflow and the opportunity to prioritize improvement efforts: factor analysis.

PURPOSE: Minimizing delays in delivering nursing care is paramount for enhancing the overall quality of care. Certain bottleneck variables restrict the workflow of nurses, resulting in extended shift times. This study is designed to pinpoint and analyze the principal factors contributing to bottleneck issues in nursing workflow, to direct improvement endeavors. This study seeks to provide insights into the key variables contributing to nurses' extended shift times, with the ultimate goal of prioritizing efforts for improvement. METHODS: A descriptive multicenter cross-sectional study was conducted. A scale was developed for this study by the authors after conducting a literature review, subsequently validated, and its reliability was assessed. RESULTS: Among the 31 bottleneck variables, 29 were retained under three persistent bottleneck factors: (1) Nurse staffing- This pertains to the availability of sufficient nursing staff at all times across the continuum of care; (2) Working environment and quality of care-This refers to the availability of necessary skills and resources for nurses to perform their duties effectively and; (3) Medical devices- This factor concerns the availability of fully functional medical devices required for providing care. CONCLUSION: Efforts aimed at enhancing the overall healthcare system should concentrate on addressing persistent bottleneck factors. This may involve the implementation of a healthcare workforce management system, the establishment of standards for a conducive and supportive working environment, and the utilization of a standardized system for the management of medical equipment. The outcomes of this study can be utilized by nurses and policymakers to devise comprehensive strategies for improvement.

The Experiences of Newly Graduated Nurses during Their First Year of Practice.

The present study aimed to explore the experiences of newly graduated nurses during their first year of practise. A qualitative descriptive design was employed in this study. In-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted with newly graduated nurses to gather detailed descriptions and experiences during their transition to the workplace in the first year after graduation. Thematic analysis was utilised to identify patterns and themes in the collected data. Ethical considerations were strictly enforced throughout the study. There are two main themes: factors contributing to the integration of new nurses into the workplace and the difficulties faced by new nurses in a work environment. Within the first theme, three subthemes emerged: the positive role of trainers, the gradual handling of patients, and the benefit of pre-employment training and volunteering. The theme of difficulties faced included three subthemes: difficulty dealing with the health system and devices, fear of dealing with new patients, and difficulty applying policies and procedures in the workplace. The study provides insights into the challenges faced by newly graduated nurses and the factors that contribute to their integration into practise settings. Educational departments in hospitals' support and efficient access to policies are crucial for these nurses as they begin their early professional years.