Relationship Between Nurse Workload and Patient Safety in Critical Care

Background: Nurse workload in critical care settings has been identified as a key factor influencing patient safety outcomes. Higher workloads may compromise nurses’ ability to provide safe and effective care. Objective: This study aims to examine the relationship between nurse workload and patient safety, focusing on the perceptions of nursing students. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 50 nursing students (10 male, 40 female) from Banalata Nursing and Midwifery Institute between June and December 2023. Data was collected through structured Yes/No interviews to assess students' perspectives on how nurse workload impacts patient safety in critical care environments. Results: Of the 50 participants, 78% (39) believed that high nurse workload increases the risk of patient safety incidents, while 22% (11) disagreed. 85% (42) stated that sufficient staffing positively impacts patient safety, and 90% (45) agreed that lower nurse-patient ratios lead to improved care. Statistical analysis showed a significant positive correlation (r = 0.72, p < 0.05) between perceived nurse workload and safety concerns. Conclusions: Nurse workload is perceived as a significant factor impacting patient safety in critical care settings. Ensuring adequate nurse staffing levels is crucial for reducing safety risks and improving patient care outcomes.