Calculating the optimal number of nurses based on nursing intensity by patient classification groups in general units in South Korea: A cross‐sectional study

AIM: This study aimed to calculate the total daily nursing workload and the optimal number of nurses per general unit based on the nursing intensity. DESIGN: This study was conducted using a cross‐sectional study. METHODS: Three units at one general hospital were investigated. Patient classification according to nursing needs was performed for over 10 days in each unit in September 2018. The direct and non‐direct nursing time and nursing intensity scores were analysed using descriptive statistics. RESULTS: For the internal medicine unit, the average direct nursing time per patient was 1.0, 1.5, 2.2 and 2.9 h for Groups 1, 2, 3 and 4, respectively. For the surgical unit, the average direct nursing time per patient was 0.9, 1.4, 2.1 and 2.6 h for Groups 1, 2, 3 and 4, respectively. 5 and 9 additional nurses were needed in the internal medicine and surgical nursing units. PATIENT CONTRIBUTION: This study confirmed that the optimal number of nurses was not achieved and that the nursing intensity was very high. Long‐term efforts, such as improving the nursing environment, should be made to ensure an optimal number of nurses in various nursing units.